Five First Nations artists win grants to make recordings

Five First Nations artists get the chance to make recordings, thanks to the First Nations Sound Recording Partnership.

This was set up by the Australian Recording Industry Association (ARIA) in partnership with the Phonographic Performance Company of Australia (PPCA) and the Australia Council for the Arts.

Each of the five receive $18,500 towards the cost of creating a new sound recording, as well as access to managerial and industry support.

Jess Hitchcock (VIC) will co-write and record her second album Insight with collaborations with Paul Kelly, Kate Miller-Heidke, Alice Keath and Kier Nuttall.

She co-produces Insight with pop producer John Castle in his Brunswick, Melbourne, studio.

Miiesha Young (Qld), who won an ARIA for her debut album Nyaaringu, will record two EPs, a two-part story exploring the challenging relationship with a loved one.

Part 1 (Smoke) explores anger, sadness and hurt through chaotic production, while Part 2 (Mirrors) is reflective, stripped back and healing.

Luke Riches/The Struggling Kings (WA), WA Music’s Indigenous act of the year, follow their debut EP Oceans with a new album, recorded under the mentorship of Shiny Joe Ryan of Pond and Tame Impala fame.

Daniel Wilfred (NT) will record Hand To Earth with the Australian Art Orchestra, following on from Crossing Roper Bar Volumes 1 and 2.

The new songs will be ‘yuta manikay’, songs that have been written in Wilfred’s language, Wägilak from Arnhem Land.

Dan Rankine AKA trials (SA), a renowned producer and a member of A.B. Original, will create a new work under his name that celebrates the spirit of collaboration between artists across disciplines.

Minister for the Arts Paul Fletcher said: “This investment recognises the central role of Indigenous contemporary music performers.

“This partnership initiative, part of the Australian Government Indigenous Contemporary Music Program, supports professional industry-based opportunities that will assist the recipients in furthering their promising musical careers.

“Congratulations to the successful applicants.”

Dan Rosen, CEO of ARIA, added: “I want to congratulate the recipients of the First Nations Sound Recording Partnership.

“I am thrilled to see that these musicians come from all over Australia, and are working in very different styles of music. It shows the depth and breadth of creativity and talent from our First Nations’ artists.

“ARIA and PPCA are proud to help provide funding and a platform for these new recordings and I cannot wait to hear the results.”

Patricia Adjei, head of First Nations arts & culture at the Australia Council, noted:  “We are delighted this dedicated investment in First Nations musicians will build the profile and careers of First Nations musicians, helping create pathways for the next generation of First Nations musicians.”

The Federal Government’s Indigenous Contemporary Music Program was one of five programs under the $30.9 million Australian Music Industry Package announced in the 2019-20 Commonwealth budget.

There were 37 applications for the grant.

The five recipients were chosen by a specially convened industry advisor panel.