Listen out, Canberra, because good tunes and positive vibes are making their way across the Territory today, Wednesday 21 June, in honour of International Make Music Day.

CBR Sonic Odyssey sees the Soul Defender make its way across the ACT playing Canberra’s favourite tunes. From 9.30am to 6pm, the DJ headquarters and mobile stage will spread some of Canberra’s favourite tunes, both recorded and live. Jumping on stage to play the keys is Jamie Rae, while the Jay-Rae Trio and Lucy Sugerman host a free concert onboard in the afternoon.

The 1984 Army Mack R6x6 has been converted from a war defender to a defender of souls with feel-good music, lighting, bubbles and good times. The day of fun may bring some controversy with it, namely breaking Canberra’s sound laws; David Caffery, owner of Soul Defender and president of MusicACT, says it’s a definite.

“It’s impossible to play music for many people in group centres without breaking Canberra’s archaic sound laws, that’s why so few music venues are in the suburbs. And those that are, like Gang Gang and Old Canberra Inn, have had constant threats to their music programs,” he says.

Hope may be in sight for the future of live music, though. Mr Caffery hopes the new vision to improve Canberra’s night-time economy will help boost the musical life in our neighbourhoods.

“I hope Tara Cheyne’s new leadership of the night-time economy will inspire all ministers and areas of government, heralding a new chapter for Canberra that is alive with activity and expression through the day and night.”

Celebrating the diverse music coming from our region, the event encourages the community to get on board and help make the ultimate playlist. Got a favourite Canberra track you want to hear? Submit your request here.

Soul Man of the Soul Defender, Jordan Hodge, says they need help to create the playlist that will echo through Canberra’s streets and key businesses throughout the day.

“Your mission brief: Contribute your favourite Canberra-made track from any era through the form on the website and together, we’ll create a symphony that reverberates across our whole city,” Mr Hodge says.

While you get the music sorted, Soul Defender takes care of the rest; he says no mission would be complete without an artillery of fun.

“From the glowing SOUL sign to a new disco ball blowing haze-filled bubbles, we’ve got you covered. It’s all a part of International Make Music Day.”

With over 20 stops on the schedule, the once-war machine has a busy day of sharing the beats. Not every stop has a designated time, however, you can find Soul Defender at these locations:

• Banks Shops at 10am for ten minutes with Jamie Rae
• Amaroo Shops at 3pm for ten minutes with Jamie Rae
• Capital Brewing Co., Fyshwick at 4-6pm with Jay-Rea Trio featuring Lucy Sugerman.

Coming at a time when musicians are doing it tough, Mr Caffery wanted to incorporate local musicians and the art they create. He encouraged anyone who likes a track to go buy the music and help support the artists.

“Working with the talented local musicians of Canberra is always an honour – we told them about Sonic Odyssey, many of them have nominated tracks and we purchase every track we play on the Soul Defender, rather than using streaming services that barely pay artists.”

Follow the Soul Defender on Instagram; instagram.com/thesouldefender

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