Figtree freestyle rapper Liam Anning has collaborated on a track that highlights family and domestic violence – an issue close to his heart.
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The 24-year-old teamed up with vocalist Hayley McAuley, 20, to record Stop the Violence which was released on White Ribbon Day.
They created the song and music video over the course of a few weeks, with the assistance of other young people and staff from High Street Youth Service in Parramatta.
The courage these kids have displayed in the course of creating this track was nothing short of amazing.
- Graeme Pringle, High Street Youth Service
Mr Anning, who grew up in Parramatta, spent several years disengaged from family and school with intermittent periods of homelessness.
He said he often uses freestyle raps to express his feelings and entertain friends.
‘’I feel quite strongly about stopping domestic violence – growing up I spent quite a lot of time around youth refuges so have seen the effects of this violence and how it impacts on children,’’ he said.
‘’I’m now doing a certificate in youth work at Shellharbour TAFE as a way of giving back to those who have helped me, and to help others in similar situations.
‘’I’ve also enjoyed working on this track and hope it makes people think; that it helps make a difference.’’
High Street Youth Service youth health co-ordinator Graeme Pringle said the lyrics were very personal to the two young artists.
‘’The courage these kids have displayed in the course of creating this track was nothing short of amazing,’’ he said.
‘’They worked relentlessly on this - refining, re-writing, and re-recording, both feeling this issue was important and wanting to make sure they gave it their best.
‘’The feelings conveyed through are just powerful.’’
Mr Anning has been involved with youth services for the past decade. ‘’Over (this time) Liam has made significant life changes and achieved huge amounts of personal growth in addressing his relationships and behaviour,” Mr Pringle said.
The woman behind the vocals in the track, Ms McAuley, has worked with the service to manage her mood and relationships.
“I’ve been committed to addressing my issues and tackling them head on. Music has been a way for me to do this,” she said.
The music video is available on Western Sydney Local Health District’s website.