Emily Barker's Quest for Change

It’s no secret that musicians have always drawn on inspirations that surround them. Be it love, conflict or family it’s always been the driving force behind their songs. However one local artist has used a topic that is slightly overlooked in comparison. Protests for change. One petition in particular on change.org proved to be the catalyst for Emily Barker’s emotional song “Doing the best I can.” 

The petition detailed the struggle of a twelve year old girl named Lillian. Her wheelchair bound mother was detained leaving her alone to look after her gravely ill father. She implored online that her only wish was to get her mother back and to finally feel listened to. Just hearing about the amount of grief and suffering on this young girls shoulders is simply unimaginable. Thankfully people took notice of her desperate plea.

So much so that Emily Barker created this song in Lillian's honour to raise awareness of her story and to encourage others to support similar protests to highlight the issues faced by families of people detained in this way. We caught up with Emily herself to talk about bringing light to such important issues and how you can help the change.

How did you discover Lillian’s story?

I found Lillian's story via an article in the Guardian about the UK's detention centres and then clicked on the link to her change.org petition and was so moved by what I read, I decided to write a song about it. 

What affected you the most about her story?

I think it was her openness about her troubles and the fact that it was written in the words of a 12 year old. Her plea is so desperate. She is begging anyone out there to help her and to listen. 

Was there a specific direction you wanted “Doing the best I can” to go in?

I wanted to tell her story as close to how she describes it herself and therefore chose to use the first person and place myself as the songwriter in her shoes. I also believe country/folk music can be a great genre for effective story telling so I used that style to convey her message. 

What did you want the song to say to your listeners?

I wanted it to move listeners to the point of them asking themselves if they're listening to those around them who are having a hard time both in their immediate network and society at large. And then, is there anything they can we do to help? 

What was it like collaborating with Rob and Lachlan from Hot Feet and Misha Law?

It was fantastic. I've been wanting to collaborate with them for ages and it was a great opportunity to do that. I think Hot Feet are outstanding. Misha is a very dear friend of mine and she's an incredible violin player (Truffleshack, Other Mother) but she has also done lots of harmony work so it was great to have her voice on it. 

What was the recording process like?

It was straightforward and fun. Ragged Moon have a great space and some great equipment too with lovely and talented engineers. 

Are there any updates about Lillian?

No, not yet. I'm looking into her situation still. She is currently registered as a missing person since 12th December 2014.

What can people do to help?

It's such a sensitive issue and I'm still not sure how or even if to help beyond sharing her story. It may be that she has decided to go underground in order to avoid deportation, which is completely understandable. I think being informed is key and also focussing on small actions we all take as a part of our day to day existence. Paul Kelly, an Australian songwriter, wrote a song with a chorus that sings "From little things, big things grow". And I believe that. 

To see Lillian’s story for yourself click here. Emily Barker’s song “Doing the best I can” will be featured on the upcoming compilation album entitled “Land of Hope & Fury” and is available now for pre-order.

By Melissa Tucker