Selfless Orchestra stand with Traditional Owners with disruptive new single and fundraising event
Western Australian post-rock collective Selfless Orchestra are set to release their new single Absonant on Wednesday, November 6, ahead of their second album Terra Nullius.
The single release will be followed by a fundraising launch at Fremantle Arts Centre on Saturday, November 16 supporting Save Our Songlines, an initiative fighting to protect Murujuga, a site of ancient Aboriginal rock art threatened by fossil fuel mining on the Burrup Peninsula. Co-presented with Disrupt Burrup Hub, the night will celebrate the ongoing fight to protect the region, with all proceeds going to the traditional owners involved in the Save Our Songlines campaign.
Known for their socially conscious music and immersive live shows, Selfless Orchestra use cinematic visuals to create multi-sensory experiences that advocate for environmental and social justice. The group is made up of musicians from bands including Karnivool, Injured Ninja, Last Quokka, Usurper of Modern Medicine and Perth Symphony Orchestra.
Guitarist and band leader Steven Alyian explained that Absonant addresses the colonial term ‘Terra Nullius’—or ‘land belonging to no one’—which ignored the land rights of indigenous Australians and continues to have lasting effects. “This song, like all others on our upcoming album, responds to the impact the designation ‘Terra Nullius’ has had on the relationship to our land and the traditional owners of these places,” he said.
At nearly seven minutes, Absonant expresses sorrow and rage over the destruction of sacred lands while also conveying hope that harmony can be restored. Alyian originally wrote the song on guitar while working on activist projects in the central desert before expanding it into its final orchestral form with the band.
The release of Terra Nullius comes off the back of their debut album Great Barrier, which was released in 2020 and focused on raising awareness about the degradation of the Great Barrier Reef and raising funds for its restoration.
Selfless Orchestra’s new single Absonant is out on Wednesday, November 6, followed by a fundraising launch show Fremantle Arts Centre on Saturday, November 16, 2024. For more info and to buy tickets, head to fac.oztix.com.au