A powerful movement is unfolding on the far south coast of New South Wales, where young First Nations musicians are crafting songs that celebrate their cultural heritage. In a humble home transformed into a makeshift studio, these budding artists are making their mark.
Imagine a drum kit taking center stage in a bedroom, vocals being recorded in a cupboard, and a lounge room buzzing with creativity. This is the setting where a group of First Nations teenagers are bringing their stories to life through music.
For high school student Peter Longbottom, this week-long journey into music creation has been a transformative experience. "It's incredible to see how everything comes together, from the engineering to the software. It's a whole new world," he shares with enthusiasm.
Peter, an eight-year-old drummer, has been involved in crafting lyrics and even witnessed his peers rapping in the local Djiringanj language, an experience he describes as "powerful and inspiring."
"The song is a call to embrace our identity. It's about staying true to who we are and being proud of our heritage," Peter explains.
Nevaeh Cunningham, another participant, found her passion for music reignited during this week. "I started with guitar, moved to keyboard, and now I'm drumming. I feel like I could start my own band at home; I have all the tools I need," she says excitedly.
This initiative, led by Grow the Music, aims to make music accessible to diverse communities, including First Nations youth. Peter Longbottom dreams of seeing more First Nations music reach mainstream audiences. "I want to hear more cultural songs, more music that reflects our heritage," he states.
Isabella Cartwright, a bassist, believes that empowering young people to create their own music can uncover hidden Indigenous talent. "When young people have these opportunities, it sparks creativity and inspires others to follow their dreams," she adds.
Lizzy Rutten, co-founder of Grow the Music, has been instrumental in this mission since 2012. She has donated instruments and taught music across Australia, believing that "music is a universal language that connects us all through its vibrations."
"Aboriginal music is ancient, and its art form is deeply rooted in this land. It's crucial that we celebrate and amplify these voices," Ms. Rutten emphasizes.
Over the course of three days, these high school students not only created music but also built confidence and connections. Ms. Rutten hopes that the skills they've acquired will continue to resonate.
"By the end, we were more than just mentors and students; we were friends who shared vulnerable stories and expressed them through our songs. It was a deeply connected experience," she reflects.
But here's where it gets even more inspiring: these students were also mentored by the Docker River Band, hailing from the remote community of Kaltukatjara in the Northern Territory.
The band, consisting of keys player Thaddeus Mitchell and others, traveled from their desert community to the far south coast of NSW to guide and inspire these young musicians.
"We live differently from those on the coast, and this experience is new and exciting for us," shares Thaddeus.
The Docker River Band has opened a shed in their community to nurture the next generation of musicians, and they hope to spread this enthusiasm to the far south coast.
"Music has the power to transform, and we hope it will have a similar impact on these kids," Mr. Mitchell says.
Indeed, spending time with the Docker River Band has opened new possibilities for the First Nations high-schoolers.
"It's inspiring to see their journey, and it makes me think, maybe one day, that could be us," says 15-year-old Isabella Cunningham.
"I dream of being in a band and sharing my stories through lyrics, letting my voice be heard by the world."
This initiative is a testament to the power of music as a tool for cultural expression and connection. It's a movement that deserves to be heard and celebrated.
