Recording has wrapped on the latest tracks from a group of Australian music's next household names and they're more than qualified for a spin on air, says rapper and radio host Nooky.
The host of Triple J's marquee Indigenous music program Blak Out is returning mentor for industry heavyweight Mushroom Group's First Nations Pathway Program, back for its third year.
"You come to this pathway program, you'll save yourself about 10 years," Nooky told National Indigenous Times.
Over the program, burgeoning artists meet industry names and engage in workshops aimed at building a platform to build their careers.
It also comes with a four-day songwriting intensive.
ARIA winner Emily Wurramara joins Nooky as mentor, alongside year one participant GLVES as facilitator.
This year's crop includes THOM, Birren, BADASSMUTHA, Rob Edwards, Loren Ryan, Kaybee, Jake Fabila (of Tjaka) and Clover Blue.
"You look at the legacy Mushroom has in this country…you're looking at the Archie Roachs, the Budjerahs, the First and Forever festival…they're one of the top dogs and they're about it. They're there for Mob," Nooky said.
On Friday, each artist jumped into the studio to produce new original songs, which Nooky said are welcomed to be swung his way for play on Blak Out Sundays nights.
They're also due on the rotation of program partner Coles' in-house radio played across hundreds of stores nationally.
It's something Coles head of sponsorships and events Carmel Horvath said is a proud honour for the company.
"Every single song they played is just quality. This is my second year doing it, the first year was exactly the same," Nooky said.
"It's undeniable talent."
During the AFL's Sir Doug Nicholls Round in May, 3% - a collective including Nooky, Dallas Woods and previous pathway talent Angus Field - who met this year's mentor at who met in a previous year of the pathway, performed ahead of the annual Dreamtime at the 'G and the packed stands.
In his current role, Nooky said "I get just as much from them as what they get from me".
"It pumps me up. I get inspired when I see all this young blood doing their thing and still seeing them super hungry.
"When I see these guys come in wide eyed, fresh wanting to get their hands dirty."
Mushroom Group Chief Executive Matt Gudinski said they are "delighted" to be back on board in 2024.
"It's important we support emerging artists with diverse voices throughout Australia's music industry and I'm thrilled to see many who took part in past workshops have gone on to enjoy success in their careers," Gudinski said.
For Nooky, who sees the music landscape from both sides, he's steadfast.
"The Blak era is now. You can't deny it".
