Singing and playing music at protests has long been a way of bringing people together and galvanising the struggles against oppression. If you have attended a protest in Melbourne, Sydney or Brisbane recently, you likely will have experienced the music and colour of the Riff Raff Radical Marching Band.
Riff Raff was started in New South Wales in 2010 by a group of activists and musicians who wanted to support movements for social and environmental justice. Sully, a member of the Melbourne chapter, told 91自拍论坛 Radio the founding members felt 鈥渢here could be more colour and music added [to rallies] to really support the activism and make 鈥 a more positive and creative space鈥.
The Melbourne chapter has been heavily involved in a range of activist movements, from refugee rights to transport justice and disability justice. It recently performed at protests to build accessible tram stops on Sydney Road, Brunswick.
Sully said the group decides on events to focus on based on the issues members of the band are committed to and activist requests.
The band performs their own lyrics to songs ranging from classics like 鈥淒own by the Riverside鈥 to pop songs by Salt-N-Pepa and Lady Gaga. Sully is excited that the band will debut 鈥淜illing in the Name鈥 by Rage Against the Machine, which they recently adapted.
The band hands out lyric sheets at protests, so everyone can sing along.
Riff Raff stands out at protests due to their bright costumes. Members wear red and black with gold and funny hats 鈥 a satire of marching band attire. For Sully, the deliberate choice to wear costumes, rather than uniforms, is designed to 鈥渢ake the piss out of that kind of outfit鈥.
Riff Raff will next be performing at the Refugee Action Collective鈥檚 鈥10 years too long: Permanent visas for all now鈥 protest, which will be held at the State Library of Victoria on July 22.
Sully strongly encourages people of all musical skill levels to join their local Riff Raff chapter. More information on the Melbourne chapter鈥檚 rehearsal schedule and upcoming protests can be found on their page or by subscribing to their mailing list (Email: riffraffmelbourne@gmail.com).