Mick Harrington, a grand finalist in the singing reality TV series, The Voice, is also a voice for rural Australia, living and breathing the country values that define his identity.
From singing the national anthem at the Supercars and Superbikes, to his part-time work with Nationals MP Tim Bull, Mick’s commitment to these values runs deep.
“I’ve been involved in conservative politics the last few years and I’ve loved every minute of it, including advocating for rural communities and being in a room with people who love our country, know the words to our national anthem, and are willing to sing the song with the gusto it deserves,” Harrington tells The Epoch Times.
The singer competed in season 10 of The Voice in Team Jess (Jessica Mauboy).
Harrington’s deep connection to Australia’s heartland goes beyond politics.
He has run for both the Senate and the Legislative Council, aiming to ensure the voices of those who live in the outback are not lost amid the noise of larger cities.
“A lot of people talk about principles of conservatism, but for me, the main issue is about freedom. It’s about allowing people freedom, even those I disagree with, allowing them the freedom to speak their mind. It’s about making sure that governments fulfill their necessary roles and stay out of the way of families, allowing them to make their own decisions,” Harrington said.
His vision for rural Australia is simple: a place where people have the freedom to live and work in accordance with their values, without unnecessary interference from government.
In his music, Mick continues to uphold these country ideals. He seeks inspiration from both Australian and American country artists, drawing on their shared celebration of rural life.
While he admires Australian country singer John Williamson’s success, he distances himself from Williamson’s critiques of the timber industry, instead embracing the industries that sustain the regions.
What the US and Australia Share
Mick’s desire to perform in small towns in the United States is another point.“I think playing those sorts of venues would be perfect for my repertoire. I really love to be intimate with the audience, and to show them that you don’t need a massive band or crazy production to really engage people, you just need to be able to tell a story.”
The beauty of Australia is mirrored in the vast and varied landscapes of the United States.
Music Reflecting Values
But beyond his music, Mick is clear on his role as an artist and a citizen.“I’m a musician, and I love being that, but I don’t think it’s my job to go out and direct people on how to vote or how to think. I think it’s just to put my opinion out there, and people can make up their own mind. That’s the beauty of our country.”
His stance on the Voice to Parliament referendum, to embed a Indigenous advisory body into the Constitution, reflects this belief.
“I came out with a video the day of the referendum and said I was going to vote ‘no’ to the Voice to Parliament. Some people despised that. They were abrasive and rude about it. But as a citizen, that’s my right. I did my research, I listened to both sides. I spoke with my mates, some of whom are Indigenous, and I made my decision.”
For Harrington, music and politics are always intertwined, but in a way that respects the freedom of the individual.
“When I go and see a big stadium act, the last thing I want is to be directed to a niche political cause. I just want them to sing. And that’s what I try to do—sing and perform well.”
The singer laments that many artists today have lost touch with their roots, compromising their values for corporate gigs and sponsorships.
“I used to think of artists as people who wanted free will and to live life on their own terms. But now it’s easier to fill stadiums if you go along with whatever you’re told.”
“We’ve got to get back to a point where we can have different ideas on politics but come together and really look after each other, as brothers and sisters under our flag.”
