The underdog delivering the music goods
‘Dan the Underdog’, 37, has been delivering music therapy in the Northern Territory for more than 15 years.
He says the highlight of working with young people was seeing the rawness behind their stories.
“It’s all about putting what they’re feeling into a song and you get a really good understanding of what’s going on and I always love seeing what comes out at each session,” Dan said.
“Sometimes the writing sessions are like counselling, the young people just let it all out. I love seeing how some kids really embrace it.”
Dan has most recently been delivering music therapy sessions at Alice Springs Youth Detention Centre, three times a week, and at Saltbush Social Enterprises, two times a week.
“I love it because we don’t have any particular end goal or deadline, we just want to come in and make music,” Dan said.
“I give them a keyboard and a mic, and give them help to write and record and navigate it.”
Dan has been living in the Northern Territory since 2004 and moved from Buffalo, New York, to be closer to his sisters who grew up in Darwin. He will always remember his first trip to Papunya when he was 20, where the children embraced rapping and reggae style music.
“I love everything about the Territory,” he said.
“It’s a beautiful place and there are so many opportunities here working with youth. It’s a beautiful thing being here.”
Dan is a practising rap artist in his own time and performs at venues throughout Alice Springs.
Dan works with Saltbush Social Enterprises who provide bail supported accommodation for young people including bail supervision and support, and a 24-hour referral service in Darwin and Alice Springs.
For 2021-22, Saltbush delivered 2619 bed nights of supported bail accommodation for young people.
Territory Families, Housing and Communities Executive Director Youth Justice, Rob Steer, said Saltbush play an important role in building capacity and capability of young people.
“By providing opportunities through employment, training, education and areas of creativity such as this music program, it is providing an opportunity for growth and change,” Mr Steer said.
“Music sessions are helping young people to boost confidence, communication skills and are an avenue for sharing experiences. It’s great to see that this program is engaging young people, and that they are embracing it with enthusiasm.”
