Darwin calling: Alice Skye wins triple j Unearthed’s NIMA comp

Melbourne-based folk singer-songwriter Alice Skye has won the 2018 triple j Unearthed NIMAs winner – which means she attends the National Indigenous Music Awards in Darwin for the first time.

She’ll play alongside Kardajala Kirridarra, Busby Marou and Baker Boy on Saturday, August 11.

The timing is perfect: she has been nominated for new talent and music video of the year alongside A.B. Original, Kuren, Birdz, and her current tour buddy Emily Wurramara.

She posted on Instagram after hearing the news: “!!?!?!!!! I’m being sent to perform at the NIMAs in DARWIN I’m SO HAPPY THANK YOU ??? to follow on from past winners like @dabakerboy and @thelmaplum wow wow I’m so grateful.”

The 22-year-old follows the footsteps of previous Unearthed NIMA winners Baker Boy, Kuren, Thelma Plum and Robbie Miller.

A Wergaia and Wamba Wamba woman, Skye grew up in the Grampians in country Victoria, and her songwriting often reflects its calming mountain landscape.

Skye is currently part of a special Unearthed collab with Ziggy Ramo and Trials in which they’ll create a new song from scratch in the space of a week.

Hear what they come up with on triple j Drive.