Inaugural Regional & Remote Music Summit coming to Darwin as storm clouds darken over industry
As the storm clouds gathering over Australia’s live music industry darken, Darwin is set to host the inaugural Regional & Remote Music Summit as industry heads seek to stop the bleeding.
Northern Territory
Don't miss out on the headlines from Northern Territory. Followed categories will be added to My News.
With Australia’s live music industry undergoing a bloodbath of venue closures, festival cancellations and a cost of living crisis, the scene’s brightest minds are set to descend on Darwin for a conference that could plot a new path forward through the mire.
The inaugural Regional & Remote Music Summit, to be held at Darwin Waterfront’s Vibe Hotel from August 7–9, the day before the 20th anniversary of the National Indigenous Music Awards, is an initiative of MusicNT, Music Australia and the NT government.
MusicNT executive director Mark Smith said the summit could trace its origins back to 2018, when his organisation delivered a Live Music Strategy for the NT government.
However, since then, there has been a pandemic, a swath of festival cancellations that have left BASSINTHEGRASS as Australia’s largest survivor, and a reduced desire among the 18–25 demographic for alcohol consumption and expensive concerts.
Coupled with that, there has also been a reduction in the ability of Australian acts to be able to break through to the mainstream, with a 2023 analysis by ABC News showing the fewest number of Australian albums in the ARIA charts since records began.
“There has been a big cultural change,” Mr Smith said.
“Post-Covid, there is a chance to do something different.”
Mr Smith said there was a jarring contrast between the wider industry’s struggles and the current success of Territory artists such as CYRIL, Jessica Mauboy, King Stingray and Baker Boi.
“On a per-capita basis, there’s a strong argument we’re at a bit of a peak in terms of national recognition,” he said.
“The challenge is that we’re at a point of success for NT artists, but how do we maintain that?”
He said the ongoing success of northeast Arnhem Land, long a hotbed of musical creativity, in churning out chart-toppers, supported by ongoing events such as East Arnhem Live and Garma Festival, could act as a blueprint for other Australian regions in creating a bankable music scene.
About 150–200 delegates, including music experts, artists, policymakers, academic and community leaders from the NT and beyond, are expected at the summit.
The summit program will present research, panel sessions, case studies, keynotes and workshops that respond to number of broad themes, include regional and remote live music and festivals, understanding audiences, policy and investment, place and culture, and skills gap and building culture.
Legendary concert promoter Michael Chugg – who brought Elton John to Darwin many moons ago – is set to host the summit’s keynote address followed by a Q&A session.
Other notable presenters include Darwin singer-songwriter Leah Flanagan, Samoan-Australian music journalist Sosefina Fuamoli, The Push executive Kate Duncan, triple j boss Lachlan Macara, Australia Council Head of Music Kirsty Rivers, and Alice Springs singer Catherine Satour.
Also forming part of the summit is a Live Nation ‘Ones To Watch’ gig at Bustard Town, featuring J-MILLA, Yung Milla, and Juran (who is also a member of Nhulunbuy surf punk band Mr Chrisy Mertas).
CLP’s plan for new prisons, work camps in major NT corrections roll-out
The Country Liberal Party has matched its tough talk on crime with a new plan to increase the number of Northern Territory corrections beds by up to 1000 over the next four years.
‘Love letter’ to the NT: Why Top End Bub will become a ‘gem’ for Aussie families
‘I really wanted to send a love letter to the community I grew up in’: Ahead of the release of Top End Bub, Miranda Tapsell sat down with the NT News to share why she’s so excited for audiences to see it. See the first-look images here.