MusicNT, Tourism NT extend Song of the Year partnership

The Northern Territory’s peak music association and Tourism NT have extended their deal over the NT Song of the Year award for a further two years.

Covering 2017 and 2018, the category prize winner will take home $10,000 for a music video showcasing the Northern Territory.

Introduced for the first time last year, it was won by folk reggae and blues artist Ben Evolent for his song Next Time.

MusicNT’s Executive Director Mark Smith said the deal was good for NT musicians, especially in giving them exposure abroad.

“Following on the success from the inaugural year of the Award, Tourism NT has seen the value of engaging local music to promote the Northern Territory,” he said.

“MusicNT is excited about Tourism NT’s two-year commitment to showcasing the Territory through the vibrancy of its music industry.”

Department of Tourism and Culture CEO Alastair Shields said it was important to support and celebrate local Territory talent, which in turn can support promotion of the Territory as a destination.

“Music is a highly powerful and emotive tool to engage audiences and we are pleased to partner with MusicNT and Territory musicians to promote our destination in campaigns and at key tourism events,” Shields said.

The Music NT Song of the Year Awards, set up to provide NT music with the exposure and recognition that the tourism deal brings, is this year held at the Museum and Art Gallery of the Northern Territory Amphitheatre on Saturday July 8.

The deadline for entries is 5pm Friday May 26 through musicnt.com.au.

Last month, the Department also used music in another way to spread the sounds of the Territory.

They finalised a deal with Spotify to provide specially designed playlists to target Australians aged 25-34 and backpackers aged 18-29 to the Northern Territory.

Acts involved included Gurrumul, Serina Pech and At The Dakota.

Depending on how a number of quiz questions are answered – for example, “Would you rather drink a sand Slurpee or eat a spider web sandwich?” – the user is moved on to an appropriate playlist and an itinerary for events including Barunga Festival, BASSINTHEGRASS and the Beer Can Regatta.

Last year, 1.8 million people visited the Territory.