Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander music creators are invited to:
Submit an Expression of Interest for one of two virtual '3-2-1' (3 hours, 2 writers, 1 song) co-writing sessions with songwriter/producer Milan Ring (closes 28 May)
RSVP to this month's Composer Masterclass with composer Sarah Belkner (27 May)
RSVP to this month's Production Masterclass with artist/producer Naretha Williams (28 May)
The monthly Virtual First Nations Suite for May, presented by the National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Music Office (NATSIMO), features two dynamic online masterclasses for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander music creators and the-ever popular 3-2-1 Session (3 hours, two songwriters, 1 song).
Sarah Belkner will lead a masterclass on orchestration and arrangements and Naretha Williams (Wiradjuri) will focus on electronic music production and performance. Milan Ring is this month's 3-2-1 curator, with Expressions of Interest open now for two co-writing sessions with the multi-talented artist/songwriter/guitarist/producer.
Composer/producer/singer Sarah Belkner presents her 'Sound & Colour' Composer Masterclass by delving into one of her productions and show its construction from the ground up, with a focus on arrangement and some specific discussion around string quartet arrangement.
Innovative electronic music artist and producer Naretha Williams will present the May Production Masterclass on electronic music production and live performance, and will explore the creative, technical, workflow and management strategies to go from the studio to the stage.
These opportunities are open to all APRA AMCOS Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander members, with Masterclass sessions aimed specifically at those with some experience in composition and/or music production. RSVPs and Expressions of Interests now being accepted.
Virtual First Nations Suite is accessible from anywhere - all that is required to attend is intermediate knowledge, a keen interest in the topic and a reasonable internet connection. New opportunities as part of the monthly Virtual First Nations Suite will be announced and offered in May.
"The NATSIMO are excited to present this month's Virtual First Nations Suite featuring the exceptional talents of Wiradjuri innovator, musician, engineer and label owner Naretha Williams, the in-demand musical all-rounder Sarah Belkner and one-woman powerhouse Milan Ring.
"We have had so many wonderful artists from all over the country tuning in to the Masterclasses and expressing their interest in working with and learning from our incredible presenters and curators to date. We encourage Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander songwriters and composers from wherever they may be based to get involved in the May Virtual First Nations Suite," said Leah Flanagan, National Manager, NATSIMO.
Singer, rapper, guitarist, producer, mix and mastering engineer Milan Ring takes on the 3-2-1 Sessions curator role for June, taking the baton from NATSIMO’s previous curators Mo'Ju, Candice Lorrae and Joel Quartermain.
A gifted lyricist and vocalist, Milan's profile continues to grow thanks to a captivating live show and her expert collaboration in the studio. She's had sessions with the likes of DRAM, Cosmo's Midnight, SZA and frequent Chance the Rapper collaborators, The Social Experiment. Milan was nominated for a 2021 APRA Music Award for Most Performed R&B/Soul Work for 'Say To Me.'
Expressions of Interest to collaborate with Milan are open now and will close 28 May 11:59pm AEST, with sessions to take place in June.
Congratulations to May's 3-2-1 Sessions applicants Dani Teveluwe and Jarulah who were selected to collaborate with ARIA and APRA Music Award-winning songwriter/producer Joel Quartermain in the one-on-one sessions.
In our May Composer Masterclass, Sarah Belkner will delve into one of her productions and show its construction from the ground up, with a focus on arrangement and some specific discussion/tips in particular around string quartet arrangement.
She will show the art of developing a sonic palette for the song/project to draw your arrangement from and how to build a focused result with chosen and enforced parameters.
There will also be some discussion and focus around utilising other musicians and the power of clear creative collaboration.
In our May Production Masterclass, Electronic Music Artist Naretha Williams (Wiradjuri) will present a masterclass on electronic music production and performance.
Content will feature creative, technical, workflow and management strategies to get your work from the studio to the stage, reflecting on recent work and artist residency with MESS (Melbourne Electronic Sound Studio) through to performing live at the Sydney Myer Music Bowl as a case study for discussion.