Congratulations to Dhawaral artist and songwriter Aodhan, who will be adding ‘music producer’ to his list of creative roles in 2023. The 18-year-old from Wollongong, whose real name is Aidan Whitehall, is the recipient of a fully-paid music production scholarship for our one-year CUA60520 Advanced Diploma of Music course.
The scholarship is provided through partnership of the National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Music Office (NATSIMO), Abbey Road Institute Australia and Studios 301.
Aodhan will be able to improve his music production skills, build his professional network and make this year all about taking his career to the next level. To top it all off, he will gain access to Australia’s most iconic recording studio: Studios 301.
NATSIMO has selected Aodhan through an application process. It’s the perfect time for him to further develop his production skills as his career reaches new levels, including touring through the UK in 2022.
“What I’m hoping to get out of this incredible opportunity is to make special connections and further my knowledge about the industry and hone my own craft…and really just growing. I’m an artist, a songwriter and I hope to become a better producer throughout this course.” said Aodhan.
Who is Aodhan?
In 2019, he won the triple j Unearthed High Indigenous Initiative. Part of his prize was the opportunity to partner with APRA SongMakers which saw him team up with Josh Pyke, who has done work at Studios 301 before.
Aodhan’s indie-folk sound has connected with fans through his 5m+ streaming single ‘Butterflies’ and EP ‘Flies in the Room’. He signed with UK music publisher Communion, joining a roster that includes Bears Den and Catfish & The Bottlemen.
“Aidan is a gifted and multi-faceted artist who’s writing and performing continues to be on the rise. This opportunity in partnership with Abbey Road Institute Australia and Studios 301 is one we value to raise the visibility of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander music creators in the industry. We are proud of Aidan and look forward to seeing the continued growth as a producer and music creator,” said NATSIMO Manager Jacob Ridgeway.
About the NATSIMO, Abbey Road Institute Australia and Studios 301 music production scholarship
The total package value is $30,000. It includes a $25,000 scholarship from Abbey Road Institute Sydney and a $5,000 study bursary from NATSIMO and APRA AMCOS.
The inaugural scholarship recipient Blake Rhodes, who performs as Mr Rhodes, is a busy artist/producer/composer, workshop mentor for SongMakers and live performer.
On completion, Aodhan will graduate with CUA60520 Advanced Diploma of Music, which is a nationally recognised qualification under the Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF).
[📸 Photo by Mahli Whitehall]