Blue Tac: A Journey Beyond Music and Education

Lachlan Sykes (Locky), often known in India as “Lucky,” is more than just a musician; he’s a visionary, using his talents to challenge norms and ignite curiosity. As a solo artist he is Commissar Blue Tac which connects to his band also known as Blue Tac (www.bluetac.com.au). Blue Tac emerged from the confines of isolation during the COVID-19 pandemic. While most musicians faced restricted venues, Blue Tac turned the living room into a stage, connecting with people around Brisbane, and transforming casual settings into lively shows. From the grassroots to public performances, Blue Tac champions an inclusive and authentic musical experience that defies conventional genres, welcoming audiences of all ages.

How I found Locky?
I met Lucky on the outskirts of Jaipur in Rajasthan at a non-government organisation (NGO), ‘Indian Women’s Impact. I was one of forty delegates observing classes on behalf of Teach for India. The school’s humble setting encompasses a temple, and a little campus with a few rooms. The incredibly passionate founder, Anna, with the help of some volunteers, designs and delivers a range of learning experiences for underprivileged children. She gathers local children, some of whom go to regular school, others who don’t.
During the showcase I observed an array of classes, graphic design in Canva art, critical thinking about global Issues, science experiments, excavation techniques in a IVC model, using Line Art to decode broad concepts – I was truly impressed. In amongst the flurry of activity was one teacher from Australia – Lucky. I observed him connect with a totally new cohort combining music and movement to stimulate English Language Learning. The kids were all attentive and engaged. Later after the lesson Lachlan chatted with the young graduates of the delegation openly and agreed to join me on my podcast. When I spoke to Blue Tac on my podcast I asked him how he managed to sustain the class and cue students without knowing how to speak Hindi. He said that he tries to be very minimal and easy to understand when it comes to “metalanguage” (terms used to explain form and function of language itself) and that he knows his song’s lyrics better than the back of his hand. This helps when a new piece of vocabulary is about to be spoken because he visibly gets excited and cues the children seamlessly by using body gestures or facial expression slightly ahead of time. This gives the children a better chance of joining in and speeds up the process of not only learning but having fun. It all sounds very technical but the lessons have good flow and the children enjoy themselves. Children wanting to learn from their teacher is half the battle Lucky says. And I could see he enjoyed a connection with the young people. It really struck me observing these types of activities what can be achieved with minimal funding. What a challenge to the top tier schools in India who receive far more resources. Without all the latest gear and bells and whistles, this non-government organisation punches well above its weight. I certainly could smell something inspiring in the air that morning. Perhaps sometimes regular schools forget the essence of education. And maybe here in this poorer neighbourhood we learn something truly valuable. The needs of the learner are not simply met by offering up the best equipment. We need to set up experiences which demonstrate how to grow in this life to be truly prepared for the challenges of modern society.

The Music of Blue Tac: Uniting Generations
Blue Tac’s debut album, released in 2022, is a tapestry of lo-fi garage sounds and dynamic punk tunes like Jump in the Pool. With songs that touch both young and mature audiences, the album embodies Lachlan’s belief in the timeless power of music. Blue Tac’s artistry is deeply rooted in Lachlan’s formative experiences. Shows like Countdown, Australia’s answer to the UK’s Top of the Pops, fuelled his imagination as a child, inspiring him to jump around the family living room since before he could walk. It’s quite something that a man in his 40s would attempt to recreate that energy! He also draws inspiration from the Asian classic Journey to the West which highlights the timeless themes of spiritual journeys and cultural fusion. These influences aren’t just nostalgic for Lachlan, they have become experiences in Lucky’s personal journey he has involved a number of trips to India and living and working in China and other destinations around the world.

Blue Tac’s Educational Mission: Music as a Learning Tool
Beyond entertainment, Lachlan views Blue Tac as a means to engage culture. “Language and culture are inseparable” and with over 20 years in education, including multiple roles both home and abroad in city schools, universities, kindergartens as well as remote Indigenous settings, he remains dedicated to fostering curiosity and creativity in young minds. Spanning different continents, Blue Tac uses music as a bridge for language and cultural learning. For Lachlan, music is not just for the stage; it’s also for the classroom. At a time when teachers are using technology to better manage their efficiency online, we must concede the new digital age fosters a distance, even an emptiness in the hearts of learners. Locky has tapped into that void and is looking for ways to stage things in a less bland and more lively manner. An exciting collaboration worth mentioning is “Screen Devotion 2.0,” a song co-produced with tabla player Dheeraj Shrestha, which embodies his vision of blending music with educational experiences. Two film clips have been produced for it. Definitely worth checking out.

A Social Mission in Music
Lachlan’s vision goes beyond the stage and the classroom. He is driven to serve underprivileged communities, particularly in the Asia-Pacific region. With experiences from Cape York to Jaipur, he is passionate about working with grassroots organisations to empower young people through music and literacy. Having faced significant personal challenges, including health issues and professional setbacks, he has transformed adversity into creativity. Lachlan sees music as a way to foster resilience and joy among the children and communities he engages with, offering a sense of belonging and freedom through Blue Tac’s inclusive performances.

Blue Tac: The Future of Independent Music
Blue Tac’s music defies labels and expectations, offering audiences a genuine, fun experience that transcends the boundaries of children’s music. Their performances are as much for adults as they are for children, challenging the notion that music for young audiences must be spoon fed, simple and overly cheerful. There are many stages to a child’s development and the depth within Blue Tac’s material offers something more expansive. Lachlan’s commitment to authenticity and his belief in the power of laughter and learning are at the heart of Blue Tac’s appeal. With a new batch of songs hopefully on the way, Blue Tac is set to explore even broader musical landscapes, challenging both his team of musical mates and their listeners to break free from convention and embrace the joy of discovery. In a world where music often becomes caged in as a commodity, Blue Tac stands as a refreshing, independent voice. Lachlan Sykes through Blue Tac, embodies the spirit of creative freedom, community, and cultural exploration. Blue Tac isn’t just a band—it’s a movement that redefines music’s role in education and society, bringing people together across generations and borders, all while encouraging listeners to stay curious and embrace the power of song.