First Nations platform Blak Sound announces inaugural five recipients

The first recipients of the Victoria’s Blak Sound initiative for First Nations musicians have been announced.

Presented and supported in partnership with the Victorian government’s Victorian Music Development Office (VMDO), City of Melbourne and Spotify, Blak Sound program will over nine months focus on releasing recorded music, monthly tailored business skills master classes and one-on-one mentoring.

The program kicks off with a showcase by the five at the YIRRAMBOI hub at the Meat Market on Wednesday, May 8.

The recipients were:

Noongar woman Amy Dowd (aka BUMPY);

Hip hop and jazz Lady Lash (aka Kokatha and Greek woman Crystal Clyne);

Multi-instrumentalist and avant-garde composer William Elm who draws in his music his experiences as a queer autistic Aboriginal Murri man;

Yorta Yorta woman Allara Briggs Pattison works equipped with a loop station, double bass, electric bass and bright spirit;

Brett Lee (Pirritu), a Ngiyampaa man whose music is described as “gentle, intricate and highly melodic with beautifully framed chords overlaid with a story of sadness and hope.”

Lee explained that there are so many deadly artists in Victoria at the moment, “I cannot wait to be part of Blak Sound and I’m ready for the learning it will offer.

“This program will take my music to the next level. I’m ready to share my stories with the world and also connect the knowledge I learn with other young and emerging Indigenous artists.”

Dowd added, “The program is an amazing opportunity for emerging artists to refine their skills and network with different industry professionals.

“I cannot wait to jump right into the program. To have the opportunity to record and release within a culturally safe environment and also be guided by an experienced team is so valuable.”

Other comments on the significance of the new program are from:

Neil Morris, VMDO’s music business manager for First Peoples: “Blak Sound will place First People artists at the forefront of the music industry and highlight that Indigenous voices have been on this continent since time immemorial.”

Minister for creative industries Martin Foley:  “We set up the Victorian Music Development Office to put local music on a global stage, expand opportunities for Victorian music businesses and help our artists build strong and sustainable careers.

“Blak Sound will deliver on these goals and will get more music by Victorian First Peoples artists out there for all the world to hear.”

Councillor Rohan Leppert, chair of the City of Melbourne’s arts, culture and heritage portfolio: “As part of Council’s Melbourne Music Plan we’re committed to supporting industry development and diversity, with a specific focus on opportunities for career progression, knowledge and connections.”

Sophie Paterson, head of PR & communications at Spotify Australia: “Spotify is firmly committed to increasing the representation of First Nation creators in Australia.

“As such, we’re incredibly proud to be involved in Blak Sound and excited to start the journey with our five successful participants.”