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Archie Roach, Australia’s beloved Aboriginal singer and songwriter – the voice of his people and the voice of many other people too – has a new lease of life. Literally. And it has manifested in his new songs, this wondrous new album and the accompanying live show.

In 2010 Archie suffered immeasurably. Most will know by now that the venerable and dignified performer, who captured the hearts and minds of a nation in 1990 with and the landmark song , lost his partner and soul mate . It was February 2010; she was only 54.

Archie’s grief was immense. Later that year found himself up in the Kimberley, at a place called Turkey Creek, 800 km or so east of Broome in amongst the Bungle Bungles when he himself suffered a stroke.

He was taken by Flying Doctor to Broome then Perth and went into heavy rehabilitation, which left parts of his body, including one of his hands, inert. In mid 2011 Archie was diagnosed with the early stages of lung cancer. He got half a lung removed and again went into heavy rehabilitation.

It could be said that through his long and distinguished career Archie has sung of suffering, pain and injustice in a manner more effective than most. But that’s not what has happened in the aftermath of his horrible year in 2010. Instead he has turned to joy and hope and the idea of lifting himself and others up through song. As his body recovers so too does his mind.

The brand new album Into The Bloodstream – and the life affirming live shows of the same name –is about, he says “finding strength” and then expressing it.

“Overcoming difficulties,” he says, “and singing more uplifting songs that are not so much about suffering and pain but rising above that. Going through what I have has made me realise that a big part of people getting sick has to do with holding onto pain and not letting it go. That was the inspiration behind it all. Letting go of the pain and the bad stuff and holding onto something good and strong.”

The live shows – infused with good doses of uplifting gospel and soul stirrings – are also in many ways the story of Roach’s life, spanning his childhood, his stolen years and his long love for Ruby.

There will be a star-studded thirteen-piece musical ensemble under the direction of Craig Pilkington (Audrey Studios), who has produced and arranged the album, plus a ten-voice gospel choir headed by from Tiddas and the . Lighting and visuals will be curated by the accomplished Tim Cole.

Liberation Music’s Managing Director Warren Costello says: “We set out to help Archie create a landmark album in what has already been an amazing career. and I have drawn incredible strength and inspiration from and from Ruby Hunter over many, many years. It is once again our pleasure and privilege to be standing shoulder to shoulder with Archie to launch this new album which we truly believe is amongst his best work.”

Archie says the album – and these majestic shows – are his good medicine. Straight Into The Bloodstream.

Into The Bloodstream will be released through Liberation Music on Friday October 19th, 2012.

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Thurs 15th Nov – Australasian Worldwide Music Expo Welcome to Country and Archie Roach’s ‘Into the Bloodstream’ Arts Centre Melbourne, Playhouse, 100 St Kilda Rd, Melbourne, VIC Tickets & info: 1300 182 183* www.artscentremelbourne.com.au* *Transaction fee applies

Sun 30th Dec WOODFORD FOLK FESTIVAL – The Ampitheatre, Woodford, QLD Tickets and info: www.woodfordfolkfestival.com

Fri 25th Jan SYDNEY FESTIVAL – State Theatre, Sydney NSW Full program announced Tuesday October 23rd. Tickets on sale Monday October 29th. Tickets & info: sydneyfestival.org.au

Sat 26th Jan SYDNEY FESTIVAL – The Parade Ground, Old King’s, Parramatta, NSW ****Free public event***

Sun 10th Feb PERTH FESTIVAL – Chevron Festival Gardens, Western Australian Museum Grounds, entrance off Francis Street, Perth Tickets on sale now. Booking and info: 08 6488 8855 or www.perthfestival.com.au

Fri 15th Mar FESTIVAL – Her Majesty’s Theatre, Adelaide, SA Tickets on sale 7:30pm (CST), October 30, 2012 Tickets & info: adelaidefestival.com.au

For further ARTIST information and CONCERT announcements please visit: www.archieroach.com.au | www.facebook.com/archieroach | twitter.com/archieroach

‘INTO THE BLOODSTREAM’ out October 19th, 2012

For further MEDIA information and INTERVIEW opportunities please contact Mushroom Group Promotions Melbourne 03 8687 1353 | Sydney 02 8356 1299 | [email protected] www.moshroom.com.au | www.twitter.com/mgpromotions www.facebook.com/mushroomgrouppromotions