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Q & A: Christina Green

'Woman Down Under' by Jennifer Corday for 'Curve Magazine - December 2004'

Christina Green is more than a musician. The intelligent, thought-provoking Australian storyteller is also a political activist and a true-blue, red-blooded dyke who is a proud member of the Melbourne chapter of Dykes on Bikes. Shel loves Susan Sarandon, studies Buddhism and used to play in a punk-rock band. A hard-core environmentalist (who calls Bush the 'global poster boy for ignorance') Green studies music therapy, composition and classical music, and has released seven albums. Yes, seven.
When did you first pick up the guitar?
I picked up the guitar at age 8, had five lessons at the local music store, and have done most of the rest myself. I loved music from the moment I was conscious of it. It's in my family: my grandfather played 'bush' fiddle, my grandmother the piano and accordian, and my mum the piano.
What's the music scene like in Australia?
Very mixed. There is a great grass-roots, alternative scene, like the Ladyfest performers I encountered last year.
What about the lesbian music scene?
Kind of scattered at the moment. The lesbian musicians I know work in all different genres and styles. People tend to choose to go see artists because they like the music, rather than because they are lesbians. There is a new strand of younger women who are very out, and I like that.
How did your songs become political?
One of the first songs I ever wrote at school was about the endangerment of whales. Then I began to write about women's lives and the lesbian experience ..... The next stage of my growth in political awareness was around the racism and genocide in Australia's history with our indigenous people, and that also triggered song for me ..... I've written one about the Howard government's refusal to make a formal apology for the forced removal of Aboriginal children from their parents until as late as the 60's in Australia, what we call the 'stolen generation'. Now my political focus in songs is on the effects of globalization, environmental damage, living with war and violence, and struggles for freedom and political and economic stability. I include the experience of women, particularly lesbians, in all of this.
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Quotes
People have been saying some nice things! Here are just a few.......

'A joy to hear you perform' Kristina Olsen, songwriter and performer, USA

'I enjoyed your CD very much and like the approach you have to songwriting and delivery' Ember Swift, songwriter and performer, Canada

'Quality songs, feisty guitar playing' Maldon Folk Festival, Victoria

'Great stories and images emerge from her songs' Folk Victoria

'Articulate, powerful folk' Bunjies Folk Cellar, London.

'Beautiful songs, Christina' Emma Wall, songwriter and performer, Melbourne

'Your songwriting is just superb' The Boite World Music Café, Melbourne

'Strong songs and fingerpicking, and a natural way with the audience' Vince Brophy, songwriter and performer, Melbourne

'One of the best songwriters I've ever heard; an important writer' Janette Geri, songwriter and performer, Melbourne

'I loved your performance – the varied subjects, the thoughtful content, the richness of style, originality of your music, and your beautifully flexible voice' Rebecca Maxwell, writer, Melbourne

'I love your lyrics – unexpected combinations' Wendy Suiter, composer, Melbourne

'Crafty lyricist' The Whole Gamut Folk Club, Melbourne

'I love your music … it's given me a space to clean, to cry and remember who I am' Chrys Gardiner, artist, Melbourne

'You write great songs, very insightful and moving; political without hitting people over the head. A lot of artists try to write songs aiming to reduce violence and inspire us to live more peacefully, but some fail because all that seems to come out is anger - your approach is gentle' Sharon Hinbest, Flute Improv Artist, Canada

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