Charlie Needs Braces

GuriNgai sisters Charlie and Miri from live looping act Charlie Needs Braces have drawn in audiences across Australia, their energetic musical landscapes weaving together stories and language. In 2022 they came first place in the Upstart Awards, and won the Archie Roach Award for Emerging Talent in 2023 through Music Victoria Awards.

Charlie Woods, one half of the sister duo, is known for their work with Casey Donovan, The Teskey Brothers, The Seven Ups, and Tek Tek Ensemble. The duo’s debut album, Saltwater People, featured the single and video ‘Daryung’, which was showcased on RAGE, earned them triple j Unearthed Artists of the Week, and was featured in the ABC documentary Changing Tides as part of a NAIDOC Week special.

Their latest album, NYAA WA, has further expanded their reach, with music videos landing in the top 50 for 2024 on Rage and receiving editorial praise across platforms like ABC News, Women In Pop, Spotify’s Big Ancestor Energy, and Apple’s FIRST.

The album’s title, NYAA WA, meaning “take care’’ in the language of their mob, the GuriNgai people, reflects the duo’s deep connection to the land, waterways, wildlife, and cultural preservation. The songs highlight the importance of protecting sacred sites, nurturing cultural heritage, and sharing the stories of their people, emphasizing the need to keep culture alive and protect these sacred places from development.

The two piece have performed across Australia at several festivals including the Share the Spirit Festival, Woodford Folk Festival, Burramatta Festival, St Kilda Festival, Queenscliffe Music Festival, Port Fairy Folk Festival, the National Folk Festival, Planting Festival, Wandiligong Nut Festival, The Town Folk Festival, Clarence Jazz Festival, Bigsound, and supported The Teskey Brothers on their national tour with A Day on the Green January 2025.

“Your music has touched many hearts and your talent knows no bounds. Keep shining bright, Charlie!” – Archie Roach Music.