News
MIDNIGHT OIL ANNOUNCE SPECIAL FINAL SHOWS OF TOUR
‘10-1’ album to be played in its entirety in Sydney and Melbourne
Since Midnight Oil’s new album Resist debuted at #1 early this year, the legendary Australian band has toured around Australia, North America, and then Europe, on their last concert tour. The final leg of this epic run kicks off this week at the Mundi Mundi Bash near Broken Hill followed by rescheduled gigs in Cairns, Darwin, New Zealand, Perth and Canberra to make up for various climate and Covid disruptions earlier this year. In addition, this final leg will include shows at Broome’s Stompem Ground Festival (after a 20 year hiatus) and a new WA gig in Busselton (see below for all details).
Today, the last four dates of this tour were revealed with Midnight Oil announcing two uniquely intimate extra shows in both Melbourne and Sydney. A portion of proceeds from each of these new gigs will be donated to environmental and Indigenous causes and general public tickets will go on sale 10am local time on Monday 22 August via: midnightoil.com/tour
Melbourne will finally experience Midnight Oil playing their classic album 10,9,8,7,6,5,4,3,2,1 in its entirety at the Palais Theatre on Monday September 12 under the banner “One For The Planet”. The band had originally announced this special idea for a benefit show back in March, but Covid got in the way so, like their other cancelled gigs, they are now making good on that earlier promise.
Two nights later, on Wednesday September 14, the Oils will play a final show at the Palais under the banner “One For The Road”. This extra Melbourne date will see the band performing the entire show (ie: no support) and delivering an extended set that will include classics from every Midnight Oil album and EP across their storied career.
Sydney will experience these same two special shows a few weeks later, as “RESIST: The Final Tour” ends with a bang back in the band’s hometown. “One For The Planet” (featuring “10-1” in its entirety) will be staged at the Luna Park Big Top on Wednesday September 28. Then “One For The Road” (an extended concert including classics from every album and EP) will celebrate the end of Midnight Oil’s touring career on the Labour Day public holiday – Monday October 3 – at the famous Hordern Pavilion where the band staged some of their most memorable Sydney gigs back in the day.
“The shows we’ve just done overseas have been some of the best and most enjoyable of our career”, said Midnight Oil guitarist/keyboardist, Jim Moginie. “Every gig on this last tour has had extra emotion around it so we’re looking forward to bringing those feelings back home again.”
“We’ve always supported causes that we believe are important during our tours so these four extra gigs are partly a way of doing that”, explains frontman, Peter Garrett. “They will allow the band and the audience to have a different experience each night by digging deep into the back catalogue in venues that are a bit smaller than the ones we’ve usually been playing in over recent years.”
“From the opening track on our first album through to the last song on our new one, we’ve always been blessed to have fans who are really passionate about what we do”, observed drummer Rob Hirst. “One For The Planet and “One For The Road” are our way of acknowledging that connection over 45 years. We’ve all shared an amazing journey together, so we want to celebrate that by playing something for everyone in places that feel special”.
Midnight Oil pre-sale for these new shows kicks off from 10am local time (staggered times – see below) on Thursday 18 August before the General Public on sale starting 10am local on Monday 22 August.. Tickets from midnightoil.com/tour
The newly announced RESIST show at Barnard Park, Busselton, WA with special guest Regurgitator on Friday 23 September now joins the existing RESIST shows at Munro Martin Parklands, Cairns with special guests Busby Marou on Thursday 25 August, Darwin Convention Centre, Darwin with special guest Leah Flanagan on Saturday 27 August and Fellows Oval – ANU Campus, Canberra with special guests King Stingray, Emily Wurramara (solo) and Moaning Lisa on Saturday 1 October. Tickets via: midnightoil.com/tour
The band’s a day on the green Nikola Estate, Swan Valley, WA show with special guests Goanna and Stephen Pigram on Sunday 25 September is on sale now. Tickets via: midnightoil.com/tour
MIDNIGHT OIL PRE-SALE INFORMATION
Runs 24 hours from: Thursday 18 August (staggered times, see below)
DURATION: 24 hours unless allocation exhausted
PASSWORD: EARTH (not case sensitive)
TICKET LIMIT: 4 per customer
GENERAL PUBLIC ON SALE NEW SHOWS
Begins: Monday 22 August, 10am local
CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR PRE-SALE
MIDNIGHT OIL
RESIST + FINAL SHOWS OF TOUR
AUGUST – OCTOBER 2022
Presented by Frontier Touring, Roundhouse Entertainment, Triple M (Melbourne VIC, Cairns QLD, Swan Valley WA & Sydney NSW), Mix 106.3 (Canberra), Mix 104.9 (Darwin) & Zaccaria Concerts & Touring & By The C (Busselton, WA).
Thursday 25 August Munro Martin Parklands, Cairns, QLD
RESIST
Licensed All Ages
Presented by Triple M
Special guest: Busby Marou
Tickets on sale now
ticketlink.com.au | Ph: 1300 855 835
Saturday 27 August Darwin Convention, Darwin, NT
RESIST
Licensed All Ages
Presented by Mix 104.9
Special guest: Leah Flanagan
Tickets on sale now
ticketek.com.au | Ph: 132 849
Monday 12 September Palais Theatre, Melbourne, VIC
One For The Planet
Licensed All Ages
Presented by Triple M
Special guest: Liz Stringer
Pre-sale Thursday 18 August 10am local
General public tickets on sale Monday 22 August 10am local
ticketmaster.com.au | Ph: 136 100
Wednesday 14 September Palais Theatre, Melbourne, VIC
One For The Road
Licensed All Ages
Presented by Triple M
Pre-sale Thursday 18 August 11am local
General public tickets on sale Monday 22 August 10am local
ticketmaster.com.au | Ph: 136 100
Friday 23 September Park Busselton, Busselton, WA
RESIST
Licensed All Ages
Presented by Zaccaria Concerts & By The C
Special guest: Regurgitator
Pre-sale Thursday 18 August 12noon local
General public tickets on sale Monday 22 August 10am local
oztix.com.au | 1300 762 545
Sunday 25 September Nikola Estate, Swan Valley, WA **
a day on the green
RESIST
Licensed All Ages
Presented by Triple M
Special guests: Goanna and Stephen Pigram
Tickets on sale now
ticketmaster.com.au | Ph: 136 100
Wednesday 28 September Luna Park Big Top, Sydney, NSW
One For The Planet
18+
Presented by Triple M
Special guest: Leah Flanagan
Pre-sale tickets on-sale Thursday 18 August 12noon local
General public tickets on sale Monday 22 August 10am local
ticketmaster.com.au | Ph: 136 100
Saturday 1 October Fellows Oval ANU Campus, Canberra, ACT
RESIST
18+*
Presented by Mix 106.3
Special guests: King Stingray, Emily Wurramara (solo) and Moaning Lisa
Tickets on sale now
moshtix.com.au | Ph: 1300 438 849
Monday 3 October Hordern Pavilion, Sydney, NSW
One For The Road
Licensed All Ages
Presented by Triple M
Pre-sale Thursday 18 August 1pm local
General public tickets on sale Monday 22 August 10am local
ticketek.com.au | Ph: 132 849
Also appearing at:
Thursday 18 – Saturday 20 August 2022: Mundi Mundi Bash, Broken Hill, NSW**
Saturday 17 September 2022: Stompem Ground, Broome, WA**
* Under 18’s may attend with guardian
** Not promoted by Frontier Touring
Patrons are advised to purchase tickets only through authorised ticket sellers.
