I am a prisoner at a medium security prison in Victoria. I’ve decided to write about my experiences of learning an instrument while incarcerated.

A certain song at the right moment can anchor someone to memories, to hope or simply to themselves.

Did you know the bluestone walls of Pentridge Prison once reverberated with the sounds of reggae, punk, pop and country?

The godfather of hip hop, rapper, and filmmaker Ice Cube from Los Angeles spoke exclusively to prison radio show ‘Jailbreak’  about his own experiences in the American prison system.

First Nations music legend Roger Knox has played everywhere from huge music festivals in the USA to the Sydney Opera House. But he says the shows that mean the most to him are the ones he played in prisons around Australia.

As 3CR marks 50 years of radical radio, Beyond the Bars enters its 25th year of broadcasting live inside Victorian prisons.

King 810, a nu metal band from the USA, toured Australia in March. I went, and a lot of other criminals went too. There was even a few reintegration officers spotted in the crowd. Simply because, they strike a chord… with those who have lived hardship.

It takes real courage to grab the mic and share your story, especially in front of fellow inmates and complete strangers. Bars Behind Bars is more than a music program at Risdon Prison; it’s a creative outlet that’s uncovering raw talent and powerful voices.