‘Having this opportunity has really opened a new door for me… learning new skills that can take me places that I never thought I would have gone.’

– Now Sounds Midwest participant Madi

With three artist residencies already completed, there’s a sense of momentum around Now Sounds Midwest.

The team hit the ground running during the first residency, which took place in late February, working with over 100 young people from Champion Bay Senior High School (CBSHS) and Mullewa District High School (MDHS).

Boorloo-based artists Scott Griffiths (Optamus) and Josh Eggington (Flewnt) joined forces with local visual artist Shah Jackey and Noongar photographer Jesse Pickett to run workshops that focused on beat making, lyric writing and street art.

A highlight of the first residency was seeing Optamus and Flewnt freestyling for the young people who are participating in the project. The energy and vulnerability that they shared set the tone for a really successful series of workshops.

We were also delighted to have the opportunity to touch base with the incredible team at MEEDAC (Midwest Aboriginal Employment And Economic Development) during the first residency.

In April the Now Sounds team returned to Geraldton and Mullewa. Over four days of workshops students started recording vocal and instrumental parts for the music video that is being created during the project. Participants also began making a collection of artworks on paper with posca pens. From this collection, animations will be developed for use in the music video.

“We're incredibly grateful for all of this, because it's an amazing opportunity for students to learn and grow, especially for those who are thinking about pursuing music, just so that they know that there is that option, and so that they know what goes into it.”

– Now Sounds Midwest participant Shalyn

The third residency for Now Sounds Midwest was a whirlwind of more lyric-recording and art-making! While artist Shah Jackey worked with CBSHS visual arts students, a group of music students was eagerly awaiting the return of Flewnt and Optamus to record the lyrics, tunes and beats they created last residency. 

And while the students are, of course, excited about the music video, some are thinking longer-term, with several students observing that the experience feels like a step on the pathway to making music professionally. “We're incredibly grateful for all of this, because it's an amazing opportunity for students to learn and grow, especially for those who are thinking about pursuing music, just so that they know that there is that option, and so that they know what goes into it,” remarked music student Shalyn, who has written and recorded some of the lyrics that will be featured in the final song.

With videographer Andrew McIvor and photographer Jesse Pickett capturing beautiful moments to record the process, it was all action and the team came away with a vibrant selection of music and artwork to form the foundation of the final music video.

Particularly impressive was the creativity and tenacity shown by the music students – some of whom had been honing their skills and compositions in their own time, in between residencies. It was such a joy to watch them bouncing ideas around with the artists and we think you’re going to love the results which are catchy and cool. Stay tuned for a taster, coming soon!

Pictured top: Now Sounds Midwest participant Madi recording her own lyrics, guided by Flewnt // credit Jesse Pickett