There are times when the world can feel like a pretty awful and unforgiving place. It can seem like every time you turn on the TV, there are people promoting hate (especially right now), or there are constant reminders of just how dangerous the world can be.
Thankfully though, there are plenty of artists out there doing their best to be part of a movement for positive change. Many Australian bands are becoming fed up with the constant barrage of negativity and fear in the world, and have been doing everything within their power to promote some much-needed goodness.
One of the most prevalent artists promoting positive change in Australia right now is Cub Sport, whose support of the LGBTQI+ community have made them household names recently. To celebrate the release of the group’s second album, BATS, and the announcement of their upcoming national tour, we’ve decided to take a look at five Australian bands who are using their position in the public spotlight to promote positive change.
Cub Sport
Cub Sport started life as Cub Scouts back in 2010, but even with a name change, the group’s desire to make uplifting indie-pop music has never wavered. In addition to their music though, recent years have seen the group become well known for their tireless support and love of those within the LGBTQI+ community.
With Cub Sport’s Tim Nelson and Sam Netterfield announcing their engagement in July, the group have been increasingly vocal about their attitudes towards same-sex marriage, and the current plebiscite in Australia. Just last month, the group took to Facebook to condemn the “cruel” and “hazardous” nature of the SSM plebiscite, calling it an “unnecessary and hazardous way forward”.
Sadly though, the group’s efforts have not always been met with open minds and hearts. Back in February, the group received a barrage of hate from people who opposed the group’s desire for people to stop referring to things as ‘retarded’ or ‘gay’. Thankfully, this hate has made the group’s focus on positive change even stronger. Now, with their brand new album BATS out now, the group are set to head out on tour at the start of 2018, bringing their message of hope, love, positivity, and equality to the people.
Camp Cope
It’s a sad fact that whenever anyone goes to a gig, they run a very real risk of being assaulted, attacked, or harmed in some way. While it’s not a new trend, the modern age we live in allows for these heinous acts to receive greater attention, and thankfully allows for those responsible to be called out and brought to justice.
As we reported earlier this year, numerous artists, such as Melbourne’s Camp Cope, have joined the #ItTakesOne campaign, intended to make everyone more safe at gigs. Camp Cope’s end goal is obviously to see this behaviour stamped out completely, but the #ItTakesOne campaign’s first step is to ensure that environments exist in which this behaviour is not tolerated at all. With the rising popularity of the campaign, we’re becoming ever-closer to a point in which we will hopefully never have to hear about people being assaulted at gigs.
Zoenmind
Poor mental health is one of the most prevalent issues affecting Australians today. While plenty of public figures and Australian bands have done what they can to ensure people are cared for and that they don’t suffer in silence, there are others out there who are attempting to help in a relatively different way.
Jon Reichardt has worked with a number of big names in the Aussie music industry, such as Bliss N Eso, 360, and the Hilltop hoods, but his newest project is a far cry from the Australian hip-hop scene. Zoenmind is Reichardt’s attempt at promoting mindfulness and aiding those who suffer from poor mental health through the means of music. Delivered by way of ambient electronics, Zoenmind’s Autumn Bells aims to bring levels of positivity and mindfulness to those who need it in a calm, soothing manner.
A.B. Original
Briggs & Trials have undoubtedly made names for themselves in recent years as one of Australia’s most talented new hip hop outfits, but also as one of our country’s foremost advocates for Indigenous rights. Using their position in the national spotlight, and the acclaim that came with their brilliant 2016 album Reclaim Australia, A.B. Original have been doing everything he can to not only promote Indigenous talent, but to also help stamp out racism in Australia. From pointing out why the Australian constitution is actually pretty racist, to calling out those who still inexplicably think blackface is an acceptable way to dress, Briggs especially has made his thoughts pretty clear, while also doing a superb job educating people while he’s at it.
With the group’s lead single ‘January 26’ serving as a convincing argument for the movement to change the date (of both Australia Day and triple j’s Hottest 100), Briggs and Trials are undoubtedly one the greatest social campaigners that Australia has seen in years.
Vance Joy
Let’s be fair, ticket scalping is one of the most frustrating aspects of being a music fan. You could spend hours in front of your computer, getting ready to buy tickets to an upcoming gig, only to see that scalpers have beaten you to the punch, and have listed those same tickets for thrice the price on resale sites.
One of the most recent artists to come out against this wholly unfair practice is Vance Joy. As reported a couple of days ago, Vance Joy has partnered up with ticket resale service Twickets to ensure that those who wish to purchase or sell tickets to his upcoming concerts don’t get ripped off, or manage to rip anyone else off. It is a much-needed approach to ticket sales in Australia, and here’s hoping that Vance Joy’s involvement in the service leads to most, if not all, musicians supporting a platform like this, crushing those awful scalpers in the process.
Cub Sport ‘BATS’ Tour 2018
Friday, February 23rd, 2018
Jack Rabbit Slims, Perth, WA (18+)
Saturday, February 24th, 2018
Fat Controller, Adelaide, SA (18+)
Saturday, March 3rd, 2018
The Corner, Melbourne, VIC (18+)
Sunday, March 4th, 2018
The Corner, Melbourne, VIC (Under 18s matinee)
Saturday, March 10th, 2018
The Triffid, Brisbane, QLD (AA)
Saturday, March 17th, 2018
The Metro Theatre, Sydney, NSW (AA)
Tickets on sale now from Cub Sport’s website
