First Nations Music Conference BLAKSOUND Unveils Speakers For Virtual 2021 Event

Originally scheduled to unfold during BIGSOUND’s now-cancelled September event, this year’s First Nations music conference BLAKSOUND will take place as a virtual offering, with organisers today unveiling its speaker line-up.

The event, which is a 100% First Nations youth-led music conference, will run from September 6-8.

Co-curated by Sycco, Jem Cassar-Daley, DOBBY and Loki Liddle alongside Digi Youth Arts Lead Artistic Director Alethea Beetson, the 2021 conference will offer up a “series of online workshops and discussions, designed to elevate, celebrate and represent the voices and perspectives of current and future First Nations artists and industry workers”.

There’ll also be networking opportunities available.

Renowned artist Naomi Wenitong leads the 2021 event as keynote speaker, joined on the line-up by Emily Wurramara, BARKAA, Bianca Hunt, DRMNGNOW and Rhianna Patrick.

“BLAKSOUND provides a sovereign platform for conversations that need to be heard by the wider music community,” Beetson said.

“Digi Youth Arts invites the music industry to listen to our community, and then respond or where required step aside so we can continue the work of carrying on our stories through song.”

Loki Liddle added: “BLAKSOUND is an opportunity for First Nations youth to talk back and challenge the music industry at large. 

“It is charged with powerful conversations that will shine a light on the issues we face, and the future we plan to create.”

For more details and to register for the free event, click here.