As well as being an accomplished writer, singer-songwriter, political activist and public intellectual, John Schumann is a highly regarded public/keynote speaker. John identifies and articulates those things that ring true in our daily lives with a compelling set of stories about what it means to be an Australian in the 21st-century. He draws on all aspects of our life and history, our preoccupation with sport, our involvement in various wars, our music, literature and the way we conduct our national affairs.

“John Schumann absolutely nailed it: honest, evocative and funny, his presentation touched each and every one of our delegates. It was an absolute privilege to sit and listen to John.” Australian Pipelines and Gas Association

"John Schumann is a one-off – the artist/intellectual with the unerring popular touch. To the familiar Australian and treasured front bar ‘wisdom’ and the paddock fence stoicism, he adds a depth of feeling and an acuity of perception that go beyond the bounds of ‘folk’ and ‘popular’ and are the attributes of the true, creative artist.”
Professor Brian Matthews

Topics include but are not limited to

• the conduct of our national affairs
• the environment and climate change
• mental health - understanding awareness and pathways to help
• military
• social trends and current affairs

A selection of speeches, articles and opinion pieces.

In the aftermath of the Royal Commission into Veteran Suicide and 42 years after the release of "I was only 19", John Schumann found another story that needs to be told.

"Fishing Net in the Rain" was written by Schumann (lyrics) in collaboration with his friend & manager, Ivan Tanner (music). It's the story of one of the young sailors sent out by the Australian Government to "stop the boats".

"While the song was inspired by Petty Officer David Finney, it's really important to note that this song is about - and for - the thousands of current and former members of the ADF who have taken their own lives after serving Australia. And, importantly, it's for their families."

John Schumann and The Waifs come together with Shane Nicholson for a powerful re-recording of "I Was Only 19" to mark the 40th anniversary of the release of the song and the 50th anniversary of the end of Australia’s involvement in the Vietnam War.

The power and words of Henry Lawson with the power and music of John Schumann and a bunch of close mates (aka the Vagabond Crew) – an unbeatable combination.

* Shane Howard * Rob Hirst * Russell Morris * Mike Rudd * Steven & Alan Pigram * Broderick Smith * Marcia Howard * Chris Stockley * Mal Logan * Hugh McDonald * Michael Atkinson.

Produced by Kerryn Tolhurst

Includes song – “Graduation Day”

"Schumann’s voice carries the wind in from the outback. It has grains of red dust and yellow earth, it’s flecked with toil, hardship, humanity and love. It’s as old as the land, with a gnarled weariness, like the weathered bark of a gum, tinged with the light of hope. He sings of Australia, of its past and present, its people."

Warwick McFadyen – Daily Review

Also available at Songland Records ACT songlandrecords@gmail.com