MUSIC NEWS: First Sounds Volume 13

Introducing the next wave of First Nations artists selected for the First Sounds Volume 13 compilation!

Community Broadcasting Association of Australia (CBAA) and Gadigal Information Service / Koori Radio (GIS) are proud to announce the outstanding First Nations artists selected for First Sounds Volume 13. First Sounds is a national initiative delivering new and emerging First Nations music to community radio stations across Australia.

In 2024, a new partnership between CBAA andKoori Radio was formed to continue and evolve First Sounds, an initiative that had previously produced 10 volumes, supporting nearly 150 new First Nations artists. Released in early 2025, Volumes 11 and 12, featuring 30 artists including Yung Milla, Charlie Needs Braces, Grace Alexandra, Mia Lovelock, Tha Deadly Boyz, and Yung Maynie, generated more than 3,500 community radio plays. The compilations are delivered nationally through amrap.org.au, which services more than 400 community radio stations, helping ensure Australian music makes up 37% of all music played on community radio.

Each volume of First Sounds begins with an open callout for tracks with an independent First Nations assessment panel of artists and related industry curating each volume. The program has delivered national promotion via Australian Music Radio Airplay Project (AMRAP), and IndigiTUBE, alongside artist development initiatives including mentorships, live showcases and five NITV documentaries.

Volume 13 brings together a powerful cross-section of contemporary First Nations artists: Perth-based Minang Noongar performer Ricky Neil Jr delivers high energy, groove-driven pop with commanding vocals and a reputation for electric live shows; Naarm singer-songwriter Naomi Diane blends soul-infused disco, jangly pop and folk-leaning lyricism with warmth and introspection; Kimberley-born artist ICONYX offers deeply moving hip-hop, pop and R&B shaped by culture, tactile sound and fearless storytelling; Magandjin-based GLVES creates immersive Blaktronica, weaving cinematic alt-pop with themes of resilience, identity and belonging; singer-songwriter and cultural leader Jayden Kitchener-Waters grounds his folk- and soul-influenced music in Country, language and healing through intimate, story rich performances; Sydney outfit Krystal Rivvers, led by Wurundjeri/Boon Wurrung frontman Earl Weir, bring psych-tinged indie rock charged with emotion, grit and communal spirit; Cherratta Road, the musical project of Ngarluma/Banjima artist Tyson Mowarin, shares heartfelt songs rooted in Roebourne, memory and protest; rising country talent Kyla Belle, a teenage songwriter from Moree, pairs honest storytelling with confident vocals that mark her as a standout new voice; and the Family Shoveller Band, a Karajarri family group from Bidyadanga, blend rock, reggae and country to share culture, language and love through generations of music making.

With over 5.39 million listeners tuning in weekly, community radio remains one of the most powerful access points for discovering new Australian music. First Sounds is a crucial initiative for First Nations artists, establishing significant pathways, audiences, and industry success. It often results in artists achieving their initial radio airplay, contributing to substantial airplay numbers with multiple artists, including BADASSMUTHA and Tha Deadly Boyz from Volumes 11 and 12, consistently securing top 10 spots in AMRAP’s weekly charts.

The program continues to build momentum through these curated CD and digital compilations released via amrap.org.au, representing an extraordinary cross-section of contemporary First Nations music spanning alt-pop, country, soul, hip-hop, rock, Blaktronica and acoustic storytelling grounded in culture, language, community and lived experience.

First Sounds continues to strengthen the role of community radio as a launchpad for First Nations talent and remains committed to supporting First Nations artists to be heard, recognised and celebrated.