We cannot guarantee any ticket purchase made through any means other than the official ticketing agents listed on the Midnight Oil website.
Citizens for climate action | Peter Garrett & Jean Hinchliffe | 2022 Gandhi Oration
The climate crisis; existential threat/extraordinary opportunity, but if only the politics shifts, now. Got the chance to lay out some thinking in the Gandhi Oration this week. Thanks UNSW for the invitation.
OILS ALBUM TOPS OZ CHARTS & BAND ANNOUNCES O/S SHOWS AS FINAL TOUR COMMENCES
Midnight Oil’s RESIST has become the band’s fifth ARIA #1 Album as they kick off their Final Tour in support of the acclaimed release. More shows will follow around Australia over coming months and limited tickets are available for some gigs.
It was also announced today that the tour will head overseas in June/July for newly announced dates in North America and Europe including some of the world’s most iconic venues like The Hollywood Palladium, Toronto’s Massey Hall, Hammerstein Ballroom in New York and The Roundhouse in London. That leg will culminate at Paris’ greatest concert hall, L’Olympia. Tickets for those shows will go onsale over the coming week. Dates are listed below and fans are advised to only buy tickets by following the links at www.midnightoil.com/tour.
The #1 debut matches the achievements of 2020’s THE MAKARRATA PROJECT, 1990’s BLUE SKY MINING and their 80’s classics DIESEL & DUST (1987) and RED SAILS IN THE SUNSET (1984) and RESIST has attracted some of the best reviews in the Oils’ storied career. For example:
“Thank God for Midnight Oil … put simply, Resist is a thrill from start to finish. Forty years after the classic 10 to 1, Midnight Oil are still delivering songs for the head and the heart, “standing up to those who sell fear”, making the listener think and dance.” (Stack)
“Midnight Oil exit the stage with a roar. Resist is a magnificent piece of work that will serve to cement their legacy.” (Goldmine, 4 Stars)
“Political chicanery and environmental vandalism are just two of the familiar concerns addressed by the band along with climate change and institutional apathy … Resist draws a fitting line under Midnight Oil’s 46 year career.” (The Australian, 4 Stars)
“It could be argued that Midnight Oil have saved their best for last, but to be honest, when haven’t they been firing on anything but all cylinders? Resist is, however, one of the group’s most powerful and urgent records, with its focus being put upon the immense challenges that we as humans face, and urging us to Resist giving in.” (Tone Deaf)
“If it is their last, Midnight Oil are going out strong: Resist is packed with the kind of stirring anthems they’re known for, with themes and hooks as big as Uluru.” (Brooklyn Vegan)
“The Oils still have plenty to say, and the fire in their belly that will help them to say it. A worthy addition to the impeccable legacy of one of Australia’s finest ever bands.” (Double J feature album)
“This isn’t just a collection of songs, it’s a cohesive statement aimed not just at the people of Australia, but the people of the world. Yes, the Australian perspective remains proudly undiminished, but the messages are not designed to stop at our borders. This is an album for humanity, designed to ripple around our big blue sphere.” (Waxingly Lyrical)
MIDNIGHT OIL
RESIST: THE FINAL TOUR
NORTH AMERICA & EUROPEAN DATES
JUNE – JULY 2022
IMPORTANT INFORMATION
Patrons are advised to purchase tickets only through authorised ticket sellers. We cannot guarantee any ticket purchase made through any means other than the official ticketing agents listed below OR on midnightoil.com/tour.
NORTH AMERICA
Wednesday 1 June Malkin Bowl, Vancouver, BC
Fan pre-sale: Tues 1 Mar @ 10AM local time
General public on-sale: Fri 4 Mar @ 10AM local time
Saturday 4 June Fox Theater, Oakland, CA
Fan pre-sale: Tues 1 Mar @ 10AM local time
General public on-sale: Fri 4 Mar @ 10AM local time
Tuesday 7 June Hollywood Palladium, Los Angeles, CA
Fan pre-sale Tues: 1 Mar @ 10AM local
General public on-sale: Fri 4 Mar @ 10AM local
Friday 10 June Riviera Theatre, Chicago, IL
Fan pre-sale: Tues 1 Mar @ 10AM local
General public on-sale: Fri 4 Mar @ 10AM local time
Monday 13 June Massey Hall, Toronto, ON
Fan pre-sale: Tues 1 Mar @ 10AM local time
General public on-sale: Fri 4 Mar @ 10AM local
Thursday 16 June Roadrunner, Boston, MA
Fan pre-sale: Tues 1 Mar @ 10AM local time
General public on-sale: Fri 4 Mar @ 10AM local time
Sunday 19 June Hammerstein Ballroom, New York, NY
Fan pre-sale: Tues 1 Mar @ 10AM local time
General public on-sale: Fri 4 Mar @ 10AM local time
Wednesday 22 June Franklin Music Hall, Philadelphia, PA
Fan pre-sale: Tues 1 Mar @ 10AM local time
General public on-sale: Fri 4 Mar @ 10AM local time
Saturday 25 June The Theatre at National Harbor, Oxon Hill, MD
Fan pre-sale: Tues 1 Mar @ 10AM local time
General public on-sale: Fri 4 Mar @ 10AM local time
EUROPE
Monday 4 July 2022 Berlin Zitadelle, Berlin, Germany
General public on-sale: Mon 28th Feb @ 10AM local time
PRE-SALE
Wednesday 6 July 2022 Leipzig Parkbühne, Leipzig, Germany
General public on-sale: Mon 28th Feb @ 10AM local time
PRE-SALE
Saturday 9 July 2022 Camden Roundhouse, London, UK
Fan pre-sale: Wed 2 Mar @ 10AM local time
General public on-sale: Fri 4 Mar @ 10AM local time
PRE-SALE
Tuesday 12 July 2022 L’OLYMPIA, Paris, France
General public on-sale: Mon 28 Feb @ 10am local time
TICKETS
MIDNIGHT OIL RESIST: THE NEW ALBUM OUT TODAY
We made it at last. It feels good to be dropping a new full length album and vid today. Resist is full of songs of defiance and hope in troubled times. Plus we’ll get across to the Northern hemisphere to play on this final run which closes the circle. Thanks to all those fans who helped make the Resist clip such a reaffirmation of the inherent power that people have to change the world for the better.
