The Community Broadcasting Association of Australia (CBAA) and Gadigal Information Service / Koori Radio (GIS) are proud to announce the release of First Sounds Volume 14, a specially curated national music compilation celebrating outstanding new music from First Nations artists across Australia.
Available as both a digital release and curated CD for community broadcasters through amrap.org.au, First Sounds continues its long-standing commitment to amplifying Indigenous voices, connecting artists with community radio audiences nationwide and creating meaningful pathways to airplay, industry recognition and career development.
This next collection of songs shares unique and universal stories through music, bringing together a powerful lineup of artists spanning generations, genres and communities, from the red desert heart of Mparntwe, Alice Springs, to Far North Queensland, the Kimberley, regional New South Wales, Victoria and beyond.
The compilation showcases an extraordinary breadth of contemporary First Nations music, featuring hip hop, country, folk, reggae, soul, R&B, cinematic soundscapes and experimental pop. At its heart are stories of culture, resilience, identity, healing, family and connection to Country.
Among the featured artists are Alice Kings, a collective of Indigenous MCs aged just eight to thirteen from Mparntwe; Djawarray, whose music incorporates Djabugay and Ngirrma language; acclaimed actor and musician Ngali Shaw (2KTRILLA); singer-songwriter Faith Kayrooz; country artist Millie Mils; experimental pop artist Charlie Needs Braces; and Kimberley-based hip hop artist Kayps, making a return appearance on the series.
The compilation highlights the remarkable talent emerging from First Nations communities and the important role community radio continues to play in nurturing that talent at a time when opportunities for independent and emerging artists are increasingly limited.
Industry curation for Volume 14 was led by Lance Cheney (Koori Radio/Kameygal Studio), artist Sunny Luwe, Kaleena Smith (MusicNSW) and Jack Hickey (Awesome Black). 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."
Each track on First Sounds Volume 14 offers a powerful perspective and personal story.
Wiradjuri artist MINTY's ‘Rainfall’ reflects renewal and resilience, while 'Mission Girl' by Lamonay celebrates generations of strong Aboriginal women. Banda's ‘Seed of Shame’ explores healing from trauma, and Crooked TP's ‘Overthinking’ confronts the challenge of breaking generational cycles.
Language and culture are woven throughout the compilation. Djawarray's ‘Wulman Wulman’ shares stories grounded in language and tradition, while Charlie Needs Braces' ‘Kurrigoyung’ draws inspiration from the shark in the artist's traditional language.
Themes of empowerment, identity and hope resonate across the collection, from 2KTRILLA's ‘Waganah’ and NIDALA's ‘Boldly Ahead’ to Millie Mil’s exploration of societal pressures facing young women and Garret Lyon's reflections on community and connection.
The compilation also showcases artists whose creative work extends beyond music. Ngali Shaw is an acclaimed screen actor, Garret Lyon has performed in major theatre productions and co-hosted NITV's Move It Mob Style, while NIDALA combines her music career with work as a keynote speaker and cultural facilitator. Gunggari artist Banda (Peter Thornley) continues to support the next generation through mentoring emerging musicians via Old Lore Studios.
The calibre of artists featured on Volume 14 is reflected in recent achievements across the lineup. Faith Kayrooz's single ‘Miracle’ was recognised internationally through the Unsigned Only Songwriting Competition and the Vanda & Young Global Song Competition, while Djawarray was recently named Regional Artist of the Year at the 2026 Queensland Music Awards.
The impact of First Sounds continues to grow, with Volume 13 receiving nearly 2,000 spins across community radio stations nationwide since its release earlier this year.
As community broadcasters continue to champion Australian music, First Sounds Volume 14 stands as a powerful celebration of First Nations creativity, storytelling and musical excellence, ensuring these voices are heard, recognised and celebrated across the country.
Broadcasters can download the radio ready compilation via amrap.org.au HERE