WORLD’S FIRST ENVIRONMENTAL MUSIC PRIZE ANNOUNCES FINALISTS AND OPENS PUBLIC VOTING

This week the Environmental Music Prize reveal their incredible list of finalists for the inaugural $20,000 prize. From Australian icon Paul Kelly to 15-year-old songwriter Rory Phillips, from leading indie-pop heroes Jack River and Lime Cordiale, rock heroes Eskimo Joe and King Gizzard and the Lizard Wizard, metal outfit In Hearts Wake and the children of Yothu Yindi, Aboriginal rock band King Stingray – the finalists highlight the immense passion Australians of all ages have for the environment. The full list of artists and songs can be found below.

We are at a crucial moment in history. One that requires us to change our behaviour rapidly and move billions of people from apathy to action. What if we unleashed the power of music, to conquer hearts and minds and, in the process, inspired millions to defend the fragile ecosystems that sustain all life on earth?

Launched during the UN Climate Summit last year, The Environmental Music Prize is a global first call-to-action for artists to create powerful music videos that celebrate nature and encourage us to do our part to look after our environment.

Founded by Edwina Floch, the Environmental Music Prize was created when she realised there wasn’t a notable climate anthem. In the following twelve months, the prize was created, received over 200 entries from Australia’s leading songwriters, and secured partnerships with music bodies and environmental groups across the globe.

“We need messages of hope – ones that touch us deeply, capture our imagination and enable us to dream big. By focusing the creative genius of many songwriters, singers, musicians and content creators on environmental issues, and by partnering with aligned organisations and community groups, we hope to propel a few climate anthems into the mainstream and empower a diverse group of artists to activate their audiences,” says Edwina.

With 24 phenomenal songs in the running to receive the inaugural award, voting is now open to the public to select their favourite song and find Australia’s next climate anthem. Voting closes midnight Sunday 15th May.

BE INSPIRED – VOTE HERE

In its first year, the prize received over 200 incredible entries reflecting a diverse range of musical styles from artists across the country.

Finalists were selected by a pool of experienced music industry experts and environmental leaders including music ambassadors Montaigne, Anna Lunoe, Heidi Lenffer (Cloud Control), music industry experts (triple j, Double J, APRA AMCOS, Nightlife Music), and environmental champions (Greenpeace, WWF, Australian Youth Climate Coalition, Ocean Impact Organisation, Green Music Australia and School Climate Strikers).

The public will be invited to:

• Watch these inspiring music videos

• Vote for their three favourite songs

• Build a playlist that make them reflect and take action

FINALISTS

Billy Otto CAN’T TAKE THE OCEAN OUT OF ME

Briggs and Tim Minchin HOUSEFYRE

Ciaran Gribbin WHAT IF

Eskimo Joe SAY SOMETHING

Holy Holy HELLO MY BEAUTIFUL WORLD

Holy Holy PORT ROAD

In Hearts Wake WORLDWIDE SUICIDE