When
Friday 17th October
9:30am - 4:30pm
Where
Tanks Arts Centre, 46 Collins Ave, Edge Hill QLD 4870, Australia
Cost
Free
Held at Tanks Arts Centre, in partnership with QLD Music Trails and Shine On Gimuy, FUTURES SUMMIT is all about learning how the music and events world really works - from people who are doing it right now.
Keynote speaker MISS KANINNA will bring the fire, alongside artists from 3% and Jada Weazel. Industry professionals Adelle Robinson, Ali Tomoana and Jesse Ocean will share their knowledge and know how.
You’ll hear from musicians, managers, event producers, and creatives about how to get started, what it takes, and how to stay strong in the industry. Hosted by Peter Thornley (Old Lore Studios). Bring your questions, your ideas, and your passion.
This is a free program available to all First Nations artists and industry at all levels please feel welcome. Please click RSVP to register.
Once registered, all delegates will be eligible for a free ticket to Dream Aloud but you must register for Futures Summit by COB Monday 13th October.
Futures Summit
9:30 Arrival
10:00 Introduction and Welcome
10:30 Keynote: Owning Your Voice in the Industry with Adelle Robinson
11:15 Panel Discussion: Walking in Two Worlds- hosted by Peter Thornley (Old Lore Studios)
12:00 Lunch
12:45 Roundtables- professional skills development
15:50 Keynote: Miss Kaninna in Conversation
16:30 Come together & Networking
17:30 Blak Rising event feat MISS KANINNA | TJAKA | JADA WEAZEL | DEAN BRADY | R3B | YIRGJHILYA
![Ali Tomoana](javascript: window.openLineupModal({"title":"Ali Tomoana","slug":"ali-tomoana","time":null,"description":"<p>Ali Tomoana is the co-founder and Managing Director of Soul Has No Tempo, a Meanjin-based music company that covers Artist Management, Tour Management and independent label services. Ali is a passionate advocate for artists of culturally diverse backgrounds, creating avenues for them to share their stories in meaningful ways. She currently manages Miss Kaninna. <\/p>\n\n<p>With over 15 years in music across sectors, Ali is a member of the ARIA Hip Hop & RnB Advisory Group, supporting and celebrating opportunities for growth across both genres in Australia. <\/p>","twitter_url":null,"instagram_url":null,"facebook_url":null,"youtube_url":null,"tiktok_url":null,"linktree_url":null,"location":null,"category":{"title":"Speaker"},"image":{"slug":"ali-press25-jpeg-1","extension":"jpeg","filename":"Ali-Press25.jpeg"}});)
![3%](javascript: window.openLineupModal({"title":"3%","slug":"3","time":null,"description":"<p>The ARIA Award-winning 3% First Nations supergroup, nominated for the Australian Music Prize (shortlist announced next month), is an award-winning collective reshaping Australia\u2019s music scene. Their remarkable journey includes nominations for J Awards\u2019 Album of the Year and Music Video of the Year, four ARIA Award nominations (with wins for Best Hip Hop\/Rap Release and Best Cover Art), and a NIMAs Song of the Year win for their anthem \u201cOUR PEOPLE.\u201d Their captivating live performances, including those at Sydney NYE 2024 and the ARIAS 2024 with Jess Mauboy and Julian Hamilton, showcase their deep connection to culture and community. 3% also wowed audiences with their 2024 and 2025 performances at the ABC Opera House New Year\u2019s Eve shows and gained further attention for their stunning Triple J Like A Version performance of \u201cYoungblood\u201d by 5 Seconds of Summer. <\/p>\n\n<p>The group\u2019s debut album\u202fKill The Dead\u202fhas earned a 5-star review from Rolling Stone Australia and was featured as triple j's Feature Album. The record has firmly established 3% as one of the most powerful voices in Australian Hip Hop, blending resilience, joy, and honesty in its lyrics and sound. As Nooky, a key member of the group, shares, \"We wanted to make an album that is accessible and enjoyable, but also a bit of a rollercoaster.