party in the park

Pass it On

Aussie favourites at Glastonbury 2013 & 14, Boomtown & BOOM Festivals propagating the secret to growing abundance, improving life and reversing climate-change with energetic live mash-ups of vintage speakeasy-style electroswing wonk & ukulele quirk to Lettuce Turnip the Radish Beets & Rocket!

Formidable Vegetable Sound System - Yield

A next-level experiment in ecological electroswing, Radish Beets is a creative collaboration of re-wonkified tracks from Formidable Vegetable Sound System's debut album, Permaculture: A Rhymer's Manual remixed by some of the world's finest electronic producers.

No Such Thing As Waste (Mr Moon Remix)

Radish Beets

Download Album

The Edge (Spoonbill Remix)

Download from Bandcamp

Change (Feat Jpod)

Possibly the first ever band to promote the joys of gardening, food and sustainability through dance music, West Australian ‘ecological edutainers’, Formidable Vegetable Sound System bring you their latest single, ‘You Are What You Eat’- an infectiously bouncy electroswing track all about... Dirt!

Featuring Michael Barker (ex John Butler Trio/Black Sorrows) on drums, Mal Webb on horns, Kylie Morrigan on strings, Charlie Mgee on ukulele & vocals and produced by award-winning Melbourne electronic producer, Spoonbill, 'You Are What You Eat' explores the never-ending connectedness of the food-chain in the band's unique style of 'biodynamic-organic ukulele-electroswing'.

Soon after the track was released, it was picked up and shared by none other than the UN, who used it to celebrate the closing of the 2015 International Year of Soils - the kind of thing that could only happen to this one-of-a-kind band that have toured the world for three years performing brass-soaked ukulele electroswing songs about plants, peak-oil and permaculture.

More info at: www.formidablevegetable.com.au

Grow Do It

You Are What You Eat - Single

Formidable Vegetable Sound System - You Are What You Eat (Radio Edit)

From the album 'Grow Do It' by Formidable Vegetable Sound System - Out Sept 2 2016 at: http://music.formidablevegetable.com.au

Written by Charlie Mgee
Produced by Spoonbill
Lee Hardisty - tenor sax
Mayuka - baritone sax
Mal Webb - trombone, slide trumpet & gourd bass
Charlie Mgee - ukulele & vocals
Michael Barker - drums

Stream/Buy

Break It Down

From the album 'Grow Do It' by Formidable Vegetable Sound System - Out Sept 2 2016 at: http://music.formidablevegetable.com.au

Written by Charlie Mgee
Produced by Spoonbill
Mal Webb - trombone, slide trumpet & gourd bass
Kylie Morrigan - violin
Alex Burkoy - electric guitar
Charlie Mgee - ukulele & vocals
Michael Barker - drums

Mycelium Around Ya

From the album 'Grow Do It' by Formidable Vegetable Sound System - Out Sept 2 2016 at: http://music.formidablevegetable.com.au

Written by Charlie Mgee
Produced by Spoonbill
Mal Webb - trumpet, trombone, gourd bass
Charlie Mgee - ukulele & vocals
Kylie Morrigan - violin
Michael Barker - drums

Eatin' Weeds

From the album 'Grow Do It' by Formidable Vegetable Sound System - Out Sept 2 2016 at: http://music.formidablevegetable.com.au

Written by Charlie Mgee
Produced by Spoonbill
Mal Webb - trombone, slide trumpet & bass
Charlie Mgee - ukulele & vocals
Kylie Morrigan - violin
Michael Barker - drums

Download the track: http://music.formidablevegetable.com.au

Kimchi is the tasty entree to the forthcoming main course from Formidable Vegetable Sound System - 'Grow Do It'. A funkytown ecological electro-swing album about food, friends and fermented cabbage for kids of ALL ages!

Charlie Mgee: ukulele, vocals & kimchi farts 
Mayuka Juber: clarinet 
Mal Webb: trombone, slide trumpet & gourd bass 
Michael Barker: drums 
Spoonbill (Jim Moynihan): wonky beets & squishy phun 

All songs written by Charlie Mgee & Formidable Vegetable Sound System. 

Recorded at: Twisty Pole Studios - Rotorua, NZ, The JB Compound - Fremantle, WA, Casa-del-Mal - St Kilda, & Mt Lawley, WA. 

