Apple Music launches playlist showcasing First Nations artists

Apple Music has launched a monthly playlist dedicated to showcasing First Nations artists, titled FIRST.

FIRST’s inaugural cover artist is Malyangapa and Barkindji hip-hop musician Barkaa, whose December single ‘Groovy’ has been included in the playlist. Other artists featured in FIRST this month include Sycco, Tia Gostelow, Ziggy Ramo, Budjerah, The Kid LAROI, Alice Skye and Briggs.

The playlist is curated by Jaja Dare, producer of the podcast DECOLONISE and the former label operations manager for CAAMA Music.

“I’m super stoked to be curating FIRST, a digital meeting place for our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander artists. Awesome to see our mob sharing vital stories with this country that is so in need of healing,” Dare said.

“The deadly artists on this playlist are repping vast regions and genres; from Arnhem Land to Mirning on the Great Australian Bight, from hip hop to desert reggae. Immerse yourself in the sounds of this country.”

Apple Music’s global head of editorial and content, Rachel Newman, added: “FIRST is the latest example of an ongoing commitment we have in not only supporting local music at a local level but also supporting great artists and, importantly, great First Nations artists globally.

“The Australian music scene has never been more vibrant and we’re looking forward to being able to surface these vital voices to our 60 million subscribers around the world, alongside homegrown artists you’ll find on The New Australia, Heaps Indie and the Top 100 Australia.”

Last month, Apple Music shared the most popular acts for Australian listeners for the year, with Taylor Swift, Ed Sheeran, Eminem, Post Malone and Drake the top five most-streamed acts by Aussies in 2020.