_______________
Nearly 20 years after their last full length studio release, Australia’s iconic Midnight Oil today release the brand-new album, aptly titled RESIST.
In signature style these dozen tracks tackle a slew of urgent issues. From opener, ‘Rising Seas’ through ‘Last Frontier’ which closes the set, recurring themes include climate crisis, environmental degradation and the role of citizens alive to the immense challenges of our times. Moods stretch from the wilderness reverie of ‘Tarkine’ and the poignant ‘Lost At Sea’ to the anthemic protest celebration ‘We Resist’ while the album’s musical span is equally broad, encompassing slashing guitars in new single ‘At The Time Of Writing’ and brooding synthetic textures in ‘We Are Not Afraid’. There’s even a three-part epic called ‘The Barka-Darling River’ that keeps delivering surprising twists as it snakes along.
In line with the album coming out today, the band have also shared the video for ‘We Resist’. This short film combines submissions of protest actions by Midnight Oil fans from around the globe as well as archival footage from a handful of the many such events staged by the band over the years.
WATCH THE VIDEO FOR ‘WE RESIST’ BELOW
The band also confirmed today that next Friday February 25th, they will announce a handful of June shows in North America and July shows in Europe as part of Midnight Oil’s final tour.
RESIST is Midnight Oil’s 15th studio release since they first exploded out of the post-punk scene back in 1978, blazing a singular trail of blistering gigs from Australia’s pubs and clubs to arenas and festivals around the world. It is a fitting, forward looking, statement for a band whose clarion call has always been “it’s better to die on your feet than live on your knees”. Featuring stellar production by Warne Livesey (DIESEL & DUST, BLUE SKY MINING, CAPRICORNIA) RESIST will be accompanied by some special live performances that will comprise the group’s final concert tour.
This new album was actually recorded in late 2019 and thus features long-time bass player, Bones Hillman, who sadly passed away 12 months later. Those sessions yielded 20 songs, but their release was delayed by the Covid pandemic. The first taste of this new work landed in late 2020 as THE MAKARRATA PROJECT – a mini-album featuring some of Australia’s finest First Nations musicians, and based on the themes of reconciliation, justice and truth-telling written in the Uluru Statement from the Heart. It debuted at #1 in the band’s homeland on the same weekend that Bones passed away and went on to be nominated for five ARIA Awards. Lead single ‘Gadigal Land’ (feat. Dan Sultan, Joel Davison, Kaleena Briggs and Bunna Lawrie) received the prestigious APRA Song Of The Year.
From the northern beaches of Sydney to the streets of Manhattan, Midnight Oil has stopped traffic, inflamed passions, inspired fans, challenged the concepts of “business as usual” and broken new ground. In 2017 the band returned from a 15-year hiatus for their Great Circle World Tour that encompassed 77 shows in 16 countries. The extraordinary audience and critical response to those shows lead to more European dates and an Australian outback gig in 2019 which then flowed into the recording sessions where RESIST was created. The album’s much anticipated release will therefore literally close the circle on this chapter of a truly extraordinary career.
The band also announced that this will be their final concert tour while making it clear that this does not mean the end of the Oils. Each of the members will continue their own projects over the years ahead. They remain very open to recording new music together in future and supporting causes in which they believe, but this will be their last tour. It will see them performing classic Midnight Oil songs from across their repertoire while also showcasing some urgent new works.
In the wake of last months acclaimed Tasmanian gigs, Midnight Oil also unveiled the full line up for each show of their imminent mainland tour, kicking off with sold out gigs in Newcastle and Wollongong next week. The dates will feature a broad palate of Australian sounds, from buzzing pub punks, Amyl & The Sniffers through the young surf rock of Darwin’s King Stingray to the mighty Hoodoo Gurus just as they launch their new album. Acclaimed singer/songwriters Jack River, William Crighton, Emily Wurramara, Stephen Pigram and Busby Marou will also appear, as will “Best Blues & Roots” ARIA winners, All Our Exes Live In Texas. Plus, the tour will feature a handful of rare reunion appearances by fellow 1980’s trailblazers, Goanna. Head HERE for tickets.