Produced by Spoonbill & Charlie Mgee. 
Mixed & mastered by Spoonbill in King Lake, VIC. 

Photo by Katrina Button 

Music copyright © 2016 ORiGiN Music Publishing. 
For use/licensing, please visit: www.originmusic.com.au


Kimchi

Permaculture principle 1: Observe and Interact - Beauty is in the eye of the beholder. The beginning of the design process.
-------

"Charlie is spearheading a new and exciting form of musical activism. He is becoming one of the most important voices in a global cultural movement 
that began right here in Australia." 
- Harry Angus, The Cat Empire 

Permaculture: A Rhymer’s Manual from Western Australia's Formidable Vegetable is the first of its kind. An album of ethical, ecological edu-tainment designed to spread the word of sustainability without making you want to tie-dye your shirt or go out and buy a djembe.
Permaculture is basically a way to get ourselves out of habits of self-destruction and into one of abundance and prosperity.
After recognising a desperate need for people to stop talking about sustainability and start getting off their asses, WA permaculture troubadour Charlie Mgee grabbed his ukulele and came up with 12 songs covering each of the principles of permaculture from David Holmgren’s book, Permaculture: Principles and Pathways Beyond Sustainability. 

With an all-star cast of Australian musicians including Mal Webb, Alex Burkoy (Tinpan Orange/Juila Stone), Michael Boase (Nicky Bomba’s Bustamento), Loren, Freya Hanly, prodigious 19-year old Harry Jakamarra from Broome on banjo and WA’s own 10 piece live electro-swing band Ensemble Formidable, the album is filled to the brim with tracks of truly grooveworthy proportions with styles ranging from ‘energy-descent electro-swing’ and ‘climate-change reggae’ to ‘peak-oil polka’.

In just three short months, Charlie Mgee has already busted out live shows of permaculture songs at internationally acclaimed festivals including Woodford Folk Festival (QLD), Eclipse 2012 (Cairns), Folk, Rhythm & Life and Rainbow Serpent (VIC) and has shared the stage with class-acts such as Nicky Bomba’s Butamento, Spoonbill and Fat Freddy’s Drop.

After a massive turnout to a follow-up permaculture workshop resulting from an especially cranking gig at Eclipse 2012 Festival, Charlie reflects on his ultimate goal for the project: 

“Right now, music is one of the most effective tools we have to communicate ideas on a mass scale and I think I’m really just starting to recognize the power that that can have with regards to introducing people to ideas on how to live more sustainably. I’ve had people that I wouldn’t have thought would be into sustainability in a million years come up to me going: “Man, this sounds awesome! I’m gonna check out this permaculture stuff!” It’s really reaffirming for what I’ve set out to do.”

With included info on the permaculture principles covered as well as chord charts and lyrics to learn the songs on ukulele, the album has been designed to achieve everything from permaculture teaching resource to ukulele lesson to general morning dance routine.

In a world gone hectic, now really is the time to start growing abundance everywhere, starting at the front door. While we’re at it, you might as well Lettuce Turnip the Beet!  (...that would be Rad-ish.)

Permaculture: A Rhymer's Manual

Look Around

Permaculture principle 4: Apply Self-regulation and Accept Feedback - Learn from mistakes. Start listening to what the planet is telling us. We're getting more feedback than ever and it's time to wake up to it's limits!
-----

"Charlie is spearheading a new and exciting form of musical activism. He is becoming one of the most important voices in a global cultural movement 
that began right here in Australia." 
- Harry Angus, The Cat Empire 

Permaculture: A Rhymer’s Manual from Western Australia's Formidable Vegetable is the first of its kind. An album of ethical, ecological edu-tainment designed to spread the word of sustainability without making you want to tie-dye your shirt or go out and buy a djembe.
Permaculture is basically a way to get ourselves out of habits of self-destruction and into one of abundance and prosperity.
After recognising a desperate need for people to stop talking about sustainability and start getting off their asses, WA permaculture troubadour Charlie Mgee grabbed his ukulele and came up with 12 songs covering each of the principles of permaculture from David Holmgren’s book, Permaculture: Principles and Pathways Beyond Sustainability. 

