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Both Ways in action: Terry Guyula’s journey from community to the national stage

HomeNewsBoth Ways in action: Terry Guyula’s journey from community to the national stage
29 August 2026
4 minute read

Yolŋu musician and Batchelor Institute student Terry Guyula, known as Drifting Clouds, has taken out Best New Talent at the 2026 National Indigenous Music Awards. Just days before the ceremony on Larrakia Country, he spoke with Batchelor Institute about the year that changed everything: touring, a new publishing deal, an album in progress, and staying grounded in language, family and Country.

A few days before the 2026 National Indigenous Music Awards, Terry Guyula was still on the road. Between shows in Tennant Creek and Darwin, the Yolŋu songwriter and frontman of Drifting Clouds found time for a quick yarn.

“I’m super excited and happy too,” he said. “I get to come back and see all the family.”

He was nominated in multiple categories, including Best New Talent and Song of the Year. On the night of 8 August at Darwin Amphitheatre, Drifting Clouds took home Best New Talent. The win caps a rapid rise that began with a GarageBand demo recorded in the homelands of Bunhungura, near Gapuwiyak, and has already seen him play Meredith Music Festival, headline shows, the Sydney Opera House for Vivid LIVE, and stages from Tasmania to Adelaide, Brisbane and Sydney.

Terry first came to wider attention with his 2025 debut single Bawuypawuy, a modern telling of an ancient Songline about the sea, sung in Liyawulma’mirr-Djambarrpuyngu and wrapped in ’80s-inspired synths and groove. The track earned heavy Triple J support, a Triple J Unearthed National Indigenous win, and a high-profile performance at the 2025 NIMAs. A second single, Rarrandharr, followed. You can read more about the early stages of that journey in our previous story on Bawuypawuy.

“Last year when I released my first single I thought it was not that big,” Terry reflected. “But then I realised every show in Melbourne and Sydney were emailing, asking and offering shows.”

The past year has been full-on. He has been touring with a leaner line-up (keyboard, drums and yidaki) while planning to bring the full Gapuwiyak band back for future work. Mid-year he signed a publishing deal with Sony, which has already opened doors to other artists and industry connections. He is currently finishing an album of around ten songs, recorded in his own production space with a collaborator, and aiming for an early 2027 release.

“I’m working on the album… still processing, need to complete all the other songs,” he said. “Whenever it’s ready.”

Amid the touring and recording, Terry remains a Certificate IV in Screen and Media (CUA41220) student at Batchelor Institute. He has performed at graduation and NAIDOC events on campus and has spoken previously about how the Institute’s Both Ways approach and culturally safe environment support him to develop the skills he needs to tell his own stories, including editing and filming his own clips. He hopes to return to study in September and finish what he has started.

Family remains central. Short trips home to community keep him connected, even when the schedule is relentless. “Sometimes it’s hard to balance. But they like it… they say it’s up to you, whatever you are able to do.”

Looking ahead, Terry was already talking about possible collaborations (including a potential Birds of a Feather moment with Emma Donovan around the NIMAs) and further shows, including in Newman, WA, before a proper rest in September. An album is the next big focus.

The Best New Talent win at the 2026 NIMAs recognises an artist who is bringing Yolŋu Matha, Songlines and community stories to new audiences through a distinctive, contemporary sound. For Batchelor Institute it is another reminder of the pathways our students are forging, combining cultural knowledge, creative practice and formal learning on their own terms.

Congratulations, Terry. We’re proud to have you as part of the Batchelor community.