Boox Kid's Journey: From Stage Name Confusion to Musical Mastery
Jarred Wall, the artist behind the stage name Boox Kid, often finds himself correcting people on the pronunciation. "No one ever says it right," he admits. "It's always Boooooks or box." In reality, "Boox" is pronounced like "Books," a detail worth remembering as this Western Australian indie/electro pop sensation prepares to make waves in the music scene over the coming months.
Building a Buzz with a Unique Sound
Since his debut in 2018 with the single Hold My Hand, Wall has steadily cultivated a growing fanbase under his alter ego. Boox Kid's music is characterized by a high-octane sonic explosion of electro pop, seamlessly weaving between Noongar and English lyrics. His tracks are dance floor fillers with a twist, striking that elusive balance between familiar radio hits and fresh, innovative sounds.
In a recent interview at The West Australian's photography studios, Wall showcased his natural flair for performance, posing confidently for portraits. Whether crouching, staring into the lens, or crawling along the floor, he demonstrated the charisma of a born performer.
From EP Plans to a Full-Length Album
Originally planning to release another EP this year, Wall has shifted gears after what he calls "a few wins." Instead, he is now set to drop his first full-length album in October. In the meantime, he has been treating fans to a series of singles, including Barang Ngalang Kadjin (SOS) released in February and the upcoming track Ngany Kaartdijin (On My Mind), due next week.
"I'm kinda in a groove in terms of writing songs, I thought I might as well keep going," Wall explains. "Why not do a bigger body of work? Let's preserve the culture, preserve the language. It's good fun."
Award-Winning Success and Musical Evolution
The past few months have been significant for Wall. In December, he was named Vocalist of the Year at the WA Music (WAM) awards and received a nomination for Pop Act of the Year. Additionally, he won the 2026 Limelight Music Support Fund, a prestigious award backed by RAC Arena and WAM.
While Boox Kid is a relatively new presence on the WA music scene, Wall is no stranger to performance. He spent years as a member of Jake and the Cowboys—a band that, despite its name, is not a country group—gaining recognition for his powerhouse vocals and magnetic stage presence. When the band disbanded in 2017, Wall was eager to embark on new musical adventures.
"I still had a strong desire to perform and write," he says. Without a band, he turned to self-teaching, mastering Ableton music software through YouTube tutorials and investing in gear. This DIY approach led to the creation of Boox Kid's electronic indie-pop sound.
Embracing Noongar Language and Culture
In 2021, Wall took on the role of Wardong in the opera Koolbardi wer Wardong, the first full-length opera performed entirely in Noongar language. As a Wardandi Bibbulmun man of the Noongar nation, this experience marked his first serious study of the language.
"I thought it would be a really cool gig, but it was much bigger than that," he reflects. "It was a real enrichment of culture for me. I was learning my language all over again." He credits Gina Williams and the late Guy Ghouse, who wrote the opera, for their influence, particularly Williams's guidance in language learning.
Wall continued his opera journey with a starring role in 2024's Wundig wer Wilura, also penned by Williams and Ghouse. As his confidence in Noongar grew, he began incorporating it into his own music. "Traditionally, our language was not really a written language; it was more of an oral language maintained through songlines and stories," he notes. "It's important to preserve that language, and that's what I'm trying to do with writing in language on the album I'm working on."
Sharing Culture Through Contemporary Music
Wall expresses pride in his heritage and a desire to share Noongar culture through his music. "I am proud of being a Noongar man, and I want to share the culture—it's a beautiful culture and a real strength of this country," he says. He describes the process of writing in Noongar as contemporary yet deeply rooted, noting its melodic and chant-like qualities when sung.
The response to Barang Ngalang Kadjin (SOS) has been positive, and Wall is optimistic about the reception of his new single. Looking ahead, he plans a national tour in November following the album's release and a performance at Telethon in October.
As Boox Kid continues to rise, remember: you say it like "books." Ngany Kaartdijin (On My Mind) will be available on streaming services starting April 24.
