The release of “Mulyawongk” holds special significance for ICONYX, as she has received explicit permission from Archie Roach himself to perform and reimagine the track. Just a couple of weeks before his passing, Roach heard her version and said, “ICONYX has taken this song to another level.” Since then, her cover of the song has remained completely unchanged to honour the version that he loved and approved via his then-manager, Jill Shelton.
Amos Roach, whose hand is in the artwork by Kendra Morrison for “Mulyawongk” and who holds the bloodline of both the stories of this song, has also approved ICONYX’S cover.
ICONYX expressed deep respect and appreciation for the opportunity to cover Archie Roach’s “Mulyawongk, stating, “Archie Roach is a legend of Australian music, and getting the chance to pay respect to his legacy with ‘Mulyawongk’ feels like both a huge responsibility and absolute privilege. I really hope it hits home with everyone who listens.”
Archie Roach’s “Mulyawongk” blends elements of modern folk, blues, and storytelling traditions, with strong cultural and historical themes through Aboriginal narratives. In a previous article with Beat Magazine, Roach explained that the Mulyawongk is the ancestral being who guards the Murray River for the Ngarrindjeri people. He said, “Other people might call it a bunyip. And there’s nothing really to fear from a Mulyawongk – unless you hurt the river. And Ruby, being a woman of the river, the Mulyawongk watches out for her spirit.”
“You might have gotten away from the river, but the Mulyawongk will always call you back.”