Elsie Lange
A Macedon Ranges teen has been shortlisted for the Australia-wide Environmental Music Prize, the world’s first celebrating artists who inspire action on climate and conservation.
Sage Roadknight,16, is up against 23 other finalists vying for the $20,000 award – alongside big names like Paul Kelly, Eskimo Joe, King Stingray and Jess Ribeiro.
“After finding out about the competition a week before entries closed, I took some time off school and worked day and night to complete the hand drawn animation,” Sage said.
“It’s a dream come true to be a finalist in this competition, especially given how much I put into the vision and making of this project and its climate message.”
Sage, who describes her music as “futuristic folk”, said her entry song Voices began as an acoustic protest piece written after participating in her first school strike for climate rally.
The song has evolved into a dynamic, punchy, raucous call to arms, punctuated with synth and a gritty drum beat – it’s powerful to say the least.
“When the chorus drops, the voice of the youth breaks through, looking for a light at the end of the tunnel,” Sage said.
“I wanted this track to sound different to anything else on the radio, lyrically and sonically.”
Voting is now open to the public until Sunday, May 15.
To listen to all the finalists and vote, head to: environmentalmusicprize.com/
