Spotify launches bootcamp for Australian First Nations

Spotify has launched an intensive learning program for Australian based First Nations podcasters.

Titled Sound Up Bootcamp Australia, the initiative will be facilitated by Aboriginal/Torres Strait Islander radio producer Emily Nicol. Nicol is the Music Director and Host for video clip program ‘Volumz’ airing on NITV, and the curator of Spotify’s flagship First Australians playlist Black Australia.

It will see 10 participants take part in the four day workshop, based at Spotify Australia’s Sydney HQ from 26-29 November 2018 to delve into podcast creation, story development and understanding their audience.

“What Spotify is offering through Sound Up is a hugely exciting opportunity for First Nations producers and storytellers. The podcasting medium in Australia continues to experience massive growth and now is an ideal time for the voices and stories of Indigenous Australia to find their place within the audio landscape.” says Emily Nicol, Sound Up Australia facilitator.

Emily Nicol

Finalists will receive mentoring and networking opportunities, while three finalists will receive a cash grant and equipment to produce their podcasts.

It follows the creation of Sound Up Bootcamp US, which received over 18,000 applications, and Sound Up Bootcamp UK.

“Sound Up Bootcamp US was a huge success, stimulating amazing ideas and facilitating a truly unique and important community of aspiring women of colour podcasters. We have chosen to focus Sound Up Bootcamp Australia on First Australians as part of our ongoing commitment to better represent and surface the voices of First Australian creators,” says Jane Huxley, Managing Director, Spotify Australia & NZ.

Aspiring First Nations podcasters do not need to have any prior podcasting experience. They should apply before midnight on October 29 at https://spoti.fi/soundupsydney.

This article originally appeared on The Industry Observer, which is now part of The Music Network.