With Ash Grunwald, Deep Sea Arcade, Steve Smyth and The Medics on the bill, Rock For The Reef is a benefit concert supporting charities aiming to protect the Great Barrier Reef.
Lead singer of The Medics, Kahl Wallace, explains why they jumped at the chance to play. “We've got to stand by and support our land and sea. It’s something we need to protect. We have these companies putting at risk this beautiful part of the world. It’s our backyard you know? A few years back I had no idea the reef was at risk. Now that I am aware I really want to get that message out to the public.”
Green Music Australia is the organisation organising Rock For The Reef, with the event asking musicians to make a difference. “[GMA] definitely have our support with what they want to do in the music industry and in society — reducing the environmental impact of the music industry and also getting that message out there.”
Taking their cue from drummer Jindhu's father, Bunna Lawrie, The Medics aim to echo a message of respect for the environment and Australian culture. “[Bunna Lawrie] is a part of the history of Australian indigenous music. He's singing about the land and wanting to look after this country and people … we are a part of the next generation and it's important for us to keep those messages and stories alive.”
Kahl feels a particularly strong connection to the land through his indigenous heritage. “In Aboriginal culture the minerals and the land and what’s underneath are very sacred. A lot of musicians want to stand by and support the environment, so now we can come together and make some change.”
With their next album due for release in 2015, The Medics promise to deliver a record that hits hard in more ways than one. “It's more politically charged, lyrically, and I think it will be a lot more powerful. We want to have that conscious approach to what's going on in the media and what's happening currently, worldwide and also in Australia.”
The band thrived on the heightened political atmosphere experienced on a trip to Brazil they undertook shortly before the start of the 2014 FIFA World Cup. “They are very passionate about human rights over there. There was a lot of unrest with locals opposing the World Cup. There were protests happening, and we could sense a lot of tension.”
Their songwriting process has been much the same as previous releases, preferring a more laidback, jamming-based approach. “Initially we had a bit of a time frame, but at the end of the day we are kind of taking it to that organic level and letting things happen naturally and not trying to rush the songwriting process or getting the music together.”
With a trophy cabinet stocked with accolades ranging from a 2010 Deadly Award for Band Of The Year to Album and Song Of The Year awards at the 2012 National Indigenous Music Awards, the band, while flattered, remain focussed on their responsibilities. “I've been working with the Jimmy Little Foundation, with kids in Arnhem Land, writing songs with them teaching them guitar. We want to be role models for the indigenous youth and that comes with being in the spotlight. I think that’s going to be a part of our music as well. We want there to be a message for the younger generation.”
The Medics play Rock For The Reef at The Brisbane Powerhouse on Saturday 1st November.
