Bands like the Daylight Reggae are helping young people find their voice in some of Australia's most isolated communities.
Michael Hogan strums the strings of his electric guitar, letting the desert wind carry his voice away.
But, years before, on his primary school's playground, then eight-year-old rock fan Michael Hogan was already dreaming of a music career.The sound of countryBut stepping on stage still makes his legs shake. Hogan believes desert reggae keeps culture strong "both ways", merging Western and Aboriginal modes of storytelling.Singing the story of a community to its members means celebrating its strength, but also warning them about threats.Fellow musician Isaac Bates Jr is the lead singer of Blackstone's Moonlight reggae band.
"Music is important for the Ngaanyatjarra people. It brings families and friends together," Bates Jr says.His band's repertoire includes songs about country and songs about prison and drugs."My song is like a message to everyone," he says.And it's the young people in his communities that Isaac Bates junior wants to reach with his music."I just grab them by the hand saying, 'come on, get up,'" he smiles.
Aboriginal Music Bush Bands Bash Youth Engagement Daylight Reggae Band Blackstone Wingellina APY Lands Ngaanyatjarra Lands Goldfields Music Wa News Kalgoorlie News
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