ABOUT UPLIFT UNPLUGGEd

Uplift Unplugged is a not-for-profit organisation that empowers young musicians to use their talent for social good.

We bring young artists together to perform at community and charity events, creating uplifting experiences that inspire connection, kindness and a shared sense of purpose.

At the same time, we give young musicians the opportunity to broaden their musical experience and find joy in making music they connect with — a meaningful alternative for those seeking new challenges and artistic growth.

The healing power of music is well documented. Not only has music has been an integral part of human culture for tens of thousands of years, but we know it can motivate, inspire and regulate our emotional state in a way that nothing else can. According to the American Psychiatric Association, music can help to foster social connection and support, facilitate emotional release, inspire collective action and promote self-reflection, among other things.*

Also well documented is the alarming rise of depression, anxiety and other mental health problems, not just among our youth but in middle-aged and older Australians as well. While these issues are complex and can be difficult to treat, feeling like you're not alone, being able to express your feelings and knowing you have support are all fantastic protective factors against the destructive effects of poor mental health. Music can help us realise all of these things. It has a unique power in that it can connect with us on a different level and move us when nothing else seems to be able to.

Uplift Unplugged began when our founder, Jackie, realised that the healing power of music could be better harnessed, not just in relation to more serious mental health problems, but even more broadly in combatting loneliness, unhappiness and disconnectedness in our communities.

If you're a musician wanting to give back to the community (and benefit your own mental health in the meantime), or a not-for-profit organisation looking for some inspirational music to bring your event to life, get involved with Uplift Unplugged.

Harnessing the power of music

“I think any time I’ve ever got down or ever felt low the one thing that picks me up from that is writing a song about it. At least you’ve got a positive experience out of a bad experience.”
Singer Ed Sheeran

“Music does a lot of things for a lot of people. It’s transporting, for sure. It can take you right back, years back, to the very moment certain things happened in your life. It’s uplifting, it’s encouraging, it’s strengthening.”
The late, great singer Aretha Franklin

“Music has healing power. It has the ability to take people out of themselves for a few hours.”
elton John, who says we should never be afraid of saying three simple words: “I need help.”

“Music is life itself.”
louis armstrong, jazz trumpeter (1901-1971)

“Music can lift us out of depression or move us to tears – it is a remedy, a tonic, orange juice for the ear. But for many of my neurological patients, music is even more – it can provide access, even when no medication can, to movement, to speech, to life. For them, music is not a luxury, but a necessity.”
Oliver Sacks, best-selling author and professor of neurology at NYU School Of Medicine

“One good thing about music, when it hits you, you feel no pain.”
bob marley (1945-1981)