Thelma Plum

Thelma Plum is a Gamilaraay singer-songwriter and guitarist known for her contributions to Australian music and Indigenous representation. Plum gained national attention after winning the inaugural Triple J National Indigenous Unearthed Music competition and receiving a nomination for a Deadly Award for Most Promising New Talent. A graduate of Music Industry College in Brisbane, she released early EPs, including "Rosie" and "Monsters," which highlighted her folk-influenced songwriting and established her presence in the Australian independent music scene.

Plum's debut album, "Better in Blak," addresses her experiences as a young Aboriginal woman in Australia. The album achieved significant commercial and critical success, earning multiple ARIA nominations and producing several Platinum and Gold singles. The title track reached the top 10 of the Triple J Hottest 100 and won the Vanda and Young Song of the Year award, marking a milestone for Indigenous artists in Australian music charts. Songs such as "Homecoming Queen" explore themes of identity and representation, with Plum discussing her upbringing in rural Australia and the challenges of self-acceptance in the absence of mainstream media representation.

In addition to her music career, Plum is recognized for her advocacy for First Nations rights and representation. Her work includes contributions to Netflix's animated feature "Back to the Outback" and serving as the cover artist for InStyle Magazine's relaunch. She has also performed at the AFL Grand Final. Her EP "Meanjin," a tribute to Brisbane, received Song of the Year and the Pop category at the Queensland Music Awards, as well as Album of the Year at the National Indigenous Music Awards, reflecting its cultural significance.

Plum's second studio album, "I'm Sorry, Now Say It Back," explores themes of nostalgia, Australiana, and coming of age through her storytelling. The album reached number seven on the ARIA Albums Chart, with singles "Hurricane," "Nobody's Baby," and "Freckles" charting in Triple J's Hottest 200. The album won Best Pop Release at the ARIA Music Awards and received nominations for Album of the Year, Best Solo Artist, Best Cover Art, and Best Produced Release. "Freckles" was recognized as Best Single at the Rolling Stone Australia Awards. Plum's career is marked by her focus on authentic storytelling, cultural identity, and her influence on the Australian music industry.