With an all-star cast of Australian musicians including Mal Webb, Alex Burkoy (Tinpan Orange/Juila Stone), Michael Boase (Nicky Bomba’s Bustamento), Loren, Freya Hanly, prodigious 19-year old Harry Jakamarra from Broome on banjo and WA’s own 10 piece live electro-swing band Ensemble Formidable, the album is filled to the brim with tracks of truly grooveworthy proportions with styles ranging from ‘energy-descent electro-swing’ and ‘climate-change reggae’ to ‘peak-oil polka’.

In just three short months, Charlie Mgee has already busted out live shows of permaculture songs at internationally acclaimed festivals including Woodford Folk Festival (QLD), Eclipse 2012 (Cairns), Folk, Rhythm & Life and Rainbow Serpent (VIC) and has shared the stage with class-acts such as Nicky Bomba’s Butamento, Spoonbill and Fat Freddy’s Drop.

After a massive turnout to a follow-up permaculture workshop resulting from an especially cranking gig at Eclipse 2012 Festival, Charlie reflects on his ultimate goal for the project: 

“Right now, music is one of the most effective tools we have to communicate ideas on a mass scale and I think I’m really just starting to recognize the power that that can have with regards to introducing people to ideas on how to live more sustainably. I’ve had people that I wouldn’t have thought would be into sustainability in a million years come up to me going: “Man, this sounds awesome! I’m gonna check out this permaculture stuff!” It’s really reaffirming for what I’ve set out to do.”

With included info on the permaculture principles covered as well as chord charts and lyrics to learn the songs on ukulele, the album has been designed to achieve everything from permaculture teaching resource to ukulele lesson to general morning dance routine.

In a world gone hectic, now really is the time to start growing abundance everywhere, starting at the front door. While we’re at it, you might as well Lettuce Turnip the Beet!  (...that would be Rad-ish.)

Limits

Permaculture principle 5: Use and value Renewable Resources and Services - Ride you bike! Sit under a tree to stay cool! Employ a chicken to cultivate your garden! Generate your own methane for gas power! Walk more! "Colonel Ominous Forecast" has more...
----

"Charlie is spearheading a new and exciting form of musical activism. He is becoming one of the most important voices in a global cultural movement 
that began right here in Australia." 
- Harry Angus, The Cat Empire 

Permaculture: A Rhymer’s Manual from Western Australia's Formidable Vegetable is the first of its kind. An album of ethical, ecological edu-tainment designed to spread the word of sustainability without making you want to tie-dye your shirt or go out and buy a djembe.
Permaculture is basically a way to get ourselves out of habits of self-destruction and into one of abundance and prosperity.
After recognising a desperate need for people to stop talking about sustainability and start getting off their asses, WA permaculture troubadour Charlie Mgee grabbed his ukulele and came up with 12 songs covering each of the principles of permaculture from David Holmgren’s book, Permaculture: Principles and Pathways Beyond Sustainability. 

With an all-star cast of Australian musicians including Mal Webb, Alex Burkoy (Tinpan Orange/Juila Stone), Michael Boase (Nicky Bomba’s Bustamento), Loren, Freya Hanly, prodigious 19-year old Harry Jakamarra from Broome on banjo and WA’s own 10 piece live electro-swing band Ensemble Formidable, the album is filled to the brim with tracks of truly grooveworthy proportions with styles ranging from ‘energy-descent electro-swing’ and ‘climate-change reggae’ to ‘peak-oil polka’.

In just three short months, Charlie Mgee has already busted out live shows of permaculture songs at internationally acclaimed festivals including Woodford Folk Festival (QLD), Eclipse 2012 (Cairns), Folk, Rhythm & Life and Rainbow Serpent (VIC) and has shared the stage with class-acts such as Nicky Bomba’s Butamento, Spoonbill and Fat Freddy’s Drop.

After a massive turnout to a follow-up permaculture workshop resulting from an especially cranking gig at Eclipse 2012 Festival, Charlie reflects on his ultimate goal for the project: 

“Right now, music is one of the most effective tools we have to communicate ideas on a mass scale and I think I’m really just starting to recognize the power that that can have with regards to introducing people to ideas on how to live more sustainably. I’ve had people that I wouldn’t have thought would be into sustainability in a million years come up to me going: “Man, this sounds awesome! I’m gonna check out this permaculture stuff!” It’s really reaffirming for what I’ve set out to do.”

With included info on the permaculture principles covered as well as chord charts and lyrics to learn the songs on ukulele, the album has been designed to achieve everything from permaculture teaching resource to ukulele lesson to general morning dance routine.

