Northern Territory’s best songs, events, in national spotlight

The Northern Territory seems to be in the national spotlight as far as finding its best songs and artists, and for drawing patrons from around Australia to its music events.

In a quest to find the Top 10 songs to come out of the Northern Territory in 2020, peak music association MusicNT and a number of radio stations have teamed up to bring back the Territory Sounds Countdown.

It will be the soundtrack to Territory Day in an event presented by ABC Radio Darwin’s Mikaela Simpson, and broadcast on ABC Radio, 8CCC and Gove FM.

The inaugural episode, looking at the greatest all-time songs, was topped by Yothu Yindi’s ‘Treaty’, with Warumpi Band’s ‘My Island Home’, Warumpi Band’s ‘Blackfella, Whitefella’, Yothu Yindi’s ‘Djapana (Sunset Dreaming)’ and Baker Boy’s ‘Marryuna (feat. Yirrmal)’ rounding off the Top 5.

The countdown collected 2,000 votes, according to MusicNT’s executive director Mark Smith.

“The Territory Sounds Countdown shone a light on Territory music in a year where live music and musicians were really suffering,” he said.

”We are excited to launch Territory Sounds 2021 to continue celebrating NT music and showing the country what makes the sound of the NT so special.”

Simpson said that Territory music is as unique as the place it is created in.

“It is rich, vibrant and diverse and I’m really excited to celebrate the best of 2020 all through June, leading up to the top ten countdown on Territory Day.”

Song submissions began today (May 14) here.

The Northern Territory is in the focus not just for its songs. Intestate festival-goers are also rushing to music events in the north.

Tomorrow’s (May 15) Bassinthegrass 2021 festival in Darwin has sold out all 14,000 tickets – and 8,000 went to intestate patrons, said chief minister Michael Gunner.

“It’s one of the biggest music events that’s going to be happening around the country,” he said, adding, “Interstaters who are keen to get out and enjoy some sunshine, enjoy some music right now. We’re going to be having a high season.”