Interview: Dr Andy Ward

Dr Andy Ward is a Lecturer, Contemporary Music at University of the Sunshine Coast. His research focuses on songwriting, music theory, sustainability, and popular culture. In this interview, he talks about how our music community operates from the inside out. How it values itself and in turn is valued, and how it provides many services, both culturally and socially, well beyond what it contributes as an art form. Despite the impact of COVID-19, and reflected in the response to it, contemporary music remains an essential service.

As part of our commitment to capturing and sharing great Australian music stories, the Australian Music Vault responded to the challenges of COVID-19 by creating a series of video stories that capture, in real time, the impact that this pandemic has had on the music community.

Interview: Dr Andy Ward

Banding Together is the music community’s stories; the Australian Music Vault has simply helped capture them.

If you, or someone you know – including those connected to the creative industries – are facing mental health challenges, please contact one of the following helplines: Support Act Wellbeing Helpline on 1800 959 500; Arts Wellbeing Collective; Beyond Blue on 1300 224 636 or Lifeline on 13 11 14.