Drifting Clouds – Bawuypawuy

Bawuypawuy is the debut release from Drifting Clouds, the solo project of Terry Guyula, a Yolngu musician from north-east Arnhem Land. A modern adaptation of a millennia-old Songline passed down through generations, blending deep tradition with Guyula’s own eclectic musical language. Sung in his first language, Liyawulma’mirr-Djambarrpuyngu, a dialect of Yolngu Matha, the lyrics trace a Songline of the sea, where waves and currents gather strength and turn rough in Arnhem Bay (Gupawupa).

The music lifts into euphoria as an airy saxophone glides over an infectious groove like a seabird riding ocean thermals, bound together by Guyula’s dreamy vocals and musical poise. The B-side features an extended 11-minute dub mix from Harvey Sutherland, stretching the song into deep, slow-burning new terrain.