After he released his debut solo single 'Risk' earlier this year, Brisbane soul, indie rock musician Graham Moes returns with a track that puts a spotlight on the current gender inequality debate.
Graham, who also fronts roots-funk outfit Fat Picnic, has been attempting to understand the depths of this oppression in our society aiming to spread awareness, empathy and understanding with his brand new single ‘Fighter’.
Raw and emotive vocals detail elegantly the current challenges society faces about gender inequality, with Graham offering a soothing, melodic song to open lines of conversation about an issue that affects everyone. "I started listening to the stories from women in my life about their experiences with men and I was disgusted.
"What does it say about the way we view feminine and masculine roles in our society when boys (I'm intentionally omitting the word 'men' in this context) are conditioned to feel justified in invading or appropriating another's personal space and body?
"What does it say about the way they view themselves? That kind of rape culture is a byproduct of the distorted way in which the youth in our society are taught to view gender and what it means to be a man or a woman.
"These stories and this feeling of disgust was the driving fuel behind writing this song, and the emotional response I received when performing 'Fighter' made it clear to me that this needed to be released as a stand-alone single. Musicians have the power to spread awareness. We should use it."
In the recording process Graham interviewed women from different cultural backgrounds, learning their stories and recording their voices. Almost six hours of interviews were recorded, sampled and orchestrated to create the spoken-word sections of the track. "Awareness is the key," Graham says.
"We can empower femininity and (non-toxic) masculinity in everyone, rather than discriminate by gender.
"We can teach men to be empathetic and empower women to be whoever they want to be. We can start by addressing the young women in our society with words other than 'beautiful' and validate young men for having emotions."
Graham Moes Tour Dates
Sun 1 Jul - Black Bear Lodge (Brisbane)Fri 6 Jul - Headland Cafe (Valla Beach, NSW)
Sat 21 Jul - Southbank Regional Flavours (Brisbane)
Wed 25 Jul - Element Bar (Coffs Harbour)
Fri 3 Aug - Solbar (Sunshine Coast, supporting Fat Picnic)
Sat 15 Sep - Miami Marketta (Gold Coast)
Sun 16 Sep - Hotel Brunswick (Brunswick Heads, supporting Fat Picnic)