\" He continues, \u201cWe\u2019ve endured so much, but we\u2019re always willing to move forward. There\u2019s tears, trauma and pain, but there\u2019s also a lot of joy and happiness, strength and resilience. That\u2019s what we tried to do with this album: Just be as honest to ourselves and our people as we can. We wanted to make an album that is accessible and enjoyable, but also a bit of a rollercoaster.\u201d Their music is a force to be reckoned with, and they proudly declare, \u201cWe\u2019re not just 3% - We\u2019re 100% black magic.\u201d <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Following the success of\u202fKill The Dead, 3% is continuing to expand their reach, recently supporting Denzel Curry on his Mischievous South Australian Tour. Known for their electrifying energy and passion, the group\u2019s live shows are an experience like no other, steeped in the culture and stories of First Nations people, while pushing the boundaries of hip hop, pop, and storytelling. <\/p>","twitter_url":null,"instagram_url":null,"facebook_url":null,"youtube_url":null,"tiktok_url":null,"linktree_url":null,"location":null,"category":{"title":"Speaker"},"image":{"slug":"3-main-single-pr-shot-credit-savitri-wendt-sm-png","extension":"png","filename":"3-MAIN-SINGLE-PR-SHOT-Credit-SAVITRI-WENDT-sm.png"}});)
![Jada Weazel](javascript: window.openLineupModal({"title":"Jada Weazel","slug":"jada-weazel","time":null,"description":"<p>Hailing from Woorabinda, Central Queensland, R&B\/soul artist Jada Weazel delivers music rich in depth, introspection and charisma. Music has become a safe space for Jada, an avenue for therapy and expression, she has introduced herself to audiences in the most authentic way she knows how \u2013 through her words.\u202f <\/p><p>With a sound perfect for those who are easily hypnotised by the likes of Snoh Aalegra, H.E.R. and SZA, Jada Weazel\u2019s artistry has been flourishing across recent years spent honing her song writing craft alongside collaborates Stephen Collins, LEN20, 18YOMAN and Uno Stereo. On the \u2018No Peace\u2019 EP, the listener hears Jada\u2019s natural confidence permeate, as the empowering core of each song hangs long after initial playback. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>With her debut EP released, headline shows at Golden Age Cinema Sydney, BIGSOUND, SXSW Sydney, and supporting the likes of Forrest Claudette, WILSN, and Mali Jo$e; playing her first festivals in Treaty Day Out and Brunswick Music Festival, Jada has had quite an impactful 12 months. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Now an ARIA Nominee (Best R&B\/Soul Release 2023), Jada is proving herself a cut above the rest. Passion, determination, and talent beyond her years; Jada Weazel's star is only continuing to rise. <\/p>","twitter_url":null,"instagram_url":null,"facebook_url":null,"youtube_url":null,"tiktok_url":null,"linktree_url":null,"location":null,"category":{"title":"Speaker"},"image":{"slug":"jada-weasel-3882-edit-jpg-1","extension":"jpg","filename":"Jada-Weasel-3882-Edit.jpg"}});)
![Adelle Robinson](javascript: window.openLineupModal({"title":"Adelle Robinson","slug":"adelle-robinson","time":null,"description":"<p>A proud Wiradjuri woman Adelle is Managing Director of Fuzzy Operations and has over 25 years experience producing some of Australia largest and best known festivals including Field Day, Harbourlife and Listen Out. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>As a founding member of the AFA and current chair Adelle has worked as member of the NSW Music Festivals Regulatory Round Table since it\u2019s inception and has given evidence at multiple parliamentary inquiries advocating for the industry as a whole. She was also instrumental in the recent changes to the Music Festival Regulation and the Contemporary Music Viability Fund. