Adoption was prevalent in Australia & NZ in the late 1960s and early 1970s, peaking in 1971–72. I am one of 10,000 babies ‘given up’ as a ‘closed adoption’ in 1971. Our identities were removed and birth parents concealed under legislation that was repealed in Queensland in 1991. As an…

I am a survivor of 30+ years working in the Australian music industry. Today, the Report into Sexual Harm, Sexual Harassment and Systemic Discrimination in the Contemporary Music Industry with independent recommendations for reform is published. The “Raising Their Voices” (© MAPM Consulting 2022) report available here. The content is…

Perhaps a natal Virgo Moon conjunct Pluto is the astrological explanation for a 16-year old girl lost in the love, lust, power and emotional drama expressed by music in the mid 80s. …

Climate change, war in Europe, death of a ‘legendary’ cricket lad, the final year of a plague (we hope). This weekend live music and festivals were back up, on wobbly legs. It’s March 2022. Women and girls remain in the everyday battlefield of sexual assault and abuse. Women and girls…

This blog piece is the essence of a keynote presentation from the inaugural Byron Music Festival, Industry Conference on Sunday 20 June 2021. It was delivered in person on Arakwal Country and I extend my respects to the Elders past and present of the Bundjalung Nation. …

It’s a dark moon weekend and it feels like a dangerous time for many in the music industry. I see, and read of, the consequences of lockdowns, border closures, shows and tours cancelled in real time. I sense it in social media posts of artists and industry folks, daily. I…

Written by: Leanne de Souza on 13 June 2021 TRIGGER WARNING: This article and pages it links to contains information about rape, sexual assault and/or violence which may be triggering to victim-survivors. The Australian music industry has a problem. Men continue to pay unwanted sexual attention to women — men…

My generation, the X-ers of Australian women, were hopeful of a feminist future much like this tree: Strong, swollen with recognition and wisdom. A canopy rich with diversity and deep roots. Holding power to account and in place for future generations. Alas this tree is how I feel today on…

Battle scars, grief and trauma run deep in the music industry. My own experience includes ongoing, deep psychological wounds. The music industry spat me out twice — traumatic immediate loss of income, identity, purpose and imagined futures built on integrity, hard work and visions that failed to materialise. I can…