David Bridie
With a career spanning Not Drowning, Waving, My Friend The Chocolate Cake, acclaimed film soundtracks and solo work, David Bridie has long woven politics, place and poetry into his music. Fresh from an artist residency in Antarctica and ongoing collaborations with First Nations and Pacific musicians, he brings a powerful new set of songs shaped by climate frontlines, social conscience and intimate stories to the Dorrigo Folk & Bluegrass Festival this October.
What: Dorrigo Folk & Bluegrass Festival
Where: Dorrigo Showground
When: 23-25 Oct
Q: With such a long and diverse career, what creative territory are you exploring in your newest music that feels different from what you’ve done before?
A: Back in 2024 I spent several weeks in Antarctica as the official Artist In Residence. I spent time making field recordings, talking with the scientific community down there and writing music. The experience had a profound effect on me and it has influenced my subsequent work in many ways. I still spend a lot of time in the Pacific and while the environments are wildly different, they are both places where the impact of climate change is acutely apparent. Maybe there’s a sharper edge to my recent work as I grapple with these influences.
Q: Your work has always carried a strong sense of ethics and social conscience. How are those values showing up in the new songs you’re bringing to this years Dorrigo Folk & Bluegrass Festival?
A: Thanks for saying that. Of course part of the music industry can be pretty devoid of ethics, so I’m more picky about what I do, but Dorrigo is a no brainer. Last year I was one of a group of artists who removed my catalogue from Spotify because of their links to weapons manufacturers (and the appalling rates they pay musicians), and I’m much more interested in connecting with audiences in real time, and in real places.
Q: Dorrigo has a very intimate, community-focused atmosphere. How does that setting influence your live set, especially drawing on such a broad back catalogue?
A: Last year I released an album of work from my back catalogue “On Karen’s Piano” that I re-worked for just me, piano and ambient textures. I’m really proud of that record as I think it found a different level of intimacy and directness in those songs. I made it in honour of a good friend who passed away way too early, and I recorded it in her home on her much beloved grand piano. So that record certainly is a good indication of my current live set. I might also include a new song or two that emerged recently when we reformed Not Drowning Waving and made a new album “Malira”.
Q: You’ve championed First Nations and Pacific musicians through Wantok Musik and recently worked on the “David Gulpilil Journey Home” documentary soundtrack. Are there particular new pieces or musical stories from that ongoing work that you’re especially excited to share with the Dorrigo audience in October?
A: Getting back together with Not Drowning Waving was a great project. Our initial aim was to do a couple of shows in 2025 performing our album “Tabaran” with Sir George Telek, Pius Wasi, Ben Hakalitz and others to celebrate 50 years of independence for Papua New Guinea. As it turned out we did sold out shows at the City Recital Hall Sydney and the Melbourne Recital Centre and ended up writing and recording a new album, and then taking it out on tour in May this year. And more recently I have spent time working with musicians in Timor Leste and I’m just back from Bouganville recording some incredible local artists. If there’s a through line in my career its the inspiration that comes from hearing these artists. I’m not sure how it influences my own work but I know it does.
What Dorrigo Folk & Bluegrass Festival Where Dorrigo Showground When 23-25 Oct Tix dorrigofolkbluegrass.com.au
