Paul Kelly

Writer Tony Birch talks with singer, songwriter and national treasure Paul Kelly about his new collection, Love is Strong as Death: Poems chosen by Paul Kelly.

Featuring more than 300 works from a range of ancient and modern authors, the deeply moving anthology speaks to the themes that have proven so powerful in Paul’s own music: love, death and everything in between.

Hear Paul discuss this lovingly curated tome and reflect on how poetry has influenced his life and music.

This recording is available on all major podcast platforms.

Paul Kelly (Australian)

Paul Kelly was born in Adelaide in 1955. He wrote his first song in 1976 and has been making records since 1978 — more than thirty to date. He has collaborated with many other songwriters and written music for film and theatre. In 2010, he published a 'mongrel memoir', How to Make Gravy, and in 2019 an anthology of poetry, Love is Strong as Death. His most recent album is Thirteen Ways to Look at Birds.

Tony Birch (Australian)

Tony Birch is the author of three novels, four short story collections and a book of poetry. He is also a regular essayist. His most recent novel is The White Girl. In 2017, he was awarded the Patrick White Literary Award for his contribution to Australian literature and culture.