For many of us, Australia Day is nothing more than a bonus– a cheeky sequel to the Christmas and New Year’s festivities that allows us to squeeze one more party into the height of our summer.

For many of us, the roots of the day don’t even cross our minds - let alone how those roots could be perceived when viewed through the eyes of the original owners of this country, the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.

This January 26^th, The Medics release ‘Wake Up’ to let you know where they stand on the issue. It’s a beautiful song and, beyond that, it’s food for thought – do yourself a favour and wrap your ears around it:

We caught up with Kahl Wallis, singer/songwriter from The Medics and Blue King Brown’s Carlo Santos (who produced the track) to discuss art, politics and the mysterious world of 432hz….

Carlo Santos:  I think it’s easy to frame conscious artists as political artists, speaking for myself, what we actually are, are freedom fighters, justice seekers, truth tellers and the key issue is the elevation of our minds to reach a place where compassion, community and humanity and connection to life and the planet as one are the priorities above money, greed, destruction, violence and corporate rule.

Kahl Wallis:  Yeah I agree with you Carlo, as a young musician learning about the continuation of the struggle of human rights like genocide, hunger, health and women’s rights has been huge.  As a band we are also really passionate about environmental issues that affect land and sea.  So much damage is being done through coal seam gas mining, pollution, overfishing by super trawlers, whaling, poaching and shark finning and the general disrespect for the Great Barrier Reef makes us angry. 

Aboriginal & Torres Strait Island land rights are REALLY important. Deaths in custody, youth suicide affect us to the core

Kahl Wallis:  Art and music provide a large platform to raise awareness of political issues and as Carlo mentioned, you can reach a wide audience with what is important to us creative artists.

Carlo Santos: Through the art forms we are able to express freely, in that space politics can’t rule us or control us, they can try, but it doesn’t work. Therefore through artistic mediums we can change the vibration, tap in to people’s emotions and minds in a different way to what is force fed by corporate politicians. We are beings that react to frequency and sound, what better way than to send a positive message via music, which is such a powerful vibration! The people know this, that’s why they go to gigs! They are seeking elevation! Visual Art affects us in a similar way, it taps into a part of our mind that is craving creative stimulation.

Carlo Santos: Miles Davis changed my whole perception of music - he blew the doors right open - amongst other records of his, albums like Bitches Brew & In a Silent way are true mastery.

Bob Marley tapped into my soul and showed me that music can be one of the most effective ways to unite.

Kahl Wallis: Aboriginal music history in Australia – artists like Bunna Lawrie (Coloured Stone), Yothu Yindi, Warumpi Band and Vic Simms were important to all the community and helped raise awareness of Aboriginal rights and in our people being “seen and heard” by mainstream Australia. 

Like Carlo, Bob Marley but also also Bob Dylan, John Lennon and Rage Against the Machine were early influences as to the power of meaningful music and lyrics to influence change and get a message heard.

Kahl Wallis:  For the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples of this country Australia Day is not a day of celebration; it is a day of mourning. As the country gathers together they commemorate colonization. The 26 January is a day of sadness, grief, and most importantly of remembrance. It is a sacred day for our people to pay respect to those we lost and to support our brothers and sisters who continue to suffer now. The time has come for us as a country to WAKE UP to our history, change the date and start to heal the country.

Carlo Santos: To me, Wake Up is an impassioned cry out to look outside the box of mainstream society and see that there is a new future available to us, and to not wait around for someone to create that reality. To be that reality. Original nations of this land (known as Australia) hold a knowledge and connection to country that is far deeper than what mainstream society would have us believe. I hope that the song can steer people in the direction of acknowledging that, supporting that, and also seeking that connection for themselves by learning and engaging more with original nations. With that connection, the illusion of the system we live in will continue to reveal it’s seriously flawed self. Wake UP is an epic track, and is a prime example of living a life without being controlled. That the track is being dropped on survival day, 26th Jan, draws much needed attention to the reality that it’s time Australia acknowledges the severe insensitivity of celebrating ‘Australia’ the way it does, on that particular day. We need a more inclusive and aware society if we are really to move forward together.  #WAKEUP

Kahl Wallis : We felt it was time to create music that is harmoniously tuned to the universe & spirit. Alignment of music, colour & sound, inviting the listener into a deeper connection with the song. Taking the music experience to another level of consciousness & awakening. As creative & conduits of song “Wake Up” has inspired us & opened our hearts to unseen possibilities with our music.

Here’s why you should convert your music to 432hz

Carlo Santos:  Yeah, that link above explains things. especially to someone who is not a musician.  I was happy when Kahl said he wanted to record at 432hz, and that everyone was instantly willing.  Its the first recording I’ve actively done at that frequency and just adds more realness & truthful intention to the song.

If you’re keen to read more, check out New Matilda