Running On Our Own

Gailla

A warm, empowering lullaby dedicated to the power of young people in the climate movement.

Why I wrote this song

“I wrote this song because I’m inspired by our young people who are organised, caring and taking action on climate change. I find a lot of value in writing songs about climate that are encouraging, uplifting and joyful, and I find a lot of inspiration from young people in the movement that embody these values in their activism and outlook.

I worked with AYCC + SS4C and 2 local bands that have been involved in these movements to organise a fundraiser show in Sydney, and have seen firsthand how hardworking and informed both the young people in these organisations are.

I care about this issue because I care for those around me who may feel disheartened; I want them to see that the answer to this crisis is within each of us, and that us coming together is the most beautiful, powerful antidote to fear and hopelessness.”

About me as an artist

Gailla creates golden folk-pop songs that delve into stories of climate optimism, despair, heartbreak, community and interdependence with our natural world and ourselves. Her songs are a blend of her first love – folk mythology and history – and her second – pop melodies and futurism. Gailla exists to help remember our past and report on our present, in order for us to collectively imagine our future – one that is informed by sustainability, collaboration, regeneration, connection, and creativity.

With her band, she has toured across NSW, VIC and QLD and has played over 10 festivals and 30 venues in Australia, including at activist events such as campaign launches and at the Blockade of the World’s Largest Coalport in Newcastle/Muloobinba. In 2023, she embarked on her Public Transport Tour, committing to only travelling via public transport from NSW to VIC. 2024 sees the release of her debut EP with a tour to celebrate.

About the music video

“The video was shot by Zebedee Parkes and myself in the Blue Mountains, Petersham, Rozelle and Sydney Park. My introduction to community activism was through the WestConnex campaign in Rozelle. The footage we shot at Sydney Park is on the same spot where they removed trees to make way for WestConnex. We showed some of my personal photos and videos in the video, to tell my story as a young climate organiser.

We chose the Blue Mountains to show the regrowth from the bushfires, symbolising how we young people are rising from the ashes to keep fighting. The rest of the footage is archival, or shot by Zeb himself.

In this music video, you can see the power of young people who are at the front of every rally, leading the change. You can see and feel that we are capable and ready to bring in a new generation of positive change.”

The environmental organisations I admire or support

Sea Shepherd, Bush Heritage Australia, Firesticks, Good For The Hood, Australian Conservation Foundation, Australian Wildlife Conservancy, 350.org, Ocean Impact Organisation, AYCC, Seed Mob, Oxfam, Seabin Project, Sweltering Cities, Inner West Environment Group, ASEN, Landcare Australia, Cleanaway, South Pole, Eden Reforestation Projects, OzHarvest, WestConnex Action Group, Rewilding Australia, Save The Daintree Rainforest, Rainforest Rangers Australia, Take 3 For The Sea, The Climate Council, Milkwood Permaculture