Underdog teaches youth in Alice Springs detention, bail centres to vent

‘Dan the Underdog’ has been providing music therapy to youths in the Northern Territory for more than 15 years. See how it helps kids in Alice Springs detention centres ‘let it all out’.

An Alice Springs rapper says music therapy has allowed kids in Alice Springs youth and detention centres to “let it all out”.

Dan McAleer, also known as ‘Dan the Underdog’, has been delivering music therapy across the Northern Territory for more than 15 years, most recently in Alice Springs youth bail and detention centres.

“Sometimes the writing sessions are like counselling, the young people just let it all out. I love seeing how some kids really embrace it,” Mr McAleer said.

“I love it because we don’t have any particular end goal or deadline, we just want to come in and make music.”

Dan McAleer, also known as 'Dan the Underdog', has been delivering music therapy to youths in Alice Springs. Contributed: Jennifer Almirez.

Originally from Buffalo, New York, the practising rapper has started working with youths at the Alice Springs Youth Detention centre three times a week, alongside delivering twice weekly services at Saltbush Social Enterprises.

“It’s all about putting what they’re feeling into a song and you get a really good understanding of what’s going on and I always love seeing what comes out at each session.”

Having lived in the Northern Territory since 2004, Mr McAleer is passionate about his work with young people.

“It’s a beautiful place and there are so many opportunities here working with youth,” he said.

“It’s a beautiful thing being here.”

Dan McAleer says the highlight of working with young people in detention and bail facilities is seeing the ‘rawness’ behind their stories. Contributed.

Territory Families, Housing and Communities executive director of youth justice Rob Steer said Saltbush Social Enterprises, which Mr McAleer visits twice a week, played an important role in building capacity and capability for young people.

Saltbush provides bail supported accommodation for young people including bail supervision and support, and a 24-hour referral service in Darwin and Alice Springs.

For the 2021-22 year Saltbush delivered 2619 bed nights of supported accommodation to youth.

“Music session are helping young people to boost confidence, communication skills and are an avenue for sharing experiences. It’s great to see that this program is engaging young people, and that they are embracing it with enthusiasm,” Mr Steer said.