Macklemore, Kingswood, SlumberJack: Artists are earmarked for Darwin in 2024

Contrary to popular sentiment the Darwin music scene is expected to boom in 2024, check out who’s coming up north early in the year.

Australian electronic music duo Slumberjack. Picture: Supplied.

One of the things I always heard about when I first moved to Darwin was that ‘we never get

big artists playing here’ or ‘we’re always left off the tours.’

It’s still something I hear now, albeit a sentiment that I feel slightly shifted during the lockdown years - where musicians literally travelled to Darwin just to play gigs.

I will never forget the Kingswood gig I went to at the Railway Club in August 2021 - they

were coming off months and months of lockdowns in Melbourne, had done a stint in

quarantine and rescheduled their show just to be here and play for an eager Darwin crowd

– and play they did.

It was such a fun gig – which is why you should know that they’re back in Darwin, and playing at Mayberry tonight (Saturday).

For the many people who have moved here from a bigger city and long for a little more live music – I am here to tell you that the next few months are pleasantly surprising.

In February, Mayberry will host big drum and bass producer Macky Gee on the 8th, and electronic duo SlumberJack on the 24th.

If rock music is more your style – in March check out the Australian INXS Show, which is

said to be a fully immersive, Wembley style experience.

Macklemore. Live at the Hordern Pavilion Sydney Sat 3rd Feb 2018. Picture's Darren Leigh Roberts

It’s original video of an INXS show - theatre style – with a fully authentic six-piece lineup fronted by Dellacoma Rio.

If you’re after more relaxed musical talent – folk pop duo The Dreggs, behind songs like

‘Give Myself to You’ and ‘Call Me Home’ - are returning to town on March 2 after last performing at BASS in 2022.

And for your chance to make history – popular Australian dance duo Client Liaison, behind songs like ‘World Of Our Love’ and ‘Off White Limousine’ have announced they’re going their separate ways, and will play their last gig for the foreseeable future right here in Darwin, at Mayberry on March 31.

Jessica Mauboy will appear on the Adelaide Festival Walk of Fame after winning the Adelaide Festival Centre Trust Choice vote for her performance in The Boss Lady Tour. Picture: Supplied,

In April, the entertainment centre is hosting a few great live music gigs; Bohemian

Rhapsody, starring Thomas Crane on the 5th, and the NT’s own Jessica Mauboy’s ‘Yours

Forever’ tour on the 20th.

May is BASSINTHEGRASS – and there’s something for everyone on this lineup. International superstar Macklemore, up and comers like Young Franco and Kinder, something for the dance music fans in Bag Raiders and What So Not, local talent like J-Milla and King Stingray - and even old school rock and metal fans will love the chance to see Jet and Northlane.

In other big news, Matt Corby has also just been announced as the headliner for the Top

End Gin Festival at the Darwin Ski Club on May 31.

So that’s already 32 chances to see great live musicians from all over the country – and that’s all pre–Dry Season peak of June – August.

A big thankyou to the venues and festival organisers that work tirelessly to bring popular

musicians on a detour from the ‘usual’ tour stops, to come and play for the very thankful

Darwin crowds.

Rock on, Darwin!