Singing Our Futures Program

The late Uncle Archie Roach AC, our beloved songman, was deeply committed to providing meaningful opportunities for emerging artists and was proud of the SOF program. “Archie would be so very proud of each of the songs that the artists have created through the program.

Jill Shelton, Archie’s manager/CEO Archie Roach Foundation.

About

Located in Naarm, Melbourne Victoria, The Singing Our Futures program was established by the Archie Roach Foundation in collaboration with Culture is Life. It has evolved from the rich legacy left behind by Uncle Archie Roach, a legacy centered around the art of storytelling and truth-telling through music, as well as his dedication to nurturing and creating significant opportunities for emerging First Nations artists.

This program delivers invaluable support to its mentees as they follow their pathway into songwriting and recording, also facilitating opportunities for them to showcase their talents through partnerships with well-known events. Over the past two years it has evolved into an autonomous mentoring initiative, persistently growing by recognising the fundamental needs for First Nations artists.

The program has been under the leadership of Candice Lorrae (of The Merindas), an accomplished singer/songwriter and music producer with Jawoyn and Torres Strait Islander heritage. Singing Our Futures has seen emerging artists receive mentorship from some of the country's most prominent artists, including Emily Wurramurra, Dan Sultan, Emma Donovan, Dobby, and Bumpy.

The inaugural mentees, namely Kee'ahn, Kiwat Kennell, Ridzray, Maylene Yinarr, and Madi Colville-Walker, have each created remarkable works through the program. They have not only created stunning music but have also supported and performed alongside each other, sharing their musical journeys, culture, and aspirations for the future of First Nations music.

This endeavor has been made possible with the support of Cooking Vinyl Australia and On The Map PR, facilitating the distribution and marketing aspects of these releases.

Event Partners

The program has established partnerships with various events, opening doors for mentees to perform at St Kilda Fest, Port Fairy Folk Fest, BIGSOUND, Byron Bay Blues Fest, Leaps and Bounds, NIMA's, Always Live, and Yirramboi. The list of opportunities continues to grow.

Funding Support

The program owes its existence to the generous support it has received from the Office of the Arts, Creative Vic, Creative Australia, and donations through the Archie Roach Foundation.

Our Goals

Identify the needs and create supportive pathways for emerging First Nations artists.
Establish event partnerships and showcase opportunities.
Strengthen connections within the music industry.
Sustain funding for mentoring and recording components of the program.
Assist in marketing and distribution of new music works.
Explore avenues for music export opportunities.