National Live Music Awards
Recognising voices, events and venues, the National Live Music Awards (NLMAs) celebrate the magic that happens away from recording studios – and with two Territorians (Caiti Baker and Baker Boy) in line for national awards, live music is doing well in the NT.
Steve Kelk from Foldback Magazine, this year’s media sponsors for the NLMAs in the NT, spoke to Off The Leash about why celebrating live music is so critical.
Why is it important to have an awards event that recognises live music specifically?
The NLMAs were started three years ago by Larry Heath of Heath Media, the founder of the AU Review music news website. They are a recognition of the broad and diverse live music scene in Australia, a scene which now provides the most significant revenue stream for many Australian artists in the age of digital streaming, and significant employment and business opportunities with respect to live music venues and associated industry streams such as sound and lighting tech support. The NLMAs fill a recognition gap in an industry that is worth billions to this country’s economy and focuses not only on live performing artists but also on the venues
and events that showcase them.
What do you make of this year’s list of nominees?
As I am one of the judges in this year’s awards, I can’t speak specifically about the nominations. What I can say is that all of the nominees have made a major contribution to their craft and are considered stand-out performers in their category in order to be nominated. Remember, the awards are not just for the performers but also for the venues and events where they perform.
How do you think the live music scene is travelling in the Territory?
Live music in the NT had been on life support for some time but has been very much alive and thriving in recent years, despite a paucity of venues supporting original live music. Territory artists are starting to get the na-tional recognition they deserve, and have worked hard for, and the venues and events that do support original artists have stepped up to the mark. The NT is becoming well known around the country and around the world as a live music destination, especially during the Dry season. Music NT has done a great job in supporting and promoting Territory artists, especially those in rural and remote areas. We have two artists nominated for national awards this year and our artists and venues continue to punch above their weight. I would say that the NT live music scene is in a steady ascendency at the moment and we aim to keep it on an upwards trajectory.
How will Darwin be celebrating on the night of the awards?
There’s an incredible line-up for the Darwin event, which happens at the same time as the seven other events around the country. Those in attend-ance will get to see who wins in the NT categories, as well as hear who’s winning in the other states and territories. Half of the entry cost will go to (charity) Support Act and the amazing work that they do.
Thu 6 Dec | 6-11pm | Darwin Railway Club | See the event listing
Thumbnail image: Caiti Baker
Header image: Baker Boy