In a world gone hectic, now really is the time to start growing abundance everywhere, starting at the front door. While we’re at it, you might as well Lettuce Turnip the Beet!  (...that would be Rad-ish.)

Permaculture principle 6: Produce no Waste - In nature, there is no such thing as waste, only stuff in the wrong place! Heed this mantra and become a master of nutrient cycling!

-----

"Charlie is spearheading a new and exciting form of musical activism. He is becoming one of the most important voices in a global cultural movement 
that began right here in Australia." 
- Harry Angus, The Cat Empire 

Permaculture: A Rhymer’s Manual from Western Australia's Formidable Vegetable is the first of its kind. An album of ethical, ecological edu-tainment designed to spread the word of sustainability without making you want to tie-dye your shirt or go out and buy a djembe.
Permaculture is basically a way to get ourselves out of habits of self-destruction and into one of abundance and prosperity.
After recognising a desperate need for people to stop talking about sustainability and start getting off their asses, WA permaculture troubadour Charlie Mgee grabbed his ukulele and came up with 12 songs covering each of the principles of permaculture from David Holmgren’s book, Permaculture: Principles and Pathways Beyond Sustainability. 

With an all-star cast of Australian musicians including Mal Webb, Alex Burkoy (Tinpan Orange/Juila Stone), Michael Boase (Nicky Bomba’s Bustamento), Loren, Freya Hanly, prodigious 19-year old Harry Jakamarra from Broome on banjo and WA’s own 10 piece live electro-swing band Ensemble Formidable, the album is filled to the brim with tracks of truly grooveworthy proportions with styles ranging from ‘energy-descent electro-swing’ and ‘climate-change reggae’ to ‘peak-oil polka’.

In just three short months, Charlie Mgee has already busted out live shows of permaculture songs at internationally acclaimed festivals including Woodford Folk Festival (QLD), Eclipse 2012 (Cairns), Folk, Rhythm & Life and Rainbow Serpent (VIC) and has shared the stage with class-acts such as Nicky Bomba’s Butamento, Spoonbill and Fat Freddy’s Drop.

After a massive turnout to a follow-up permaculture workshop resulting from an especially cranking gig at Eclipse 2012 Festival, Charlie reflects on his ultimate goal for the project: 

“Right now, music is one of the most effective tools we have to communicate ideas on a mass scale and I think I’m really just starting to recognize the power that that can have with regards to introducing people to ideas on how to live more sustainably. I’ve had people that I wouldn’t have thought would be into sustainability in a million years come up to me going: “Man, this sounds awesome! I’m gonna check out this permaculture stuff!” It’s really reaffirming for what I’ve set out to do.”

With included info on the permaculture principles covered as well as chord charts and lyrics to learn the songs on ukulele, the album has been designed to achieve everything from permaculture teaching resource to ukulele lesson to general morning dance routine.

In a world gone hectic, now really is the time to start growing abundance everywhere, starting at the front door. While we’re at it, you might as well Lettuce Turnip the Beet!  (...that would be Rad-ish.)

No Such Thing as Waste

Permaculture principle 7: Design from Patterns to Details - Can't see the forest for the trees? Look to the bigger picture instead!
-----

"Charlie is spearheading a new and exciting form of musical activism. He is becoming one of the most important voices in a global cultural movement 
that began right here in Australia." 
- Harry Angus, The Cat Empire 

Permaculture: A Rhymer’s Manual from Western Australia's Formidable Vegetable is the first of its kind. An album of ethical, ecological edu-tainment designed to spread the word of sustainability without making you want to tie-dye your shirt or go out and buy a djembe.
Permaculture is basically a way to get ourselves out of habits of self-destruction and into one of abundance and prosperity.
After recognising a desperate need for people to stop talking about sustainability and start getting off their asses, WA permaculture troubadour Charlie Mgee grabbed his ukulele and came up with 12 songs covering each of the principles of permaculture from David Holmgren’s book, Permaculture: Principles and Pathways Beyond Sustainability. 

With an all-star cast of Australian musicians including Mal Webb, Alex Burkoy (Tinpan Orange/Juila Stone), Michael Boase (Nicky Bomba’s Bustamento), Loren, Freya Hanly, prodigious 19-year old Harry Jakamarra from Broome on banjo and WA’s own 10 piece live electro-swing band Ensemble Formidable, the album is filled to the brim with tracks of truly grooveworthy proportions with styles ranging from ‘energy-descent electro-swing’ and ‘climate-change reggae’ to ‘peak-oil polka’.

