On March 5th, the Julia Stone-curated bush fire relief charity album Songs for Australia will be released. The record features contributions from a slew of the finest names in music, like Kurt Vile, Petit Biscuit, Damien Rice, Martha Wainwright and more.
We’ve already had a taste of what’s in store for us with Julia Stones cover of Midnight Oil’s ‘Beds Are Burning’, now we’ve been gifted with The National’s interpretation of the classic INXS ballad, ‘Never Tear Us Apart’. It’s a slow-burning, moody take on the original, and you can check it out below.
Listen: The National – ‘Never Tear Us Apart’
Songs For Australia will benefit those “who are working towards creating a better future for the country and helping to rebuild during and after the bushfire crisis.” Money raised from the sales are set to benefit the following organisations: Firesticks, Landcare Australia, SEED, Emergency Leaders for Climate Action, WildArk, and NSW RFS.
“I received the most heart-warming replies from the biggest, busiest artists in the world. Most of these artists have toured here, have family here, friends here, have lived here or spent time here,” Julia Stone shared of the album.
“Everyone has such great memories of this country and to see it in flames was breaking everyone’s hearts. I often got the response that people were so happy to be offered the opportunity to do something. Everyone feels helpless in times like this.”
Other covers set to feature on the album include Nick Cave’s ‘Stranger Than Kindness’ covered by Kurt Vile, Sia’s ‘Chandelier’ covered by Damien Rice, Matt Corby’s ‘Resolution’ by Dermot Kennedy and The Go-Betweens ‘Streets Of YOur Town’ by Dope Lemon.
The National will be gracing Australian shores next month for a national tour with support from Phoebe Bridgers. You can find all the tour dates below.
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The National 2020 Australian Tour
Supported by Phoebe Bridgers
Saturday 21 March
Fremantle Arts Centre, Fremantle
Tickets: Handsome Tours
Tuesday 24 March
ICC Sydney Theatre, Sydney
Tickets: Handsome Tours
Wednesday 25 March
ICC Sydney Theatre, Sydney
Tickets: Handsome Tours
Friday 27 March
Fortitude Music Hall, Brisbane
Tickets: Handsome Tours
Monday 30 March
Palais Theatre, Melbourne
Tickets: Handsome Tours
Tuesday 31 March
Palais Theatre, Melbourne
Tickets: Handsome Tours
Wednesday 1 April
Palais Theatre, Melbourne
Tickets: Handsome Tours
