Meet Cringetrender, aka Bedlam Rigney (it/its), a bold and eclectic artist from the Western suburbs of Kaurna Yerta. With a background in a musical family, Bedlam’s journey in music began early, writing its first song at eight. Despite struggles with mental health and homelessness, Bedlam found a creative haven within its queer, disabled community. It’s a member of Lakinyeri with its family, contributing vocals and harmony. Determined to control its solo music, Bedlam has released impactful EPs like dads place and dissociation and distortion. Cringetrender reclaims and redefines the term “transtrender,” celebrating nonbinary identity and the power of being unapologetically authentic.

Kaybee (Kirsty Burchill), a Kuku Yalanji, Gubbi Gubbi, Goreng Goreng, Cairns born, and Mossman raised artist developed a love for music at a young age. This has grown into a music career where she is also seen as a role model for her schooling community and hometown. Kirsty has gone on to maintain Indigenous advocacy and Community Development roles whilst pursuing her music career. Moving to Melbourne in 2023 to pursue her dreams, Kaybee released three singles in 2024.

Travelling to New York City in 2023, rehearsing at Carnegie Hall; Kaybee has had her taste in international waters and hopes to continue to further her music nationally and internationally.

In 2025 Kaybee will release her first EP produced and co-written by Aria Award winning producer Rob Amoruso who’s nationally known for his work with amazing artists across the country such as Baker Boy and Mitch Tambo.

Melbourne based artist Canisha is a soulful singer with an edge, a lyricist whose emotive and playful music captivates and draws you in. Canisha is a First Nations artist with a captivating exploration of emotion in her music.

Her debut EP, DON’T BE SCARED, released in 2024 via Bad Apples Music, showcases her confident and lush pop sound. Canisha’s music is textured and rich, with inviting and warm vocals. Inspired by artists like Adele and Harry Styles, she has grown in confidence and purpose, using music to overcome social anxiety and connect with audiences.

She has performed at festivals like Yirramboi Festival, St. Kilda Music Festival, Share the Spirit at Sidney Myer Music Bowl and Treaty Day Out. Canisha’s music blends pop sensibilities with soul flavour, marked by raw lyricism and storytelling. She aims to create music that others can relate to and find joy in.

In 2022, Canisha put herself on the map, performing alongside Briggs, and other First Nations Artists at the Bad Apples House Party. This opened many doors for Canisha, leading to securing a slot at the 2023 St Kilda Music Festival, Brunswick Music Festival, headlining “Blak Stage” at the Retreat Hotel and Yirramboi Festival.

Canisha has been lucky to work with and receive mentorship from Candice Lorrae from the Merindas, Bad Apples Music, Bumpy, Tasman Keith and Beatrice Lewis from Haiku Hands. Canisha is a 2023 recipient of the Singing our Futures music program run by the Archie Roach Foundation. During this program Canisha wrote a song with soul artist Bumpy and will perform at the Big Sound music conference.

Canisha was also asked to be a part of the First Nations Pathway Program run by Mushroom Group where she was mentored by Tasman Keith. Most recently Canisha participated in the 2024 Resonate program with NATSIMO where she collaborated with Indigenous artists from around the country.

Toni Janke, a celebrated First Nations singer-songwriter with heritage from the Wuthathi, Yadhaigana, and Meriam peoples of Cape York and Murray Island, has had a remarkable career spanning music, arts, and Indigenous affairs. Growing up in Cairns and Canberra, Toni began performing and writing music at a young age, releasing acclaimed works through her independent label, Toni Janke Productions. Her discography includes Hearts Speak Out (1993), The Brink (2000), Jewel of the North (2004), and Eternal (2021).

As a pioneer in Australia’s music industry, Toni has won national awards and performed at major festivals and events. She is an Elder in Residence for QMusic’s BigSound Goolwal Goolwal program, Chairperson of the First Nations Advisory Committee, and a Board Member of Brisbane Powerhouse. She is also a member of the National Indigenous Media Awards (NIMAs) Leadership Group and a member of the Indigenous Advisory Council of Lion Nathan.

Beyond music, Toni has dedicated over 30 years to advancing Indigenous affairs, working across government, law, media, education, and the arts. She runs a Brisbane-based consultancy focusing on inspirational leadership for those wanting to make an extraordinary difference in the world through compassion, social justice and creativity. In 2024, she received an Australian Women in Music Award (AWMA) for her trailblazing contributions to inclusivity and cultural diversity. Toni continues to inspire with her creative projects, including an upcoming 2025 production exploring her life and music as a proud First Nations woman.

Kaytlyn Johnson is a Palawa singer-songwriter and budding producer from rural North-West Tasmania, blending indie, pop, and rock with heartfelt storytelling. With performances alongside GRAMMY-winning artists Lucky Oceans and Thelma Plum, and her debut single Sunburn co-produced at the Indigenous-led Yil Lull studio, Kaytlyn’s music celebrates her identity, lived experiences, and aspirations.

Davin Ojala is an Anaiwan man from the cold Kyuna of the New England tablelands (NSW).

As a musician and composer, Davin uses the electric bass as the driving force behind his compositions and creativity. “I want to be able to shine a light on the beauty and sonic possibilities that lie within an often overlooked instrument,” he says.

After completing an Honours Degree in Music Performance at Te Auaha, Whitireia (Wellington) Davin relocated to Naarm to pursue his musical and cultural journey.

Davin has worked as a professional session bass player for the last four years including live performances, recording, composition, musical direction and arrangements. His last major project included composition and arrangement for Running Into The Sun, which won two awards including “Best Theatre Work” at the 2024 Melbourne Fringe Festival.

Davin continues to forges his path, delivering experiences that resonate far beyond the music itself.

Blake Rhodes blends soulful future hip-hop with unmatched energy, earning recognition on major platforms and on radio. From early hits like Wonderous to the latest release The World is Mine, he continues to push boundaries. Tours with Winston Surfshirt, Horrorshow, and ILLY cement his position at the forefront.

Troy Russell is an accomplished composer and musician of Biripi and Gamillaroi descent. He was born and raised in the Inner West suburbs of Sydney. Troy’s musical journey began at the age of 11 when a neighbour offered to teach him the fundamentals of music.

Troy’s work draws on a range of musical genres, and he often incorporates Indigenous ideas into his compositions. He has collaborated with a variety of artists and organisations, including Bach Akademie, Elysian Fields and Ensemble Offspring.

Troy was one of the inaugural First Peoples Artists-in-Residence along with Nardi Simpson at the Sydney Conservatorium of Music, where he worked on a range of projects that highlight the stories and experiences of First Nations people. His work is powerful and moving, and he is quickly becoming a respected and admired composer.