“If Resist is the end of the road for Midnight Oil, it’s one to treasure. “All that I have now is a souvenir of you,” Garrett notes in the Jim Moginie gem ‘Tarkine’. But there’s no doubt we still need them. As Garrett asks in the final track, ‘Last Frontier’: “Who fixes the messes that we keep making?” STACK
“If the first concert of Midnight Oil’s last tour was indicative of the 18 dates to follow, the Sydney-born band is fighting against the laws of rock ’n’ roll nature by going out on top… If you can, go.” The Australian
“Farewell tours often have one eye on the past and the other on the cash register – but if Midnight Oil’s show in Launceston on Sunday was any indication, they’re not coasting to the finish line.” The Guardian
“Midnight Oil’s farewell lap, to mark a new album, and preserve the legacy of their blistering live shows, was never going to be reflective and dewy-eyed.” Herald Sun
RESIST THE NEW ALBUM TRACK LISTING
Rising Seas
The Barka-Darling River
Tarkine
At the Time of Writing
Nobody’s Child
To the Ends of the Earth
Reef
We Resist
Lost At Sea
Undercover
We Art Not Afraid
Last Frontier
BUY / STREAM RESIST – CLICK HERE
MIDNIGHT OIL
RESIST: THE FINAL TOUR
FEBRUARY-APRIL 2022
Presented by Frontier Touring, Roundhouse Entertainment, Triple M (QLD, NSW, VIC & WA), Mix 106.3 (Canberra), Mix 92.7 (Sunshine Coast), Mix 104.9 (Darwin), Wave FM (Wollongong), Bay 93.9 + Geelong Advertiser (Geelong)
ALL SHOWS ON SALE NOW – CLICK HERE
Wednesday 23 February 2022
Newcastle Entertainment Centre, Newcastle, NSW
Previously SOLD OUT – FINAL tickets just released
Licensed All Ages
Presented by Triple M
Guests: William Crighton
ticketek.com.au | Ph: 132 849
Saturday 26 February 2022
Heifer Station, Orange, NSW*
Licensed All Ages
Presented by Triple M
Guests: Busby Marou and Emily Wurramara
ticketmaster.com.au | Ph: 136 100
Wednesday 2 March 2022
WIN Entertainment Centre, Wollongong, NSW
Previously SOLD OUT – FINAL tickets just released
Licensed All Ages
Presented by Wave FM
Guests: William Crighton
ticketmaster.com.au | Ph: 136 100
Saturday 5 March 2022
Mt Duneed Estate, Geelong, VIC*
Licensed All Ages
Presented by Triple M, Bay 93.9 + Geelong Advertiser
Guests: Goanna and All Our Exes Live In Texas
ticketmaster.com.au | Ph: 136 100
Wednesday 9 March 2022
Rod Laver Arena, Melbourne, VIC
SELLING FAST
Licensed All Ages
Presented by Triple M
Guests: Amyl & The Sniffers
ticketek.com.au | Ph: 132 849
Saturday 12 March 2022
All Saints Estate, Rutherglen, VIC*
Licensed All Ages
Presented by Triple M
Guests: Hoodoo Gurus and All Our Exes Live In Texas
ticketmaster.com.au | Ph: 136 100
Saturday 26 March 2022*
Nikola Estate, Swan Valley, WA
Licensed All Ages
Presented by Triple M
Guests: Goanna and Stephen Pigram
ticketmaster.com.au | Ph: 136 100
Wednesday 30 March 2022
Adelaide Entertainment Centre, Adelaide, SA
Licensed All Ages
Presented by Triple M
Guest: Jack River
ticketek.com.au | Ph: 132 849
Saturday 2 April 2022
Darwin Amphitheatre, Darwin, NT
Licensed All Ages
Guests: Busby Marou and Emily Wurramara
ticketek.com.au | Ph: 132 849
Wednesday 6 April 2022
Convention Centre Arena, Cairns, QLD
Licensed All Ages
Presented by Triple M
Guest: King Stingray
ticketek.com.au | Ph: 132 849
Saturday 9 April 2022
Sunshine Coast Stadium, Sunshine Coast, QLD
Licensed All Ages
Presented by Mix 92.7
Guests: Goanna and Jack River
ticketek.com.au | Ph: 132 849
Wednesday 13 April 2022
Riverstage, Brisbane, QLD
SOLD OUT
Licensed All Ages
Presented by Triple M
Guests: Busby Marou
ticketmaster.com.au | Ph: 136 100
FRI 15 April 2022
Bluesfest | Byron Bay NSW**
bluesfest.com.au/tickets
Tuesday 19 April 2022
Stage 88, Canberra, ACT
Licensed All Ages
Presented by Mix 106.3
Guests: Emily Wurramara and Jack River
ticketek.com.au | Ph: 132 849
Thursday 21 April 2022
Qudos Bank Arena, Sydney, NSW
SELLING FAST
Licensed All Ages
Presented by Triple M
Guests: King Stingray
ticketek.com.au | Ph: 132 849
*EVERY patron must have a ticket regardless of age, and under 18 patrons must be accompanied at all times by a responsible adult with their own ticket. This is a licensed, loud music event, staged over a long time: we recommend that this event is suitable for adults only.
**Not promoted by Frontier Touring
All shows subject to final regulatory approvals. Frontier Touring reserves the right to alter show details to comply with government and health regulations.
Patrons are advised to purchase tickets only through authorised ticket sellers.
We cannot guarantee any ticket purchase made through any means other than the official ticketing agents listed on the Frontier website.
MIDNIGHT OIL ANNOUNCE ‘RESIST’: THE NEW ALBUM. THE FINAL TOUR.
Been on the road for more decades than I can count – new chapter coming. Big love to my family, brothers in music, managers, crew and back of house teams, and, Oils fans everywhere. Onwards! www.midnightoil.com
MIDNIGHT OIL REJOIN THE FRAY WITH ‘RISING SEAS’
Every child put down your toys and come inside to sleep / We have to look you in the eye and say we sold you cheap
Let’s confess we did not act with serious urgency / So open up the floodgates to the Rising Seas
These are the opening lyrics from Midnight Oil’s provocative new single which lands on the eve of next week’s pivotal United Nations Climate Change conference (COP26). Ice sheets are melting with ‘temperatures rising’ and still Australia is dragging the global chain on real action on meaningful carbon emission targets. The uncompromising song adds the band’s unique voice to billions of others around the world seeking a safe, habitable, and fair future for our planet.
‘Rising Seas’ continues a proud history of ‘campaigning’ Oils anthems – from ‘US Forces’ through ‘Blue Sky Mine’ to their recent APRA Song Of The Year collaboration, ‘Gadigal Land’.
The song is also the first taste of a brand-new Midnight Oil studio album which was created at the same time as their collaborative chart topping THE MAKARRATA PROJECT that recently received five ARIA Award nominations. Both releases were recorded pre-Covid with now sadly missed bass player, Bones Hillman and producer Warne Livesey. This new LP was originally supposed to have been released earlier this month, but it has been moved to early next year when it can be accompanied by live shows including an appearance on Bluesfest at Easter. However, the band decided to drop this one song now given its particular relevance on the eve of the important summit meeting in Glasgow.
“’Rising Seas’ has been burning a hole in our pockets ever since we started tracking it two years ago,” explains guitarist/songwriter, Jim Moginie. “The climate crisis calls for a real sense of urgency so we decided not to wait any longer to share it.”
“We encourage everyone to make their voices heard in their own way on this existential issue,” says Midnight Oil frontman, Peter Garrett. “The Prime Minister is fiddling while Australia literally burns. Scott Morrison may have reluctantly accepted net zero emissions by 2050 at last but that’s nowhere near enough. No more coal or gas and a clear plan to cut carbon pollution by at least 65% below 2010 levels by 2030 is urgently needed. The rest of the world knows that our future will be all about renewable energy – that’s where the jobs are and that’s our only way to avoid a climate catastrophe. We all have a right to let our leaders know that they need to do much more to address carbon pollution. And they need to start right now.”
