BIGSOUND dreams loud with dedicated First Nations hub

As part of BIGSOUND 2020’s mission to amp up the profile of First Nations artists and creatives, organiser QMusic has set up a dedicated hub in partnership with Spotify.

Called First Nations House, it will have “dreaming loud” showcases from eight artists, artwork by Queensland artist Dylan Mooney and serve as a virtual meeting place and ideas exchange centre for First Nations people around the world.

The eight showcases, on October 21 and 22, include Aodhan, Birdz, CLOE TERARE, Kee’ahn, Matalja, Oetha, Southeast Desert Metal and The Yorke Band.

Following the final showcase, the entertainment continues with a Dreaming Loud DJ set with Brisbane-based Yuggera woman Dameeeela.

The hub will also spotlight 22 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander artists from BIGSOUND50.

Jonathan Harrison, artist & label partnerships manager for Spotify A/NZ, explains why the streaming and podcast service got involved.

“Against the backdrop of the pandemic we have seen significant impact to the music industry with the impact to First Nations artists disproportionate,” Harrison said.

“Now more than ever, our commitment to increasing the representation of First Nations artists on the Spotify platform, and off, is crucial.”

Dylan Mooney said his artwork represents the importance of music for Indigenous peoples.

“Our people create songs to tell stories, to share our cultural knowledge and to bring awareness to the wider community,” Mooney said.

BIGSOUND 2020 also features a Kev Carmody keynote, and discussions as 100% BLAK: The Indigenous Future Of The Music Industry, Cultural Resurgence and Beyond The Black Tile with names as Rhoda Roberts, Dameeeela and Busty Beatz.