It is a massive moment in the musical evolution of local hip-hop group, Indigenoise.
After months of hustling and hard work, the five young performers have scored a gig at Burning Man, the world’s biggest alternative festival held every year in the Nevada desert.
Singer Roslyn Barnett and the crew will perform on three stages during the week-long festival next month, bringing their raw, conscious hip-hop to thousands of people from all over the world.
‘My partner and I went a few years ago and I just said “this is the year”,’ Ms Barnett says.
‘I just hustled and hustled and eventually we got it.’
After securing the gig, Indigenoise quickly realised they were going to need a new rehearsal space, somewhere that would allow them to hone the dance and movement they were bringing into their show.
After a quick search,Ms Barnett, settled on Mullumbimby dance studio and performance space WeMove.
‘Rehearsal spaces can be pretty dark and cramped but this one is such a beautiful space and has a really nice vibe,’ Ms Barnett says.
‘And I instantly had a connection with [WeMove’s co-owner] Meggie [Danielson].’
The group booked in for six sessions, but a couple of sessions in, Ms Danielson and her fellow owner Alona Rosenberg decided to let the group use it for free.
‘After I got to know what they were doing I really felt that I wanted to gift them the space,’ Ms Danielson says.
‘I just felt it was great to see young people in our community in the arts, which is not the easiest thing to do.
‘We felt it was a great way to give back to the community.’
Indigenoise represents four different cultures within its ranks, from indigenous Australia to the vikings of the far north.
‘Our name comes from asking the question, “what would the entire world would sound like if it made sound?”,’ Ms Barnett says.
‘We also see ourselves as giving a voice to indigenous youth from different backgrounds.’
WeMove, which opened in Mullumbimby earlier this year is keen to bring more indigenous dance and culture into its space.
‘It’s definitely an area that we want to grow,’ Ms Danielson says.
‘The history and the culture of this land is so important for bringing our diverse community together.
‘It isn’t always that easy to access, but we’ve got a few opportunities coming together.’
The studio has also opened a vegan cafe this week, giving locals another great healthy food option.
It is, at last, heartening to see youth, especially ‘indigenous youth’ being seriously given a go rather than them being paid lip-service to by successive ‘old farts’ in Council and the private sector.
God bless the co-owners of the dance space for their generosity and, may I say, foresight.
You will soon see the karmic benefits accrue.