Knock em Down Sound System Project

Knock em Down Sound System THE FILM

The Knockem Down Sound System documentary film follows a group of Darwin musicians, DJ’s and Sound technicians as they build a sound system. Based on a series of music workshops and concerts designed to inspire people to get on stage to play or create music, motivated by the challenges faced by producer Andrew Belletty as an 18-year-old trying to play original music in Darwin. The film focuses on the unique environmental and cultural factors that influence music creation in Darwin, such as the intense heat, humidity, and the ‘knock ’em down’ season and the challenges faced by young musicians in Darwin in getting their music heard and expressing their creativity. The film highlights the importance of building a community around music and providing mentorship to the next generation of artists. The workshops included music production, DJing, virtual reality experiences and the construction and testing of a pair of large, handmade G-Sub speakers to be used for the concerts and workshops. The workshops show how the intergenerational exchange of knowledge and skills, where experienced musicians sharing their expertise with younger participants can have a positive impact in bringing people together and fostering a sense of community.

Knock em Down Sound System

THE PROJECT

The Knock-em Downs Sound System project is set to explore Darwin’s street music scene from April 6-14, 2024. This initiative combines historical research with contemporary community engagement through interviews, workshops, performances, and site activations.

Key aspects of the project include:

• Workshops on Stage Ready Band Skills, DJ Skills, Hip Hop Lyrical Styling, and PA Speaker building, led by local Darwin experts.
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  A culminating open access event at Charles Darwin University for participants to perform and connect.
• Collaboration with local scene elders, including Ward Hancock’s Speargrass Sound System, Colin Simpson, Todd Williams, DJ Charly Templar, and James Mangohig.
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  Focus on intergenerational knowledge exchange and community activation.
  Support from Charles Darwin University, Darwin City Council, Northern Territory Youth Week, and the Bagot Community.
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  The project aims to examine how creative actions interact with physical and cultural aspects of place, highlighting the role of vernacular music cultures in connecting individuals and communities.

Dr. Andrew Belletty is leading the project, which is funded by the European Research Council through Goldsmiths University, London, and the University of Sydney.

Download a copy of the Project report here.