Elvis Kernaghan and The Min Min Lights help outback children learn music composition
Elvis Kernaghan, accompanied by The Min Min Lights, has embarked on a tour through outback Queensland, enlightening children on the art of composing music that celebrates life in rural settings. As the nephew of the famed country musician Lee Kernaghan, Elvis is deeply rooted in a musical background which has instilled in him a passion for nurturing young talents.
Having spent his formative years in the UK before returning to his Australian roots, Elvis is now on an exciting journey with bassist Zachary Le Sauvage and drummer Dan Wetstone to bring music to remote parts of Queensland. From visiting towns like Normanton to Burketown, Elvis and his band conduct day-long workshops in schools, engaging students in a creative process of songwriting that echoes the essence of bush living.
Their sessions kick off with brainstorming sessions where children divulge the things they cherish most about rural life. Working closely with the kids, they craft lyrics that encapsulate their experiences before layering instrumental compositions onto them. Students are encouraged to suggest modifications in tempo, style, and genre, giving them a hands-on experience in music creation.
Moreover, crafted sound effects like the call of kookaburras, hissing snakes, or the echoing whistle of road trains are integrated into the songs to add a touch of authenticity. The live performance of these songs by the students, accompanied by the band, showcases their collective effort and creativity, leaving a lasting impression on all involved.
Each song composed during these workshops is professionally recorded by Elvis Kernaghan and The Min Min Lights, after which the rights to the music are generously given back to the schools. This initiative not only provides a platform for young talents to express themselves creatively but also fosters pride in their cultural heritage, as showcased in songs like The Moungibi Song composed by the students at Burketown State School.
The positive impact of these sessions is evident in the transformation it brings to the students’ self-esteem and emotional development. Being part of this collaborative process allows the children to exercise their creativity and storytelling abilities through music. Principal Chris Ford at Bedourie State School emphasizes the significance of such workshops in remote areas where music education resources are scarce, stating that the exposure to music at a young age could inspire future musicians.
While the band encountered challenges like mechanical breakdowns during their tour, the experience of witnessing children discover their musical prowess far outweighed any setbacks. Songs like FIFO that they debuted during the tour touch upon themes of disconnection and longing, revealing shared emotions with their audience.
Elvis Kernaghan’s dedication to fostering talent and spreading the joy of music echoes his family legacy, which continues to inspire generations of musicians. His passion for enriching the lives of young Australians by empowering them to share their stories through music serves as a reminder of the transformative power of creative expression and storytelling. Through their unwavering dedication and musical prowess, Elvis Kernaghan and The Min Min Lights are leaving a lasting impact on the outback community while igniting a spark of creativity amongst the youth.