Australia: Spotify Launches Sound Up Bootcamp for First Nations Peoples

Sydney NSW, Australia—Spotify has today announced the arrival of Sound Up Bootcamp Australia, an initiative that gives aspiring Australian based First Nations podcasters the opportunity to undergo an intensive learning program facilitated by podcasting and radio greats and delve into podcast creation, story development and understanding their audience.

Following Sound Up Bootcamp US, which received over 18,000 applications, and the recently announced Sound Up Bootcamp UK, 10 participants will be invited to take part in the four day workshop, based at Spotify Australia’s Sydney HQ.

Applicants do not need to have any prior podcasting experience. They only need a voice with something to say, a passion for the medium, and an eagerness to bring their great ideas to life.

Finalists will receive mentoring, practical experience, and networking opportunities with facilitators, and three finalists will receive a cash grant and equipment to produce their podcasts at the end.

“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.

“We are excited to be able to support and promote more diverse and talented voices in the field of podcasting here in Australia, and to give them a creative platform to share their work with the widest possible audience,” adds Huxley.

The course will be facilitated by Aboriginal/Torres Strait Islander radio producer and the curator of Spotify’s flagship First Australians playlist Black Australia Emily Nicol. The Bootcamp has been designed and produced in partnership with Audiocraft – a leading Australian podcast organisation who host events, run workshops and make podcasts through their agency.

“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.

Spotify has created and promoted a number of First Nations playlists this year including Black Australia, Deadly Beats, and Original Storytellers, as well as forming partnerships with Barunga Festival and the National Indigenous Music Awards, where, most recently, Baker Boy was awarded a Spotify studio grant following his Best New Artist Award win.

Aspiring First Nations podcasters should apply before midnight on October 29 at https://spoti.fi/soundupsydney. See website for full terms and conditions.

Sound Up Bootcamp Australia will take place from 26-29 November 2018.