June 2004

Triple CD is all soul

A unique, triple CD set contains original songs by people whose lives have been touched by cancer.

living soul is the culmination of four years of songwriting by music therapist Emma O’Brien with cancer patients and their carers at the Royal Melbourne Hospital.

All songs were written in hospital at the patients’ bedsides.

Ms O’Brien worked with patients as they talked about their experiences and together they framed those experiences into lyrics and music.

The CD includes songs of inspiration, hope, love, laughter, courage, peace and the will to live, told through deeply personal lyrics and a wide range of musical styles.

The different styles on the CDs reflect different patients’ personalities and stories.

There are intimate ballads, pop songs, rock, funk, blues, country music, gospel choruses and folk songs on living soul.

The three living soul CDs form a trilogy—Soul Moments, Soul Horizons and Soul Infusion.

Well-known Melbourne musicians contributed their time and talents to the CDs.

All proceeds of living soul will go towards supporting music therapy at the Royal Melbourne Hospital.

‘Many cancer patients are in hospital for long periods,’ said Ms O’Brien.

‘Music therapy offers creative experiences, such as guided songwriting, to help people express themselves and, consequently, increase their quality of life.’

Head of Clinical Haematology and Medical Oncology at the Royal Melbourne Hospital Professor Richard Fox said music therapy could help patients cope with stress and reduce their experiences of pain.

‘Although it is not a cure for cancer, the medical staff at the Royal Melbourne Hospital recognise self-expression in music therapy as an integral part of our patients’ treatment.’

In Australia, one in three peoples’ lives are touched by cancer.

• living soul is available at record stores, including ABC Shops and Readings, by calling 1800 625 650 or visiting www.mh.org.au/livingsoul.