First Nations music conference BLAKSOUND reveals 2021 program

Australia’s first-ever dedicated Indigenous youth music conference BLAKSOUND has released the program for its upcoming 2021 event.

BLAKSOUND was initially slated to occur as a physical event alongside BIGSOUND.

BIGSOUND, however, has now been called off for 2021, and the accompanying BLAKSOUND has moved online for a September 6 to 8 broadcast.

Shining a light on the talents of young First Nations artists around the country, BLAKSOUND will be curated by an array of young Indigenous artists, including Sycco, Jem Cassar-Daley, DOBBY and Loki Liddle.

Digi Youth Arts lead artistic director Alethea Beetson is also set to provide additional support and mentorship for the event, which is presented alongside Vya Entertainment and supported by QMusic.

Leading this year’s inaugural lineup as keynote speaker is Cairns singer-songwriter Naomi Wenitong, who will be joined by fellow musicians such as Emily Wurramara, Barkaa, Bianca Hunt, DRMNGNOW and radio and podcast presenter Rhianna Patrick.

BLAKSOUND will also feature a Spotify Masterclass from local artist & label partnerships lead Jono Harrison, while Ditto Music’s Jinaya Walford will also host a discussion around digital distribution.

Karla Ranby and Nooky of triple j’s Indigenous radio show Blak Out have also been tapped for a virtual networking session at the event, letting young First Nations artists directly interact with the two radio personalities.

The conference will be held on the Swapcard platform and is totally free for all to attend. Payment options will be offered for those in a position to donate money.

Co-curator Loki Liddle said that BLAKSOUND would provide young Indigenous artists with the chance to network and assert their place within the broader music industry.

“BLAKSOUND is an opportunity for First Nations youth to talk back and challenge the music industry at large,” Liddle said.

“It is charged with powerful conversations that will shine a light on the issues we face, and the future we plan to create.”

Register for BLAKSOUND and find out more about the conference here.