FIRST SOUNDS | Turning Up the Heat with VOL.8

TURNING UP THE HEAT
:: FIRST SOUNDS VOL.8 LAUNCHES ::

The latest instalment of First Sounds launched this week with the release of Vol.8 which features 13 deadly new tracks from independent First Nations artists. Yes, 13! This round of entries was so hotly contested that a total of 13 tracks have been selected for Vol.8, breaking the existing tradition of First Sounds featuring 12 tracks per release.

First Sounds Vol.8 spans genres, sharing stories that are personal, social, political and at times spiritual. From the mesmerising stripped back track Wanyarra from Carissa Nyalu sung in Dja Dja Wurrung, through to full band tracks such as Andrew Gurruwiwi Band’s irresistible debut Gatjumak fresh from the Yolŋu Nation and to the pop/hip hop collaboration of Akala Newman and BLACX with Spell on Me. First Sounds Vol.8 has something for everyone!

The keytar wielding lead songman and namesake of the Yolŋu-Funk band from Yirrkala, The Andrew Gurruwiwi band have contributed to their debut single to FIrst Sounds Vol.8. When asked about it, he told us:

“"I'm so happy that 'Gatjumak' will be part of First Sounds, shared through the community radio. It's important because the song is about giving back to Yolŋu (Indigenous) people and Balanda (non-Indigenous). Just to make them happy and dance. To make Yolŋu people proud and to show the talent of Indigenous musicians.

Gatjumak is a song spawned out of the absolute mayhem of Arnhem Land community festivals. When Andrew Gurruwiwi shouts "Gatjumak‚" it's nothing short of a direct challenge: "Show me your style... Show me what you got...Go for it!""

From start to finish, First Sounds Vol.8 will draw you in to the stories, feelings, landscapes and languages that are shared through this incredible collection of songs. An album to get lost in, First Sounds is distributed to over 250 community radio stations and broadcasters, creating awesome exposure for our emerging First Nations artists.

Entries for First Sounds Vol.9 will open towards the end of June, so stay tuned!

First Sounds is a series of music releases which promote emerging independent First Nations talent, curated by a panel of established First Nations musicians and industry. Developed in partnership in 2020 between First Nations Media Australia’s indigiTUBE project and Community Broadcasting Association of Australia (CBAA)’s Australian Music Radio Airplay Project (Amrap).

First Sounds aims to increase the volume of First Nations music played on community radio across Australia. To date, First Sounds releases have featured over 80 incredible artists with even more, by way of those unselected entrants, also being featured on the Amrap site and indigiTUBE platform.