The Yil Lull studio at The Australian National University (ANU) School of Music will turn into a creative space for First Nations musicians, audio engineers, producers, and other industry professionals from all over Australia participating in the 2023 Space To Create II program.

The week-long music residency (27 August-3 September) is supported by Creative Australia and delivered through the Yil Lull studio at the ANU School of Music in Canberra which offers free recording and music assistance to First Nations musicians from across Australia. 

Yil Lull refers to a song written and performed by the First Nations musician Joe Geia, which originally appeared on his 1988 album of the same name.

Led by Torres Strait Islander musician Will Kepa, the aim of the program is to provide a pathway or a stepping stone to help mid-career professionals looking for a shift in creative space to achieve their goals. 

“We don’t want to merely provide a studio facility to the participants of the program to come and record their songs and release an album. The aim of the program is to provide a platform that will hopefully help the artists gain knowledge, skills and experience required to grow professionally in their desired area of interest,” Will said. 

“Every participant will have their own studio time to work on their individual projects. For some of the participants, this is an excellent opportunity to start with what they want to do to take the next step in their career.”

The six participants will be working closely with mentors William Kepa and renowned artists Candice Lorre and Buddy Knox who will guide them on their individual projects. Candice is part of the First Nations Australian pop band The Merindas and Buddy plays and sings Blues. 

“Both Candice and Buddy will be excellent mentors to the participants. They bring their special talent to the table that will be valuable for the participants,” Will said.

Arian Pearson, a professional in sound engineering and production, is participating in the program this year. He feels the program is a great opportunity for Indigenous people in the music industry to work with experts in the industry. “This activity will give me the opportunity to enhance my existing skills,” he said.

Other participants for 2023 Space To Create II are Paul Ah Cee, an Elder and an established artist still emerging as a solo musician and storyteller; Kaytlyn Johnson who will be recording and releasing her first album; Tyson Mowarin, an emerging artist who wants to gain skills as an independent artist; Troy Russell is looking to gain new skills in the music industry; and Richard Luland, who wants to strengthen and develop his creative practice.

Learn more: https://creative.gov.au/investment-and-development/first-nations-arts-and-culture/space-to-create