‘Rising Seas’ will be accompanied by a uncompromising video featuring footage gleaned from recent climate campaigns and a dynamic performance by Midnight Oil. The single’s striking artwork is by acclaimed Spanish artist Juanjo Gasull whose work has appeared in The New York Times, TIME, New York Magazine and The Guardian amongst others. The video for ‘Rising Seas’ was shot in Sydney in September and is directed by Hype Republic‘s Cameron March with Mac De Souza (Bra Boys) as executive producer. The clip features incredible stock footage provided by Greenpeace.
For more information about how to make a difference on climate go to www.acf.org.au www.greenpeace.org.au www.climatecouncil.org.au
WATCH THE OFFICIAL VIDEO FOR ‘RISING SEAS’
Produced by Hype Republic . Directed by Cameron March
Executive Producer: Macario De Souza . Producers: Michaela Le / Macario De Souza
Featuring footage courtesy of Greenpeace greenpeace.org.au
DOWNLOAD / STREAM ‘RISING SEAS’
TOURING
FRIDAY APR 15 BLUESFEST, BRYON BAY NSW
MIDNIGHT OIL & FIRST NATIONS COLLABORATORS NOMINATED FOR FIVE ARIA AWARDS
Congrat’s to Midnight Oil & First Nations Collaborators on receiving five ARIA Award nominations today for The Makarrata Project … Best Album, Best Rock Album, Best Group, Best Video and Best Live Act. The first 3 categories will be determined by peers but Best Video and Best Live will be decided by public vote. To have your say go to https://www.aria.com.au/vote. (From Oils HQ)
Children’s singer Aldebert and rocker Peter Garrett of Midnight Oil in duo to save the planet in the heart of an album with prestigious guests
With the climate crisis in full swing, having songs that get us going in the right direction seems more important than ever. When French kids music artist Aldebert asked me to collaborate on a pro environment track for his new record Enfantillage 4, my “yes!” came quickly. Also featuring Greta Thunberg’s stirring words, it’s already riding high in the charts with a Top 5 debut and hopefully inspiring a new generation in France and further afield to join in the fight for a safer world.
Makarrata Live Tour Collaborator Announce
Midnight Oil’s mini-album The Makarrata Project topped the ARIA charts last November. A powerful call for justice and recognition for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, it featured on most critics’ lists for ‘The Best of 2020’. Next month the band will finally bring that acclaimed new music – plus a slew of other iconic Midnight Oil Reconciliation songs – to Australian concert stages for five special outdoor events.
Today, Midnight Oil are excited to announce leading First Nations vocalists Dan Sultan, Alice Skye, Troy Cassar-Daley, Tasman Keith & Leah Flanagan will join the band for all Makarrata Live dates. Midnight Oil will also be joined onstage at all shows by backing vocalist Liz Stringer and saxophonist Andy Bickers. Coloured Stone’s legendary frontman, Bunna Lawrie, will also feature at the WOMADelaide performance.
In addition to appearing as part of the Oil’s set, Dan Sultan, Troy Cassar-Daley, Leah Flanagan and Alice Skye will also perform special guest slots of their own songs on select dates. For more information and all tickets head to www.midnightoil.com/tour.
Sydney bassist Adam Ventoura will also play with Midnight Oil at all these shows due to the sudden passing of longtime band member Bones Hillman late last year. Adam came to the band’s attention when he guested on a recording session at Jim Moginie’s studio involving “Diesel & Dub” creator Declan Kelly. Adam has previously toured with Cold Chisel’s Ian Moss. In addition to appearing at all the Makarrata Live gigs, he will also perform on the Saturday night at WOMADelaide when Midnight Oil will deliver a one-off set of Oils material that does not feature the Makarrata guests.
“It will be a moment heavy with emotion to go onstage without our long time brother in music, but Bonesy always made it clear he wanted these gigs to go ahead without him so we know he will be with us in spirit”, said frontman Peter Garrett. “We’ve just started rehearsing with Adam, who, amazingly, has been living under our noses in Sydney. There’s something primal about his playing that caught our ears that makes the band sound great.”
“We’re fortunate that so many of the collaborators on our mini-album can join us onstage for these shows and we remain hopeful that one or two more of our friends might be able to jump up with us here and there as well”, said drummer Rob Hirst. “The message of these songs feel increasingly relevant as public awareness of The Uluru Statement continues to grow. It’s time for Australia to stop dragging the chain on this issue and we call upon the government to begin the process of constitutional recognition for First Australians and to also heed their call for a Voice to the federal parliament.”
Tickets for Makarrata Live are on sale now for Sirromet Wines, Mount Cotton, Hope Estate, Hunter Valley and Stage 88, Canberra. The current Covid-safe capacity has almost been reached for Mt Duneed Estate, Geelong but organisers remain hopeful a limited number of additional tickets may also become available if Victorian Covid protocols are eased. As always fans are asked to avoid purchasing through reselling sites such as ViaGoGo which typically cost a lot more.
Raised between inner-city Melbourne and the Northern Territory town of Yuendumu, Dan Sultan began playing music at a young age. Inspired by classic guitar rock and the tribal culture of his heritage, Sultan quickly proved himself an Australian favourite, winning multiple ARIA awards, playing the country’s largest music festivals; also appearing in the film.
Looking forward to performing on these shows, Dan says “The best thing about doing some shows with Midnight Oil is that I get to see them live so much in such a short space of time. Oils concentrated. Can’t wait.”
Alice Skye is a Wergaia/Wemba Wemba person living and writing music in Naarm (Melbourne). Since her first album ‘Friends with Feelings’ she has signed with Bad Apples, the Indigenous-driven label that celebrates and prioritises black excellence. Alice’s upcoming sophomore album ‘I Feel Better but I Don’t Feel Good’ was produced by local artist Jen Cloher. Her work continues to look inwards and explores finding staunchness in softness.
Troy Cassar-Daley is a proud Gumbaynggirr/Bundjalung man who comes from a long line of storytellers. His songs authentically soundtrack the Australian culture, winning him numerous accolades including 37 Golden Guitars, 4 ARIAs, 2 APRA awards, 9 Deadlys (Australian Indigenous Artist Awards), 4 CMAAs, 2 NIMAs (National Indigenous Music Awards) as well as an induction into the prestigious Australasian Roll Of Renown. The latest addition to his legacy is his upcoming album The World Today (out March 19 through Sony Music).
Hometown pride runs deep for 24-year-old rapper Tasman Keith, whose music is indebted to giving back to the community that raised him. From a small town on New South Wales’ mid-North Coast, Keith is carrying on the Gumbaynggirr storytelling traditions of his family through his eclectic and emotive tracks.
