Research Seminar | Dr Lachlan Goold

Challenges and Frustrations for Indigenous Australians participating in the recording sector

By Lachlan Goold, Kevin Starkey, Briony Luttrell and Andy Ward

Abstract: This research explores the barriers to entry and the challenges and frustrations for Australian First Nations music producers. The proliferation of software-based technology in the recording studio sector resulted in notions of technological democracy. However, this democratisation is often contested for not including women and various marginalised and minority groups. Through an Indigenous-led music production workshop project, the research team conducted daily yarning sessions at the conclusion of each day. The findings found many challenges and frustrations for the participants and mentors in the program as they attempted to participate in the recording sector including access to suitable housing and infrastructure, agency and cultural safety in recording studios, ongoing discrimination in the music industry, and lateral violence and jealousy around perceived success. This project seeks to understand these barriers and look toward approaches to improve education, diversity, equity, inclusion and participation for First Nations music producers.

Dr Lachlan Goold is a recording engineer, producer, popular music educator, researcher, and senior lecturer at the University of the Sunshine Coast. His research focuses on practice-based music production approaches, theoretical uses of space, regional music scenes and the music industry. He co-authored Regurgitator’s Unit for Bloomsbury’s 33 1/3 series in 2022 and, professionally, he is known as Australian music producer Magoo, a two-time ARIA award winner.