Blackfire (Australian band)
| Company type | Indigenous music ensemble |
|---|---|
| Industry | Music |
| Founded | 1992 in Melbourne, Australia |
| Founder | Bradley Brown, Selwyn Burns, Kutcha Edwards, Grant Hansen, Kelli McGuinness |
| Headquarters | Melbourne , Australia |
| Products | Music albums: A Time to Dream (1994), Night Vision (1998), Regeneration (2024), Solar Eclipse (2025) |
Blackfire was an Australian Indigenous ensemble formed in late 1992, initially including Bradley Brown, Selwyn Burns, Kutcha Edwards, Grant Hansen, and Kelli McGuinness. Their discography features two albums: A Time to Dream (1994) and Night Vision (1998), produced by Paul Hester. After a period of intermittent activity, the group reunited in 2023 with a refreshed lineup, subsequently releasing two new albums, Regeneration (2024) and Solar Eclipse (2025).
History
Originating in Melbourne in 1992, Blackfire was founded by Bradley Brown (formerly of Watbalimba and Interaction), who contributed bass, drums, and vocals; Selwyn Burns (previously with Coloured Stone, Mixed Relations, and No Fixed Address) on lead guitar and vocals; Kutcha Edwards as lead vocalist; Grant Hansen (ex-Interaction, Mercury Blues) on rhythm guitar and vocals; and Kelli McGuinness (who had played with Dr Koori, Interaction, and Watbalimba) handling drums, bass, guitar, and vocals. Their debut release, A Time to Dream, came out in 1994 through the Central Australian Aboriginal Media Association (CAAMA).
In 1997, Leroy Cummins (formerly of the Christine Anu Band) joined the group as a guitarist, followed by Corey Noll. Blackfire embarked on extensive tours throughout Australia and parts of Asia including Japan, China, and Taiwan, performing alongside Archie Roach and the Naroo Dancers. Their sophomore album, Night Vision (1998), was recorded at Paul Hester’s Melbourne studio. According to Hansen, this album presented a broader and more optimistic tone compared to their initial urban Koori rock style, featuring a softer musical approach.
The band reassembled in 2023 with original members Grant Hansen, Brad Brown, and Selwyn Burns joined by new members David Leha (lead vocals), Rod Crundwell, Peter Moore, Daniel Jauregui, Leonie Whyman, and Monica McDonald.
People
Kelli McGuinness is connected to the band through his father, activist Bruce McGuinness, whose films Black Fire (1972) and A Time to Dream (1974) share the band’s name.
References
External links
- Caritas (pdf) reconciliation. Stories of the heart / Sounds of the rock (study guide)