Artist Denni empowering others to ‘speak their truth’ with release of new EP Runaways

Tasmanian Aboriginal artist Denni has released her new EP, Runaways. Read about the motivation behind her music >>

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A PROUD pakana artist has drawn from challenging past experiences to unleash her most powerful music yet.

Tasmanian Aboriginal woman Denni released her latest EP Runaways on Thursday, consisting of six hip hop-inspired tracks alongside a big list of collaborators, including Tasmania’s Greeley and AO, Brisbane’s Nerve, and Adelaide’s Lariken.

The EP’s second single, Murder, was released on October 15, delving into themes of social injustice and emancipation.

Proctor said she wrote the song as a way to heal herself from oppression and fear.

“As a Tasmanian Aboriginal woman I have lived through many experiences already that have challenged my identity, knowledge and strength,” she said.

“The older I get, the most confident I feel to write about these experiences.”

Behind the scenes of the music video for Denni's single Murder. Picture: supplied

Denni said she hoped the song resonated with others as it did with her.

“There is a lot to unpack in these lyrics but at the heart of it all I’m saying stand up, speak up, you are important.

“I have spoken these words many times at protests and rallies, to allies and community to empower them to speak their truth and contribute to the conversation.”

Other tracks on the EP include Flicker, Grace, Repaid, and lutruwita — written by Proctor in palawa kani and paying respect to the Tasmanian Aboriginal community and her ancestors.

“Music and art is my deepest expression of self love and a part of my healing,” she said.

“As a Tasmanian Aboriginal person growing up in dual communities, it really shaped who I am as a woman and the issues and themes that I write about in my music.”

Runaway is out now via Vibestown Sounds.

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