Scott Darlow
Hi Scott and thanks for taking the time out to speak with us at Musicology.
The true story behind your single Runaway is a harrowing one yet in this modern and turbulent time, it is sadly a common story that many refugees across the world have endured. Do you find the subject matter more relevant today than ever before?
Yes for sure. One of the ironic things about living in this generation is that while we have more access to information and education than ever before, we also seem to be living in a time of unparalleled fear and separatism. To a degree, some people - as a result of that fear - seem to have lost the ability to really empathise. We all want grace and mercy for ourselves, but justice for everyone else.
In relating what is happening on a global scale with many refugee crisis across the planet to what you and your people have suffered through, do you find that there is a common thread in the type of persecution that minority groups face or that each country and its people face their own unique and regional pressures?
One of the real misnomers in this age is that we're all so different. We're not, we're the same, and the issues we see in any displaced people here in Australia are mirrored in other countries with a similar history. This was evident when I went to Hawaii and sang the title track to this record, Sorry. I came off stage and native Hawaiians came up in tears explaining that that song could have been about them as captain cook had "discovered" Hawaii. Similar experiences in California with native Americans, and then in Malaysia I had a man tell me "this song resonates! We had the British empire here!!!" Ultimately, were all just people trying to carve out a better life for our families.
You are a tireless worker, not just as an Indigenous activist but also as a World Vision spokesperson. How has your role as World Vision spokesperson influenced your musical life?
I think the thing that I have gained from being a World Vision artist is hope. I speak about horrendous history and horrifying outcomes because of that a history on a daily basis - and the reality is that our politicians are ill equipped to provide any real solutions. Even the politicians that aren't muppets are hamstrung by a 3 year term, and the reality of having to please conflicting stakeholders. So they aren't ever going to really close the gap. But World Vision have been in Aboriginal communities for over 20 years, and a program like Young Mobs IS actually working and making significant inroads! That brings hope!
Spreading the word to so many people you often work with schools. What have been some of the most surprising insights you have learned from engaging with young students and their world view?
I’m constantly surprised at how many amazing passionate, intelligent and caring empathetic teenagers we have in this country. Their generation often gets a bad rap, but honestly I think there are more "future history makers" out there than ever before.
Musically you fuse both traditional instruments and common instruments, in what ways does say the didgeridoo lend itself to that of the western musical structure style?
The Yidaki is an amazing bottom end that musically can provide an epic thumping anchor. But it has this tribal thing happening that will sit in your soul if you let it, and take you to a place that nothing else can. I love it so much.
Your own performances operate under the banner of F.L.U.T.E (forgiveness, love, understanding, tolerance and empathy) in what ways do you incorporate these aspects into your show?
I generally use these words when talking to an audience about how they can impact the world around them - and that is by making a conscious choice to live in a mindset of showing everyone they encounter 10% more of these 5 things. It's also important for me to practice what I preach, and while it's hard, I find that a daily mindset of being a man who looks for ways to forgive, love, understand, tolerate and empathise, makes me less anxious and live with more joy on a daily basis.
What does the rest of 2017 have install for you?
I'm currently on tour in Asia - which I LOVE. From here, shows in Hobart at the Republic Bar on July 6, Adelaide at the Exeter on July 20, a bunch of schools, writing the new album, a tour of South Africa in September, and then a college tour of the USA in November/December!
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