The Regional & Remote Music Summit is set to gather leaders from the nation’s music industry to share their expertise and amplify regional and remote music makers’ voices.
To be held in Darwin from 7 to 9 August, the event will bring together music experts, artists, policymakers, academics and community leaders from the Northern Territory and beyond to create a new narrative for regional music-making.
The Summit program will present research, panel sessions, case studies, keynotes and workshops that respond to number of broad themes, including: place, storytelling and culture; regional and remote live music and festivals; adapting to the climate crisis; understanding audiences; the importance of afe spaces; skills saps and building capacity; and policy and investment.
MusicNT Executive Director, Mark Smith, said that regional and remote areas play a critical role in shaping Australia’s music industry.
“The summit is a unique opportunity to bring together diverse voices to explore and address the challenges and opportunities faced by these communities,” Mr Smith said.
The event makes space for the seven million Australians existing outside of the metropolitan music industry who need their voices heard. Some highlight events across the three days will include, Live Nation’s ‘Ones To Watch’, as well as a Keynote and Q&A with Michael Chugg, a pioneer of the Australian music industry, renowned both locally and internationally as one of the country’s most prominent music promoters.
As a part of the Regional & Remote Music Summit festivities, Live Nation are partnering to host their ‘Ones to Watch, Backed by Vodafone’ event on Thursday 8 August, with a lineup featuring up-and-coming artists Yung Milla, J-Milla, and Juran.
Proud Marranungu rapper and musician, J-Milla, is a rising force in the Aussie hip hop community. Born and raised in Darwin and from the blood of the traditional landowners of Litchfield National Park, he has woven his rich culture and ethics into the music he’s been making since the age of eleven.
He’ll be joined at the showcase by his little brother with big talent, Yung Milla, who delivers a hard-hitting live show and has garnered love from the likes of triple j on all three of his singles.
Rounding out the lineup is Māori artist Juran, the captivating RnB/Soul artist who blends inventiveness with allure in her music that’s inspired from her cultural heritage and finding her voice in a highly religious upbringing in Aotearoa.
Live Nation APAC Senior Vice President Product & Experience, Michelle Lucia, said that she is excited to help bring the event to the Northern Territory for the first time.
“”Darwin’s music scene is overflowing with potential, and we’re honoured to be a part of its growth with ‘Ones to Watch’,” Ms Lucia said.
“This event represents our dedication to nurturing artists across Australia while also contributing to the cultural and economic vitality of regional and remote communities.”
‘Ones to Watch’, a platform dedicated to introducing new artists and their music to fans globally, will host a live performance from each of the trio as a part of the national Regional & Remote Music Summit, presented by MusicNT. The summit has also announced the arrival of its full program, set to take place at the Vibe Hotel on Darwin’s Waterfront.
Other program highlights include:
- Amplifying the voices of music storytellers in remote and regional Australia, moderated by Sosefina Fuamoli, will feature an all Northern Territory panel
- The Future of Festivals Workshop asks how can the challenges of today inform the festivals of tomorrow?
- Dr Christen Cornell, Research Fellow and Manager of Research Partnerships at Creative Australia, will talk through the Federal arts agency’s recent and current music research projects
- Soundtrack your region’s story demonstrates why music should be part of your community engagement and tourism strategy, including Case Studies from OK Motels, Live & Local, QLD Music Trails and triple j’s One Night Stand
- Dr Ben Green will also share his expertise in his Keynote that aims to better understand the current research, trends and challenges in Australia’s regional and remote music industry
After 20 years of championing Australia’s finest First Nations artists, the National Indigenous Music Awards will also return to Darwin Amphitheatre, following the Summit on 10 August. The awards are celebrating two decades of cultural value with a party under the stars that will include performances from Jessica Mauboy, Dan Sultan, 3%, Miss Kaninna and many more.
Other discussions, stories and Q&As will bring together the brightest minds in the industry, including Leah Flanagan, Sosefina Fuamoli, Kate Duncan, Mitch Wilson, Lachlan Macara, Kirsty Rivers, Mark Smith, Dr Christen Cornell, Kate Berry, Catherine Satour, Dr Ben Green, Shaun Adams, and Stu Watters.
The Regional & Remote Music Summit is a MusicNT initiative that has been co-funded by the Northern Territory Government and the Australian Government through Music Australia.
More information and the full program for the Regional & Remote Music Summit, Darwin, can be found at regionalmusicsummit.com.
Image: Janelle Lugge/shutterstock.com
