Indigenous music student launches debut single through UQ

Emerging Indigenous artist Durriwiyn has become the first student to release a single through The University of Queensland’s record label Corella Recordings.

Behind the stage name is proud Biripi and Worimi man Jamaine Wilesmith, who is studying a Bachelor of Arts (Popular Music and Technology Major) at UQ’s School of Music.

He wrote, co-mixed and co-produced debut single Little Bird, which was recorded by fellow students as part of a collaborative Work Integrated Learning (WIL) course.

“I started writing my EP at a time I felt stuck and had lost my grip on myself,” Jamaine said.

“I felt a bit better, writing my story.”

With ‘an ambient bass line and deep-rooted lyrics’, Little Bird explores the themes of inadequacy and self-healing.

“I want people to feel safe in it, like I'm speaking for them without them having to say anything,” Jamaine said

“I want my music to heal people, I’ve always been big on that.”

The single is available on Spotify, Apple Music and Bandcamp, with Jamaine’s debut EP Before Now due for release through Corella Recordings later this year.

Label director and course coordinator Dr Chris Perren said the debut single and two other advance tracks were a student-led collaborative effort.

“I’m so excited for Jamaine but also for the other students involved in the background as part of Corella Recordings’ WIL experience,” Dr Perren said.

“The music industry can be difficult to navigate, but this course creates practical outcomes and provides music students with industry experience.”

Dr Perren said students learned a diverse range of valuable skills.

“From music production to digital content and media management, web design, copywriting, project management and communication, students are constantly building their portfolios,” he said.

“The process is as meaningful as the end product.

“The record label is about connecting with the wider Brisbane and Australian music scenes and building a reputation for passionate and adventurous projects.”

Corella Recordings was launched in 2022, to allow students to work with music staff and professional artists to produce and distribute new music.

Jamaine is the recipient of a UQ HASS Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander scholarship.

Interviews, B-roll and images available here.

Media: UQ Communications, Kristen Johnston, k.johnston@uq.edu.au, +61 7 3346 1633, +61 407 656 518.