Boox Kid

Interview by Brooke Gibbs

Cross-genre Noongar (Wadandi Bibbulmun) artist Boox Kid returns with his striking new single and video, Ngany Kaartdijin (On My Mind) marking a powerful step toward his debut album Kalyakoorl (Forever), due October 2026. Pronounced Nun Cart-idj-in and translating to “On My Mind” in Noongar, the track blends fast-paced indie pop energy with a distinctly Australiana edge, while exploring deeper themes of anxiety, grief, and emotional overwhelm. Inspired by a moment when everything came to a halt during a personal panic attack, Boox Kid channels his experience of loss, mental health, and cultural pride into a song that’s both intimate and expansive. A proud Wadandi Bibbulmun Noongar man, he continues his commitment to language preservation, blending English and Noongar with guidance from language consultant Kobe Morrison, creating music that celebrates identity, connection, and healing.

FUTUREMAG MUSIC: This song is very personal. Can you take us back to the moment that inspired it?

BOOX KID: I was driving home to pick up my kids and started feeling like I was going to pass out — pins and needles, heart racing. I was really close, but I didn’t think I’d make it. I pulled over, laid down on the footpath, legs in the air… and yeah, I was having a panic attack.

It was probably my first real one, a couple of years ago. Around that time, a close mate had passed away six months earlier, and there were relationship struggles too — it all came on at once. There’s a lyric in the song about someone asking I’m you’re okay… That’s from the ambulance officer asking me. Physically, I was fine, but I was having an anxiety attack. I even hailed down a teenage girl walking past to call the ambulance, so thankful she did. Writing the song was cathartic, a way to process grief and the experience.

FUTUREMAG MUSIC: Did you write the song to help others feel less alone or to process your own feelings?

BOOX KID: Both. I started with the chords and melody, then a year later sat down and wrote about the experience. Worked in the studio with my friend Dylan Olivieri, and my friend Kobe Morrison helped with the language component. It was special.I always wanted to write in language, and this album coming up is really special.

FUTUREMAG MUSIC: Was there any hesitation in sharing such a vulnerable song?

BOOX KID: No. I’ve always been forward in talking about experiences and advocating for First Nations people. I love my culture and heritage — it’s a strength of this country. Mental health conversations aren’t normalised for men, especially Aboriginal men, where shame can play a part. I wanted to share my experience and show other men that it’s okay to talk about these things — it’s healing.

FUTUREMAG MUSIC: And how do people respond to that vulnerability in your music?

BOOX KID: They resonate with it more. The visualisation in the music video, directed by my friend Luke Richards, really connects people to country. For Aboriginal people, being connected to country is healing — it grounds you. That’s a big part of the song.

FUTUREMAG MUSIC: How does incorporating Noongar language change the feeling of your music?

BOOX KID: It’s enriching and melodic. English can feel clunky, but singing in language flows naturally. Writing in language preserves it, and I love figuring out how it works with melody. Some words have dual meanings, which adds depth. Sharing language in a contemporary song is really special.

FUTUREMAG MUSIC: Do you feel a responsibility when working with language and culture?

BOOX KID: Definitely. I want to share it accurately and give it what it deserves. Working with Kobe ensured proper representation. It’s not just songwriting — it’s helping preserve Noongar language, which is experiencing a revival.

FUTUREMAG MUSIC: How would you describe the connection to Country for someone unfamiliar?

BOOX KID: For First Nations people, land is nurturing. If you take care of Country, it will take care of you. Connection to Country is spiritual, part of identity and culture. It’s grounding and healing.

FUTUREMAG MUSIC: And what do you hope people take away from this song?

BOOX KID: That it’s okay to talk about how you feel. If the song encourages someone to reach out, write it down, sing about it, or connect with Country, I’ll be happy. The Noongar words at the end, kayang, mean “hey, I’m good” — a reminder that even with struggles, you’ll be okay.

FUTUREMAG MUSIC: Finally, how can people support you?

BOOX KID: Stream the music, check out my Bandcamp, grab merch, watch the music video coming soon. I’ll be supporting Eskimo Joe next Friday at Freo. Social, and there are more shows later in the year. My album Kaliyakul (“always” in Noongar) drops in October — it’s a celebration of language, culture, and indie pop music.

FUTUREMAG MUSIC: Thanks so much for your time, and happy release day!

BOOX KID: Thanks, mate!