PICK OF THE WEEK: "It's Not For You"

So many of my (Ben’s) favourite musical artists were always women. Growing up in a family of strong women meant I didn’t see anything unusual about women speaking their minds, following their passions.

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I found that where men often formed bands that focussed on swagger, partying and bravado, music by women often reflected more complex themes and feelings. I felt at home in the emotional complexity often more present in music created by women.

It’s this complexity that is explored and celebrated in Kelly-Dawn Hellmrich’s new book “It’s Not For You: Inside the Artists Rewriting the Rules of the Australian Music Scene”. Kelly was the bass player in Camp Cope and has a wealth of wisdom and experience both from her experience in a band, but also as a community organiser and overall empath.

She shares her own reflections and stories alongside great, deep chats with artists like Amy Taylor (Amyl and the Sniffers), Angie McMahon, BARKAA, Georgia Maq and Sarah Thompson (Camp Cope), Courtney Barnett, Julia Jacklin, Kira Puru and Sarah Blasko.

I honestly can’t recommend it highly enough. Our industry still has a lot of work to do as far as inclusivity. But it is also heartening to hear women talk about the battles that have been won, the changes that have come to pass, and the communities that have been formed in response to marginalisation.

Purchase “It’s Not For You” HERE

Also out today, a new mini Listener Question episode, where a listener asks for our recollections of songwriting legend Jill Sobule.

And why not give the Jill Sobule album I produced “Nostalgia Kills” while youre at it!

Tickets on sale NOW for me and Georgia Maq’s “Two Most Annoying People You Love” tour!