Lorraine Dutton aka Lawless is a Barkandji woman, born in Broken Hill, raised in Bourke with a deep connection to Wilcannia. Back in 2017, Lorraine teamed up with Desert Pea Media (DPM). The same crew that made ‘Heartbeat’ with the Barkindji Soldiers, featuring, among many, Lamia Kennedy, Dolly Dutton and Francis Dutton.

Lorraine has continued her work with DPM and is now being paid to improve her skills as a singer/ songwriter. “I’m improving, let’s just say that.” Lorriane is mentored by Toby Finlayson of DPM, who’s been supporting Lorraine through stuff, including getting her to work with other song writers. One of those was Baaka. “We didn’t drop the song. We were just f***in around.” When asked how that was, “It was f***in good, brah. It was hectic.”

The collaboration happened in Bourke when Baaka was out for a cultural festival.

“So, meeting Baaka … I actually seen that she was one of those ones who embraced her background of culture. I really got inspired by that.”

Her learning makes me wanna know who I am. It’s encouraging me and if it’s encouraging me, it’s encouraging other people. And it’s not just about culture. Everyone’s different.

Everyone’s mind is in a different place. Same situation, but different place, different backgrounds. Different point of views.

We’re trying the lead the stray back in the game.

To support the fundraiser for Lorraine and 3 other Indigenous Creatives, go to: Fundraiser by Desert Pea Media : Equipment for indigenous creatives.

This article appeared in Wilcannia News, Mid-March 2025.