Community radio’s Amrap to boost First Nation music

The Community Broadcasting Association of Australia (CBAA)’s Amrap initiative is set to raise the profile of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander (ABTSI) artists.

It is the result of recent funding by the Australia Council for the Arts and a partnership with First Nations Media Australia.

The 20-year old Australian Music Radio Airplay Project will distribute new music from ABTSI musicians—particularly from regional and remote areas – to increase the representation of First Nations music on community radio and generate greater awareness of heritage, history and culture

First Nations Media Australia will feature selected music on its national content platform, indigiTube, which showcases music and video content for listeners to stream and download – and for broadcasters to replay on air.

“We’re proud of how Amrap has exposed new Australian music over many years and now look forward to working with First Nations Media Australia on this fantastic initiative,” CBAA CEO Jon Bisset says.

“Amrap will serve as a vital stepping-stone for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander musicians into the local music industry and be a great resource for early-career musicians.”

A series of music compilations will be curated by indigiTUBE with a panel of First Nations individuals, and distributed Australia-wide.

“The project is a great opportunity to build on the connections indigiTUBE has made,” explains First Nations Media Australia general manager, Daniel Featherstone, “and to expand the representation of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander music across the community media landscape through the Amrap catalogue.”

“We’re really excited about partnering with the CBAA to help connect audiences with deadly Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander musicians,” adds indigiTUBE project manager, Jaja Dare, “we can’t wait to hear these awesome contemporary artists featured on the community radio airwaves.”