Shane Howard

In 1982, Shane Howard's massive anthem "Solid Rock" from the album "Spirit of Place", (recorded with his legendary band "Goanna"), reverberated across the airwaves and still does today. A prolific songwriter, he and his songs continue to champion the cause of the underdog, provide meaningful insights into the human spirit and interpret the Australian landscape in a way that has helped to build a bridge between Aboriginal and non Aboriginal peoples. A number of his songs have been recorded by artists in Australia and beyond. Howard continues to pay homage to the culture of his Irish ancestors and the culture of the Aboriginal people whose land he lives on. He combines a deep understanding of poetic and musical folk traditions and captures something essential of the spirit of Australia in words and music. Nevertheless, his songs also have a global reach. As well as his numerous solo albums, 3 Goanna albums and endless compilation albums, he has produced for Mary Black, Archie Roach, The Pigram Brothers, Joe Geia and many more, predominantly Aboriginal, artists. He is also Co-Music Director for the Black Arm Band, founding member of the Tarerer Gunditj Project Association and Tarerer Cultural Festival, a devoted environmental and Aboriginal rights campaigner and committed communitarian. A quiet but passionate rebel, he has lived and worked in Australia's cities and remote communities and felt the pulse of the country from within the landscape. A treasured Australian songwriter speaking with first hand knowledge of his subject matter.