Whether as a member of Australian folk/rock band Goanna or via her own projects, Marcia Howard says she's witnessed the power of activism through song.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
"It's not all that I do, but I've written about it in my thesis, the power of political song to change hearts and minds," the Geelong-based musician said.
"I witnessed that with the saving of the Franklin River in my younger years.
"Our generation saw that we could effect change, and political legislation."
The singer/songwriter has continued to channel her social and political conscience.
For example, Save The Rivers (Yaama Ngunna Baaka), is a song she recently co-wrote at the Corroboree Festival in Bourke.
The song honours the cultural work begun by the late Ruby Hunter, a Ngarrindjeri songwriter born on the banks of the Murray River.
"The bushfires, people are now realising that climate change is here," Howard said. "I had to step up and write that song, because I thought, what am I going to tell my grandchildren when they say, 'what did you do about climate change?'"
Howard said funds raised from the song will go to the Ruby Hunter Legacy, Mothers' Milk Bank Charity; as well as towards "saving the rivers".
Although Howard's career has taken her to many parts of the world, this year will be her first appearance at the Illawarra Folk Festival.
At the festival, Howard will perform House of Song, a one-woman theatre-type show which charts her 30 years as a singer/songwriter, including her years as a member of Goanna.
Howard will share the inspirations that have informed her songwriting and performing - her Irish roots and her love and respect for the indigenous Australian perspectives on life and place.
"I've done so many festivals, but I've never done Illawarra, so I'm looking forward to it," she said.
The Illawarra Folk Festival is on at Bulli Showground on January 16-19.
Visit www.illawarrafolkfestival.com.au for the program.
You can download or stream Save the Rivers via the https://fanlink.to/cmjS?sfns=mo website.
The Ruby Hunter Legacy, Mothers' Milk Bank Charity, acknowledges and pays respect to the past, present and future traditional custodians and elders of this nation, and the continuation of cultural, spiritual and educational practices of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
Brendan Crabb
I'm a member of ACM's national property team, covering the Illawarra and South Coast. Based in Albion Park, NSW, I write about exciting, interesting or just downright quirky properties that have been listed for sale, major sales, market trends, auctions and more. One of my favourite aspects of being a journalist is I believe everyone has a story to tell. What's yours?
I'm a member of ACM's national property team, covering the Illawarra and South Coast. Based in Albion Park, NSW, I write about exciting, interesting or just downright quirky properties that have been listed for sale, major sales, market trends, auctions and more. One of my favourite aspects of being a journalist is I believe everyone has a story to tell. What's yours?
