Kirsty McQue | Musician | Photographer | Australia
A passionate diver, with a thirst for nature and the waves, an eye for colour and a heart for connecting moving image and music with travel and nature has led Kirsty McQue on a path to documenting adventurous lifestyles across Australia to Indonesia and Europe.
Communicating the spirit of the ocean in an incredible, creative and different way, Kirsty is a master at manipulating sound which carries the soul to an underwater world that is right at our fingertips, yet feels miles away, and perfectly captures the essence of the animals we all know and love. Allow Kirsty’s music inspire and engage you in a whole new, magical universe.
When did you first start your storytelling journey?
After being suck in Byron Bay for much longer than planned (due to Covid), I started helping Rog with creating some music for one of his shark films and it opened me up to wanting to connect the underwater world and environmental awareness with music.
What path did you choose after leaving school?
I did a music degree that was focused on songwriting and singing. It was awesome! Having your dissertation as writing an album and being around the music, radio and events of Leeds- best choice ever. That lead me into producing music festivals from London and touring with artists to then coming over to Australia to work on music festivals over here.
What are the fondest memories from your upbringing that you feel impacted your life choices and lifestyle today?
I remember being in the south of France with my brother and sister probably aged 8, sitting in a barn full of straw with 3 other French families and kids that we used to stay with, not understanding a word of French but all of us kids would have the best 3 weeks here dancing, playing in the water being on the farm together even though non of us could communicate in the same language. But it didn't matter. We used our hands, our eyes, danced about, singing, laughed. You can become best friends without speaking the same language sometimes. It's all about the feeling. Music is your language in a way.
What would you most like to change in the world/environment today?
Less control than the governments have on us currently, more balance between what we think our human needs are in superficial terms compared to the natural world and more care and awareness of the natural world. Theres been some amazing documentaries in the last year or so. Envoy film is particularly powerful regarding sharks. That's just one example.
Plastic pollution comes into every single dive or ocean experience I’ve had in the last few years. And now we are at a point where it has to be stopped to be sold and manufactured for single use by governing bodies and private companies.
Education and awareness, clean ups, reducing our usage definitely helps but it’s not enough and every dive ( Komodo, Indonesia, Koh Tao, Canary Islands, Croatia, Australia) the places I’ve been in the last year I’m seeing it’s sad effects.
What do you value most in life?
Connection. Both with people and the world. I believe that's what we all truly want and look for within one another. It was why I always loved singing and music. For the feeling. You forget everything else. The power of music festivals- it brings us together through a shared passion. The reason we travel- to see what's out there, again a shared experience. I really care about this. It's why friendships and relationships are so important to me. Connection and experiences bring so much meaning to us. And with that, it brings care.
What advice would you give to anyone looking to follow their dreams as an ocean Storyteller?
Follow what excites you, what you love the most. That way your passion is always going to be there. Surround yourself with people who are inspiring, who bring you up, who you can laugh with, who give you ideas. and then put in the hard work and keep going, keep enjoying!
What legacy do you hope to leave?
Legacy wow I hadn't thought about this, more the idea that your dreams anything is possible if you try. Infinite possibilities
What projects are you currently working on?
I’ve currently moved from creating music to learning to start to film make underwater. I’m making a short 3min film on the coral restoration that is happening in Koh Tao, focusing mostly on plastic.
I have been really inspired learning from people in Koh Tao who have been ocean film making for over 15 years. Learning the techniques needed when scuba diving and also to create a pathway in this industry to showcase what is happening to our planet the sadness but alway the beauty and awe of it.
WEBSITE: www.kirstyinmotion.com
INSTAGRAM: @kirstyinmotion