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Adelle is the Chair of the Sound NSW Advisory Board which provides advice to assist the NSW Government in the development of policies and initiatives to enhance the contemporary music sector in the state. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Adelle is a member of the Executive Committee of Live Performance Australia where she advocates for the contemporary music sector. Adelle is also a Board Director of the Biennale of Sydney where she also sits on the Finance, Audit and Risk Committee and was recently appointed as the Convenor of the Artistic Director Search Committee. <\/p>","twitter_url":null,"instagram_url":null,"facebook_url":null,"youtube_url":null,"tiktok_url":null,"linktree_url":null,"location":null,"category":{"title":"Speaker"},"image":{"slug":"adelle-press-shot-jpeg","extension":"jpeg","filename":"Adelle-press-shot.jpeg"}});)
![Jesse Ocean](javascript: window.openLineupModal({"title":"Jesse Ocean","slug":"jesse-ocean","time":null,"description":"<p>Jesse Ocean is a Gold Coast\u2013based mixing engineer and producer. He runs Jesse Ocean Mixes, co-founded Hero Productions AU, and works with Old Lore, a First Nations\u2013owned studio and label in Brisbane. At the Futures Music Summit, Jesse will share practical marketing strategies to help musicians connect with audiences and grow their careers. <\/p>","twitter_url":null,"instagram_url":null,"facebook_url":null,"youtube_url":null,"tiktok_url":null,"linktree_url":null,"location":null,"category":{"title":"Speaker"},"image":{"slug":"jesse-ocean-png","extension":"png","filename":"Jesse-Ocean.png"}});)
![Michaella Harrison](javascript: window.openLineupModal({"title":"Michaella Harrison","slug":"michaela-harrison","time":null,"description":"<p>Michaella is a proud Bidjara woman from Carnarvon Gorge with over 15 years\u2019 experience in the music, events, and cultural sectors. As the Community & First Nations Engagement Manager for QMF & QLD Music Trails, she leads the organisation\u2019s First Nations Engagement Strategy, embedding cultural safety and deep community partnerships into every aspect of their work. Michaella ensures that First Nations culture is honoured not just on stage, but throughout artist development, event planning, and community engagement across more than 25 annual events. Her work is grounded in respect for Country and committed to amplifying Indigenous voices in contemporary spaces. Michaella also serves on the First Nations Advisory Groups for both the National Indigenous Music Awards (NIMA) and BIGSOUND, championing increased representation and opportunity for First Nations artists within the music industry.<\/p>","twitter_url":null,"instagram_url":null,"facebook_url":null,"youtube_url":null,"tiktok_url":null,"linktree_url":null,"location":null,"category":{"title":"Speaker"},"image":{"slug":"michaella-harrison-img-5480-jpg","extension":"jpg","filename":"Michaella-Harrison-IMG-5480.jpg"}});)
![Miss Kaninna](javascript: window.openLineupModal({"title":"Miss Kaninna","slug":"miss-kaninna-1","time":null,"description":"<p>A proud Yorta Yorta, Dja Dja Wurrung, Kalkadoon and Yirendali woman, Miss Kaninna is a Naarm-based (Melbourne) First Nations artist, hailing from lutriwita\/Tasmania. Making waves with her breakout debut single \u2018Blak Britney\u2019 in May 2023, the rapper\/singer\/songwriter has been on a meteoric rise, emerging as a potent voice of punk and power in so-called Australia.<\/p>\n\n<p>Raised on the shores of Bruny Island, Miss Kaninna has been commanding stages from a young age, carrying forward the storytelling of her ancestors and fearlessly bringing them into the present.<\/p>","twitter_url":null,"instagram_url":null,"facebook_url":null,"youtube_url":null,"tiktok_url":null,"linktree_url":null,"location":null,"category":{"title":"Speaker"},"image":{"slug":"hero-miss-kannina55276-michelle-grace-hunder-1-jpg","extension":"jpg","filename":"hero-miss-kannina55276-michelle-grace-hunder-1-.jpg"}});)
