One of Australia’s most vital voices, Mo’Ju today releases their powerful new live album Mo’Ju with the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra (Double J Live at the Wireless) via ABC Music
Their work has achieved critical acclaim, commercial success and an impressive swag of awards and nominations – including the Melbourne Prize for Music, wins at the NIMAs, Dreamtime Awards, AWMAs, APRA, NLMAs, AIR, J Awards and Music Victoria – alongside four ARIA nominations and a shortlist spot for the Australian Music Prize in 2023.
Now, Mo’Ju adds an orchestral live album to their repertoire, capturing a landmark 2023 performance at Melbourne’s iconic Hamer Hall and presenting reimagined arrangements of their most powerful works, including the stirring, soul-charged anthem ‘Change Has To Come’ – a song about resilience, accountability and the urgent need for collective action and social transformation.
WATCH THE LIVE PERFORMANCE OF ‘CHANGE HAS TO COME’ HERE
Mo’Ju speaks on the relevance of this single today, “When I started writing this song, 5 or so years ago, I could see the world heading down a particular path that deeply concerned me. Now, in many ways things are much worse than I imagined they could be. From the genocide in Gaza, the Anti-Immigration protests here, to the persistent attacks on First Nations and Trans people everywhere. Things seem to have gone from bad to worse.
As such, I believe the song is even more relevant than ever before. I’d like to think that people might be able to find a message of hope and a call to action in this song.”
The inability to categorise where an artist such as Mo’Ju fits has been a common narrative throughout their career. However, the Naarm-based musician, songwriter, storyteller and third-culture kid (Filipino/Wiradjuri) is not here to be boxed in or commodified. Their music is created in alignment with a central artistic vision built on truth, authenticity and, most importantly, legacy.
Their fourth studio album, Oro, Plata, Mata, featuring ‘Change Has To Come,’ was released in 2023 to widespread acclaim. The album’s launch was marked by two extraordinary performances at the Sydney Opera House and Hamer Hall where Mo’Ju’s full seven-piece band was joined by the Sydney and Melbourne Symphony Orchestras. Around 70 musicians filled the stage each night, delivering completely reimagined versions of the songs.
The collaboration with the MSO, arranged by composer Jamie Messenger and brought to life under the baton of conductor Nicholas Buc, offers a breathtaking fusion of Mo’Ju’s visceral, genre-defying artistry with the lush, cinematic scope of a full symphony orchestra. The result is a performance that amplifies the emotional weight and urgency of Mo’Ju’s music while unveiling new sonic dimensions to their acclaimed catalogue.
Mo’Ju will present an intimate stripped-back show – just piano and vocals – at Castlemaine and the OzAsia Festival this October. Due to unforeseen logistical and planning challenges, the scheduled Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane and Tasmania shows have been cancelled. All tickets purchased will be automatically refunded at the point of purchase
LISTEN TO ALBUM HERE
ALBUM TRACKLISTING:
HISTORY
OKAY
ORO GOLD
SWAN SONG
CHANGE HAS TO COME
MATA THE FUTURE
PLATA SOMETHING TO BELIEVE IN
NATIVE TONGUE
LEAVE IT ALL
SAINT VALENTINES
WORLD WOULD END
MONEY
GET FOOLED
FAR TOO LATE
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