Oz bands centre stage

Federal Arts Minister Peter Garrett (above in a previous life as Oils frontman) has released a discussion paper on the Foreign Music Act Certification Scheme. It outlines a proposed approach to implement the election commitment to “ensure Australian musicians get to share the spotlight with international acts touring the country.” Mr. Garrett urges "musicians, promoters, tour organisers and interested community members to comment on the discussion paper.”

The closing date for submissions is February 12, 2010. Read the paper here.

A Christmas star from the NT

NT singing star Jessica Mauboy has contributed a track to the 'Stars of Christmas' album. The album features 15 other popular Australian artists including John Farnham, Delta Goodrem, Human Nature and and Anthony Callea. She performs the track 'Miss You Most (At Christmas Time)' and the CD was released in time for Christmas. More here.

Skinnyfish take Europe

Skinnyfish Music and Dramatico Entertainment UK have entered into an agreement for the release of the Skinnyfish Music catalogue across Europe.

Following on from the growing success of the Gurrumul release, Dramatico have now taken on the entire Skinnyfish Music catalogue. The first release that will

benefit from this partnership will be the debut album by Ego Lemos titled ‘O Hele Le’. For more on the Skinnyfish website.

Red Plum & Snow power up.

"Sweet distortion..." After playing in Darwin and Adelaide earlier this year, NT supergroup (yes, "supergroup", the NT has more than one!), Red Plum & Snow have finally released their first album, '20 Power Hits'. Made up of Darwin-based musicians Kris Keogh (formerly Blastcorp), Gretchen Ennis (Straight Skirt, Crimplene) and Ruben Maher (ex-The Weathermen, Scarlet Revenge, Fairweather Dolls), Red Plum & Snow have chosen to release their album direct to online. Find it at Band Camp. And check out a cool gig pic here.

Garrett breaks through with further funding.

Federal Arts Minister Peter Garrett has announced a second round of Breakthrough funding for Indigenous artists. Breakthrough is a pilot initiative of the Cultural Ministers Council  which aims to "take Indigenous contemporary music to a wider listening audience". NT act Leah Flanagan Band (above) was one of Breakthrough's successful recipients in 2009.

The Minister has announced a continuation of Breakthrough for a further 12 months. The fund makes available up to $25 000 to successful applicants to assist with the high quality recording of a CD. This can include studio/equipment hire, mixing fees, CD manufacture and so forth. Applications will be available mid-December. You can register online to be sent the application kit by emailing contemporary.music@environment.gov.au  or phone the Project Officer on 02 6275 9615.

WAMi open to non-WA acts

Artist submissions are now open to non-WA acts to play at next year's West Australian Music Industry Festival (WAMi) Showcase. The WAMi Festival will run from 19-23 May, 2010. Submissions close on Friday 15 January. WAMi Festival Director Sarah Norton says that in addition to local WA acts being programmed at next year's festival, "A couple of acts from outside WA will also be given spaces".

Sounds like a good opportunity for NT artists! Download a "WAMi10 Non-WA Application Kit", and/or visit the WAMi website.

Apra Christmas party

Robbie Collins the NT Apra rep is kicking off the festive season with the Apra Christmas party on Friday afternoon at browns mart. All members are welcome.


- Musicnt -