Greenfern Studios Plot Battle Of The Bands Event To Platform Aboriginal, Torres Strait Islander & Koori Artists

Sydney-based creative production hub Greenfern Studios are hosting an exciting and culturally significant Battle Of The Bands this ANZAC Day to amplify the voices of emerging and aspiring talents from Aboriginal, Torres Strait Islander and Koori communities.

Taking place at iconic inner-west warehouse theatre The Red Rattler on Friday April 25th in Marrickville, the event vows to platform the voices of our First Nations mob who too often go underrepresented in the industry. 

“As part of our mission at Greenfern Studios, we are committed to giving back and helping shape a more inclusive creative and artistic landscape — especially for young people and First Nations talent,” said Greenfern Studios’ Studio Director Irina Boraman. “We aim to be part of a movement that brings positivity, inspiration, and opportunity to the artistic and musical community — empowering those who may otherwise be overlooked.

Teaming up with The Red Rattle, Boraman expressed deep elation to host a celebration of community and creativity within that space, under the guidance and support of a First Nations-managed venue.

Greenfern Studios are partnering with the live and deadly community Sydney radio station Koori Radio and youth homelessness awareness and music project Streets2Stage for the Battle Of The Bands. Having experienced homelessness himself at a young age, founder of the Streets2Stage initiative Owen Davis spoke to the Salvation Army in 2023 about the impacts of the program on young, vulnerable individuals. By teaching and up-skilling participants in production, writing, recording, mixing, editing and mastering, and marketing/PR skills, Owen hopes to help the youth pave a path away from homelessness.

“They are then able to use their skills in their life to go out and take steps forward – like finding accommodation, finding a job and holding that job and doing some good stuff with their life,” he said. 

“It 100% improves their self-esteem and gives them concrete skills that transfer to many different job opportunities – not just in the music or film industry.”

Davis is a known, powerful voice in the community, advocating for and supporting Koori youth that are doing it tough, ensuring that through music, they are heard, recognised and celebrated.

Greenfern Studios have also partnered with Georges River Council, who have previously sponsored their Battle Of The Beats youth competition. Other partners for the Battle Of The Bands include Great West Salvation Army, Andreas Zimmerman and Zen Studios.

The judging panel for the competition includes Koori Radio presenters DJ Shark and Tash, Street2Stage’s Owen Davis and The Red Rattler’s Queen. The winning act will receive a Greenfern Studios-produced professional music video alongside the opportunity to produce a studio-recorded track courtesy of Koori Radio.

Whether you're a budding performer, a lover of live music, or simply are wanting to uplift First Nations excellence, the Battle Of The Bands will undoubtedly be a night to remember. Tickets are free and available here, with more details to be announced soon.