NEWS

PRESS RELEASE: Friday 31st July 2020

Artists announced for Wild Mountains Songs 2020

Wild Mountains Songs had its first songwriting retreat in 2016. Each year, over three nights and four days, 12 mid-career artists come together, paired with a writer that they have never written with before, to create and record new work. 

Immersed in nature and surrounded by community, the artistic creation that emerges is unique and the musical bonds are long lasting.

A talented and eclectic group of artists have been chosen to participate in Wild Mountains Songs from 8-11 October 2020, including Ben Ely (Regurgitator / Pangea / It’s Magnetic), Samoan-Australian roots artist Charles Wall (Bobby Alu) and Chris Farrer from punk and rock bands The Quickening and Dead For Ages. 

The project is the brainchild of musician Emma Bosworth, created soon after she had her first child in 2015 when she “struggled to find the space (in place and mind) to create freely.” From the simple idea of gathering six artist mates together in the mountains that first year, Wild Mountains Songs now sets the standard for mid-career artist support in Australia. 

“I want this program to support the older generation of artists in their creative journey”, Emma says of the program. “I fear Australia will lose it's more mature voices due to the nature of our fickle industry.” The program nourishes and re-inspires important mid-career Australian songwriting talent via connection to the natural environment and each other.

There is certainly a lot of knowledge and talent among the 2020 artists, with Emily Lubitz from indie-folk darlings Tinpan Orange, and artist, speaker and founder of the global creative tech community I Heart Songwriting Club Francesca de Valence just being announced.

Other participants include Garrwa and Butchulla artist Fred Leone (Yirinda / Impossible Odds), Gavin Cook (Old Semeil / Mouldy Lovers), much loved Australian songstress Jackie Marshall, producer and composer Rohin Jones (The Middle East / RL Jones), previous member of Sekiden and Regurgitator (and artist in her own right) Seja Vogel, Emma Bosworth and WMS alumni country artist Megan Cooper. 

Gathering on Mununjali land, south of Rathdowney, the participants will co-create a new work that is then recorded in a mobile studio. Each writer leaves with two new co-written works, a sturdy new collection of professional connections and a deeper, more considered connection with the natural environment and their arts practice. Alongside the writing, songwriters are encouraged to participate in earth connection activities including a guided deep forest walk, silent magic spots and yoga. 

Songs from previous years will appear on Season 3 of ABCTV program ‘Harrow’, have received substantial radio play, reached the iTunes Country Singles chart, and more. 

Wild Mountain Songs retreat will be held from 8-11 October 2020.