“I wanted to showcase how incredible and diverse First Nations people are, while also celebrating what binds us together in our shared experiences of being mob,” Becca Hatch tells Apple Music of her playlist, created in honor of NAIDOC Week’s 2023 theme, “For Our Elders.” Since winning the Triple J Unearthed High Indigenous Initiative in 2017 at the age of 16, the Kamilaroi-Samoan singer-songwriter has continued to make a name for herself with singles straddling modern R&B and dance pop. This playlist reaches even further beyond her chosen genres, though. “It’s full of some of my favorite First Nations artists, with a mixture of different genres and sounds ranging from dance to alternative rock and from older classics to up-and-coming hits,” Hatch says. And the selections encompass current rising stars like King Stingray, Baker Boy, and The Kid LAROI as well as established influences like Thelma Plum, Gurrumul, and Jessica Mauboy. Hatch calls it “a collection of songs that make me feel good and proud to be mob.” She adds: “These artists all share the ability to use music to tell their stories as Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, and the songs that I have selected all have a common proudness in being themselves and embracing their own identity. The way that we practice storytelling as First Nations people has always been ingrained in us by our Elders and is incredibly important and empowering.” With that in mind, read on for more on three of her tracks in particular. Gurrumul, “Wiyathul” “This song is so beautiful and it’s a perfect example of how music can allow us to feel regardless of language. It’s a reminder to everyone that we need to protect and preserve First Nations languages.” Kaiit, “OG Luv Kush” “This track came out quite a bit ago but it’s still a favorite of mine! The flow and the tone in her voice is everything. Stunning.” Electric Fields, “Don’t You Worry” “Nothing matches the way this song makes me feel. I wish I could wake up every day to this song.” The artwork on this playlist was created in collaboration with Gunu Baakandji artist Maddison Gibbs. Apple acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of country throughout Australia and their continuing connection to land, culture and community. We pay our respects to Elders past, present and emerging.