In just three short months, Charlie Mgee has already busted out live shows of permaculture songs at internationally acclaimed festivals including Woodford Folk Festival (QLD), Eclipse 2012 (Cairns), Folk, Rhythm & Life and Rainbow Serpent (VIC) and has shared the stage with class-acts such as Nicky Bomba’s Butamento, Spoonbill and Fat Freddy’s Drop.

After a massive turnout to a follow-up permaculture workshop resulting from an especially cranking gig at Eclipse 2012 Festival, Charlie reflects on his ultimate goal for the project: 

“Right now, music is one of the most effective tools we have to communicate ideas on a mass scale and I think I’m really just starting to recognize the power that that can have with regards to introducing people to ideas on how to live more sustainably. I’ve had people that I wouldn’t have thought would be into sustainability in a million years come up to me going: “Man, this sounds awesome! I’m gonna check out this permaculture stuff!” It’s really reaffirming for what I’ve set out to do.”

With included info on the permaculture principles covered as well as chord charts and lyrics to learn the songs on ukulele, the album has been designed to achieve everything from permaculture teaching resource to ukulele lesson to general morning dance routine.

In a world gone hectic, now really is the time to start growing abundance everywhere, starting at the front door. While we’re at it, you might as well Lettuce Turnip the Beet!  (...that would be Rad-ish.)

Patterns

Permaculture principle 8: Integrate rather than Segregate - Work in cooperation rather than competition. Hook up with someone. Befriend your neighbours. Companion plant. Get involved in the community!
-----

"Charlie is spearheading a new and exciting form of musical activism. He is becoming one of the most important voices in a global cultural movement 
that began right here in Australia." 
- Harry Angus, The Cat Empire 

Permaculture: A Rhymer’s Manual from Western Australia's Formidable Vegetable is the first of its kind. An album of ethical, ecological edu-tainment designed to spread the word of sustainability without making you want to tie-dye your shirt or go out and buy a djembe.
Permaculture is basically a way to get ourselves out of habits of self-destruction and into one of abundance and prosperity.
After recognising a desperate need for people to stop talking about sustainability and start getting off their asses, WA permaculture troubadour Charlie Mgee grabbed his ukulele and came up with 12 songs covering each of the principles of permaculture from David Holmgren’s book, Permaculture: Principles and Pathways Beyond Sustainability. 

With an all-star cast of Australian musicians including Mal Webb, Alex Burkoy (Tinpan Orange/Juila Stone), Michael Boase (Nicky Bomba’s Bustamento), Loren, Freya Hanly, prodigious 19-year old Harry Jakamarra from Broome on banjo and WA’s own 10 piece live electro-swing band Ensemble Formidable, the album is filled to the brim with tracks of truly grooveworthy proportions with styles ranging from ‘energy-descent electro-swing’ and ‘climate-change reggae’ to ‘peak-oil polka’.

In just three short months, Charlie Mgee has already busted out live shows of permaculture songs at internationally acclaimed festivals including Woodford Folk Festival (QLD), Eclipse 2012 (Cairns), Folk, Rhythm & Life and Rainbow Serpent (VIC) and has shared the stage with class-acts such as Nicky Bomba’s Butamento, Spoonbill and Fat Freddy’s Drop.

After a massive turnout to a follow-up permaculture workshop resulting from an especially cranking gig at Eclipse 2012 Festival, Charlie reflects on his ultimate goal for the project: 

“Right now, music is one of the most effective tools we have to communicate ideas on a mass scale and I think I’m really just starting to recognize the power that that can have with regards to introducing people to ideas on how to live more sustainably. I’ve had people that I wouldn’t have thought would be into sustainability in a million years come up to me going: “Man, this sounds awesome! I’m gonna check out this permaculture stuff!” It’s really reaffirming for what I’ve set out to do.”

With included info on the permaculture principles covered as well as chord charts and lyrics to learn the songs on ukulele, the album has been designed to achieve everything from permaculture teaching resource to ukulele lesson to general morning dance routine.

In a world gone hectic, now really is the time to start growing abundance everywhere, starting at the front door. While we’re at it, you might as well Lettuce Turnip the Beet!  (...that would be Rad-ish.)

