It’s Not For You

It’s Not For You combines Kelly-Dawn Hellmrich’s own stories and reflections with conversations featuring musicians who have helped shape the Australian music scene, including Amy Taylor, Courtney Barnett, Julia Jacklin, Sampa the Great, Romy Vager, Sarah Blasko, BARKAA, Vika and Linda Bull and others. Kelly explores music, creativity, identity, relationships and the realities of finding your place in an industry that has not always made that easy.

During my journey of becoming a Creative and Experiential Therapist, I watched Kelly’s band, Camp Cope, grow. Watching their music live became one of the ways I let off steam during an intense and transformative time in my life. Hearing Kelly’s stories and those of the other musicians in the book gave that period an even deeper meaning and reminded me how much music can become intertwined with particular moments in our lives.

A favourite memory came back to me while reading. I remember facilitating one of the first art therapy workshops I ran at Amplified Victoria, formally Girls Rock!, for young women, non-binary people and trans people of any gender. I recall how thrilled the young people were to meet Camp Cope and watch them play. It felt special seeing a band whose music had been part of my own journey creating that same excitement and connection for another generation.

What makes It’s Not For You such an important read is how it shows musicians changing a scene by taking up space, challenging expectations and making room for others. These stories highlight the power of creating, speaking honestly, supporting each other and insisting that you belong. Kelly’s book helps us understand the people who have helped make the Australian music scene more inclusive and why those voices matter.

Found here: https://link.amazon/B0g6B3ZsA

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