Following the success of First Sounds’ return with Volume 11 released to community radio in February 2025, we’re excited to announce that the call for entries for Volume 12 is now open! First Sounds is a collaboration between the Community Broadcasting Association of Australia (CBAA) and Gadigal Information Service / Koori Radio (GIS), which amplifies the voices of First Nations artists through curated compilations offering an invaluable platform for new and emerging First Nations talent to reach audiences across the country.
First Nations artists from across Australia are now invited to submit their radio-ready songs for consideration in Volume 12. It’s a chance to be part of a nationally recognised initiative and share your music with listeners across hundreds of community radio stations nationwide.
To submit, simply send your tracks (up to two) and some information about yourself or your band via the entry portal by 3pm 14 April: firstsounds.amrap.org.au
First Sounds is dedicated to showcasing the talent and stories of First Nations musicians, giving them the recognition they deserve and opening doors for wider opportunities in the music industry. First Sounds has provided a crucial launch platform for over 130 independent First Nations artists, spanning a variety of genres from folk, soul, hip hop, rock and R&B. Volume 11 received widespread airplay across more than 300 community stations that receive over 5 million listeners weekly. Tracks from First Sounds Vol. 11 were played over 500 times over the first fortnight of its release on community radio across Australia, continuing community radio’s unparalleled support for First Nations music. First Sounds Volume 12 will showcase a curated selection of talented First Nations artists, chosen by a panel of First Nations artists and media figures. The tracks will be distributed digitally and physically through the Australian Music Radio Airplay Project (AMRAP). First Sounds is dedicated to showcasing the talent and stories of First Nations musicians, giving them the recognition they deserve and opening doors for wider opportunities in the music industry.
For more information:
Andrew Khedoori, AMRAP Manager: andrew.khedoori@cbaa.org.au
Lance Cheney, Studio Manager, Gadigal Information Service / Koori Radio: [email protected]
This project has been assisted by the Australian Government through Music Australia and Creative Australia, its principal arts investment and advisory body.