Ripple Effect Band: Music from the Top End

On stage at Darwin Festival with Dr. Shellie Morris, August 2020. Photo Credit: Benjamin Warlngundu Ellis

29 March –29 May 2020 | Conservatorium of Music Library 

Be inspired by the music of the Indigenous all-women rock band
Ripple Effect from West Arnhem community.

Join us to explore the research of PhD Candidate, Jodie Kell and the role of women in music-making and the dynamics of gender in music performance. The Ripple Effect Band is an all-woman band from Maningrida, Arnhem Land, Northern Territory. The exhibition documents their musical journey from their album recording at the Conservatorium in 2018, and how this relates to Jodie’s PhD research and thesis: Ngarra-ngúddjeya Ngúrra-mala: Expressions of Identity in the Songs of the Ripple Effect Band. Through photographs, scores, videos including a performance with the Darwin Symphony Orchestra and more, you are sure to be inspired by the diversity of their new musical works.

Performing at the Maningrida AFL Grand Final in 2019. Original band members L-R:
Tara Rostron, Jolene Lawrence, Rona Lawrence, Stephanie James (drums), Rachel Thomas,
Marita Wilton, Jodie Kell. Photo Credit: Tanja Bruckner

Whether you’re a researcher in music, language, Indigenous studies and gender studies or just enjoy Australian music, we look forward to seeing you at the exhibition. You are invited to join the conversation about Jodie’s research on Twitter.

Image above: Performing at the Maningrida AFL Grand Final in 2019. Original band members L-R: Tara Rostron, Jolene Lawrence, Rona Lawrence, Stephanie James (drums), Rachel Thomas, Marita Wilton, Jodie Kell. Photo Credit: Tanja Bruckner

Visit the Ripple Effect Band’s website and explore all their fascinating music and media!


Ripple Effect Media

Live Performance at Alice Springs Bush band 2018
Education resource for young children – Nabárrdja (The Little Crab) 

‘Ripple Effect’ – Event launch

The exhibition will have a launch on Tuesday, 19 April 2022 at 3pm, as part of the SCM Research Day.
A performance will be held by band members, Jodie Kell and Tara Rostron.

Light refreshments will be provided for in-person attendance; for catering purposes, in-person attendees must register by Friday, 8 April 2022.

Please register through Eventbrite via the link below.