Highways of Hope: Gordi

The Banding Together project set out to capture stories from a range of people connected with the Australian music community in the COVID-19 era. The hardships unearthed are raw and real, but meeting these challenges has inspired acts of compassion, resilience, talent and innovation.

Music is playing a key role in many of these undertakings; a universal language keeping us connected and lifting our spirits. These stories provide a positive focus, signposts to be celebrated along the Highways of Hope.

Sophie Payten’s (Gordi) humility, talent, courage and compassion is truly inspiring. Amidst layers of a global pandemic, these qualities have allowed her to successfully pursue dual careers in music and medicine. Both worlds Sophie walks in are complex and challenging but within them, her music stories and songs evolve and engage us while her patients’ stories unfold alongside them. Her ongoing journey is a wonderful example of creativity and selflessness; a story that is both uplifting and engaging.

As part of our commitment to capturing and sharing great Australian music stories, the Australian Music Vault responded to the challenges of COVID-19 by creating a series of video stories that capture, in real time, the impact that this pandemic has had on the music community.

Banding Together is the music community’s stories; the Australian Music Vault has simply helped capture them.

If you, or someone you know – including those connected to the creative industries – are facing mental health challenges, please contact one of the following helplines: Support Act Wellbeing Helpline on 1800 959 500; Arts Wellbeing Collective; Beyond Blue on 1300 224 636 or Lifeline on 13 11 14.