Featured on AIR: Tracks Of The Desert

Alice Springs record label Tracks Of The Desert is the 'feature label' this month on the  AIR (Australian Independent Records) website. Read the interview here.

Match made in heaven: Norman Brumby & Nicky Bomba

Norman Brumby, drummer for Utju Band , will attend workshops and the Showcase at the 2009 Island Vibe Festival, North Stradbroke Island, Queensland, October 30 - November 1st, 2009, with fellow Willowra musicians. The workshops will be run by ska/reggae/world music exponent Nicky Bomba who's also performing at the Festival on November 1, forming an 'Allstar Band' for the occasion. Word on the street (ie MuNT Forum member Matt Hill!) is that Nicky "is gonna share the love 'round with his All Star Band, and Norman will be invited  to play a track or two with him!"  Says Matt, "it will be an awesome experience,” and that Island Vibes is looking at initatives to develop "partnerships and relationship between desert bands and 'coastie' festivals." More news soon.

SXSW 2010: open for business

The Australian Music Office is encouraging Australian artists and bands to apply for the 2010 South by Southwest Festival, with the deadline for artist submissions November 6th, 2009. SXSW "...is a prime opportunity for artists and bands to showcase in front of - and network with - key US and international music industry representatives." More than 30 Australian artists performed at the 2009 SXSW! All submissions will be processed through Sonicbids. More info here and FAQ. 

Grind online - mo' music reviews!

Read the Grind Online Music Review by "Tony" of EP Pilgrimage by NT band Jess Ribeiro & The Bone Collectors. They receive a 4.75/5 rating! Send your CDs to Grind NOW for an online review!! Click here for more info. 

National music industry body the Australian Music Industry Network (AMIN) has appointed Brisbane-based Craig Spann as the organisation’s new coordinator. AMIN actively promotes Australian artists at major overseas events including South by South West (USA), and is currently embarking upon new partnerships in this area under the Sounds Australia banner. Music NT is a member of AMIN, along with Queensland Music Network (Q Music) and the West Australian Music Industry Association (WAM). The aim to include Victoria and South Australia by the end of 2010. More here.

NT schools shortlisted for Flame Music Awards

The Flame Awards 2009 is s nationwide competition to highlight and reward schools with great music programs. Three NT schools have been shortlisted: Bees Creek Primary School, Jingili Primary School and Larapinta Primary School. The Awards are run by Music - Play for Life in partnership with ABC Classic FM. There is a $15 000 prize pool and 38 schools have made the shortlist. Congratulations and good luck to the NT schools! More here. 

New Music Network - calling for proposals

The New Music Network (NMN) is calling for proposals for their Mini Concert Series, 2010. The Mini Series involves artists from the ‘the next generation’ of new music ie individuals and/or groups that are just starting out in their performing careers, are not full NMN members, within contemporary new music practice: electronic, improvisational or composed. Proposals are welcome from interstate. For further information please contact Philippa Horn on nmn@newmusicnetwork.com.au or 0411 606 077. Closes November 30.