Indigenous talent shines at RESONATE intensives
DJ PGZ, SKNOW, Tehya Makani and more join Brisbane RESONATE songwriting & production intensives
Joined by Nicholas Littlemore, Emily Wurramara, Lucy Blomkamp and more in the studio
Now in its sixth year, RESONATE took place at 4000 Studios Meanjin/ Brisbane 9-12 June, followed by RESONATE Producers 15 - 17 June
RESONATE and RESONATE Producers, two songwriting and professional development experiences for Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander musicians, took place at Brisbane’s 4000 Studios last month.
Now in its sixth year, RESONATE brings together top Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander songwriters, music producers and artists from across the country to collaborate on writing and recording new music.
The four-day songwriting intensive RESONATE, in partnership with APRA AMCOS and 4000 Studios, brought together top talent from across the country to collaborate and record new music.
Aboriginal and Fijian producer and rapper Miles Nautu, and Yawuru, Wadjarri, Pitjanjarra and Wadjuk singer-songwriter Tehya Makani were selected to work alongside collaborators Moss (producer), Emily Wurramara, Djanaba, and Ricky Neil Jr. They were also assisted by Special Guest Producers Lucy Blomkamp and Godriguez.
“My time at resonate was incredible! To have the opportunity to work with other amazing well established artists, I felt so lucky.
Each day was an exercise of creativity and collaboration, forming great bonds along the way.
I’d do it again in a heartbeat.” - Ricky Neil Jr.
Moss & Emily Wurramara
Group listening session
Tehya Makani
RESONATE Producers
L-R: DJ PGZ, Nicholas Littlemore, LEN20, Ember System, 18YOMAN, SKNOW. Photo: Cassidy Cloupet
The following week, the studio came alive when the 3-day songwriting RESONATE Producers kicked off. Presented in partnership with 4000 Studios and MPEG, RESONATE Producers is an exclusive curated 3-day professional development program to elevate participants' skills through learning from the industry’s most successful producers and engineers.
Unlike the flagship RESONATE program, RESONATE Producers focuses intensely on the art of production and its seamless integration with the creative process.
Gunai/ Kurnai & Yorta Yorta artist, DJ and producer DJ PGZ, producer, singer and artist SKNOW and Anaiwan producer Ember System worked alongside collaborators Nicholas Littlemore, 18YOMAN and LEN20.
“As producers, we can easily fall into the isolation of our practice. Intentional spaces like RESONATE illuminate our shared passion and commonality of thought, creating room to inspire one another and grow together. Hearing about the confidence gap in our industry really kicked me into gear because I could clearly see where it had materialised in my own practice.
Thanks to the generosity, guidance, encouragement, and genuine belief from the mentors, staff at 4000 Studios, and fellow artists, I’m leaving with renewed devotion, meaningful industry connections, and an overflowing cup. I hope this program continues to reach many more artists like me who have been working hard and simply needed an opportunity to connect, be seen, and continue believing in themselves.”
- SKNOW
Clover Hersant, RESONATE Program Manager (Alyelhentye Nawu): "I am immensely proud of what we achieved through our recent RESONATE programs and continue to be encouraged by the remarkable depth of talent we have witnessed throughout RESONATE's six-year journey.
Bringing together such exceptional songwriters and producers and seeing their collaborations unfold, resulting in powerful, dynamic and uplifting songs, has been incredibly rewarding. Thank you to our participants and producers, Godriguez, Moss and Lucy Blomkamp, for their commitment, creativity and generosity. Special thanks also to the mentors of our second-year RESONATE Producers program, Nicholas Littlemore, 18YOMAN and LEN20, whose guidance and expertise have helped fortify the strength of our music producer cohort.
It is a privilege to see these programs continue to evolve and create meaningful opportunities for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander artists. The lasting impact they have on our music community strengthens creative excellence, builds confidence, fosters connection and celebrates culture. I am continually inspired by the skill, vision and artistry of our world-class songwriters, and RESONATE continues to showcase their extraordinary potential while creating pathways for future success."
Dominic Felsmann, 4000 Studios: “RESONATEs are by far the most wholesome and fun camps at 4000. By now it feels like we're a big family and it means everything to see so many participants come back year after year and stay in touch. The two events in June were incredible and we're so grateful to have so many amazing talents share the space with us!”
Kurt Luthy, Executive Director MPEG: “Teaming some of the nation's best producers with mid-career Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander producers, the RESONATE Producers program delivers one of the nation’s finest mentorship programs in Australia today. MPEG is proud to contribute to the ongoing success of this incredible program.”
Thank you to our participants, producers, special guests and partners for making the June 2026 RESONATE sessions such a success!
Applications for RESONATE Hip Hop are opening 17 August, and will run 9 - 12 November 2026, again at 4000 Studios. Anyone interested in applying is encouraged to visit the RESONATE webpage at that time.
Nicholas Littlemore with DJ PGZ
LEN20 with Ember System
18YOMAN with SKNOW
RESONATE 2026
9 - 12 June,
4000 Studios Brisbane
Participants:
Miles Nautu
Tehya Makani
Collaborators:
Moss
Emily Wurramara
Djanaba
Ricky Neil Jr
Special Guest Producers:
Lucy Blomkamp
Godriguez
Presenting partners: APRA AMCOS and 4000 Studios
RESONATE Producers 2026
15 - 17 June,
4000 Studios Brisbane
Participants:
DJ PGZ
SKNOW
Ember System
Collaborators:
Nicholas Littlemore
18YOMAN
LEN20
Presenting partners: APRA AMCOS, MPEG and 4000 Studios
Songs penned at RESONATE:
Kaybee and Kayps' "Headache"
Jem Cassar-Daley's 'King of Disappointment'
3% and Tia Gostelow's 'Sleezy Steezy Cool'
Boox Kid's 'Talking to Myself'
