The Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Music Production Development Program (MPDP) will commence on Sunday, running from November 17th to 23rd, 2024.

Five emerging Indigenous music producers will travel to the Sunshine Coast, residing at the University of the Sunshine Coast (UniSC) for an intensive week of music production training.

The program is lead by Adnyamathanha and Torres Strait Islander man, Uncle Kev Starkey, who has worked in the music industry for over three decades

"What I've noticed in my time in the industry over the last three decades is how Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people represent the largest disparity, especially in the back end of the industry," he said.

"We have a wealth of amazing artists standing up front, but it's the rear mechanism we need to look at addressing.

"Through an expression of interest, we'll be selecting five participants from the Torres Strait and Queensland."

The MPDP, developed by Uncle Kev over the last three and a half years, will bring together some of Australia's top Indigenous producers to guide the participants, including Moss McGregor, Soju Gang (Sky Thomas), and Kev's son, Trent Starkey.

Six-time ARIA award-winning producer Magoo will also lend his expertise to the program.

"They will be trained by who I consider to be the best First Nations producers and trainers that the country has to offer," he said.

The participants will each be provided with their own recording setup, fully equipped with the latest version of Ableton 12.1, a Focusrite 2i2 interface, an Akai Mini MPK25 MIDI controller, and Audio Technica microphones and headphones.

"We'll be training you with the knowledge and ability to work and produce on-country—First Nations content, for First Nations peoples," Uncle Kev said.

Supported by sponsors including Darkwood Studio Record Label Service, Arts Queensland, UniSC, Ableton, TAG/Nakarma Arts, Audio Technica, and Turramurra Music, the program aims to strengthen Indigenous presence across all areas of the music industry, from production to performance, building a culturally safe, ATSI-led industry environment.