Business finds its beat in music
A ‘street smart’ counsellor is using music to help troubled Aboriginal Territorians put their lives in order.
Alice Springs-born Tristam Watkins mentors and supports young people aged from 7 years and anybody else who needs a helping hand.
Tristam admits he was ‘running amok’ at school when he discovered the therapeutic power of music.
“It helped me - I can’t imagine life without it,” he says. “Music is so important in our culture, right from the Songlines to modern music today.”
He helps troubled people, mainly youths, by getting them to overcome their hurt through music - playing instruments, singing and even producing tracks.
“Music can help them tell their own story, explaining and healing at the same time.
“At the end they have a finished product that they can call their own and have forever to reflect on.
“In some cases I have clients performing their own songs in front of family or community events, so it strengthens them again with confidence and ownership and responsibilities.
“Also, going bush on-country with connection to our culture and beliefs is very important for their spirit and identity - it helps us to get away from town, and talk about the old people and how we can be better leaders ourselves for our family and community.”
Ikonnect received a grant under the Territory Government’s Aboriginal Business Development Program.
“The grant was a game changer,” says Tristam, who plays hip-hop and R&B with his partner, Carina Hall, in a band called Karnage N Darknis.
“It enabled me to open a studio and even gain the ability to produce albums.
“I can now also pay for supplies to go to remote communities.”
The Aboriginal Business Development Program assists Aboriginal people interested in starting or expanding an existing business in the Territory.
To find out more about the Aboriginal Business Development Program, go to the Northern Territory Government website.
