The unsigned, independent artist has had six singles on high rotation on Triple J and Unearthed; has supported the likes of Gavin DeGraw and Kevin Devine; and even collaborated with Josh Pyke, but his day job still ranks highly for feeling rewarded.

Reilly, 28, is part of the small contingent of males helping form lasting impressions on young minds, and he loves it.

“I’m an early childhood teacher … it sort of just happened by chance – I was just looking for something to do when I finished high school,” the former Kiama resident said.

“After about a month of the TAFE course I discovered how important it was for brain development … and in turn being a part of a child in those early years really sets them up for the future, so you’re kind of making a mark on society as well, which is pretty cool. So after I finished TAFE I went on to uni and got my degree.”

Read More: Country icon Kasey Chambers returns to the Illawarra

Of course, music plays a strong in his classroom. “It’s hugely important,” he said, reiterating what numerous studies have found –that learning music is not only fun, it can positively impact the literacy and numeracy skills of a child.

Out of school, Reilly’s second love is to write “atmospheric, emotional” songs with a tinge of hip hop.

“It’s a bit nebulous really, I just want to have an outlet to express myself and an opp to connect with people who feel the same – those music nerd kids who might feel a bit alienated,” he said.

Reilly will be performing with six-piece band, the Flying So Higho’s, at Rad Bar on May 24 to launch his new single A Set of Reasons.

Tickets via www.moshtix.com.au

Read More: The neuroscience behind how the brain reacts to nostalgic music