“We arrived on the shoulders of our Elders,” Troy Cassar-Daley tells Apple Music of his reverent playlist, created to mark NAIDOC Week’s 2023 theme of “For Our Elders.” “This theme resonated with me the moment I read it,” says the proud Gumbaynggirr and Bundjalung man and veteran country artist. “There are so many songs that we grew up with in our family, and many of these songs formed me as a musician. I played along with Jimmy Little, Roger Knox, and Warumpi Band on my home stereo, and the songs and artists gave me a sense of belonging. That is how I hope the listener feels while listening.” Beyond that, Cassar-Daley envisions listeners experiencing a sense of belonging that transcends stylistic boundaries. They’ll hear Jimmy Little’s plainspoken country storytelling alongside Emma Donovan’s soulful conviction and Christine Anu’s bright fusion of 1980s pop and Torres Strait Island languages. “This list stretches throughout every genre of music,” says Cassar-Daley. “It has one common theme: Indigenous people who have spent a lifetime in search of unity, making music at the same time [as] they have been the yardsticks for my life and career.” Below, read on for his commentary on three songs in particular. Goanna, “Children of the Southern Land” “The album Spirit of Place was just a moment in my life, and this song was played many times in my old cover band back home. It talks of struggle and change. These themes are still current to this very day.” Archie Roach, “Down City Streets” “‘Down City Streets’ always gave me shivers and has done since my first listen. It paints a perfect picture of homelessness. Once again, resonating with me and many others through Aunty Ruby’s beautiful lyrics.” L.J Hill, “Pretty Bird Tree” “I heard this song quite a while ago, and as I spent quite a lot of time over the years on L.J Hill’s country, I had to share it with everyone. Great lyrics and loads of reality. Just what the doctor ordered for me!” The image on this playlist was photographed by Clay Cassar-Daley, and the artwork 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.