EP.17 December 15, 2025.
Raul and Matt host their final Sonic Dialog with Indigenous curator Matalja
episode 3 with Goolarri Radio
LA based DJ and KCRW radio presenter Raul Campos is joined by Matthew Francis, AKA Matty J, proud First Nations Nyul Nyul and Bardi roots and station manager, producer and popular lunch-time broadcaster at 6GME Radio Goolarri 99.7 FM. On this final episode of Sonic Dialog, proud Indigenous creative Tornina 'Matalja' Torres from Broome, in WA stops by to share some of her artists that inspire her from the United States.
About 6GME Radio Goolarri 99.7 FM
Radio Goolarri first commenced broadcasting on ABC Regional Radio in August, 1991 with a one hour a week magazine program.
As the station developed and the skills of trainees flourished the station gradually increased its airtime to meet staff and community demand.
The station was eventually broadcasting 25 hours per week on ABC until it started to operate its own community radio license in July 1998 by broadcasting 24 hours a day. Radio Goolarri provides an avenue whereby social, cultural and political ideas and concerns can be expressed.
It is also an area where traditional language, music and culture can be fostered along with the more contemporary forms of artistic expression. It’s a place where Indigenous people can tell their own stories in their own way. It’s also a place for non-Indigenous and Indigenous people to come together.
About KCRW:
KCRW belong to Los Angeles, connecting diverse perspectives and the sounds of Southern California with curious communities around the corner and around the world. They are NPR’s flagship member station in Southern California and a community service of Santa Monica College.
Matalja
Tornina 'Matalja' Torres is an Indigenous creative. Drawing from a rich tapestry of cultural heritage, Matalja identifies as Gurrimba skin, connected to the Northern WA tribes of Djugan, Yawuru, Karajarri, Jabirr-Jabirr, Nyul Nyul, and Barrd through her matrilineal lineage. On her patrilineal side, she belongs to the Bibulman nation, encompassing the Whadjuk, Wadandi, and Bindjareb tribes of southern WA.
Through her art, Matalja finds peace and purpose in creating contemporary Indigenous fusion music, weaving together influences from a diverse array of genres. Her sound is uniquely enhanced by Indigenous languages and rich cultural content, allowing listeners to experience a blend of modernity and tradition.
Matalja's music is not just an auditory experience; it's a journey rooted in cultural preservation and language revitalization. Her goal is to empower Indigenous voices and foster connection on many dimensions, through her art.
Operating under her ancestral name, 'Matalja,' gifted to her at birth by her mother, Mamanjyun, she crafts songs inspired by dreams, cultural knowledge, and personal experiences. By incorporating her tribal languages into her music, Matalja aims to maintain and revive these important ancestral elements and inspire cross-cultural alliances.
Join her on this journey of awakening and celebration, where every note resonates with the heartbeat of her heritage.
Alex Mali
Brooklyn-born Jamaican/Trinidadian singer and songwriter, Alex Mali, is a multi-talented independent artist carving out her own lane in themusic industry with her Dancehall R&B-Pop classics.
Fusing elements of dancehall, soca and trap/hip-hop into her modern take on R&B, Alex Mali pushes a message of empowerment and inspiration; often touching on themes of self-discovery, relationships, and overcoming personal challenges to encourage listeners to trust their intuition, strive for personal growth and embrace their authentic selves.
S.I.A.T Stuck In A Tree
Sacramento SLAPTUAL Music Artist, “S.I.A.T (see•awt) Stuck In A Tree”, started writing music in 2018 and wrote her first hit, “Stay In My Lane” (40 Million streams), just months after. Blessed with a beautiful natural singing voice, but no music background, it was apparent she had the natural gift of writing melodies and lyrics that were of a high skill level. S.I.A.T’s style and purpose is defined by “Slaptual Music”, a genre which consist of spiritual music that raises its listener’s vibration and awareness of potentially harmful energy, but yet, still Slaps for enjoyment!
Expressing relatable life experiences over hard musical beats S.I.A.T’s music has garnered over 70 million streams! S.I.A.T is inspired by divine light and her purpose to service the people with her gifts, which pushes her to continue creating High Vibrational music that helps and benefits her listeners.
Leon Thomas
Grammy-winning Brooklyn native Leon Thomas seamlessly bridges the worlds of music, acting, and production. Signed to Ty Dolla $ign’s EZMNY Records in 2022, Thomas made a notable debut with his album Electric Dusk (2023), featuring collaborations with Victoria Monét, Benny the Butcher, and Ty Dolla $ign. Tracks like “Breaking Point” and “Crash & Burn” have garnered over 151 million global streams, cementing his place as a rising star in contemporary R&B. His groundbreaking work on SZA’s “Snooze” earned him a Grammy in 2024, further highlighting his influence in shaping the genre.
Thomas’s sophomore album, MUTT, was named Billboard’s No. 1 R&B Album of 2024 and held the No. 1 spot on Apple Music’s R&B/Soul chart for multiple weeks. The album, with over 315.7 million streams globally, also debuted in the top 10 worldwide on Apple Music and earned spots on Revolt, HuffPost, UPROXX, and more Best Albums and Best Songs of 2024 lists. Its breakout title track, “MUTT,” hit No. 1 on Billboard’s Hot R&B Songs chart, Adult R&B Airplay chart, Urban Radio, and the UK R&B Singles Chart, while reaching No. 13 on the Billboard Hot 100. The single is now officially RIAA Certified Platinum.
With standout tracks like “Far Fetched” ft. Ty Dolla $ign, “MUTT,” “Vibes Don’t Lie,” and “Yes It Is,” the album delves into the complexities of love and ambition. Featuring collaborations with Ty Dolla $ign, Wale, Baby Rose, and Masego, MUTT underscores Thomas’s ability to push the boundaries of modern R&B.