Covering all bases
Published on 18 October 2023
“The talent down south is absolutely extraordinary,” says Travis Demsey, City of Onkaparinga’s Youth Music Programs Officer, of the region’s young performers.
“The barrier they’ve had is a lack of venues for young people under the age of 25 to perform and that’s why Base 10 Youth Centre is so important.”
Travis—former drummer for iconic punk rock band The Living End—is uniquely placed to comment considering his decorated professional music career and 20 years of mentoring young musicians.
He says new equipment purchased by the City of Onkaparinga for the Old Reynella-based youth centre—thanks to a federal government Live Music Australia grant—would further establish Base 10 as a vital hub for young performers to hone their craft and for audiences to flourish.
The grant will also allow Base 10 to host a live music performance during the 2024 Adelaide Fringe, adding to the centre’s annual Amped Up live music event and ongoing music programs.
“The funding will help bring more established touring bands to the south because we now have industry-standard equipment,” Travis says of the centre’s new speakers, amplifier and subwoofer.
“It also allows up-and-coming artists to rub shoulders with more established performers and gain the valuable skills they need to thrive in the industry, not to mention the opportunity to perform in their own community without having to go into the city.
“Having this equipment helps facilitate a creative hub for young people, allowing them to find their voice—and to find their people.
“It’s important that music’s accessible to everyone, and in providing social inclusion and the benefit of mentors, Base 10 allows people to be their authentic selves.”
Aboriginal musician, Keahnee Clarke—whose artist name is KC—is one performer who’s benefiting from the programs and equipment at the centre.
The 22-year-old has been involved with Base 10 for the past 18 months, most recently as part of its Rhyme Recital hip-hop development program.
“As an artist, Base 10 is helping me develop my music professionally, and learn new ways to make music,” says KC, who sings at her church and has performed in plays and musicals.
“As a younger person, it has also helped me turn away from certain lifestyle choices, and instead allow me to have a voice.
“I’m grateful for the support with all this wonderful equipment, which will hopefully allow us to reach our full potential and find our sound as young artists.”
It has been a big year for live music funding in Old Reynella, with Neporendi Aboriginal Community Centre receiving $20,000 from the National Indigenous Australians Agency to further develop its youth music programs and purchase new music equipment.