When in search of something to fan his creative flame, musician William Barton looks to the red dirt and fiery-pink skies of his childhood home.
Raised in the vast, arid landscape of north-west Queensland, his Kalkadunga heritage from the Mount Isa region has long been a catalyst for musical ingenuity.
"That region, in all its rugged beauty, and pink and red hues that light up the evening sky, has been the inspiration for my compositions," he said.
"It is about honesty and truth with the music of the land."
Renowned for his skill on the didgeridoo and his ability to integrate its deep, soulful sounds with orchestras and classical ensembles, Barton has received the applause and adoration of audiences around the world.
As his flourishing career is fanned further by an Australian of the Year nomination, the 41-year-old musician reflects on the defining moments of his early days.
'Special from the start'
Barton first picked up the didgeridoo on a cattle station outside Mount Isa at the age of seven — under the guidance of his mother, singer and poet Aunty Delmae Barton, and late father and musician Alfred Barton.
But it was his uncle, Aboriginal elder and lawman Arthur Peterson, who became Barton's favourite mentor.
"I was in awe of my Uncle Arthur," he said.
"I wanted to be a part of that mystery and that magic I felt when he played the didgeridoo."
Shadowing his father at the Mount Isa Folk Club (The Shack), word of Barton's talents spread.
Mount Isa musician and arts worker Annette Gordon said she remembered Barton "when he was just a little fella running around The Shack in 1988".
"I thought he was special from the start. He could pick up anything and wow everyone.
"What he is doing with music is just out of this world."
A talent quickly recognised
At the age of 12, young William's path became clear.
He quit his schooling at the Kalkadoon state school and moved to Sydney where he worked with his brother's dance troupe, playing didgeridoo for the next six years and touring internationally.
At 17, he was tapped on the shoulder by the Brisbane Symphony Orchestra.
Since then, Barton has performed with several orchestras at historic events around the world, including for the British royal family at Westminster Abbey for the 2019 Commonwealth Day.
Along with a list of awards, Barton holds honorary doctorate degrees from Sydney and Griffith Universities, has released five albums, and is an artist-in-residence at the Melbourne Recital Centre.
Celebrating a 'musical genius'
ABC Classic presenter and music critic Martin Buzacott once referred to Barton as one-of-a-kind.
"Having had the privilege of working with all of Australia's elite musicians … William Barton is the only one who I consider to be a genuine musical genius," he said.
Barton said it was a privilege to share his passion and talent with the world.
"I guess what I'm doing is giving back, giving back to my culture and my people because I was given something when I was very young and, like the old fellas who taught me years ago, I'm just passing it on," he said.
