FIRST SOUNDS CALLS ON PILBARA ARTISTS TO PUT THEIR MUSIC FORWARD
by Lynnese O’Donoghue
First Nations musicians across the Pilbara are being encouraged to back themselves and put their music forward for a national initiative connecting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander artists with community radio stations across Australia.
Submissions are open for First Sounds Volume 15, a collaboration between the Community Broadcasting Association of Australia and Gadigal Information Service/Koori Radio.
The initiative showcases contemporary First Nations music and distributes selected tracks to community broadcasters across the country.
Koori Radio presenter and producer Aaron Langford is among the First Nations artists, broadcasters and industry professionals judging this year's submissions.
Speaking to Ngaarda Media, Langford said First Sounds provided an opportunity for new artists to get their music heard well beyond their own communities.
“Opportunity wise, if you do the numbers, that's a lot of mob that gets to hear our sounds,” he said.
“We're really excited to get out some new sounds, some new mob and new talent.”
Langford said the judging panel was not simply searching for established or highly polished musicians.
“We want new talent, we want young blood,” he said.
Aaron Langford to the right, excited to be on the judging panel
“If you've got something that's been sitting there, we want to hear it. It's not for polished artists only.”
He described community radio as “pivotal” in helping artists reach new audiences, pointing to the national network of stations capable of picking up and playing First Nations music.
For musicians living in the Pilbara and other regional and remote communities who might be hesitant about submitting their work, Langford had a simple message.
“It has a place,” he said.
“Don't sit there and think, ‘Oh no, I can't.’ There's so many mob out there that feel shame or they're not too sure about getting their music out there.
“Just put it out there. Just plant the seed, let it fly.”
Langford said even artists who are not ultimately selected could benefit from putting their music in front of broadcasters and industry professionals.
“Even if you don't get picked, we still get to hear it,” he said.
First Sounds Volume 15 is open to First Nations musicians, bands and producers from across Australia with radio-ready tracks released within the past 18 months.
Selected artists will feature on digital releases and physical compilation CDs distributed to community radio stations around Australia via AMRAP.org.au
Submissions for First Sounds Volume 15 close at 11:59pm AEST on October 15, 2026.
Submission Details:
• Who can apply: First Nations musicians, bands, and producers based in Australia.
• Eligibility: Radio-ready tracks released in the past 18 months.
• Format & Distribution: Digital and physical CD distribution directly to community broadcasters nationwide via amrap.org.au.
Applications open today, Tuesday September 15 and close Tuesday October 13, 2026 via firstsounds.amrap.org.au