Using their roots-reggae beats for good, one of the Sunshine Coast’s kindest bands, The Floating Bridges, have put out a people power call-to-arms with their anthemic new single Power.
Concerned with the plight of marginalised Australians, particularly the country’s Indigenous and refugee populations, Power sees the band call for individuals to stand up and fight injustice.
“Power is about the disconnect between government and community. It aims to give voice to the disadvantaged individuals whose basic rights are being dictated by government agendas and the overarching emphasis placed on money,” said Dale Mallett, vocalist and percussionist.
“We believe in one people. We believe that putting up walls and divides between races and classes is the driving force behind much of the terrible violence in the world. When you deprive people of their basic human rights, they have no choice but to fight back.”
As Ambassadors for Sunshine Butterflies and Sea Shephard, The Floating Bridges’ concern and support of others extends well beyond the studio. With vast understanding of numerous social issues, we asked the band to share with us, five issues they believe could be solved with people power. Here’s what they had to say…
‘Five Issues People Power Could Solve’ By The Floating Bridges
- Legalisation of Medicinal Marijuana
Our country has now joined the forefront of Medicinal Marijuana. Although it is still in its infancy, there are now a wide range of debilitating illnesses and diseases being treated with the drug. More needs to be done to give patients access to the medicine at a more affordable cost. Many people still look to the Black Market to get access to the drug, which they need to help cure their illnesses, in turn risking persecution by the law. We need more awareness as people’s well-being and livelihoods are at stake. - Suicide Bereavement/Prevention
A silent but deadly killer, more widespread than we ever hear about in the media. We support the awareness and the need for suicide bereavement as it is one of the only real defences in the fight against suicide/mental illness. More can be done by our government and politicians to help increase funding for organisations and treatment programs that help deal directly with these sorts of issues.Local Sunshine Coast not for profit organisation United Synergies are leaders in Suicide Bereavement throughout Australia. If you or someone you know has lost a loved one to suicide reach out via there website. - Protecting Human Rights Of Marginalised Individuals.
Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander people continue to struggle with lack of acknowledgement of our country’s past events which has created oppression amongst our first nations people. Although, Prime Minister Kevin Rudd said ‘sorry’ to Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander people in 2007, they are still not recognised in the constitution. More needs to be done to recognise and reconcile with Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander people and we as a nation also need to be more compassionate towards individuals seeking refuge in our country. - Adani’s Proposed Carmichael Coal Mine.
The Great Barrier Reef is one of the world’s greatest wonders and is a key to the survival of our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture as well as Queensland/Australia’s identity. Tourism alone brings in between $5-6 billion each year. Compare this to a coal mine, which yes, does create jobs but is COMPLETELY unsustainable and is a short-term fix. When the reef is gone, it is gone. We need to do everything in our power to stop dredging on our reef to protect our future! - Illegal Fishing/Trawling
Sea Shepherd are in a constant fight against illegal fishing/trawling throughout international waters. This affects the world, as overfishing creates a monopoly in the market, killing local businesses.Sea Shepherd uses innovative, direct-action tactics to investigate, document and take action when necessary to expose and confront illegal activities on the high seas. By safeguarding the biodiversity of our delicately-balanced ocean ecosystems, Sea Shepherd works to ensure their survival for future generations. We are proud to be ambassadors for this incredible organisation!
The Floating Bridges wrap up their East Coast Power Single Tour on the Sunny Coast this Saturday, 9 September at Surf Air. Listen to their rousing new single Power HERE.