Get Together

Permaculture principle 9: Use Small and Slow solutions - Slow and steady wins the race! Start weening yourself off the oil-fuelled caffeine/sugar-high of the last century and start working at a more natural pace. Good things take time.

----

"Charlie is spearheading a new and exciting form of musical activism. He is becoming one of the most important voices in a global cultural movement 
that began right here in Australia." 
- Harry Angus, The Cat Empire 

Permaculture: A Rhymer’s Manual from Western Australia's Formidable Vegetable is the first of its kind. An album of ethical, ecological edu-tainment designed to spread the word of sustainability without making you want to tie-dye your shirt or go out and buy a djembe.
Permaculture is basically a way to get ourselves out of habits of self-destruction and into one of abundance and prosperity.
After recognising a desperate need for people to stop talking about sustainability and start getting off their asses, WA permaculture troubadour Charlie Mgee grabbed his ukulele and came up with 12 songs covering each of the principles of permaculture from David Holmgren’s book, Permaculture: Principles and Pathways Beyond Sustainability. 

With an all-star cast of Australian musicians including Mal Webb, Alex Burkoy (Tinpan Orange/Juila Stone), Michael Boase (Nicky Bomba’s Bustamento), Loren, Freya Hanly, prodigious 19-year old Harry Jakamarra from Broome on banjo and WA’s own 10 piece live electro-swing band Ensemble Formidable, the album is filled to the brim with tracks of truly grooveworthy proportions with styles ranging from ‘energy-descent electro-swing’ and ‘climate-change reggae’ to ‘peak-oil polka’.

In just three short months, Charlie Mgee has already busted out live shows of permaculture songs at internationally acclaimed festivals including Woodford Folk Festival (QLD), Eclipse 2012 (Cairns), Folk, Rhythm & Life and Rainbow Serpent (VIC) and has shared the stage with class-acts such as Nicky Bomba’s Butamento, Spoonbill and Fat Freddy’s Drop.

After a massive turnout to a follow-up permaculture workshop resulting from an especially cranking gig at Eclipse 2012 Festival, Charlie reflects on his ultimate goal for the project: 

“Right now, music is one of the most effective tools we have to communicate ideas on a mass scale and I think I’m really just starting to recognize the power that that can have with regards to introducing people to ideas on how to live more sustainably. I’ve had people that I wouldn’t have thought would be into sustainability in a million years come up to me going: “Man, this sounds awesome! I’m gonna check out this permaculture stuff!” It’s really reaffirming for what I’ve set out to do.”

With included info on the permaculture principles covered as well as chord charts and lyrics to learn the songs on ukulele, the album has been designed to achieve everything from permaculture teaching resource to ukulele lesson to general morning dance routine.

In a world gone hectic, now really is the time to start growing abundance everywhere, starting at the front door. While we’re at it, you might as well Lettuce Turnip the Beet!  (...that would be Rad-ish.)

Small & Slow

Permaculture principle 10: Use and value Diversity - Don't put all your eggs in one basket. Variety is the spice of life. Create polyculture rather than monoculture.
-----

"Charlie is spearheading a new and exciting form of musical activism. He is becoming one of the most important voices in a global cultural movement 
that began right here in Australia." 
- Harry Angus, The Cat Empire 

Permaculture: A Rhymer’s Manual from Western Australia's Formidable Vegetable is the first of its kind. An album of ethical, ecological edu-tainment designed to spread the word of sustainability without making you want to tie-dye your shirt or go out and buy a djembe.
Permaculture is basically a way to get ourselves out of habits of self-destruction and into one of abundance and prosperity.
After recognising a desperate need for people to stop talking about sustainability and start getting off their asses, WA permaculture troubadour Charlie Mgee grabbed his ukulele and came up with 12 songs covering each of the principles of permaculture from David Holmgren’s book, Permaculture: Principles and Pathways Beyond Sustainability. 

With an all-star cast of Australian musicians including Mal Webb, Alex Burkoy (Tinpan Orange/Juila Stone), Michael Boase (Nicky Bomba’s Bustamento), Loren, Freya Hanly, prodigious 19-year old Harry Jakamarra from Broome on banjo and WA’s own 10 piece live electro-swing band Ensemble Formidable, the album is filled to the brim with tracks of truly grooveworthy proportions with styles ranging from ‘energy-descent electro-swing’ and ‘climate-change reggae’ to ‘peak-oil polka’.

