“Mad love for the ‘hood” in Western Sydney’s music scene

“We are very fortunate to have a large population of Polynesians living in Bidwill so making connections with Pasifika artists is something we do quite often.

“FUNPARK ensures that our core team is diverse and that we are connecting with our local Pasifika community beyond just contracting artists for a performance.”

FUNPARK, hosted by Western Sydney arts organisation CuriousWorks, is a series of arts events and activations celebrating place, culture, young people and the community of Bidwill.

Performers have included hip-hop dance group Mega Crew and Mount Druitt hip-hop crew Manifold.

For Ian Escandor, coordinator at The Street University, providing studio production spaces for young people in Western Sydney is not only about supporting their artistic and professional development. It is also providing a space for communities to gather and grow.

“I have witnessed many ad-hoc community gatherings happen in Mount Druitt, where music and dance come together. Not for the sake of showcasing talents but for the sake of bringing people together,” Ian told The New Point Magazine. “This culture of togetherness is how Western Sydney has been able to foster world-class musicians. Music is not a commodity – but a community.”

With three sites – one in Penrith, another in Liverpool and a third in Mount Druitt – The Street University offers studio production space for film, music and dance, as well as providing youth drug rehabilitation and mentoring services.

“Street University, and spaces like these, allow the residents of Western Sydney to foster arts within their local community. As well as culture and talents, infrastructure plays a vital role in community building,” Ian said.

“Accessible art spaces like Street University are important to validating the experience of artists in the community. The alternatives to these spaces are usually found in backyards and community halls, and although these spaces hold their value, only a purpose-built space can provide safe public gatherings, industry-standard equipment, and best-practice approaches to arts and cultural events.”

One band that has emerged from these spaces is hip-hop group, Manifold. Manifold’s music is a high-octane mash-up of hip-hop beats with empowering lyrics that celebrate local pride and local talent along with deeper reflections on spirituality and belonging.

Manifold’s track Dear Mounty is a love letter to their neighbourhood and a testament to the talent and resilience of its residents.

In the opening verse, singer and group member Damon raps:

“Take a closer look around

There’s hope in the hood and the love is so profound

And if you live in Mounty, consider it a bounty

Mad love for the hood, for my town.”

Speaking with The New Point Magazine, Damon highlighted the unique style and place of Western Sydney music in the context of the wider Australian music culture.

“The music that comes out of Mount Druitt speaks to the reality that exists in our area. A lot of the lyrics that local artists create describe what life is like, especially for a young person growing up in this area.

“You can also hear a deep love for the area and hope that it will be better in the future in local artists’ lyrics. Our small group tries to make music that speaks to that side of Mount Druitt.”

Another song lyric describes the attachment to the area and its identity.

“I’m grateful for all the love I have around me.

And even if I had a chance I’d never leave

And if I do and I end up overseas

Forever call the 70 home

Raised in the 27 let it be known.”

Damon rejects the limited view some people have of Mount Druitt communities and the ways that the media perpetuates inaccurate stereotypes.

“Unfortunately, many of the stories and experiences that artists share through their music are often violent but that’s only because of Mount Druitt’s social environment and not because they’re violent by nature,” Damon said.

Manifold are mostly concerned about making quality music that resonates widely with people.

“To be honest, we would really like to release more music. Don’t really care how successful they are but yeah, it would be a shame if we didn’t release more tracks and address more social issues.”

For Manifold, like so many of the artists of Western Sydney, music is a medium that brings people together and nurtures a sense of community.

“We have a lot of unreleased music that’s just sitting there waiting for production. I feel like we still have a lot to say, and music is a great way to say something to a lot of people.”