![Peter Thornley](javascript: window.openLineupModal({"title":"Peter Thornley","slug":"peter-thornley","time":null,"description":"<p>Peter Thornley is a Gunggari musician,<br>producer, and respected educator with<br>over 20 years of experience in the music<br>industry. As the founder of Old Lore, he<br>champions First Nations creativity,<br>blending traditional and modern sounds<br>while building a strong community for<br>emerging artists. Peter\u2019s work spans<br>live performance, production, and<br>mentoring, with a focus on empowering<br>diverse voices in the industry.<\/p>","twitter_url":null,"instagram_url":null,"facebook_url":null,"youtube_url":null,"tiktok_url":null,"linktree_url":"www.oldlore.org","location":null,"category":{"title":"Speaker"},"image":{"slug":"peter-thornley-png","extension":"png","filename":"Peter-Thornley.png"}});)
![YIRGJHILYA](javascript: window.openLineupModal({"title":"YIRGJHILYA","slug":"yirgjhilya","time":null,"description":"<p>YIRGJHILYA is a dynamic singer-songwriter whose evocative sound blends folk, indie, and world music influences. Emerging from Gimuy so-called Cairns Far North Queensland, she captivates audiences with her haunting melodies and introspective lyrics that explore the depths of human emotion.<\/p>","twitter_url":null,"instagram_url":null,"facebook_url":null,"youtube_url":null,"tiktok_url":null,"linktree_url":null,"location":null,"category":{"title":"Speaker"},"image":{"slug":"yirgjhilya-jpg","extension":"jpg","filename":"YIRGJHILYA.jpg"}});)
![Letisha Ackland](javascript: window.openLineupModal({"title":"Letisha Ackland","slug":"letisha-ackland","time":null,"description":"<p>Letisha \u201cTeesh\u201d Ackland is a proud <strong>Wirangu, Kokatha and Mirning<\/strong> woman from Ceduna on South Australia\u2019s Far West Coast. With nearly two decades of experience in the live music and events sector, she is the founding director of <strong>Balya Productions<\/strong> (est. 2019), a First Nations-led company specialising in production, event management and mentoring for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander artists and communities. Letisha has served as Stage Manager for the National Indigenous Music Awards, and toured as Tour Manager for First Nations artists including Barkaa and Thelma Plum. In 2024, she was honoured as <strong>NAIDOC SA Person of the Year<\/strong>. Teesh is deeply committed to forging pathways for First Nations creatives — in her words, \u201cyou can\u2019t be what you can\u2019t see\u201d — and is a respected mentor, producer and industry leader.<\/p>","twitter_url":null,"instagram_url":null,"facebook_url":null,"youtube_url":null,"tiktok_url":null,"linktree_url":null,"location":null,"category":null,"image":{"slug":"7d7bf4fd-f292-4bed-83ee-ab5713eb105a-jpeg","extension":"jpeg","filename":"7D7BF4FD-F292-4BED-83EE-AB5713EB105A.jpeg"}});)
![Will Pawa-Oui](javascript: window.openLineupModal({"title":"Will Pawa-Oui","slug":"will-pawa-oui","time":null,"description":"<p>Will Pawa-Oui is a proud Torres Strait Islander\/ Meriam man, artist, broadcaster, and educator committed to cultural safety, positive social and emotional wellbeing outcomes, and systemic change across the music industry. As founder of Pawa Haus Creative, he champions First Nations and BIPOC creatives through artist development and support, strategic training, and inclusive programming. Will also brings his skills as a music industry practitioner to facilitate learning and development opportunities, blending lived experience with visionary leadership. He is the host of Let\u2019s Talk Black Arts on Triple A Murri Country, where he amplifies Blak excellence and grassroots voices in the creative industries. Whether curating workshops, mentoring emerging talent, or producing impact-driven campaigns, Will brings warmth, integrity, and deep cultural insight to every project.<\/p>","twitter_url":null,"instagram_url":null,"facebook_url":null,"youtube_url":null,"tiktok_url":null,"linktree_url":null,"location":null,"category":{"title":"Speaker"},"image":{"slug":"will-pawa-oui-headshot-png","extension":"png","filename":"Will-Pawa-Oui-headshot.png"}});)
