Amrap has announced a new partnership between the Community Broadcasting Association of Australia (CBAA) and Gadigal Information Service (GIS) to relaunch the First Sounds compilation series. Since 2020 and over ten volumes, First Sounds has shared the songs and stories of First Nations artists with community radio listeners across the country. This collaboration continues our mission to amplify First Nations voices and support emerging artists.
If you’re a First Nations artist from anywhere in the country, you're invited to submit your radio-ready songs! Just send your song, some info about it and yourself through the entry portal:
Click here to submit your song for First Sounds
Here’s what Boox Kid (real name Jarred Wall - pictured) had to say about previously being an artist on First Sounds:
"It was a real privilege being involved in a number of the First Sounds compilations. There's an abundance of talented mob out there and to have a platform where audiences from all demographic can access and engage is fantastic. It's allowed my music to be delivered to regional and remote areas and audiences. I can't stress enough how important initiatives like this are for mob within the industry to amplify our voices".
First Sounds has played an important role in showcasing First Nations musicians through community radio, and this relaunch will feature two compilations highlighting new talent, curated by a panel of First Nations industry figures. These compilations will be released over the first six months of 2025 on amrap.org.au with CD copies sent to community broadcasters, all eager to offer airplay across the country.
Gadigal Information Service has been a key player in Aboriginal arts and media since 1993, running Koori Radio and offering a variety of cultural programs and events.
With support from AMRAP, community radio is a vital place for Australian artists to gain their first airplay. We’re looking forward to the great music First Sounds will bring to community radio and its audience in 2025.
