Sounds of The Mid West, launched in May 2020, is the fourth of nine new regional recording projects supported through the State Government’s Contemporary Music Fund, and fourteenth of WAM’s ‘Demos from / Sounds of’ series. The project aims to showcase the musical talent, stories, and provide opportunities to artists and sound engineers in the region.

At twice the size of Victoria, the Mid West region covers almost one fifth of WA’s land mass. It boasts some of the state’s most iconic landscapes, spanning from the Gibson Desert in the East to the Batavia Coast, the Abrolhos Islands and north ­­through the mighty Murchison. The Mid West is home to many first nations Yamatji peoples and languages, as well as Martu peoples to the east, where WAM recorded their regional compilation, Sounds of Wiluna in 2011.

The Sounds of The Mid West recording project provided 10 Mid West artists the opportunity to record their original song with some of WA’s best award-winning producers, including; Matt Gio and Dan Carroll (Rada Studios), Andy Lawson (Debaser Studio), Sean Lillico (Fur Real Studio), James Newhouse (Real2Reel Studios) and Ryan Brennan.

The region-wide call for interest received 57 applications, demonstrating the impressive depth of the local music community and demand for recording opportunities. WAM announced the selected artists/acts in September 2020, including;

Jade Jackson (Dongara)
Carrum Mourambine (Nanda)
Vince Jones (Mt Magnet (Martu))
Theona Councillor (Naaguja)
Warriyangga Warralgurniya
(Warriyangaa-Thiinma)
Gus McKay (Cue), and Geraldton based artists
Ian Weggler
Nicky Robson
Alexia Parenzee
Good Strife

Find out more about the artists here.

Recording took place in September/October 2020 on Yamatji Country at Geraldton’s iconic cultural and entertainment venue Queens Park Theatre.

The final compilation was released in April 2021 on digital streaming platforms, limited-edition CD package, and distributed by WAM to local and national radio, industry and the public. It was officially launched in April at Queens Park Theatre, Geraldton with live performances from the featured artists.

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.