![Tjaka](javascript: window.openLineupModal({"title":"Tjaka","slug":"tjaka-1","time":null,"description":"<p>Comprising of two Fabila brothers Geoff and Jake, cousin Luke, and close friend Felix Fogarty, Tjaka is derived from \u201cTjakamarra\u201d, the skin name given to the Fabilas, who are proud descendants of the Jabirr Jabirr tribe in the Western Australian Kimberley. Praised as \u201ca band who are destined for evolution, lead by their passion\u201d, Tjaka are building on the wave of plaudits from their previously released string of singles, which have seen support from COLORS, KCRW, Resident Advisor, Rolling Stone AU\/NZ, triple j, and RAGE among others. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Blending elements of electronic, funk and hip-hop with Aboriginal ancestral influences, Tjaka\u2019s vision sets out to showcase the connections between the old and the new, crafting music that is deeply connected to their Aboriginal heritage with an extensive live show resumed across esteemed festivals like Splendour in The Grass, The Great Escape (UK), Dark Mofo, BIGSOUND, SXSW Sydney, Woodford Folk Festival and PASIWALI Festival (Taiwan). <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p> <\/p>","twitter_url":null,"instagram_url":null,"facebook_url":null,"youtube_url":null,"tiktok_url":null,"linktree_url":null,"location":null,"category":{"title":"Speaker"},"image":{"slug":"tjaka-elevate-full-band-portrait-jpg","extension":"jpg","filename":"Tjaka-Elevate-Full-Band-Portrait.jpg"}});)
![South Summit](javascript: window.openLineupModal({"title":"South Summit","slug":"south-summit","time":null,"description":"<p><strong>South Summit<\/strong> has quickly emerged as a unique and powerful voice in the Australian music scene. Known for their genre-defying blend of indie rock, reggae, and hip-hop. Since forming in 2020, the five-piece has rapidly earned a reputation for their high energy live shows, emotional depth, and impressive musicality.<\/p>\n\n<p>Their 2024 debut album <em>The Bliss<\/em>, marked a major creative milestone. Featuring standout singles <em>\u201cGivin\u2019 It Up\u201d<\/em>, <em>\u201cOttoway\u201d<\/em>, and <em>\u201cExceptional\u201d<\/em>, the album debuted at #2 on the ARIA Albums Chart and hit #10 on the Vinyl Charts. It showcased a band unafraid to push sonic boundaries while delivering deeply human storytelling.\n\n<\/p>\n\n<p>Touring has been at the heart of South Summit\u2019s rise. After selling out multiple national headline runs, the band expanded internationally in 2024 with tours across the UK, Europe, and New Zealand, bringing their sound to new and growing global audiences.<\/p>\n\n<p>In 2025, South Summit continues that trajectory with the release of their exciting new single <i>Top of The Hill<\/i>, which has quickly become a fan favourite. With more new music on the way and a packed summer of touring ahead, the band is primed to take their next leap internationally, cementing their reputation as one of Australia's most exciting bands.<\/p>","twitter_url":null,"instagram_url":null,"facebook_url":null,"youtube_url":null,"tiktok_url":null,"linktree_url":null,"location":null,"category":{"title":"Speaker"},"image":{"slug":"brendancphoto-southsummit-press-2025-6-lead-press-pic-jpg","extension":"jpg","filename":"brendancphoto-southsummit-press-2025-6-Lead-Press-Pic.jpg"}});)
