David Holmgren was very much looking forward to attending CERES in Melbourne for the launch of the Permaculture: A Rhymer’s Manual album (he loves the music, and loud), but, due to an accident he couldn’t be there.

So, he put his thoughts together about the album, to share in this abridged video clip. We assume it won’t be long before David is back on his feet and dancing to Charlie Mgee’s fabulous songs and permaculture music, that the permaculture principles have inspired.

Interview Transcript

(0m8s) Accessibility of Permaculture Principles

David Holmgren: We always had the idea that these thinking changes that permaculture principles require is so fundamental to the survival of humanity that it can’t just be some abstract idea that a few deeply thinking people might imagine or apply. It’s got to be something that can be absorbed at all levels from, if you like, the kindergarten to the university. And of course, music is one of those fundamental ways to carry ideas. And in a lot of ways, it’s a more fundamental and deeply embedded way for knowledge and wisdom to be conveyed.

(1m0s) Charlie McGee’s Music and Permaculture

David Holmgren: I was amazed when I first heard one of Charlie’s songs. I think it was “Look Around”. To hear what he had done in presenting the permaculture design principles in a fresh and entertaining way. Music like this is highly appropriate for teaching permaculture principles to kids. But in the same way that permaculture teachers have already used really light and engaging ways in very serious adult education forums, game playing, and other things, I think permaculture teachers will use this music in teaching these ideas.

(2m5s) Global Context and Adaptation

David Holmgren: Charlie’s work is part of a wider global process that’s happening where people are taking these ideas, reinterpreting them, contextualizing them within local culture and making them their own, which is fantastic.