Famous Danish author Hans Christian Anderson once said: 'where words fail, music speaks”.

The ‘Songs for the Mountain' album launch concert will be held down at the Paeroa and District War Memorial Hall in Paeroa tonight, from 7.30pm.

Protect Karangahake is holding the ‘Songs for the Mountain' album launch concert in Paeroa tonight. Photo: Coromandel Watchdog of Hauraki

The fundraising concert organised by activist group Protect Karangahake aims to raise awareness on planned mining operations in the gorge by New Talisman Gold Mines.

‘Songs for the Mountain' is a creative response from local musicians who 'live or have lived within the beauty and energy of this Mountain” to the planned activities.

It features 13 tracks from musicians Caron Clay, Holly Dove, Nina Pillai (Rivers & the Northwind), Alison Collings and Mike Thornton (Quarter Acre), Kevin Parkinson and Brian Shone (Fishtale).

The album also features the two musicians behind its creation, Beccy Dove and Michael O'Donnell.

Beccy says ‘Songs for the Mountain' falls in line with Protect Karangahake D.I.Y. ethos and the kaupapa of keeping their protest positive.

'When I listen to the album it brings me into the energy of the mountain and everyone's passion for caring for the environment speaks through all the songs.

'I am really pleased with what we put together in roughly three or four weeks. It was a mammoth effort and feels really good to have it in hard copy now. '

Eight of the songs were recorded specifically for the album and all the songs sit perfectly within the themes of caring for the environment and ideas of community.

The cover is a painting shared by Waikino artist Colin Brodie and songs recorded for the album were carried out at Box of Birds and Rosemont studios which are both based in Waihi.

Beccy says every song on the album speaks to her but the opening track 'Karangahake' by Michael O'Donnell particularly strikes a chord.

'It sings the whakapapa of the mountain and the Ohinemuri River. It sings our whakapapa.

'We sung it during our march last week when New Zealand Petroleum and Minerals came to visit and it has become a bit of a theme song for us.”

Tickets for tonight's concert cost $10 and can be purchased at Positive Paeroa or by emailing Protect Karangahake. Door sales will also be available.

Beccy says the group are hoping for a great turn out on the night and would love to see locals come along to enjoy ‘Songs for the Mountain' performed live.

'It's a really good line-up of musicians, it's the best of our local talent and I think people will really enjoy the night.

'There will be a variety of music so people are definitely going to get a good, broad range of styles.”

Songs for the Mountain concert and CD launch is on at the Paeroa and District War Memorial Hall, Normanby Road, Paeroa, Wednesday, December 10, from 7.30pm.

Tickets costs $10 and can be purchased from Positive Paeroa or by emailing [email protected]

For more information about ‘Songs for the Mountain' and Protect Karangahake click here.