Australian singer-songwriter Julia Stone has crafted a Songs for Australia compilation, an album benefiting those who are working to rebuild her home country following the recent bushfire crisis.
The record is set for release on March 12 via BMG, and proceeds will go to Firesticks, Landcare Australia, SEED, Emergency Leaders for Climate Action, WildArk, and NSW RFS.
Besides The National—who have covered INXS’ “Never Tear Us Apart” for the new compilation—other participants include Kurt Vile (covering Nick Cave’s “Stranger Than Kindness”), Joan as Policewoman, and Sam Amidon.
In a press release, Stone revealed, “I couldn’t believe the responses I was getting. I received the most heart-warming replies from the biggest, busiest artists in the world. Most of these artists have toured here, have family here, friends here, have lived here or spent time here. Everyone has such great memories of this country and to see it in flames was breaking everyone’s hearts. I often got the response that people were so happy to be offered the opportunity to do something. Everyone feels helpless in times like this.”
Listen to The National’s contribution below, plus hear Julia Stone’s own emotional offering, a cover of Midnight Oil’s “Beds Are Burning,” backed by heartbreaking visuals of crimson fires ravaging Australia. Get more information here.
