+ Launches Sound Country Tertiary Program for Music and Entertainment Business Students
Green Music Australia is proud to release an updated version of its landmark resource Sound Country: A Green Artist Guide. Launched at The Lansdowne Hotel in Sydney on Thursday 25 July, the free, comprehensive guide and interactive website provides musicians the practical tools they need to implement sustainable solutions and involve their audiences in change.
Featuring a brand new chapter on Green Music Releases, and new case studies from artists including Alice Ivy, Anna Lunoe, DMA’S, Lime Cordiale, Ocean Grove, Paul Kelly, Sampology, Sunny Luwe, Yama-Nui Studios and Ziggy Alberts - the guide continues to remain the leading resource supporting musicians and their teams to green their music practice.
A wealth of knowledge, experience and passion has been poured into the guide by authors First Nations music producer Rhoda Roberts AO, environmental consultant Matt Wicking, and Green Music Australia.
Berish Bilander, CEO of Green Music Australia says “Since its first release in 2022, Sound Country has connected and empowered artists of all genres to improve their environmental impact, from cutting unnecessary flights and single use plastic, to becoming increasingly vocal ambassadors for social and political change. We can't wait to support even more artists on this critical journey.”
To coincide with the new edition, Green Music Australia has also announced the launch of its Sound Country Tertiary Program. The initiative will see Green Music Australia deliver modules on sustainability to music students at universities and TAFE degrees across the country. Through eight interactive modules and exclusive video case studies from Angie McMahon, Jack River, Montaigne, Nidala and The Bowerbird Collective, the program aims to embed practical sustainability knowledge within the next generation of industry leaders
Originally released in 2022, Sound Country has already supported hundreds of artists to improve their environmental literacy and take change. Since its launch, the guide has been endorsed by over 50+ artist ambassadors including David Bridie, Lisa Mitchell, and Regurgitator, shared by peak music bodies across the country, and used as a key resource at Green Music Australia’s Sound Country Artist Leadership Retreat.
Sound Country’s content is grouped into eight key areas: First Nations First, waste reduction, low-carbon transport, sustainable food, ethical merchandise, green music releases, values-aligned business decisions, and climate advocacy. Each area includes case studies, the latest scientific evidence, and a comprehensive solutions section, with simple strategies and advice on how to implement eco-friendly practices.
Green Music Australia Chair Tracee Hutchison says: “The Sound Country Tertiary Program is a significant step in our leadership, education and advocacy work, providing the resources to create generational change. We’re so grateful to our participating artists for their passion, dedication and commitment to be part of the change they want to see.”
Musician Montaigne says: “Sound Country makes greening touring practices so easy. Most of the time people just need a prompt to begin making more sustainable choices and Green Music Australia provides that catalyst and more.”
For interview requests and further information contact:
Georgia Cooke | [email protected] | 0430 211 233
The release of the 2024 Sound Country guide is supported by the NSW Government through Create NSW. The Sound Country Tertiary Program has been assisted by the Australian Government through Creative Australia, its arts funding and advisory body.
ABOUT THE AUTHORS
Rhoda Roberts AO is a significant force on the Australian arts scene. A member of the Bundjalung nation, Widjabul clan of Northern NSW and South East QLD, Rhoda is Festival Director of the Boomerang Festival - Byron Bay Bluesfest, Creative Director of the Parrtjima Festival (NT) and an Associate of Northern Rivers Performing Arts (NORPA) and until recently headed First Nations Programming for the Sydney Opera House. A much awarded arts executive, Rhoda received an AO for distinguished service to the performing arts, leadership, advocacy, and promoting contemporary Indigenous culture. In 2019, she was recognised with a Ros Bower Award from the Australia Council; in 2018, she received the Helpmann Award – The Sue Nattrass Award; in 1998 she received a Deadly Award for Broadcasting and in 1997, she was recognized with a Sidney Myer Facilitators award.
Matt Wicking is a facilitator, artist and activist. A settler living on Wurundjeri land and long-time advocate for environmental and social justice causes, Matt works with progressive groups to help them amplify their impact. He currently works as freelance facilitator and environmental consultant with Cloud Catcher and singer with Melbourne band, The General Assembly. He has a Masters of Environment, plus degrees in Psychology and Commerce. Previous roles include: running the Future Makers Fellowship at the Centre for Sustainability Leadership; Communications Advisor at the Bureau of Meteorology; Greenie-in-Residence at Arts House; facilitating environmental education at Monash Sustainable Development Institute; and many years’ experience as a sustainability consultant.
Berish Bilander is a composer, pianist and CEO of Green Music Australia. He has toured extensively with his own ensembles and as a freelance musician for bands like Vika and Linda Bull, and dedicated his activist life to climate and social justice – fighting back toll-roads and campaigning for refugee rights. He is a fellow of the prestigious Banff International Jazz and Creative Music Program and the Change Agency’s Community Organising Fellowship.
Further information on Green Music Australia
Green Music Australia is a globally recognised environmental not-for-profit organisation leading change in the Australian music sector to create a greener, cleaner future. Working hand-in-hand with artists, venues, labels and events, its mission is to transform our music industry into a sustainable leader and mobilise millions of fans to take climate action.