In just three short months, Charlie Mgee has already busted out live shows of permaculture songs at internationally acclaimed festivals including Woodford Folk Festival (QLD), Eclipse 2012 (Cairns), Folk, Rhythm & Life and Rainbow Serpent (VIC) and has shared the stage with class-acts such as Nicky Bomba’s Butamento, Spoonbill and Fat Freddy’s Drop.

After a massive turnout to a follow-up permaculture workshop resulting from an especially cranking gig at Eclipse 2012 Festival, Charlie reflects on his ultimate goal for the project: 

“Right now, music is one of the most effective tools we have to communicate ideas on a mass scale and I think I’m really just starting to recognize the power that that can have with regards to introducing people to ideas on how to live more sustainably. I’ve had people that I wouldn’t have thought would be into sustainability in a million years come up to me going: “Man, this sounds awesome! I’m gonna check out this permaculture stuff!” It’s really reaffirming for what I’ve set out to do.”

With included info on the permaculture principles covered as well as chord charts and lyrics to learn the songs on ukulele, the album has been designed to achieve everything from permaculture teaching resource to ukulele lesson to general morning dance routine.

In a world gone hectic, now really is the time to start growing abundance everywhere, starting at the front door. While we’re at it, you might as well Lettuce Turnip the Beet!  (...that would be Rad-ish.)

Many Many

Permaculture principle 12: Creatively use and respond to Change - Impermanence is the only thing on which we can truly rely. The best we can do is use it to our advantage by designing for change.
---

"Charlie is spearheading a new and exciting form of musical activism. He is becoming one of the most important voices in a global cultural movement 
that began right here in Australia." 
- Harry Angus, The Cat Empire 

Permaculture: A Rhymer’s Manual from Western Australia's Formidable Vegetable is the first of its kind. An album of ethical, ecological edu-tainment designed to spread the word of sustainability without making you want to tie-dye your shirt or go out and buy a djembe.
Permaculture is basically a way to get ourselves out of habits of self-destruction and into one of abundance and prosperity.
After recognising a desperate need for people to stop talking about sustainability and start getting off their asses, WA permaculture troubadour Charlie Mgee grabbed his ukulele and came up with 12 songs covering each of the principles of permaculture from David Holmgren’s book, Permaculture: Principles and Pathways Beyond Sustainability. 

With an all-star cast of Australian musicians including Mal Webb, Alex Burkoy (Tinpan Orange/Juila Stone), Michael Boase (Nicky Bomba’s Bustamento), Loren, Freya Hanly, prodigious 19-year old Harry Jakamarra from Broome on banjo and WA’s own 10 piece live electro-swing band Ensemble Formidable, the album is filled to the brim with tracks of truly grooveworthy proportions with styles ranging from ‘energy-descent electro-swing’ and ‘climate-change reggae’ to ‘peak-oil polka’.

In just three short months, Charlie Mgee has already busted out live shows of permaculture songs at internationally acclaimed festivals including Woodford Folk Festival (QLD), Eclipse 2012 (Cairns), Folk, Rhythm & Life and Rainbow Serpent (VIC) and has shared the stage with class-acts such as Nicky Bomba’s Butamento, Spoonbill and Fat Freddy’s Drop.

After a massive turnout to a follow-up permaculture workshop resulting from an especially cranking gig at Eclipse 2012 Festival, Charlie reflects on his ultimate goal for the project: 

“Right now, music is one of the most effective tools we have to communicate ideas on a mass scale and I think I’m really just starting to recognize the power that that can have with regards to introducing people to ideas on how to live more sustainably. I’ve had people that I wouldn’t have thought would be into sustainability in a million years come up to me going: “Man, this sounds awesome! I’m gonna check out this permaculture stuff!” It’s really reaffirming for what I’ve set out to do.”

With included info on the permaculture principles covered as well as chord charts and lyrics to learn the songs on ukulele, the album has been designed to achieve everything from permaculture teaching resource to ukulele lesson to general morning dance routine.

In a world gone hectic, now really is the time to start growing abundance everywhere, starting at the front door. While we’re at it, you might as well Lettuce Turnip the Beet!  (...that would be Rad-ish.)

party in the park

Craig John Devlin