THE entertainment industry was one of the hardest hit by the pandemic during 2020, but one with arguably the most successful recovery story in the Northern Territory.
Things started off shaky when the Territory’s Jordan Ravi was kicked off Eurovision – Australia decides and the chance to sing at the contest hosted in the Netherlands.
MORE TOP NEWS
Seven new COVID-19 cases, including baby boy, detected among Darwin arrivals
Man jailed for stabbing ex-wife in abdomen after she prodded him with a dessert spoon
But that was nothing compared to when the global spread of coronavirus postponed, and eventually cancelled Bassinthegrass until 2021.
With Territory Day celebrations and fireworks canned, the NT went through a rough patch mid-year, where the only sources of entertainment were via streaming.
Along with a number of other Darwin DJs, Todd “Razor” Sharpe created a makeshift studio to stream music live to households to give them their fix of Darwin entertainment.
One of the first arts festivals in the world then came to fruition as coronavirus restrictions became tighter and more effective, with Darwin Festival proving to be incredibly successful, orchestrating 11 days of entirely local talent entertaining the Top End.
Darwin Festival artistic director Felix Preval said organisers had been blown away by the turnout.
“We had a record number of sold-out shows last year, but it was nowhere near 98 per cent.
“That’s not a statistic that any festival is pulling off,” he said.
“I think the response is really a testament to the desire in the Darwin community to see local artists celebrated and succeed, especially in acknowledgment of what a trying time it’s been for the creative sector.
“That, and people were looking for a reason, after a difficult few months, to come together and celebrate, and we’ve been fortunate enough up here for that to be possible.”
It gave local artists the chance to perform on stages many never had before, propelling their career and hopefully setting them up for bigger and better things in 2021 and beyond.
Hip hop artist J-Milla is one who is already reaping the rewards, following up with a performance at Electric Storm and cementing his place among 50 up-and-coming artists at the Australian Bigsound conference in October.
“I’m very privileged to be picked for the top 50 Bigsound,” he said.
“It’s a foot in the door, the biggest opportunity I’ve had in music so far. Hopefully, I get a lot of eyes on me.”
Then came five major music festivals, including J-Milla’s Electric Storm.
Reset 2020 became the first major large-scale music festival in Australia – and possibly the world – since coronavirus took a stranglehold.
With names like The Angels, Shannon Noll and The Superjesus, the only thing missing was Jon Stevens of Noiseworks, who was the brains behind the festival.
Plenty more acts followed at the Jimmy Barnes Breakout tour, Rebound 2020, Electric Storm and Raindance.
Lime Cordiale, Ball Park Music and Mallrat all hit the stage, while Australian rapper Illy said being on stage again was one of the best feelings ever.
“You know you had a banger when you spend two weeks in quarantine for a 40-minute set and still feel like you got the bargain,” he said. “Can we do it again this weekend please?”
Local talent such as Caiti Baker, Stevie Jean and Roymackonkey also enjoyed a slice of the pie, jumping in as supporting acts and helping build their name. Baker Boy had another successful year at the National Indigenous Music awards, taking his second Artist of the Year gong and two other awards.
It all led up to one of the biggest moments of entertainment with Tones and I and Sheppard performing in front of 10,000 on New Year’s Eve.
The success those of live shows over the past few months has already set the landscape for this year, with Summer Salt awaiting the crowds in April and Bassinthegrass set to go ahead again in May.
NT NEWS sizzling new deal: Get all your news for just $5 a month
Despite the global pandemic, Darwin has been put on the map nationally – if not internationally – as one of the best places to keep rocking out and enjoying live entertainment the way it should be.
Add your comment to this story
To join the conversation, please log in. Don't have an account? Register
Join the conversation, you are commenting as Logout
Fight of his life: How a 24-year-old rugby player beat bowel cancer
A young and fit aspiring professional rugby player endured 510 days of hell as he fought the toughest battle of his life: bowel cancer. Watch the sit-down interview here.
From the Top End to SA: Untold stories shared in new book on railway history
Russians, railways, bridge thefts, and more – one author’s 20-year project on the untold history of the railways between Darwin and Adelaide has hit the shelves of Territory book stores.