BIGSOUND Launches Virtual First Nations House For 2020 & Beyond

BIGSOUND have officially launched this year's First Nations House.

This year sees First Nations House - which is presented in partnership with Spotify - head to a totally virtual platform which will stay open over the next 12 months to serve as a "global meeting space for supporting, promoting and celebrating First Nations music from around the world, including hosting workshops and performances, and a platform for artists to gather and share their music and messages".

"As the industry re-futures, it is imperative that spaces like BIGSOUND and Spotify support, promote and celebrate Indigenous artists and the music they make," said BIGSOUND First Nations Producer and Programmer Alethea Beetson.

"In a time where there has been a resurgence of Black Lives Matter, which has long been the Black Deaths in Custody movement in so-called Australia, the BIGSOUND First Nations conversations address the issues of systemic racism in the music industry by offering Indigenous led solutions to some of the now common problems we are facing in 2020, and beyond."

"Against the backdrop of the pandemic we have seen significant impact to the music industry with the impact to First Nations artists disproportionate," said Artist & Label Partnerships Manager, Spotify Australia & New Zealand Jonathan Harrison.

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"Now more than ever, our commitment to increasing the representation of First Nations artists on the Spotify platform, and off, is crucial.

"We are extremely proud to advocate for Indigenous music through our partnership with BIGSOUND to bring First Nations House back to this year’s event. By providing a space to nurture and support Indigenous music, we can showcase the creativity and diversity of First Nations artists, driving broader engagement within the music industry."

Eight artists have been selected for the exclusive Dreaming Loud showcases next week, including Aodhan, Birdz, CLOE TERARE, Kee'ahn, Matalja, Oetha, Southeast Desert Metal and The Yorke Band, while Dameeeela will share a Dreaming Loud DJ set following the final Thursday night showcase.

A total of 22 acts have been selected as this year's First Nations House artists, see the list below.