First Sounds Compilation - deadline extended

Are you a radio station that knows of new and emerging First Nations musicians? Make sure they are a part of First Sounds! 

Launched in early November, First Sounds is a unique initiative from the CBAA and First Nations Media Australia (FNMA), bringing new and emerging First Nations music to the radio airwaves. The two broadcasting industry peak bodies are working together to produce a series of compilations for distribution to the community radio network via Amrap (Australian Music Airplay Project). Song submissions are welcome via indigiTUBE for consideration by a First Nations panel of selectors including leading First Nations artists Leah Flangan and Warren H Williams as well as Gavin Ivey, Program Manager at Sydney’s Koori Radio.

Celebrated singer-songwriter Shellie Morris (pictured above left) has also joined the First Sounds selection panel, excited for the new pathways the initiative will create:

“What an amazing initiative supporting First Nations artists, and a great way to share our songs and music across this country, It is so important to have this opportunity for our First Nations Artists, creating opportunities and building a better nationwide perspective on our stories and culture. Through CBAA’s Amrap and indigiTUBE collaborating together, this will enable so many artists to get their songs out there to be heard and appreciated by so many.”

All artists who submit their music will be included on both the Amrap and indigiTUBE online platforms for community radio airplay. All of First Sounds’ activities are working to further represent First Nations heritage, history and culture in the media space where opportunities are unduly limited. The First Sounds project amplifies First Nations artists, celebrating songlines from our country’s traditional owners and contemporary pieces and in the process contributing to social change across the country. 

The deadline for First Nations artists to be considered for the inaugural First Sounds compilation, due out early 2020, has been extended to Saturday 14 December 2019.

First Sounds gets First Nations artists heard by established musicians, featured online, and promoted to radio stations. And it’s free to submit! Click here for details.

This project has been assisted by the Australian Government through the Australia Council for the Arts, its arts funding and advisory body.