Submissions Are Now Open For ‘First Sounds’ Volumes 13 and 14

The virtual doors swing open on the latest First Sounds music compilations.

From today, September 15th, the Community Broadcasting Association of Australia (CBAA) and Gadigal Information Service / Koori Radio (GIS) will take submissions for Volumes 13 and 14, extending a platform that has provided national exposure for a slew of First Nations artists.

Launching in 2020, the First Sounds compilations provide a launch-pad for First Nations music of all genres and have featured works from over 150 artists including Dobby, Kee’Ahn, J-Milla, Barkaa, Andrew Gurruwirri Band, Mulga Bore Hard Rock, Nidala and others.

The collections “continue to amplify First Nations voices, songs, and stories, reaching community radio listeners across the country,” reads a joint statement.

“Through bold and vibrant songs, First Sounds powerfully highlights the strength and unity foundational to First Nations artists, uniquely blending tradition and innovation.”

Volumes 11 and 12 dropped in the first half of 2025, highlighting such acts as Yung Milla, Charlie Needs Braces, Grace Alexandra, Mia Lovelock, Tha Deadly Boyz, and Yung Maynie.

Those cuts collectively accumulated more than 4,000 plays across more than 250 community radio stations taking part, according to reps, and BADASSMUTHA, an artist from Vol. 12, was selected as a showcasing artist for BIGSOUND 2025.

Submissions for First Sounds Volumes 13 and 14 close on Monday, October 13th.

Independent First Nations musicians are invited to submit “radio-ready music for consideration” at firstsounds.amrap.org.au.

A host of First Nations industry figures will make the call on the final selections, a panel that includes previous First Sounds artists Sunny Luwe and Lance Cheney (who also manages Koori Radio’s Kameygal studio), Kaleena Smith (First Nations Development Coordinator, Music NSW, and member of Stiff Gins), and Travis De Vries (Director, Awesome Black).

Volumes 13 and 14 will be released in the first half of 2026 via amrap.org.au, the CBAA’s initiative that promotes new Australian music to radio.