Sarah Island

About This Song

Biography: 
Vandiemonian/Lutruwita/Tasmanian singer-songwriter David Holman intricately weaves themes of place, colonialism, and activism into his deeply vulnerable songs. 

David was the lead singer and principal songwriter of the Tasmanian alt-folk ensemble Wistly, known for their evocative live performances and richly textured songwriting rooted in the landscapes of history. 

 His forthcoming LP, Yon & Hither, is a profound exploration of space, melody and vulnerability. Influenced by artists such as Neil Young, Gillian Welch, David Rawlings and Iron & Wine, this album mentors through the light and dark of Tasmania, and its inhabitants over time. About ‘Sarah Island’: Sarah Island, located in Tasmania's Macquarie Harbour near Strahan, was a notorious British penal colony operating from 1822 to 1833. Known as "hell on earth," it was one of the harshest convict prisons,, where inmates endured brutal conditions while logging Huon pine and building ships. David’s description: “It’s long after lockdown. It’s cold and dark in your cell. Aside from the occasional mumblings and shufflings of fellow inmates….a distant seabird cry….there is silence. A sliver of moon shines a silver shard of light through the tiny barred window above your head. It carves an arc across the floor as the hours pass. Then……movement…..the clank of metal on metal….. heavy chain on wood….unwanted company….this can mean only one thing….one of you will never be seen again…”

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