Liam Devine
A successful performer in his own right, Liam Devine is in the process of setting up Indigenous owned and operated studio, Devine Productions. Aside from his success as a solo artist and with hip-hop trio DT3, this year he was awarded a scholarship to The Australian Institute of Music. MusicNT caught up with him for a yarn to find out more.
Nice work on the scholarship! Can you tell us a bit about what it means to you?
I was awarded the first ever Indigenous scholarship through the Australian Institute of Music, which was a huge honour. Being awarded the scholarship has allowed me to begin studying an undergraduate in Music Production, which I’m using to further my music knowledge and skills as both an artist and a producer.
You were also awarded a grant to help set up your recording studio in Darwin. What does the studio mean to you and the local scene?
The grant allowed me to upgrade the equipment in my current recording studio, bringing it up to industry standard, as a lot of my equipment was out-dated. The knowledge I’ll gain from my studies and working with this spec of equipment will benefit both local and visiting artists, providing them with a high quality studio that will be able to produce the quality of sound to take the next step in their careers without having to travel outside of the NT.
I understand my studio, Devine Productions, will be the first Indigenous/Larrakia owned and operated recording and production studio in Darwin.
Your career as an artist has already had some notable highlights, from taking out a gong at the 2014 NT Song of the Year and a number of nominations at the NIMAs. What’s a personal highlight for you?
It will always be performing with the Hilltop Hoods on their tour of the NT. Getting to meet my idols, as well as share the stage with my brothers and put on the show we did at the Darwin Amphitheatre, will always live in my memories.
The next closest highlight was bringing my son on stage with me when DT3 reunited to perform at the V8 Supercars in 2019.
Lastly, what advice would you give to young artists getting into the scene?
My advice to young artists is just to hustle hard and believe in yourself. Find what is trending in the music scene and find a way to make your mark while remaining unique and true to yourself.
If you have a great sound, hustle and continue to be active as an artist and performer – the sky is the limit!
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