First Sounds Returns in 2025 With Submissions Now Open
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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The Community Broadcasting Association of Australia (CBAA) and Gadigal Information Service/Koori Radio continue to amplify First Nations voices with the announcement of First Sounds Vol 13 and 14.
The compilation CDs highlight the next crop of First Nations talent making their mark in the Australian music scene, with submissions for Vol 13 and 14 open now until Monday 13 October at firstsounds.amrap.org.au.
Since its inception in 2020, First Sounds has provided a platform for First Nations artists to get their music out into the world, with artists to have featured including Dobby, Kee’Ahn, J-Milla, Barkaa, Andrew Gurruwirri Band, Mulga Bore Hard Rock and Nidala.
The most recent edition of First Sounds arrived earlier this year and garnered over 4,000 plays across more than 250 community radio stations. The lineup of artists on Volumes 11 and 12 was impressive, with the likes of Yung Milla, Charlie Needs Braces, Grace Alexandra, Mia Lovelock, Tha Deadly Boyz and Yung Maynie all featured.
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Since its inception five years ago, over 150 artists have appeared on First Sounds, with the exposure leading to artists securing showcase opportunities, mentorship programs and documentary features, such as BADASSMUTHA, who was selected to perform at BIGSOUND 2025.
“Community radio and initiatives such as First Sounds are crucial for First Nations artists, and I am so grateful to continually feel supported by the work that they do to ensure our voices are heard,” said BADASSMUTHA.
“I can say firsthand that opportunity changed everything,” added Lance Cheney, aka Chillcheney and manager of Kameygal studio, Koori Radio. “I received national airplay, connected with new audiences, and picked up gigs I wouldn’t have had access to otherwise. I know what kind of ripple effect First Sounds can have for emerging First Nations artists.”
First Sounds Volumes 13 and 14 will arrive in the first half of 2026 via amrap.org.au, with the judging panel made up of First Nations figures including Sunny Luwe, Lance Cheney, Kaleena Smith and Travis De Vries.
Submissions for Vol 13 and 14 open now until Monday 13 October at firstsounds.amrap.org.au.
