Regional WA talent set to shine at launch of WAM’s new ‘Sounds of The Mid West’ regional recording compilation

24 Jun

Author WAM

Events, Indigenous, Regional, WAM Events / Projects

Every now and then we get to distribute some incredible compilations from across the country – WAM’s Sounds of the Mid West was one of them.
Community Broadcasting Association of Australia (CBAA)

West Australian Music (WAM) are delighted to celebrate the release and upcoming live launch of Sounds of The Mid West, the fourteenth compilation album from WAM’s regional recording program. The compilation album provides a snapshot of the Mid West region’s original songwriters and artists, and features acts ranging from 18 to 87 years old, with eight artists’ offering their debut releases. the album features songs from Warralgurniya, Nicky Robson, Carrum Mourambine, Jade Jackson, Gus McKay, Vince Jones, Good Strife, Ian Weggler plus Theona Councillor and Alexia Parenzee.

Since the April 2021 release of Sounds of The Mid West, the ten artists have been celebrated and heard across national airwaves including playlisting on local and national ABC Radio. The compilation has received extensive airplay on community radio spanning every state and territory in the nation with album features on RTRFM 92.1 and Indigitube. The compilation songs from Theona Councillor and Warralgurniya have gone on to receive nominations in WAM’s 2021 Song of the Year Competition.

WAM’s Regional Officer, Nigel Bird notes of the talent in the Mid West region, ‘There has been a music sector growing over the past few years that reallyseems to be blossoming right now, particularly in its major centre of Geraldton. Along with this compilation album, there are a number of artists from the region releasing their own material and being nominated for and winning awards. It is absolutely time to look a little further into the music from the Mid West.’

Following postponement due to Cyclone Saroja, Sounds of The Mid West will be officially launched at the restriction-free live event at Queens Park Theatre, Geraldton on Friday 23 July. Hosted by ABC Radio Regional Drive host Andrew Collins and ABC Midwest and Wheatbelt breakfast host Michelle Stanley, the ten acts will return to the stage on which the album was recorded to perform their original songs.

In the lead up to the evening, ABC Regional Drive will be presenting a special outside broadcast live from the Queens Park Amphitheatre with special guests. Attendees will also have the opportunity to get a ‘pit stop health check’ where physical and mental health check information and resources are offered, thanks to program sponsor the Regional Men’s Health Initiative. Tickets for the launch commencing at 6pm are now available at www.queensparktheatre.com.au.

Sounds of The Mid West is available on all digital streaming platforms from Friday April 9, with a limited-edition physical CD package featuring the artwork ‘Inktober Day 29’ by local Geraldton visual artist Jane Barndon. The work reflects the brilliant colours offered throughout the region during the famed annual wildflower season.

WAM is incredibly grateful to offer the compilation thanks to the support of the State Government of Western Australia’s Contemporary Music Fund, delivery partnership with City of Greater Geraldton, valued sponsors The Regional Mens Health Initiative, Hertz, Weelaway on Gregory and Media Presenter ABC Mid West and Wheatbelt.