Spotify invites aspiring podcasters who identify as First Nations (Aboriginal, Torres Strait Islander) to apply for the latest edition of Sound Up, a 4 week virtual podcasting programme to be held from May 31, 2021 - June 25, 2021.
Do you have a great idea for a podcast, a passion for the medium, and an eagerness to bring your idea to life? Then this is for you. No prior experience needed.
We recognise that during this unprecedented time of a global pandemic it would not be ideal to bring people together in a classroom environment. Instead, we have decided to expand the Sound Up podcast training into a two-phased program. We will kick off the program with a virtual training program in 2021 to be followed by a combination of virtual and in-person immersive experiences in 2022. Our 2021 virtual program will take place over the course of 4 weeks with up to ten of the top applicants selected by Spotify receiving a comprehensive introduction to the art of making a podcast. In this virtual workshop, participants will learn about the art of podcast creation, from initial ideation to storytelling, interviewing, editing, and producing from experts in the field. The virtual Sound Up will consist of scheduled live courses, recorded lessons, one-on-one meetings with the Spotify team and facilitators, and light homework assignments. 8 weeks after the completion of virtual classes, participants will submit a final trailer and pitch proposal, and the top two participants selected by Spotify will each receive a cash prize of $5,000 AUD.
All candidates selected by Spotify for the virtual program will be provided with a podcast recorder, laptop computer, headphones, internet access, and $150AUD each week for the four weeks of training in which these candidates participate in the program for their expenses. Applicants are also required to apply as individuals, rather than as shows/groups, and are required to be residents of Australia aged 18 years or older.
The programme will be facilitated by Travis De Vries and Brooke Scobie from Awesome Black. Entries close on April 19th, 2021, at 11.59pm AEST.
When and where will it take place?
Virtually, from home or anywhere from Monday, May 31st - Friday, June 25th (two evenings per week)
Who’s eligible?
Australian Residents, over 18, who self-identify Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander
Aspiring podcasters with a great idea
No prior experience is required
What does it cost?
The programme is free.
What does it include?
Phase 1: 2021: 4 weeks of part-time virtual training - a mixture of live virtual classes, recorded videos, and assignments. This will be a commitment of 8-10 hours a week. All scheduled classes will be in the evenings to accommodate the workweek and the rest is flexible.
Phase 2: 2022: Participants from phase 1 will be selected to join us for a combination of virtual and in-person training in 2022 including 1 week in-person of workshops, panels, and activities around podcasting, led by experts and professionals. Travel to Sydney, six nights of hotel, and breakfast and lunch each day are included.
When are applications due?
Monday, April 19th, 2021 at 11:59 pm AEST
What’s the application process?
Once the application submission closes, our committee will review and choose 20 shortlisted applicants for phone interviews. Once the interviews are complete, we will choose up to 10 attendees who will be invited to participate in the programme.
Please be patient with us if you don’t hear from us right away. We read every application carefully. Please review the terms and conditions of entry in more detail here. By submitting your application, you agree to be bound by these terms and conditions.
What happens once I submit my idea?
After you submit your idea, we review your application through our process (see above). Please note even though you’ve submitted your idea for review, you will retain the copyright for your entry and the podcast content. But, please note that there may be entries or ideas that are similar in nature, or may be similar to pre-existing or current creative concepts being worked on by Spotify.
Who owns my idea?
You will retain all applicable rights in your podcast idea and any content you’ve submitted as part of your application or participation in the programme. However, please note that there may be other entries or ideas that are similar in nature to your idea, or there may be similar pre-existing or current creative concepts being worked on by Spotify, that have been created independently of your application.
MARCH 31st - Applications Open
APRIL 19th - Applications Close
APRIL 20th-APRIL 30th - Applications Reviewed & Finalists Chosen
APRIL 30th - Shortlisted Applicants Notified for Phone Interviews
MAY 10th - The 10 Sound Up Participants Notified
MAY 31st - JUNE 25th - Sound Up Australia Virtual Part Time Program
Sound Up aims to raise up the next generation of podcasters through education, workshops and support.
Our goal is to create a space for new voices, stories and perspectives in podcasting - a platform for people who are passionate about the medium with great ideas but without the skillset or connections to execute.