Originating from Darwin, Leah Flanagan grew up in a household filled with music and culture – boasting a proud Italian, Indigenous (Alyawarre) and Irish heritage that she credits as early influences to her sound. Flanagan’s latest album ‘Colour By Number’ is out now through her own Darwin based, Indigenous owned and operated label Small Change Records.
Bunna Lawrie is a member and respected elder of the Mirning Aboriginal tribe from the Coastal Nullabor, South Australia. He is a Mirning whaledreamer and songman, medicine man and storyteller of his tribe. He is Coloured Stone’s founding member and chief songwriter.
These concerts seek to elevate The Uluru Statement From The Heart which calls for a Makarrata – or “truth-telling” – to account for the theft of lands and displacement of First Nations people.
For more information and all tickets head to www.midnightoil.com/tour.
MAKARRATA LIVE tour announcement
In early 2021 Midnight Oil will perform a handful of special outdoor concerts called MAKARRATA LIVE. At each show, the band will be joined on stage by an incredible lineup of First Nations collaborators for a unique concert event featuring music from their #1 mini-album The Makarrata Project plus iconic Midnight Oil songs of Reconciliation from throughout their career.
These gigs will seek to elevate The Uluru Statement From The Heart which calls for a Makarrata – or “truth-telling” – to account for the theft of lands and displacement of First Nations people. The shows will take place in strict accordance with each state’s Covid19 protocols. Due to the huge logistical challenges involved, these events will only be staged at one venue in SA, QLD, NSW, VIC & ACT making them each a unique live experience. The band is aware that many fans will be disappointed that the tour is visiting such a limited number of locations but Midnight Oil will tour in their own right later in 2021 by which time large indoor shows can hopefully be staged safely and without compromise throughout Australia and New Zealand at least.
MAKARRATA LIVE will be previewed at Sirromet Wines (near Brisbane) on Sunday 28 February, before its official world premiere on Monday 8 March in South Australia as part of a reimagined Womadelaide (at which the band will also perform a one-off headline performance two nights earlier). The MAKARRATA LIVE dates will then follow on at Hope Estate in the Hunter Valley on Saturday 13 March and Canberra’s Stage 88 on Wednesday 17 March before a grand finale at Geelong’s Mt Duneed Estate on Saturday 20 March. For full tour and ticketing info see below.
Midnight Oil originally planned to play some MAKARRATA LIVE concerts earlier this year including a headlining slot at Splendour In The Grass. Those plans were unfortunately delayed by Covid19 and were then thrown into doubt by the harrowing terminal illness of long-time bass player, Bones Hillman. However, Bones urged his bandmates to proceed with these live shows to help draw focus to the new recordings the group had all made together late last year. In fact, just a few hours before his tragic passing he received confirmation that The Makarrata Project had debuted at the top of the ARIA Album Charts. It was Midnight Oil’s first new music #1 since Hillman’s very first record with the band, Blue Sky Mining, way back in 1990.
“Bonesy leaves giant shoes to fill but we’ll need to find a new bass player for this tour”, said drummer Rob Hirst. “On this issue Bones was clear: ‘the show must go on!’, he said, ‘as soon as it’s safe to play gigs again’. We’re hoping that these Makarrata Live shows will increase awareness of The Uluru Statement From The Heart and further the reconciliation between First Nations and non-Indigenous Australians and we’ll also be dedicating the tour to Bones.”
TICKETING INFORMATION
For Womadelaide shows, event pre-sale starts 9:00am local time Wednesday 9 December and lasts for 24 hours or until allocation exhausted. Head to www.womadelaide.com.au/tickets for more info. Band pre-sale starts 9:00am local time Thursday 10 December and lasts for 24 hours or until allocation exhausted. Pre-sale information will be sent out via newsletter at 5:00pm AEDT on Wednesday 9 December, sign up via bit.ly/OilsNews. General public on sale from 9:00am local time Friday 11 December via www.midnightoil.com/tour.
For all other dates, fan pre-sale starts Monday 14 December from 11:00am local time, and ends after 24 hours or until allocation exhausted. Pre-sale information will be sent out via newsletter at 5:00pm AEDT on Sunday 13 December, sign up via bit.ly/OilsNews. General public on sale 2:00pm local time Wednesday 16 December via www.midnightoil.com/tour.
Bones Hillman 1958-2020
THE MAKARRATA PROJECT out now
ULURU STATEMENT FROM THE HEART
“We, gathered at the 2017 National Constitutional Convention, coming from all points of the southern sky, make this statement from the heart:
Our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander tribes were the first sovereign Nations of the Australian continent and its adjacent islands, and possessed it under our own laws and customs. This our ancestors did, according to the reckoning of our culture, from the Creation, according to the common law from ‘time immemorial’, and according to science more than 60,000 years ago.
This sovereignty is a spiritual notion: the ancestral tie between the land, or ‘mother nature’, and the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples who were born therefrom, remain attached thereto, and must one day return thither to be united with our ancestors. This link is the basis of the ownership of the soil, or better, of sovereignty. It has never been ceded or extinguished, and co-exists with the sovereignty of the Crown.
How could it be otherwise? That peoples possessed a land for sixty millennia and this sacred link disappears from world history in merely the last two hundred years?
With substantive constitutional change and structural reform, we believe this ancient sovereignty can shine through as a fuller expression of Australia’s nationhood.
Proportionally, we are the most incarcerated people on the planet. We are not an innately criminal people. Our children are aliened from their families at unprecedented rates. This cannot be because we have no love for them. And our youth languish in detention in obscene numbers. They should be our hope for the future.
These dimensions of our crisis tell plainly the structural nature of our problem. This is the torment of our powerlessness.
We seek constitutional reforms to empower our people and take a rightful place in our own country. When we have power over our destiny our children will flourish. They will walk in two worlds and their culture will be a gift to their country.
We call for the establishment of a First Nations Voice enshrined in the Constitution.
Makarrata is the culmination of our agenda: the coming together after a struggle. It captures our aspirations for a fair and truthful relationship with the people of Australia and a better future for our children based on justice and self-determination.
We seek a Makarrata Commission to supervise a process of agreement-making between governments and First Nations and truth-telling about our history.
In 1967 we were counted, in 2017 we seek to be heard. We leave base camp and start our trek across this vast country. We invite you to walk with us in a movement of the Australian people for a better future.”
For more info head to www.ulurustatement.org + www.fromtheheart.com.au.
