BY STEPHANIE ESLAKE
Could composer Josh Belperio be a true-blue Aussie legend?
After releasing (via song) his open letter Dear Malcolm Turnbull, Josh is back to demand even better from the nation’s newest prime minister Scott Morrison.
In his latest video Homo Vs Scomo, Josh confronts the PM’s widely criticised response to Australia’s bushfires. The composer-performer also brings into the mix the dangers of the Religious Discrimination Bill, crafting a catchy-as-ever melody about why this country, at present, basically sucks.
About his open letter to ScoMo, Josh tells CutCommon:
I made this because, right now, we have a leader who is denying science; ignoring fire victims, fire wardens, and Indigenous voices; and insisting that, in amongst this crisis, we have a debate over religious freedom – which is essentially the right to discriminate against queer people.
In a situation where so many of us feel marginalised and ignored by him, there is a kind of empowerment we can experience through satirising the man; in pointing out his hypocrisy, his negligence, corruption, lack of emotional intelligence, and how he is really unfit for his job.
And there is a special kind of joy in doing all of that through music and lyrics.
Joy through music indeed. At time of publishing, Josh’s song has been viewed about 50,000 times across social media channels. You can give it a watch below, too, and we’ll laugh-cry our way into the apocalypse together.
(If Homo Vs Scomo inspires you to take action, click ‘see more’ in the link embedded. You’ll find some helpful links posted by Josh, which will direct you to the many ways you can help protest, sign petitions, and donate.)
Can’t view the video? Visit the video directly on Facebook right here.
Visit the ABC website for current emergency coverage.
Video and images supplied by Josh Belperio.
