An Intimate Stranger: MND Fundraiser Album
MND Victoria is grateful to receive all profits from the sale of the 'An Intimate Stranger' album by Graeme Scott.
$6,315
raised of $10,000 goal
My name is Graeme Scott. After five decades working as a classroom teacher and principal class administrator, I retired in 2019. I am now 73 years old.
A mere three years in to my retirement, my life balance was shattered by a diagnosis of Motor Neurone Disease (MND) in October 2022. I have now been living with MND for three years.
Like so many others, the Covid lockdowns of 2020 and 2021 disrupted my normal routines. Confined to my home, I quickly lost interest in the shallow distractions of binge television. Faced with long stretches of time, I asked myself whether to develop new skills or rekindle an old passion. In my case, after a 16-year hiatus, I returned to my “six-string” guitar.
Graeme is hoping to raise an incredible $10,000 through the sale of his MND fundraiser album. To purchase your copy today, donate $20 or more and gain access to 17 incredible songs that explore the intricacies of living in todays world.
Purchase the 'An Intimate Stranger' album today
Thank you for supporting MND Victoria and continuing Graeme's legacy through the purchase of the 'An Intimate Stranger' album.
Every contribution makes a difference.
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The Power of Music
Music has been a constant, if intermittent, part of my life. I have always been a part-time musician — an on-again, off-again guitarist whose enthusiasm waxed and waned. My progress was often limited by what felt like a personal glass ceiling, where natural limitations curtailed my musical ambitions. Adding to this challenge, two broken fingers from a cricket injury meant my return to playing was initially restricted to simple open chords.
At this stage I lacked both the discipline and self-belief to learn established songs. Instead, I preferred to pick the low hanging fruit, that is, to trot out the most common chord patterns. However, from these sessions, I soon began developing my own chord progressions and then lyrics emerged. By the end of 2021, I had written more than 20 completed songs, along with a range of unfinished musical pieces and lyrics.
The making of the 'An Intimate Stranger' album
Soon after my MND diagnosis, I lost the ability to play — or even safely hold — a guitar. However, with the unwavering support of my partner, family, and close friends, I have been encouraged to bring these songs to life, in the form of a digital recording.
My first effort in this regard resulted in, The Riffmasters, a blues band residing in the leafy suburbs of North-East Melbourne, rehearsing and recording four songs - now known as the Procrastination EP - on May 18, 2024.
My second effort centred around my direct involvement in all aspects of the composing, recording and mixing process. Due to the loss of function in my arms, I began recreating my original strum patterns using digital instruments and computer-based music programs, to capture the nuances of my original playing style. Via this creative process, I expanded my musical skills. Using digital instruments, I then created additional guitar voicings, added bass and drum tracks as well as melody guides for vocalists.
From October 2024 to December 2025, with the support of others, who became my active hands within this digital environment, I have created a further thirteen songs, which constitute the album, An Intimate Stranger. Ironically, without my illness, these songs would most likely have remained unrecorded. At best, I am a rhythm guitarist of modest ability who would never have convinced a band to play his songs.
While MND has robbed me of my physical capabilities, it has also presented an unexpected opportunity to create.
Graeme Scott's Legacy
I have lived a long and privileged life, rich in cultural, artistic, political, social, and philosophical experiences. Throughout my journey with MND, I have been supported in countless ways by MND Victoria. Now, it is time to give back.
Rather than organising a one-off fundraising event, I have chosen to create a tangible product — an album of Australian “pub rock” songs. This music will be available for purchase, with 100% of the proceeds going directly to MND Victoria.
The primary goal of this album is fundraising. However, as a creative work, I hope it achieves more than that. Through the exploration of significant world issues alongside everyday human concerns, I aim to connect with family, friends, and the wider community who support those living with MND. I hope the lyrics, music and the voices I have selected to convey my narrative, resonate with the MND community and with the wider public audience. Clearly the issues and concerns discussed above, along with health, affect us all.
This project has been completed both as a legacy for my partner, family, and friends, and as a meaningful contribution to MND fundraising. In doing so, it has allowed me to transform limitation into creativity, and personal challenge into purpose.
Thank you for supporting MND Victoria and continuing Graeme's legacy
Darcy Sullivan
$25
1 month ago
Anonymous
$200
1 month ago
ANDREW WHITEHALL
$20
3 months ago
Anonymous
$20
3 months ago
Vicki Wyatt
$50
“Well done Graeme. Thanks for the music. ”
3 months ago
Sandra O’FLYNN
$20
“Thank you MND VIC for your care, kindness and support throughout the duration of my husband MND. Ever grateful.”
3 months ago
Karyn Werner
$100
3 months ago
Anonymous
$20
3 months ago
Where does your support go?
MND Victoria is the only not-for-profit organisation in Victoria that provides care and support services to those living with MND. With your support, we can raise vital funds that are essential for providing direct care, support and vital assistive equipment to not only the person living with MND, but also their loved ones who are on the journey too.