New Green Guide for Aussie Musicians Launches

Green Music Australia’s new “Sound Country: A Green Artist Guide” provides a practical solution for musicians to learn how to reduce their carbon footprint.

It also details how artists can take audiences on the journey with them.

“Sound Country” covers everything from corner pub gigs to stadium rock tours, from incorporating more sustainable practices into their touring operations to becoming vocal ambassadors for change.

Its authors are festival promoter and arts executive Rhoda Roberts AO; freelance facilitator and environmental consultant Matt Wicking who has a Masters of Environment; and Green Music Australia CEO Berish Bilander who is a composer and pianist.

Roberts said working on the project was “an extraordinary experience” and hails GMA’s “desire to reset consciousness around our nation’s identity, cultural values and environmental change.”

Musicians providing input are David Bridie, Allara Briggs Pattison, Jen Cloher, Jessica Cerro (Montaigne), Lisa Mitchell, Missy Higgins, Regurgitator, Sally Seltmann, and Tim Hollo.

Content is grouped into six key areas: First Nations First, waste reduction, low-carbon transport, sustainable food, ethical merchandise, and climate advocacy. 

Each includes case studies, the latest scientific evidence, and a comprehensive solutions section, with simple strategies and advice on how to implement eco-friendly practices. 

For instance, musicians can green their ticketing by directing a small portion of their ticketing revenue to environmental action.

This can be partnered with Plus1, a platform created by musicians for musicians, to commit $1 from every concert or event ticket sold to their favourite environmental group.

A partnership with Feat. Live’s Solar Slice can implement a 1.5% ticketing surcharge that will fund crucial carbon reduction measures for the live music and entertainment sector.

Or they can work with non-profit ticketing providers like Humanitix who put their profits towards sustainable projects, such as literacy programs for young women.

The guide suggests releasing music online over physical formats, with digital downloads the greenest way to share music.

NFTs are the cool thing for the moment. But as the guide says, “Environmentally, right now, most NFTs look pretty bad. 

“Just like cryptocurrencies (such as Bitcoin) NFTs verify transactions on the blockchain (like an electronic record book) with the use of massive networks of computers, solving a cryptographic puzzle via a process called ‘Proof of Work’. 

“As the name suggests, it requires extreme amounts of computer processing work which chews up loads and loads of energy.”

An option for merchandise means brands that use organic cotton or hemp, recycled content, and fair trade working conditions. 

Some merch providers are integrating greener options into their offerings but these mean a greater expense.

In addition,” If you have old merch that didn’t sell, repurpose it!. The 1975 reprinted new designs onto their old t-shirts, saving money and avoiding waste. 

“Opera North used old costumes to make beeswax wraps. Or consider incorporating an environmental message into your merch, like WAAX or Alison Wonderland.”

Designed by Melbourne Illustrator and printmaker Steph Hughes, Sound Country has an interactive website, online shareable PDF, infographic and social media content.

“Being a travelling musician with a conscience, it’s so great to have GMA providing us (and our fans) with some specific resources with which we can try to tread more lightly on the planet.” says Missy Higgins. 

Regurgitator call it “the perfect starting point to finding ways to consider touring and overall music industry practices with greater awareness, intent and reform in seeking a future for those to come.” 

“Sound Country” is launches July 18 at the Northcote Social Club in Melbourne, and is supported by the Victorian Government through Creative Victoria.