News: AMRAP Announces Sounds Like Community Radio Event at 4ZZZ and Listening Sessions at Bigsound 2025!

Celebrate independent airwaves supporting local music, Tune In and Turn Up!

First-time callers, long-time listeners from across the community radio landscape? Sounds Like Community Radio returns to 4ZZZFM, in celebration of their 50th year.

 Dedicated to celebrating and showcasing the vibrant world of community radio from seasoned radio enthusiasts to curious newcomers, CBAA’s AMRAP: the Australian Music Radio Airplay Project – amrap.org.au is thrilled to announce a series of events that offer exploration, learning, and connection onWednesday 3 September andThursday, 4 September as part of and around BIGSOUND.
With passion and dedication that fuels Australia’s local community airwaves and a strong and loyal listenership of 5.38 million weekly listeners nationally, community radio has a strong appetite for Australian music across over 450 licensed stations nationwide. AMRAP will kick off their BIGSOUND event series with a workshop and information session on how artists, labels, managers, publicists, and radio presenters and stations can utilise everything AMRAP has to offer. AMRAP has been behind great initiatives, including creating pathways for First Nations artists to be heard (First Sounds), presenting Australian to US audiences (Global Beat: Australia) and empowering community stations to produce live music events (Community Hubs). The Australian Music Radio Airplay Project provides free and easy access for unsigned and signed Australian musicians, independent and major record labels, and music business enterprises, helping to generate airplay opportunities for Australian artists. By uploading music releases, artists can make their work accessible to Australian community radio stations and program makers, and potentially earn royalties through copyright. The platform’s recently updated Airplay tracking technology allows artists to monitor where and when their songs are played, including the specific station.

 Wednesday 3 September – Sounds Like Community Radio 
 4ZZZ 102.1FM: 264 Barry Parade, Fortitude Valley 
 1 pm – 6 pm 

On Wednesday, 3 September from 1 pm – 6 pm, 4ZZZ will throw open its doors to share the unique stories, voices, and music that make community radio so special. Hosted by CBAA’s AMRAP, 4ZZZFM, Triple R, PBS 106.7FM, Three D Radio, Edge Radio, 2SER 107.3 and more, Sounds Like Community Radio invites you to meet your fellow presenters, volunteers, producers, community, music lovers, artists, radio enthusiasts and celebrate the tireless dedication and impact they have on our vibrant music scenes nationally while enjoying a live national broadcast and artist performances.

2024 featured captivating live sets from4ZZZ’s Studio 3 and Carparkbroadcasting live music from Stan, Fatshaudi, Armlock, Immy Owusu, Eggy, Watty Thompson and Mieesha.

Stay tuned for the 2025 lineup!

 Thursday 4 September – BIGSOUND Listening Sessions 
 The Warrar Room at The Precinct 
 Level 2/315 Brunswick St, Fortitude Valley 
 10 am – 2 pm 

Back by popular demand, the BIGSOUND Listening Sessionsreturn, with an opportunity to meet the people behind the playlists at some of Australia’s most loved community stations – including 3RRR, PBS FM, 4ZZZ, Three D Radio, 2SER and more. Get valuable feedback and best practices on how to get your music heard on community radio.
This event is open to any BIGSOUND delegates, artists and teams.
Book your slot now HERE.

Community radio stations are more than just broadcasters; they are vital cultural hubs, passionately committed to amplifying the voices of local artists and enriching our musical and cultural landscape. Thriving on a spirit of discovery and a rich tapestry of genres and sounds, you are guaranteed a truly eclectic listening experience.

Save the dates and be part of the heart and soul of our community’s soundscape!