The most exciting part? it promises to discover and showcase more gifted Aboriginal musicians, stellar performances and inspiration from around the region than ever.

The 'Triple J Unearthed'-style project supports Aboriginal musical talent on the Mid North Coast of NSW.

After inaugural success in 2019, the Made Deadly project is a joint collaboration between Saltwater Freshwater Arts Alliance (SWFW) and music development organisation Grow the Music.

Made Deadly will offer open-mic sessions to Aboriginal musicians, singers and performers in seven Mid North Coast locations including Port Macquarie, Kempsey, Taree and Coffs Harbour with dates to be released at the end of July.

From these live sessions a total of eight performers will be selected to perform at SWFW Festival on Australia Day 2020.

The final eight will receive studio time to professionally record one of their tracks and mentoring and rehearsal time with a high-profile Aboriginal music mentor and the GTM team.

Hip-hop artist and Dunghutti youth Nigel Kennedy, 16 was a 2018 finalist.

The story behind his powerful raps moved the judging panel to tears, and his performance was a highlight of Festival.

"I started music because I'd been going through a depression stage," Mr Kennedy said.

"I started writing my own lyrics. I found that putting it all down on pen and paper, lets everything out. I'm telling the story of my life in these raps.

"I connect to the land through music. I connect with my people, and not only my people - other people. Words can't explain the feeling of having thousands of people being moved by my own songs - that's crazy."

The Made Deadly performers were the highlight of SWFW Festival 2019 and included folk, soul, hip hop and instrumentalists.

Jane Tavener, social enterprise coordinator at Saltwater Freshwater said the competition was a great opportunity for rising musicians.

"We know that we've barely scratched the surface of the Aboriginal musical talent blossoming in this region - and the amount of people keen to get involved and have the opportunity to share their musical gifts," Ms Tavener said.

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