The first artist residency for Now Sounds Katanning saw the Wheatbelt town crackling with creativity, catalysed by hip-hop legends Flewnt (Josh Eggington) and Optamus (Scott Griffiths).

Young people from Katanning Senior High School, the Shire of Katanning’s youth program and Badgebup Aboriginal Corporation had a ball taking part in creative workshops led by the two musicians.

Introducing young people to beatmaking and lyric writing, the workshops are designed to cater to all levels of confidence. With beats filling the room to create the vibe, ice-breaker games that played with rhythm and rhymes had students laughing and encouraging one another from the get-go. Different stations gave them opportunities to experiment without time pressure. Some had a go at playing with rhythms and sounds on the decks. Others spent time at the lyric-writing table where they were then encouraged by Scott and Josh to have a go at rapping their own work out aloud and even on mic.

In a town where opportunities to learn music are few and far between, many young workshop participants were hungry to have a go. Many of them are familiar with Flewnt’s music, as well as his son Inkabee’s, and some had already tried their hand at writing their own raps.

But one of the strengths of Now Sounds is the way Scott and Josh work with those who are uncertain or nervous, working one on one with participants to ensure that everyone has a chance to write a verse and have a go at rapping it.

The program also creates opportunities for young people to become each others’ cheerleaders. This was particularly noticeable amongst a group of young women. Though they took turns experiencing waves of doubt, every time one wavered the others would encourage her.

Increased confidence and self-esteem is another benefit experienced by participants. On completing her verse, one of these young women exclaimed,"I'm so proud of myself!”

Now Sounds has the capacity to improve social cohesion too. Entering the workshop, one of the KSHS high school teachers was pleasantly surprised to see a large group of girls working together, some writing lyrics, some drawing, some dancing – she’d never seen them even sit together before.

The way Scott and Josh structure the workshops allows plenty of freedom for young people to find their own form of creative expression. One KSHS student was sitting at the table drawing what appeared to be a series of symbols. When asked what she was doing she replied, “I’m making a dance.” Soon she got up and demonstrated the choreography, and then taught it to a friend.

Another KSHS student who is passionate about photography got chatting to visiting photographer Tom Cramond, who was documenting the residency. Soon the student was being mentored by Tom and captured some very special moments during the workshops.

And this is just the beginning… we can’t wait to return to Katanning next month for the next residency!

Pictured top: Now Sounds Katanning participants with Scott Griffiths and Josh Eggington // Credit Tom Cramond