Danbert Nobacon explores climate change issues in a new song that will be released on Dec. 1
By Ann McCreary
As world leaders prepare to convene in Paris on Nov. 30 to discuss climate change, local songwriter and performer Danbert Nobacon asks the musical question, “To Be or Not to Be?”
That is the name of a new song by Nobacon that looks at the issue of climate change. The song will be released Dec. 1, to coincide with the United Nations climate conference.
In choosing the famous line from Hamlet for the title of his song, Nobacon said he is “channeling the spirit of The Bard” to bring attention to the fate of the planet as a result of climate change, which he said is “propelling the habitable earth as we know it beyond the brink of sustainability.”
Nobacon has used music in the past to address environmental concerns. “In 2007 I did an album and a lot of it was about environmental issues and how the media distorts the science,” he said.
“To Be or Not to Be?” and another song, “Chemistry,” will be available digitally on Dec. 1, and a limited hard copy edition will also be available soon, he said.
Playing with Nobacon on the songs are three Methow Valley musicians — Holly Brielle, vocals; Anna Dooley, violin; and Bryn Clayton Jones, voiceover. Five other musicians are from Seattle.
Inspiration for the songs came from two productions of the Liberty Bell Drama Company, which Nobacon wrote and directed over the past two years. Brielle and Jones were also involved in the productions, he said.
The two songs to be released in December are a “prelude” to albums that he expects to release next year, Nobacon said. His last album was released in 2010.
Nobacon was a founding member of the English punk band Chumbawamba. He describes his current music as folk punk.
For more information go to his website at www.danbertnobacon.com.
