Mission Songs Project is an initiative to revive contemporary Australian Indigenous songs from 1900 to 1999, focusing on the Christian missions, state run settlements and native camps where Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people were relocated.
Searching for the secular songs that were sung after church, Mission Songs Project looks to explore the day to day life of the mission days, from cultural identity to love and loss. These unique songs consist of almost forgotten stories that can now shed light into the history of our Indigenous elders, families and communities.
Mission Songs Project faithfully explores the musical journey of Indigenous Australian music as Jessie Lloyd connects the traditional with contemporary. The performance is presented as an acoustic vocal quartet and features some of Australia's finest Indigenous vocalists; Jessie is joined by Emma Donovan, Deline Briscoe and Jessica Hitchcock.
An award winning composer, performer and creative entrepreneur, Jessie Lloyd is a cultural practitioner of Indigenous music and song. Dedicated to the continuation of story and song through the performance of Indigenous music, Jessie has travelled Australia in search of hidden songs to present this rare and unique Indigenous narrative.
- Venue Format
- Theatre, Hall, Black Box Venue
- Technical Rating
- Touring Party
- 6
- Considerations
Performance is best in an indoor setting as the show is based around storytelling, outdoor festivals with moving traffic is not ideal. The performance is a vocal quartet with 2 crew so they are very flexible and versatile to tour.
A composer, performer and creative entrepreneur, Jessie Lloyd is a cultural practitioner of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander music dedicated to the continuation of song traditions through stories and song.
Her mission is to produce, perform and progress Australian Indigenous music through innovative concepts, collaborative projects and cultural practice. Maintaining an authenticity that contributes to the rich diversity of Australian arts and its audiences, and working towards progressive social opportunities that creates value and changes attitudes.
- Company Website
- jessielloyd.com
Unique Selling Point
Mission Songs Project performance is inspired by Indigenous singing and living song traditions. The vocal quartet presents a rarely experienced performance style and narrative found only in Indigenous communities, such as family gatherings, social events and yarns over a cuppa. Story-telling is a major component of the performance as it gives historical context and moving personal experiences into the tunes sung from the mission days, making the show warm, humorous and heartfelt. This show provides insight and engagement with both Indigenous and non Indigenous audiences, especially those interested in local or Australian history and cultural heritage.
Marketing Materials
A selection of online clips on youtube, Informative website, Social media profiles and active feeds, Marketing report with reviews and quotes, Print material templates and images, CDs and songbook.
Community Engagement
MSP is also an active research project, when touring we are always approached by locals who wish to share their stories and experiences relating to the missions era and its music. Touring regionally provides opportunity for locals to have their stories contributing to the overall project.
The performers can also provide workshops for choirs and schools as part of the touring program using the MSP repertoire. By using the MSP songbook, participants are encouraged to learn and sing the songs in their community as these Indigenous songs are for public use. This is particularly useful for schools that require more Indigenous content in their classrooms.
On a broader scale, this project provides acknowledgment and honours the elders, their families and their experiences during the mission days. Also enabling the wider audience to connect and engage with the communities and history of Indigenous Australians. Providing an invaluable opportunity for sharing, healing and understanding between both Indigenous and non Indigenous members of the community.
Comments/Reviews
Rhythms Magazine, April 2017
Media Review
“Stand-out artists of the Festival included National Folk Fellow Jessie Lloyd for her Mission Songs Project who, with a line-up of top Indigenous artists, presented a rare collection of early Australian Indigenous contemporary songs that were performed on missions and settlements. All Jessie’s shows were packed out.” https://rhythms.com.au/2017-folk-festival-glowing-success/ (Read More)
Chris Lambie, The Age
Media Review
“Daughter of Joe Geia, Jessie Lloyd, travelled the nation to talk with elders for The Mission Songs Project. Not a moment too soon, Lloyd has revived these unique songlines before they’re lost forever. The warm and articulate performer shared the lead on family yarns and glorious harmonies with Emma Donovan, Deline Briscoe and Jessica Hitchcock.” (Read More)
Elizabeth Walton, Timber and Steel
Media Review
“Mission Songs Project brings new life to the voices of the stolen generation...The stories are heartfelt and beautifully sung – perhaps not with the campfire instruments of their natural settings, but the end result is one that adapts well to the contemporary stage and travels to a diverse and broad audience – this is mission accomplished, and accomplished incredibly well.” (Read More)