Jessica wins at ARIAS!

Twenty-year old NT singer Jessica Mauboy won the first award at last night's 2009 ARIA Awards, held at the Acer Arena in Sydney. She won 'Highest Selling Single' for  'Running Back' from her commercially successful debut album, 'Been Waiting'. Although only winning one award from seven nominations, she told a news conference afterwards, " I was just happy to be there to be able to perform... be there with familiar faces, so no I don’t feel disappointed at all.” 

The award tops off a massive year for the NT dance diva, who also took out two gongs at this year's NT Indigenous Music Awards, three Deadlys and last week 'Fave Aussie Singer' at the Nickelodeon Kids Choice Awards. Congratulations JM!

Four speakers from LA to join Austrade music seminar

Music supervisors Peter Cohen (Rock Star), John Bisell (Ugly Betty), Tricia Holloway (3:10 to Yuma) and Andrew Gowan (How I Met Your Mother) will be on the panel of speakers live from Los Angeles for the Film & TV Synchronisation Masterclass, running next Thursday December 3, at the Darwin Austrade office. The Australian Music Office and Austrade are co-presenting this seminar which is open to all NT musicians. Find out how to get your music placed in film and TV! Cost $55, time 12.00pm - 1.30pm, Darwin Austrade, Level 2, 48-50 Smith Street, Darwin. Register online. Places are limited.

On the road to Tamworth...

Moving Targets frontman, MuNT Forum member and Happy Yess manager Dave Garnham will perform "trackside" at the semi-final of the Road To Tamworth Talent Competition on Saturday December 5 at the V8 Championships at Sydney's Olympic Park. After a two-day "boot camp" with 17 other finalists, Dave will perfom his country original song in front of a massive, 'revved up' crowd... The "top eight performers and two best songwriters will progress through to the Final held in January as part of the 2010 Tamworth Country Music Festival." Good luck Dave!! Wish Dave well here.

Music NT Songwriters Retreat Showcase gig announced!

In September, 10 NT musicians attended the inaugural Music NT/APRA Songwriters Retreat at Mount Bundy Station, one hour's drive south of Darwin. The artists - including MuNT Forum members Mark Hilton, Kris Keogh, Jess Ribeiro, Gretchen Ennis, and Darryl Barba - wrote approx.  15 songs over the three-day Retreat. A Showcase Concert of these songs will be performed at Happy Yess on Saturday November 28, from 9pm. More here.

Gurrumul and Sting team up for duet in France!!

NT singing star Gurrumul recorded a duet of 'Every Breath You Take' with international superstar Sting, for French television program 'Taratata'. It was broadcast on French TV on December 16. Here it is...

CAAMA Music is presenting some great workshops on PA technique. If you have any interest in learning how to set up a PA then check these out on the 17th and 18th November from 6 - 9 pm. For more info check the link

Alice Musicians get Touring Now!

Alice musos, are you planning on getting to the Fuse Festival in Adelaide or heading to Melbourne for some shows? Then get over the webjet now as there are dirt cheap fares starting at $48 Alice - Adelaide. Bargain. Check it out here

Fuse open for Showcases

The Fuse Festival in Adelaide is calling for Artists to submit applications for showcase. Fues os one of the leading Music conferences in Australia and a great opportunity to perform in front on leading national industry figures. The NT had a strong presence in 2009 through the "Long Way To The Top End" showcases so it would be great to keep a strong focus on whats happening up North. For more details check out the link

Millingimbi Gattjirrk Festival launches Web Forum

Millingimbi Gattjirrk Festival has launched its very own Social Forum website. Founded by festival organiser Lapulung Dhamarrandji,  the Forum boasts members from all over Australia. It includes great photos and videos, travel info, up-to-date info about the Festival.With its theme 'Building Bridges Connecting Cultures', the 

Festival kicks off this weekend November 6-8, Millingimbi, Yurruwi Island,  East Arnhem Land. Read more here.

Schmaltz releases new track

The NT's very own DJ Schmaltz has released a brand new track, online today. Entitled 'The world is in mono', you can hear it here. See and hear Schmaltz live at Happy Yess on November 14, playing with Summertime and Blastcorp.

Dr. Strangeways to release debut album

Desert-ska-funk band Dr. Strangeways will launch their debut album 'Strange New World'  on Saturday November 7 at Ki Warehouse, Alice Springs. Produced at Red House Studios, the band worked with CAAMA's Bill Davis (aka 'Big Bear") and Melbourne-based sound engineer Michael Den Elzen. Dr. Strangeways will also play at this year's Woodford Folk Festival at the end of December. Visit their website.