Published 8 May, 2019

Blak Sound – a platform to reinforce Victorian First Peoples song carriers

The inaugural five recipients of the new Blak Sound program are Brett Lee (Pirritu), Amy Dowd (BUMPY), Allara Briggs Pattison, Crystal Clyne (Lady Lash) and William Elm.

Following a competitive EOI process, these five outstanding Blak Sound artists will now undertake a nine-month program specifically designed and tailored to complement their music career visions.

Presented and supported in partnership with the Victorian Music Development Office (VMDO), Creative Victoria, City of Melbourne and Spotify, the Blak Sound program will focus on the release of recorded music and utilise a range monthly business master classes, one-on-one mentoring and hands-on learning to develop critical music business skills.

Each Blak Sound artist will engage in a curated program tailored to their needs, which will kick off with a music showcase at the YIRRAMBOI hub at the Meat Market next week on Wednesday, 8 May 2019.

Blak Sound participant Brett Lee explained that there are so many deadly artists in Victoria at the moment, “I cannot wait to be part of Blak Sound and I’m ready for the learning it will offer.”

“This program will take my music to the next level. I’m ready to share my stories with the world and also connect the knowledge I learn with other young and emerging Indigenous artists,” said Lee.

Another participant, Amy Dowd, is excited to be included in Blak Sound, “The program is an amazing opportunity for emerging artists to refine their skills and network with different industry professionals.”

“I cannot wait to jump right into the program. To have the opportunity to record and release within a culturally safe environment and also be guided by an experienced team is so valuable,” said Dowd.

Brett Lee (Pirritu) – Brett Lee is a Ngiyampaa man – his music is gentle, intricate and highly melodic with beautifully framed chords overlaid with a story of sadness and hope.

Amy Dowd (BUMPY) – Noongar woman, Amy Dowd, through her solo project BUMPY, thematically uncovers her truths as a First Nations artist using layers of lush melodies while delivering it with her hypnotic vocal quality.

Allara Briggs Pattison – Equipped with a loop station, double bass, electric bass and bright spirit, Yorta Yorta woman, Allara Briggs Pattison, has an enchanting glow when she performs, always gracing the stage with a passionate grin from ear to ear.

Crystal Clyne (Lady Lash) – Crystal Clyne, a Kokatha and Greek woman, combines equal parts jazz and hip hop interwoven with powerful spiritual storytelling – her music pushes sonic boundaries in profoundly beautiful ways.

William Elm – William Elm is a multi-instrumentalist, avant-composer and music wunderkind, drawing on his experiences as a queer autistic Aboriginal Murri man to effortlessly create worlds of sound and musical journey.

Blak Sound: Emerging First Nations Voices presents five incredible new First Nations artists across an evening of music.

Blak Sound: Emerging First Nations Voices
YIRRAMBOI Festival
Wednesday May 8 2019 - 7:30pm
Meat Market, North Melbourne