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Everybody’s Trying To Find Their Way Home - Podcast
Everybody’s Trying To Find Their Way Home is an independent podcast series created by acclaimed songwriter Jen Cloher (Ngāti Kahu ki Whangaroa, Ngāpuhi), documenting the experiences of Māori and First Nations artists who are writing and performing in their languages. The first season (2023) was nominated for Best New Podcast and Best Arts and Culture Podcast at the Australian Podcast Awards, and featured in the Wheeler Centre’s Spring Fling program with a special live episode.
In season two, Jen travels to Kakadu with Shellie Morris to learn about the enduring legacy of the Borroloola Songwomen; visits Whirimako Black in Ruatoki to find out why her groundbreaking debut album Hinepukohurangi (Shrouded in the Mist) was shelved for five years; takes a ride in Byllie-jean’s truck to hear the stories behind her Taite Prize-winning debut, heads to Denny’s 24 hour diner in South Auckland for a feed with Jordyn with a Why; and celebrates the joys of Naarm based waiata group Takatāpui Tuesdays with campaigner and organiser Te Raukura O’Connell Rapira.
Jen Cloher (Ngāpuhi & Ngāti Kahu) is a song-writer and performer living on unceded Wurundjeri land in Naarm (Melbourne). Cloher’s taut, terse brand of rock is charged with the static tension that comes with being an eternal misfit; they have spoken truth to power with the shrewd eye that only an outsider can possess. Admirers have naturally gravitated towards Cloher’s incisive, generous songwriting. Over the course of five albums, Cloher has won a J Award and an AIR Award and been nominated for an ARIA and the Australian Music Prize.
I Am The River, The River Is Me, Cloher’s fifth album, is verdant and rich; it luxuriates in stillness, and carries itself with cool, unfussy confidence. It suggests that home is not found in a place or a politic, but in the community you keep: Inspired by Cloher’s powerful matrilineal line of wāhine Māori, I Am The River, The River Is Me is not urgent, or hurried, but it is vital, made with the care and ease of someone who knows that their past began before birth, and will continue long after they’re gone.
FEATURES/ REVIEWS
NPR All Things Considered: Jen Cloher talks new album, 'I Am The River, The River Is Me'. Click to Listen.
"Distinctive Work By Gifted Aussie Songwriter"
"Heartfelt reckoning with home & identity from Aussie singer-songwriter
"Her songs are down-to-earth, edgy rock that also ventures into blues, country or folk, and features strong melodies and anthemic moments - and sounds very good."
"'I AM THE RIVER, THE RIVER IS ME' does not break down on the the self-imposed tasks, but draws great strength from them"