“‘Stand Up’ came from feelings that the whole world is a bit messed up, like the past won’t let go, like everything’s breaking down and we’re all just supposed to pretend it’s fine. I don’t accept that,” Kukatja and Pintupi artist ICONYX tells Apple Music. “Even in the all the heaviness, I think there’s space to grow, to push back, to get tougher in the right ways,” she says, reflecting the message in the evocative, soulful hip-hop track that features on her 2025 album Blak on Trak. “Our history isn’t just pain, it’s power. We can look at where we’ve been, decide who we actually want to become, and choose to stand up together and build something better. We all find ways to do this—mine, right now, is through music—and I’m hoping maybe people will feel united and stronger when they hear my song.” Listen to “Stand Up” on FIRST, the playlist showcasing the best, freshest music from First Nations artists across Australia. It’s curated and updated every month by Wiradjuri original Jaja Dare—if you hear something you like, add it to your library. The artwork was created in collaboration with Kamilaroi artist Reko Rennie. 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.