“As First Nations people, we keep the fire burning in many ways,” Kaytetye DJ/producer RONA. (Rona Glynn-McDonald) tells Apple Music. “We control the fire, we stoke the fire, we manage the fire, we grow the fire. Big rains be coming to wash over Country and us. After those rains, there’s more fuel for the fire to burn stronger. It never goes out, but is stored in different energies and places before it sparks again.” Glynn-McDonald regularly weaves the influence of her culture and Country into her own productions, such as incorporating field recordings from Kaytetye Country on her 2024 single “Be My Medicine”. In her work outside of music, Glynn-McDonald has distinguished herself as both the founding CEO of First Nations non-profit Common Ground and the director of First Nations Futures. “The playlist moves along a journey, from fire to rain and back to fire again,” says Glynn-McDonald of this collection of songs, created in celebration of NAIDOC Week. “I want people to feel the duality of our strength and our tenderness in times of fire and rain, and the unwavering tapestry of resilience that comes from our communities, Ancestors, Country and spirit.” Below, she sheds light on three standout tracks. No Fixed Address & Us Mob, “We Have Survived” “An anthem in many Blackfulla houses. This song always brings strength to me and my family. We play it at every family gathering and it always fills me with joy, watching all the family sing along together around the fire.” Emily Wurrumara, “Yaka Yelyukwa (Rain Song)” “The stillness of ‘Yaka Yelyukwa (Rain Song)’ makes me feel the calm of the rain as it washes over Country and us. The artwork connected with the song shows the Claypans on Arrernte Country, a place that shares a stillness that has always held me strong.” Waak Waak Djungi, “Djambaku” “This song, owned by the Malibhir clan, shares knowledge of exchange. I think of the exchange between our different communities and the need to learn and hold knowledge across different contexts to keep growing our resilience and strength.” The artwork on this playlist was created in collaboration with Noongar artist Janelle Burger. Apple acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of country throughout Australia and their continuing connection to land, culture and community. We pay our respects to Elders past and present.