iDIDJ Australia Didgeridoo Cultural Hub

Hi guys,
just received an email saying I was missed on the forum so I thought it would be as good a time as any to ask this question.
I am a big fan of Adam Marrilaga and I recently noticed in some of the descriptions that his style was "djaykulung" (see bottom of video description).
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5W5gV32GtUQ
I had not heard of this style before and I was wondering if it was in reference to the way Adam plays or is it an actual technique?
I have tried to learn how he plays by watching him but I was wondering if anyone had any tips.

Thanks!

Richard

Hi Richard,

"Djaykulung" is one of Adam's inventions, he is also known as "twister"! It is in reference to his rhythm, not technique. Technique is the mechanical execution part, what the tongue, throat, diaphragm etc. does. Adam uses the same set of techniques as other Yolngu players, what is exciting about him is how he puts these techniques to use and the combinations he manages to come up with. It beats me, I'm trying to learn too, slowly slowly. If I had any tips, I'd bring them to heaven with me

Guan

Oh shit, Adam Marrilaga just told me that he is retiring from playing in ceremony and that he wants to pass on all his tricks to me. There's too much jealousy at Elcho Island and already 3 of the best yidaki players in NE Arnhem Land are no longer... I did learn something new today but I reckon there's another 50 years before I reach the standard of Lagaship....

Both great and sad news here !
You're lucky to be Laga's student !!!
Do you think he might be willing to pass on some tricks to us forumers (via "how-to" videos) ? (non-ceremonial/non-sacred stuff of course!)

He's making big sound with his finger nail on the bore !
I've tried to do the same but got a sore nail now :-))) and it doesn't sound good at all !!!
Is it the bore which is really thin and the clap resonates inside ?
Is it the cam's microphone that's real close ?
Does he have a very thick finger-nail ? (!!!)
Or is there a perticular technique ???

What?? Just tap with your fingernail. It might get sore but you'll get used to it. I hardly think it is technique though

Guan

I love it too , seeing the yidakimirrs tapping on the yirdaki with their fingers. Somehow more applealing than using bilma.

Does this mean we'll be seeing videos of you in the near future?

I have another question if thats ok?
Does Marrilaga find it easier to play his style on certain types of configuration?
ie Key, bell size, back pressure etc...

Thanks

didgeHague

No vids of me unfortunately, I'm just learning for myself and the iDIDJ YouTube channel is to showcase Indigenous players.

I think Laga prefers keys from E flat to F#, backpressure can be medium to high, bell size is irrelevant. But interestingly he says he knows how to play all 3 kinds of yidaki: "bass", "rhythm" and "lead". Whereas he names some well-known Yolngu players who also feature on the iDIDJ Australia YouTube channel as only knowing "lead" and not "rhythm" or "bass".

The thing I learnt from Adam is how important technique is, once a player has good technique, he or she can play anything on any instrument.

Guan

Wallis Buchanan (former Didgeridoo player in Jamiroquai) once told me after returning from a trip to Gove, that "the kids out there will play a cardboard tube and make you want to buy it", which further pushes the point you raise above.

Kyle

The Lagaship!! classic. And I agree in the timeline it may take. Good luck though, and a pretty special invitation.

The click is the microphone pick up I reckon, when hearing him close the click is never that loud, and when I noticed it on the video I thought it sounded a bit odd.

russ

OK ! So he's got a "normal" fingernail