Julia Stone, The National, Paul Kelly, Kurt Vile & More Unite For Album For Bushfire Relief

A group of well-known international and local artists have come together to release an album for bushfire relief. 

The project was spearheaded by Julia Stone, who was recording in London over the New Year's period when she learned that her mother had been forced to evacuate from Lake Conjola due to the bushfires. 

In response to her sadness and frustration at the situation, Stone showed producer Thomas Bartlett her favourite Australian songs which ultimately saw her recording a cover of Midnight Oil's Beds Are Burning. 

From there, Stone reached out to other artists to see if they wanted to contribute an Australian song to the album, dubbed Songs For Australia. 

"I couldn’t believe the responses I was getting," said Stone. "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."

Artists including The National, Martha Wainwright, Kurt Vile, Paul Kelly, Dan Sultan, Angus Stone, Joan As Police Woman and more have all contributed tracks to the album, which is due for release on Thursday 5 March with pre-order now open. Petit Biscuit & Pomme have also contributed yet to be revealed tracks to the album.

Sales will go towards supporting organisations including Firesticks, Landcare Australia, SEED, Emergency Leaders for Climate Action, WildArk and NSW RFS. 

Check out the list of artists and their covers below, and head here to find out more information. 

Songs For Australia

The National - Never Tear Us Apart (INXS)

Martha Wainwright - The Ship Song (Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds)

Kurt Vile - Stranger Than Kindness (Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds)

Paul Kelly - Native Born (Archie Roach)

Dan Sultan - Into My Arms (Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds)

Angus Stone - Streets Of Your Town (The Go-Betweens)

Joan As Police Woman - Hearts A Mess (Gotye)

Sam Amidon - Let Me Down Easy (Gang Of Youths)

Damien Rice - Chandelier (Sia)

Dermot Kennedy - Resolution (Matt Corby)