Domestic Violence Highlighted in ‘Scene of the Crime’ Lyn Bowtell’s new Single shines a light on dark days
In 2023 at The Dag Songwriters Retreat in Nundle NSW a song surfaced that Lyn Bowtell never planned to write. ‘Scene of the Crime’ came to life as a co-write with The Flood’s Kevin Bennett-one of those songs that just demanded to be written.
“Sometimes songs don’t give you a choice. They arrive, and you just have to find a way to give them the attention they deserve,” Lyn said.
The track was too personal and too raw to finish alone, so Lyn brought it to KB, who helped her shape the chorus. What began as a song she never intended to release, soon revealed itself in the studio as one that absolutely cried out to be heard.
‘Scene of the Crime’ is drawn from Lyn’s own lived experience of domestic violence, coercive control and alcoholism. It is also a reflection of the countless stories she hears from women who approach her after shows: “That happened to me. That’s what my sister went through. That’s what my daughter is facing.”
“We are in a crisis as a society. I don’t have the answers, but I know change begins when we create space for these difficult truths to be told and with this song I’m opening a conversation, standing in solidarity with survivors, and encouraging action.”
The music video, directed by Tracy and Josh Beveridge of Roaming Creatives, and featuring actress Esther Sparkes, walks a delicate line between honesty and sensitivity. With careful performances and unflinching imagery, the team captured the weight of the song without crossing into gratuitousness.
“Everyone felt the heaviness and emotional weight of this story. It wasn’t easy to sing nor to film, but the subject matters too much to gloss over or dilute.”
If you or someone you know is experiencing, or at risk of experiencing domestic, family or sexual violence, call 1800RESPECT (1800 737 732), text 0458 737 732 or visit their website for online chat and video call services – available 24/7.