First Nations artists and Stories Take Centre Stage on ‘First Sounds Volume 14’
First Sounds is a vital partnership between the Community Broadcasting Association of Australia (CBAA) and Gadigal Information Service/Koori Radio that continues to amplify First Nations voices.
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First Sounds Volume 14, a specially curated national music compilation celebrating outstanding new music from First Nations artists across Australia, is available now both digitally and on CD.
Presented by the Community Broadcasting Association of Australia (CBAA) and Gadigal Information Service/Koori Radio (GIS). First Sounds Volume 14 features a fantastic collection of songs from a diverse and powerful lineup of First Nations artists from the red desert heart of Mparntwe, Alice Springs, to Far North Queensland, the Kimberley, regional New South Wales, Victoria and beyond.
Lance Cheney (Koori Radio/Kameygal Studio), artist Sunny Luwe, Kaleena Smith (MusicNSW) and Jack Hickey (Awesome Black) were behind the curation of First Sounds Volume 14.
The compilation spans a wide range of genres, including hip hop, country, folk, reggae, soul, R&B, cinematic soundscapes and experimental pop, with artists featured such as Alice Kings, an ensemble of Indigenous MCs aged eight to 13, acclaimed actor and musician Ngali Shaw (2KTRILLA), hip hop artist Crooked TP, singer-songwriter Faith Kayrooz and dynamic country pop singer Millie Mils.
Listen to First Sounds Volume 14 here.
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For many artists, community radio remains a vital platform for reaching new audiences and building sustainable careers. Karingbal woman and Meeanjin-based artist Faith Kayrooz said community radio had played a transformative role in her musical journey.
“AMRAP's initiative and work with community radio has allowed my music as an independent, female, First Nations artist to not only receive national radio airplay, but also broaden my fanbase. The dream of my music and stories reaching wider audiences has been achieved by the hard work of community radios, who seek to support artists like myself.”
Walmatjarri and Bunuba artist Kayps said inclusion in the compilation was both meaningful and important, “Community radio is such an integral part of building a foundation for all First Nations artists, so I feel really privileged to be included.”
Far North Queensland artist Djawarray said the project helps carry culture and stories to wider audiences, “Projects like this and community radio help carry our stories, culture, and sound to new audiences while keeping our voices strong.”
First Sounds Volume 14 is out now. Listen here.
