Women of Song
Sean Moloney
An authentic show of conversations and songs, articulating First Nations cultural practice in the here and now, live on stage.
Women of Song is an innovative new show, developed by the acclaimed Jessie Lloyd (of Mission Songs Project) including themes of intergenerational practices, singing on and from country, commitment to community, and preserving knowledge in song. It’s an intimate celebration of the ‘here and now’ of Indigenous culture, a rare mix of spontaneous conversation and songs, exploring the modern-day practice and living heart of the ‘world’s oldest living culture’.
The audience listens in as three First Nations singers have a conversation. Someone’s story may remind someone else of a song, or a favourite popular song might start a discussion among them all. Each conversation and each performance will be unique, as the women explore live on stage how their songs preserve the social, cultural, or environmental shifts of a community, and deepen connections to country, genealogy, and custom.
As Creative Producer, Jessie Lloyd brings together the artists for each tour, uniquely shaping the performance to the location: some will be well-known, others are exciting new talent. Preparation includes extensive cultural consultation undertaken by Jessie across 2022. Women of Song is an amazing opportunity to experience First Nations cultural practices in music from the women that practise them: this culture exists in contemporary music, and these First Nations women are leading it.
Available with or without interval, and with optional Q&A following the show.
- Three vocal microphones
- Three comfy chairs
- One DI (subject to change)
The artists welcome the opportunity to attend a meet and greet with the elders of the local community, hosted and coordinated by the presenter. During this activity, the artists are happy to perform some of the songs from the show. This activity has typically worked well prior to the concert (either the previous day or earlier in the day).
Other activities may be organised in discussion with the artists dependant on the touring artists.
Throughout 2024
Women of Song
Recorded at the Northern Rivers Conservatorium, April 2023
Please note that for 2024, Women of Song may be presented with three or four artists.
The Music Show with Andrew Ford
ABC Radio National
Broadcast Saturday 9 September 2017
https://www.abc.net.au/radionational/programs/musicshow/three-songwomen/8870922
Photos from premiere performance at the Northern Rivers Conservatorium, Lismore in April 2023.
L-R: Dyagula, Dr Shellie Morris, Aunty Marlene Cummins, Jessie Lloyd
Artist lineup subject to change for future performances.
Image Credit: Sean Moloney © Musica Viva Australia
Please note that for 2024, Women of Song may be presented with three or four artists.
Jessie Lloyd: Creative Producer
A composer, performer and creative entrepreneur, Jessie Lloyd is a songkeeper of Australian Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander music and is dedicated to the continuation of song traditions through the presentation of stories and songs.
Jessie’s work continues the songlines of Indigenous Australia, a body of cultural songs that carries the 60,000-year history of the world’s oldest living culture. With this connection she engages her audiences through intimate storytelling, moving harmonies and historical insights. Jessie has travelled Australia consulting with elders, collaborating with peers and nurturing Indigenous songs that reflect present a 21st Century Indigenous narrative.
Hailing from a musical family, Jessie’s father Joe Geia is a pioneer of Aboriginal protest songs and composed the Aboriginal anthem ‘Yil Lull’. Her grandfather Albie Geia was conductor of the Palm Island Brass Band and leader of the historic 1957 Palm Island Strike.
Book an artist
Travel to centres in regional NSW is subsidised through the support of Create NSW. Musica Viva Australia can book the artists, arrange all travel and accommodation, provide posters, flyers and program information.
If you are interested in bringing an ensemble to your town or city, please contact:
Patrick Brearley
Manager, Regional Touring & Special Projects
02 8394 6662