1000 musicians, 300 homes, 60 countries… all for one act of welcome you don’t want to miss.
Amnesty International and Sofar Sounds have joined forces to create small-scale gigs taking place all across the world on the same night, to support refugees worldwide. It’s happening on 20 September and people have until 10 September to win two tickets to a gig in their city.
As Stonefield gear up to play in Melbourne, band members Amy, Hannah, Sarah and Holly took time out to answer five questions on why they wanted to get involved.
1. What have you guys been up to lately?
We’ve been cooking up some new music! We’re really happy with how it’s turned out so far and we can’t wait until we can share it with everyone. We also went back to the States this year supporting Meat Puppets, King Gizzard and did a few shows of our own in between. We ended the tour in Japan, which was insane and we were stoked to be asked to play a show there. It was a very different and special experience.
2. You’re supporting Amnesty and refugee rights at a ‘Give a Home’ gig in Melbourne on 20 September. Why did you want to get involved with the project?
We’re really excited to be involved in this project, so thanks for having us! It’s a very important issue that affects so many people. We can’t imagine having to go through what these people go through. To have to flee your homeland to seek a place where you feel protected, safe and to not live everyday in fear would be traumatising and heartbreaking.
Everyone deserves to feel safe. We’re glad we can be a part of this project to raise the awareness it deserves on such horrible circumstances.
3. The ‘give a home’ gigs are happening all across the world on the same night, and only 100 or so lucky people get to attend each one! It’s also at a secret location — it could be someone’s living room or backyard. How does that change the dynamic when performing?
It’s more intimate and special! Everyone will be there for the same reasons. It will be a great atmosphere knowing we’re raising awareness and money for something so important.
4. If you could send a message to people trying to seek asylum across the world, what would it be?
We’re sorry you have to go through this and don’t give up on what we hope will be a much better life for you and your loved ones.
5. What’s your message to Australians who care about people seeking asylum?
People wouldn’t risk their lives seeking asylum if they felt like they had no other choice due to the horrific circumstances of the country in which they live.
It’s important and wonderful there are people who recognise and understand the situation these people are put in. We’re lucky we live in a country where for the most part, we feel safe and protected. Everyone deserves to feel the same.
Thanks, Stonefield!
