Karen JacobSen

(Airlie Beach, Whitsundays QLD Australia March 6th, 2023)

We are used to hearing her voice give us directions in a billion smartphones and GPS devices, but international voice-over artist, singer-songwriter and professional speaker Karen Jacobsen has composed her first pop orchestral work and celebrates the release of the MISOGYNY OPUS album on IWD 2023. The Misogyny Opus comprises 18 tracks, setting former Australian Prime Minister Julia Gillard's iconic misogyny speech to music word for word.

Misogyny - the definition in case the term isn't familiar - the dislike of, contempt for, or ingrained prejudice against women.

Previously New York based and now pandemic-relocated to North Queensland's Whitsundays region, Karen Jacobsen was so inspired by the misogyny speech, delivered on Oct 9th 2012, she has recorded and released an entire album of the piece. The live concert world premiere performance of 'Misogyny Opus' is on April 29^th 2023 featuring Karen Jacobsen as soloist with musicians from the Queensland Symphony Orchestra at the Mackay Entertainment and Convention Centre in Queensland, Australia.

How Did the Misogyny Opus Come About?

Karen says “When watching the television program “Ms Represented” on the ABC in Australia, I learned about the history of women in Australian politics. When Annabel Crabb reaches the period of time when we have our first, and so far only, female Prime Minister Julia Gillard, she asks Ms Gillard about the impact of her ‘misogyny speech.’”

“During this interview, inspiration struck like a bolt from the blue. I raced to my computer and searched for a transcript of the misogyny speech, printed it out, then ran with those papers to my piano. I put my hands on the keyboard and the music poured out of me, setting the speech to music word for word.”

“It became clear to me very quickly that this project was much bigger than me. The words from this speech could be delivered in a unique form, through music, and be able to raise awareness of the desperate need for equality for all.”

“I have been staggered to find that many people do not know the definition of the word misogyny, despite experiences being felt by women from all walks of life, including a Prime Minister.”

Not only is this the performance of a piece of music, but an educational opportunity to build a shared understanding of these behaviors. We can become advocates for others within our communities, households and organizations.

The Album Was Recorded Remotely from NYC to Airlie Beach

Recorded and Produced by Matt Anthony (Darius Rucker, Shinedown, Pat Monahan of Train) at Engine Sound in New York City, recording began remotely in late 2021, immediately after the release of Karen’s 10th studio album READY FOR WHAT I CAME HERE FOR. With  a creative focus enabled by the pandemic, the songs were recorded across time zones and distance between Karen's new location half a world away near Australia's Great Barrier Reef, and Matt's studio in the North-East of the United States (9560 miles to be exact). Karen composed the music for the entire album, plays piano throughout the recording as well as singing all tracks with her 'everywhere at once' voice.

The single BETTER STANDARD THAN THIS was released in October 2022, and  the music video featured 70 equality advocates from around the world to public acclaim. A series of future music videos and a regional tour is planned, including a leadership panel Q & A discussion to highlight the message of equality and create positive change.

For Media Interviews, Contact Annette Densham: annette@theaudaciousagency.com