Spotify launches Sound Up Australia

Spotify has launched 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.

10 participants will be invited to take part in the four-day workshop, 26-29 November 2018, at Spotify Australia’s Sydney HQ and will receive mentoring, practical experience, and networking opportunities with facilitators.

At the end of the workshop three finalists will receive cash grants and equipment to enable them to produce their podcasts.

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

Spotify Australia & NZ Managing Director, Jane Huxley, says “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.”

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.

Emily Nicol says “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.”

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.

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