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Gadigal Information Service / Koori Radio (GIS) and the Community Broadcasting Association of Australia (CBAA) proudly present First Sounds Volume 13, another impressive volume of exciting new music from First Nations artists across the country. Produced by GIS / Koori Radio and distributed to community radio by CBAA via its AMRAP (Australian Music Radio Airplay Project) initiative. First Sounds Volume 13 showcases a dynamic range of artistry including folk, pop, R&B, hip hop, electronica, and roots. First Sounds has delivered thousands of radio spins for First Nations artists, often for the first time in their career. 

Volume 13 amplifies a powerful cross-section of contemporary First Nations artists and their stories, featuring:

1. Ricky Neil Jr. – ‘SUPANOVA’
2. Naomi Diane – ‘Same Sky’
3. ICONYX – ‘Blak on Trak’
4. GLVES – ‘Lost’
5. Jayden Kitchener-Waters – ‘Campfire in the Sky’
6. Krystal Rivvers – ‘Prisoner’
7. Cheratta Road – ’10 Miles Out’
8. Kyla Belle – ‘Myself’
9. Family Shoveller Band – ‘Love You Like Dat’
10. Grace Alexandra – ‘Spotlight’
11. Lydia Fairhall – ‘Winter Came’
12. Kyarna – ‘My Brother’s Name’
13. Denzel Kennedy – ‘Under the Same Sky’
14. MICKILLAKID – ‘Issa YINARR World’
15. Mongeeya – ‘Freedom’

Panel member and artist Sunny Luwe expressed,

This iteration of First Sounds is a truly deadly compilation featuring epic tracks from some of our brightest emerging artists from around the nation. Diverse in genre, artistry and vibe, it was a honour to get to be involved in this incredible initiative.

With over 5.39 million listeners tuning in weekly, community radio remains one of the most powerful access points for discovering new Australian music. First Sounds is a crucial initiative for First Nations artists, establishing significant pathways, audiences, and industry success. It often results in artists achieving their initial radio airplay, contributing to substantial airplay numbers with multiple artists, including BADASSMUTHA and Tha Deadly Boyz from Volumes 11 and 12, consistently securing top 10 spots in AMRAP's weekly community radio airplay charts.

The program continues to build momentum through these curated CD and digital compilations released via amrap.org.au, representing an extraordinary cross-section of contemporary First Nations music spanning alt-pop, country, soul, hip-hop, rock, Blaktronica and acoustic storytelling grounded in culture, language, community and lived experience.

First Sounds continues to strengthen the role of community radio as a launchpad for First Nations talent and remains committed to supporting First Nations artists to be heard, recognised and celebrated. First Sounds Volume 13 will be distributed to over 250 community stations for airplay via CD and digitally through amrap.org.au, an initiative of the CBAA dedicated to getting new Australian music to the airwaves.

Gadigal Information Service / Koori Radio (GIS) has been broadcasting to Sydney's Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities since 1993, providing a platform for Indigenous voices, music, and stories.

Head to amrap.org.au to listen to the compilation and play through the track-by track here.

For more information contact us [email protected]

This project has been assisted by the Australian Government through Music Australia and Creative Australia, its principal arts investment and advisory body.