Mushroom Group creates First Nations pathways for young artists to break into the industry

Mushroom Group, which backed the hit ‘90s group Yothu Yindi, will mentor First Nations talent trying to break into the industry, with a new pathways program and Eddie Betts as ambassador.

If it wasn’t for Michael Gudinski, we may have never heard Yothu Yindi sing about “Treaty Yeah, Treaty Now.”

The founder of Mushroom Records was instrumental in promoting the Indigenous band in the 1990s and his son Matt, 37, is carrying on that legacy.

As Mushroom Group CEO, the younger Gudinski has signed onto the Coles First Nations Pathways Program to support Indigenous artists. This invaluable foothold into the music industry will include immersive educational experience, mentoring and employment opportunities.

Mushroom Group CEO Matt Gudinski is continuing the legacy of his father, legendary promoter Michael Gudinski, by promoting Indigenous musicians. Picture: Fiona Hamilton/Tennis Australia

Participants from around Australia span a range of musical genres and include Jay Gonsalves from Victoria, AYA J from Queensland and Hylander from NSW.

“Mushroom has always had a very strong relationship with First Nations artists,” Gudinski said.

“In the early ‘90s, my dad was a champion of the most renowned Indigenous group, Yothu Yindi, and I’ve always felt a really deep connection and a responsibility to help showcase them as well.

“When I was younger, I was lucky enough to go to a music festival in the Northern Territory where Yothu Yindi played and it was such an eye-opening experience to see the talent on show. Dad was always a leader, not a follower, and looking back Yothu Yindi were the first breakout artists. Look what it created.”

Yothu Yindi and The Treaty Project perform on stage during the closing ceremony of the XXI Commonwealth Games on the Gold Coast on Sunday, April 15, 2018. Picture: AAP Image/Darren England

He pointed to Indigenous artists such as Dan Sultan, Emily Wurramara, Baker Boy and The Kid Laroi.

“We are in an era where the quality of First Nations Indigenous musicians is at an all-time high,” he said.

“They create amazing music, important music that’s a part of culture and we want to make sure that everyone gets heard. This relationship with Coles feels right – we can really help create a pathway for the next upcoming artists.”

Mushroom Records founder Michael Gudinski was instrumental in promoting Yothu Yindi and The Treaty Project back in the ‘90s, now his son Matt Gudinski is continuing that legacy with the new pathways program for First Nations musicians. Picture: NWK News

AFL great and Coles ambassador Eddie Betts said he was thrilled to be a mentor in the First Nations Pathways Program to support the talented musicians.

“As a young kid, growing up in community, I faced many struggles to achieve my dream to become an AFL player,” Betts said.

“It taught me so much about family, resilience, strength and self-belief and I’m looking forward to passing on my own experiences to help these young musicians.”

Coles chief marketing officer Lisa Ronson said the partnership was an extension of the supermarket’s First Nations Pathways Program, which initially focused on sport.

AFL great Eddie Betts, Mushroom Group CEO Matt Gudinksi and Coles chief marketing officer Lisa Ronson announce the supermarket's First Nations Pathways Program is moving into the music industry to support young Indigenous artists. Picture: Supplied

“We will support by sharing the stories and music of these talented musicians through our own network like Coles Radio and our instore magazines, so we can raise more awareness of the talents of young artists,” she said.

“We have absolutely loved to see how the First Nations Pathways Program has developed the confidence, talent and life skills of young Indigenous athletes involved in AFL, AFLW and NRL and we’re thrilled that we can now expand this experience to include young musicians who have dreams of performing on stage and sharing their wonderful talents with the world.”

Towards a Better Future, in conjunction with Coles’ Better Together strategy, shares stories on farming, local communities, health & wellbeing, and sustainability/food waste to shine a light on the people, charities and organisations that are helping make our country a better place.

Originally published as Mushroom Group creates First Nations pathways for young artists to break into the industry