Eddie Ayres’ new book, Danger Music, tells a story of remarkable personal change and growth. It’s a memoir set against a backdrop of war and set to an eclectic soundtrack of Bach, Beethoven, Abba and the traditional music of Afghanistan.
Three years ago, Eddie Ayres was Emma Ayres - a seasoned adventurer, accomplished musician and much-loved broadcaster at ABC Classic FM. In 2014, during a period of personal struggle and depression, Emma quit her job and went to teach cello, viola and double bass at the Afghanistan National Institute of Music in Kabul. It was during her year in Afghanistan that Emma realised she needed to become Eddie and, after returning to Australia, Emma undertook the transition to become a man.
In conversation with Jon Faine at the Wheeler Centre, Eddie discusses his remarkable life and career in music, as well as the travels that have seen him cycling across the remote Taklamakan Desert in China, teaching double bass in Kabul and playing viola in the Hong Kong Philharmonic. Enjoy this discussion of culture, adventure and gender.