![Zipporah](javascript: window.openLineupModal({"title":"Zipporah","slug":"zipporah","time":null,"description":"<p>Zipporah Corser-Anu has performance running through her veins.She\u2019s true entertainment royalty with a proud Torres Strait Islanderheritage. Zipporah herself has embarked on her own journey in theentertainment industry, with both dance and vocal work, her passions,and her cultural identity front of mind. A 2019 NRL Youth Ambassador,she studied at Wollongong\u2019s High School Of Performing Arts, Zipporahhas already achieved much success on stage. The now 20-year-old hasbeen a part of the Schools Spectacular since 2015 as a dancer in theNSW Public Schools Aboriginal Dance Company and a featured artist.She has performed at multiple conferences and awards ceremoniesacross NSW and the ACT. Zipporah has also been in theatreproductions such as of Harvest Rain\u2019s Hairspray Big Fat ArenaSpectacular in QLD, NSW and SA. Insite Arts\u2019 Saltbush Tours, andchildren\u2019s show Corka Bubs. Her desire to promote her strong culturalbackground and educating others is always part of her performance.In addition to performing, Zipporah has also worked as achoreographer -- working with Southern Stars and multiple othercompanies. In the past year, the 20-year-old has also appeared atshows such as FNFD\/Australian Fashion Week Closing 2022, Ice House- Red Hot Summer Tour 2022, First and Forever, sung and danced herway across several television channels including ABC,10, 9 andNITV\/SBS. Zipporah is an energetic and inspiring performer who ispassionate about her heritage and enthusiastic about using the arts toeducate and move people. She is a natural talent both on stage andscreen, and her family and pride in her cultural background give herthe energy, determination and fierceness to succeed.<\/p>\n\n<p>She is truly one to watch. <\/p>","twitter_url":null,"instagram_url":null,"facebook_url":null,"youtube_url":null,"tiktok_url":null,"linktree_url":null,"location":null,"category":{"title":"Speaker"},"image":{"slug":"zipporah-bio-jpeg-1760394076","extension":"jpg","filename":"Zippy-Photo.jpg"}});)
![Dubbzone](javascript: window.openLineupModal({"title":"Dubbzone","slug":"dubbzone","time":null,"description":"<p>I\u2019m Dubbzone a proud Girramay\/Warrgamay mal from Jumbun (Murray Upper) & Bagirr (Herbert River). I am also a recording and performing hip hop artist based in Townsville. <\/p><p>I\u2019ve been performing my original songs for over 10 years but have started recording and producing them professionally 2023 with my debut single Canary in a coal mine and a follow up single Djingarrabali Ngardji (2024) out on all major music streaming platforms <\/p>","twitter_url":null,"instagram_url":null,"facebook_url":null,"youtube_url":null,"tiktok_url":null,"linktree_url":null,"location":null,"category":null,"image":{"slug":"picture-1-jpg","extension":"jpg","filename":"Picture-1.jpg"}});)
![Larissa Jane Ryan](javascript: window.openLineupModal({"title":"Larissa Jane Ryan","slug":"larissa-jane-ryan","time":null,"description":"<p>Larissa believes in the power of storytelling through music to connect people, place, and culture. A design graduate specialising in artist development, her career spans brand strategy, marketing, and A&R across recorded and live music. She has worked with independent and major label talent across singles, albums, and touring. Larissa is the co-creator of the Sessions platform, baked, and a proud Wamba Wemba and Dhudhuroa woman, engaged in cultural heritage and language revival. In 2021, she was named in The Music Network\u2019s 30 Under 30 and later nominated for an AAM Community Engagement Award for her sector contributions. Larissa joins the Futures Summit as a board member of the Australian Live Music Business Council (ALMBC).<\/p>","twitter_url":null,"instagram_url":null,"facebook_url":null,"youtube_url":null,"tiktok_url":null,"linktree_url":null,"location":null,"category":{"title":"Speaker"},"image":{"slug":"larissa-ryan-jpeg","extension":"jpeg","filename":"Larissa-Ryan.jpeg"}});)