Months after the first edition was launched, the CBAA and FNMA are on the lookout for more Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander artists for their First Sounds initiative. 

Back in November, it was announced that the the Community Broadcasting Association of Australia (CBAA) and First Nations Media Australia (FNMA) had teamed up to create First Sounds, a series of compilations curated by FNMA’s indigiTUBE with a select panel of First Nations individuals.

First Sounds operates with the intention of developing more awareness of regional, remote and city-living Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander artists and the songs and stories they have to share, while ensuring new and emerging First Nations artists have a clear pathway to develop an audience through community radio.

Closing their first round of submissions in December, First Sounds Volume One recently saw its release into the world, with tracks by the likes of DOBBY, MissGenius, and Nathan May all capturing the attention of listeners thanks to their stunning musicianship.

“I’ve always enjoyed influencing people in a positive way when I’m able,” explained Greek-Indigenous rapper and APRA AMCOS Ambassador, Lady Lash, who served as part of the selection panel for the first volume. “National Life experience gives us the opportunity to connect deeper through music and life itself.

“First Sounds has made this possible to open minds and opportunities for First Nations artist to connect deeper through music and shine beyond. I’m looking forward to hearing more great music from more amazing artists!”

“It’s such an honour to have my music as a part of First Sounds!” added DOBBY, whose song ‘My Mind’ featured on the first volume. “It fills me with pride to hear the sounds of our talented mob across the country in various forms. Our stories are being heard, loud and proud!”

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Now, First Sounds is back for a second round, with submissions for the next edition open now. If you’re a new and emerging First Nations artist, head to the First Sounds website to take part before the deadline of March 30th. The best tracks will be selected by a panel of First Nations judges and the CD will be distributed by CBAA’s Amrap to hundreds of community radio broadcasters and stations across Australia.

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

Check out the full tracklist of First Sounds Volume One, below!

Check out ‘My Mind’ by DOBBY:

YouTube VideoPlay

First Sounds Volume One – Tracklist

‘Sentimental Dreams’ – Boox Kid
‘Baby Buddha’ – PAW Band
‘Jupurrupu – Yello
‘I Don’t Wanna Be’ – MissGenius
‘Tell Me Why’ – Dblood
‘Stuck in the System’ – Kirra Voller
‘Lost’ – Nathan May
‘End of Story’ – Loui
‘Snake of Light’ – Selve
‘My Mind’ – DOBBY
‘Heartbeat’ – Deline Briscoe
‘Next Time I’ll Get It Right’ – Robert K Champion

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