Midnight Oil win Sydney Peace Foundation’s gold medal for human rights
Midnight Oil to receive the gold medal for human rights by the Sydney Peace Foundation for their “commitment to the pursuit of human rights over an extended period … with a powerful, far-reaching impact”.
For tickets to the live stream ceremony on Nov 26, click here.
Midnight Oil to receive the gold medal for human rights by the Sydney Peace Foundation for their “commitment to the pursuit of human rights over an extended period … with a powerful, far-reaching impact”.https://t.co/8Hfh9B1XNh
— Midnight Oil (@midnightoilband) October 13, 2020
Peter Garrett ‘Climate Politics in the Age of Emergency Address’
How can we develop a stand – up, fearless form of leadership that moves us beyond the failure of business/and partisan politics/ as usual?
The second part of the question: What does a climate emergency response look like?
As a young boy I loved walking through the bush, it made me feel alive, and heightened my awareness of the natural environment.
In my early adult years I came to understand how important the environment was to human health and happiness, and started working with environmental organisations whilst still making and performing music.
Climate change was known about, but sat under the radar. It seemed a long way away, the province of experts and scientists.
Over a decade and a half ago I entered the Federal parliament, primarily because Howard government were not taking the issue seriously. Climate change had become, as predicted, a major issue of concern.
On a sunny afternoon five and a half weeks ago, with the New Year barely underway, I stood aghast, looking towards the Kangaroo Valley escarpment, near where I live in southern NSW.
A massive blanket of smoke unlike anything I had ever seen, or imagined rimmed the rocky, wooded cliffs of the escarpment rising to 600 metres.
This was the Currowan mega fire, a big one amongst hundreds of bushfires alight and on the move down the eastern seaboard, and in four states across the country.
Despite the herculean efforts of firefighters -many volunteers – for weeks the smoldering giant had been advancing inexorably towards Kangaroo Valley village and its outlying hamlets.
As I watched, a deep orange glow like giant footlights on a stage illuminated the huge curtain of brown from the other side of the escarpment.
In a matter of minutes above the smoke blanket, a bundle of pyrocumulonimbus clouds formed, spiraling skyward as the fire spawned its own violent weather system.
A water bomber swooping over the ridges to drop its load was like a tiny insect spitting into the mouth of a dragon.
The fire had been declared catastrophic, lots of residents had left for safer locations – a difficult task as areas to the north, west and south were already ablaze – roads were blocked, birdcalls had been replaced by sirens.
A tipping point had been reached. We had lost control of the weather. An extra 1degree or so of heat already in the system was causing havoc.
The calamity we had been warned about for years had come to pass.
Whilst the fires raged, and people were evacuated by naval vessels from the coast, ice sheets were melting quicker, carbon dioxide filled oceans were turning to barren hot water. These phenomenons were part of the same process.
We were in a climate emergency.
The destruction of homes and farms, the decimation of wildlife, the collapse of local economies, are a reminder, as if one were needed, that the social, environmental and economic impacts, and hence costs, of climate chaos are astronomical.
Costs that will only rise unless we take urgent action now.
The Currowan mega fire ended up burning for over 70 days, leaving a trail of destruction in its wake. We were spared, others were not so lucky.
With more than 16 million hectares burned in hundreds of fires, cities shrouded in smoke with air quality plummeting, including in the nation’s capital, the climate crisis was literally in Australian’s backyards.
Then community spirit rallied, and the fireys toiled bravely day and night, showing our best qualities.
Yet none of this could undo a cataclysm that would affect people for decades. We were face to face with the future, a world of pain, heartache and harm. And this was only the beginning.
So how do we develop a stand up, fearless form of leadership, given the failure so far to implement any far-reaching national measures to help confront and minimize the impending climate apocalypse?
One thing is certain. We no longer have the luxury of prevarication or deferral, of wishful thinking or blind denial. The time for half measures and incremental action is well and truly over.
But there is hope too.
Consider the ‘thought’ and ‘action’ leaders in this Town Hall, including on the panels to come. There are plenty of fearless advocates right here, and I’ll draw on some of their insights today.
Still we need to ask ourselves why have we failed to deal satisfactorily with the climate crisis that is upon us?
Of the many reasons offered, from the disproportionate strength of the resources industry to voter apathy, the answer is that notwithstanding these and other factors, above all we are experiencing an abject failure of national leadership.
People are mobilizing. The environment has reemerged as a leading issue of concern and support for declaring a climate emergency is higher than ever.
The Governor of the Reserve Bank just yesterday called for certainty to allow the nation to exploit ‘fantastic’ renewable energy opportunities.
European governments are setting ambitious reduction targets, and renewable energy is now established as a cost effective way of producing electricity.
A number of local councils, regional, state and national governments, here and overseas, have ambitious greenhouse gas reduction targets, some have declared a climate emergency, and more will surely follow.
Yes the broad arc of history suggests that when enough people stand up, believe deeply and are willing to move mountains, then change will come.
And yes, one common element when the times demand that change is in different ways, leaders, both elected and unelected, are essential.
Yet in Australia the absence of such leadership is holding us back. As a New York Times headline said, “When will Australia’s PM Accept The Reality Of The Climate Crisis?”
Local and state governments, let alone communities and individuals, cannot do the heavy lifting required on their own.
Ultimately the only institution that can guide and underwrite a major challenge of the scale we face in the time we have left is the national government.
This crisis is also about our core Australian values.
Here surely it is a matter of returning to first principles, as understood in a religious, humanitarian or even planetary sense.
And if by these principles – say ‘do unto others’ or ‘do no harm’ or ‘protect all living things’ – a certain action is understood to be wrong, the task of opposing and putting it right is the only reasonable thing to do.
That and being willing to work in collaboration with others, cooperating to achieve together what one individual or group would struggle to do alone.
It is wrong to irresponsibly jeopardize the future by polluting the atmosphere to such an extent the world becomes a furnace, committing “national suicide”, as the Nobel Prize winning Australian researcher Professor Peter Doherty stated.
Who can deny this? Only those who betray the interests of their fellow citizens.
It is wrong to leave the poor, who can’t afford to cushion themselves against climate impacts, and less well off Pacific neighbours who played no part in bringing the world to the brink, with nowhere to turn.
Who can deny this? Only those with such rampant self – interest or blinkered ideology they persist even when the evidence is spray canned big on the wall. Their power and influence must be taken away.
It is wrong to frustrate real actions on reducing the risk of climate chaos, to pretend the situation is under control, and to sabotage international efforts to reach agreement on reducing emissions.
Who can deny this? Only those unfit to govern.
Leadership comes from every person who stands up, takes a principled stand and declares we must act now, as young people have begun to do.
Leadership comes from those who get involved and stay involved, whether in lobbying, education, or non-violent direct mass action – all worthwhile, all needed more than ever – until the race is won.
Leadership of this kind cannot be described down to the last detail, but I see it emerging from many different parts of the country.
I see it in the work of environmental organisations like the ACF, taking polluters to court, and Greenpeace, showing up to keep fossil fuel exploitation out of the Great Australian Bight. I see it in campaigns Like Stop Adani.
It is present in local governments and communities, and in this place today, even if still absent in the corridors of power in Canberra.
So what does a climate emergency response look like?
In 1942, Australian Labor Prime Minister John Curtin contemplated the threat of Japanese invasion.
To secure Australia’s survival would require nothing less he said, than “…the reshaping, the revolutionising, of the Australian way of life until a war footing is arrived at, quickly, efficiently and without question.”
This meant the resources of the state must be mobilized to that end above all others.
Climate chaos most resembles war in the scale of threats to humanity. We don’t have long, and the changes needed are far reaching. The climate emergency dictates the nation must go onto a ‘war’ footing.
So think John Curtin as Japan advanced in 1942, US president Franklin Delaware Roosevelt in the Depression, Winston Churchill in WW2, and more recently Jacinda Ardern at Christchurch.
What might a national leader determined to respond to the climate crisis actually do?
Here’s a scenario.
He/she walls into the House of Representatives and moves that Parliament:
‘Accepts the best scientific advice that to hold temperature increases in check to around 1.5 degrees and avert an increasingly dangerous climate crisis we must act immediately to reduce greenhouse gas emissions;
Recognizes that Australia is particularly vulnerable to climate chaos, caused by consistently hot weather nationwide, as evidenced recently by the largest, most destructive bushfires in living memory;
Understands that any delay imposes incalculable costs and greatly increases the risks to national security and the stability of our immediate region equivalent to war in terms of impacts;
Acknowledges that real action has been left to the eleventh hour, and that the unjust burden of repairing this negligence will increasingly fall upon the young;
Recommends to the House a joint sitting of the Parliament to declare a climate emergency, and approve plans to enable the Commonwealth government, working in partnership with state and local governments, large and small business, unions, farmers and the community, to deal with the crisis immediately. ‘
What follows?
A super department aligned to Treasury, similar to the Department of Post War Reconstruction headed up by Nugget Coombes in 1946, is formed with the specific task of implementing the transition.
A stand-alone ‘War’ Cabinet committee chaired weekly by the PM, charged with the responsibility of overseeing the new plan, ensuring Australia meets new ambitious emission reduction goals.
The Australian Defence Forces and the Army Reserve must be geared up to play a greater role, given climate chaos will put significant pressure on domestic infrastructure and emergency services, as well as the unpredictable ways it will reshape geopolitics in our region, including growing numbers of climate refugees.
The Council of Australian Governments (COAG) should be directed to ensure planning, investment and infrastructure decisions are aimed at smoothing the transition to zero emissions and managing climate chaos.
At a time of record low interest rates the government should issue long-term climate bonds to boost investment in new zero emission industries, and enact sensible tax reform measures targeted at unsustainable activities and free riders.
The economy should be stimulated by a massive public works scheme to build resilience to extreme climate, including the provision of large scale tree planting and vegetation management to draw down carbon already in the atmosphere, rehabilitating degraded waterways and landscapes, involving farmers and regional communities, with substantial participation by First Nation’s peoples.
A rapid transition out of coal, with an immediate moratorium on future coal, oil and gas developments, whilst increasing the target for renewables – the most successful measure for reducing emissions we’ve had so far – is essential.
A special transitions fund, with a minister responsible, for displaced workers to provide support, retraining opportunities and adjustment would be established.
Above all there should be a targeted price on carbon to enable a faster reduction in greenhouse pollution, with the revenue used to compensate those unduly affected, stimulate clean technologies and strengthen our physical and industrial infrastructure for the consequences of wild weather that’s coming.
Before the Gillard government’s scheme was bought down by a climate denying former Prime Minister – and let the record show it was Tony Abbot who destroyed the scheme – it actually worked. Emissions came down for the first time in years, and the sky didn’t fall in.
This is where future growth will be. New jobs are already being created in so many areas. Grey water specialists, builders expert in fire protection, manufacturers of new battery technologies, developers of solar farms.
These new jobs already exist. More will come.
So there is a positive future which is also kind to the planet.
And with leadership of people who care about the Great Barrier Reef, care about the fate of the world and the future of their children it will be realized.
People from all quarters; school students, senior citizens, in sports clubs, homes, farms, factories and boardrooms.
All of us naming the climate crisis a real emergency, demanding our leaders respond, ensuring this great challenge can be met and a safe future won.
But as the mega fires of 2020 showed us, there is no time to waste.
Midnight Oil 2020 update
Over the coming weeks, you’ll start hearing about some of the specific things we’re doing in 2020, so before all that starts we wanted to tell you directly about the broad brushstrokes.
After coming home from Europe via Birdsville in mid-2019 we started recording new music together for the first time in nearly two decades. Our mate Warne Livesey travelled from Toronto to Sydney to produce these sessions just as he did on Diesel & Dust, Blue Sky Mining and Capricornia. It felt good to be back in the studio, and intriguing to see where it all ended up.
We had over 20 songs we wanted to record and eight of them shared a strong focus on the issue of indigenous reconciliation, so we invited some of our First Nations friends to collaborate with us in various ways on each of these eight tracks. Our collective work will be released as a mini-album called The Makarrata Project in June/July. Band profits from this release will be donated to charities which elevate The Uluru Statement From The Heart (ulurustatement.org/the-statement). This mid-year release of The Makarrata Project will be accompanied by a small handful of themed live performances in Australia featuring some of the very special guests who helped create this mini-album.
Then toward the end of the year we’ll release a new Midnight Oil album which is currently at final mixing stage. This completely separate batch of material deals with various lyrical themes including climate chaos, no surprise after the mega fires we’ve just experienced in Australia. We plan to follow the album with lots more Australian and international touring across late 2020 and early 2021.
Over the next 12 months we will also be releasing various singles from both The Makarrata Project mini-album and the new Midnight Oil album. We’re seriously excited about all of these songs and the two separate works on which they will feature. Stay tuned for more detailed announcements about our new music and our touring plans. Thanks in the meantime for your patience … we know it’s been a long wait but good things take time!
Very Best
Midnight Oil
