BEATS FROM THE BUSH

In its 21st year, Bush Bands is fast becoming the premier music development program and showcase for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander acts from remote locations nationwide. 

THIS YEAR’S LINE-UP is no exception, and welcomes 10 diverse acts from their home communities across the remote Northern Territory, South Australia, Western Australia, and Queensland, to gather on Arrernte Country in Mparntwe/Alice Springs. 

All acts participate in the intensive four-day Bush Bands Business development program, before they perform to an anticipated audience of over 3,000 people at the Alice Springs Telegraph Station. This year’s audience can experience songs in nine different Aboriginal languages during the Bash, an impressive representation of language and culture. 

From a record number of female-identifying applicants this year, three take the Bush Bands Bash stage – singer-songwriter, producer and creative Matalja from Rubibi/Broome in WA, alt-country folk artist, Desert Divas participant and long-term mentor, Jessie K Music from Mareeba in Queensland, and lifelong musician and gifted storyteller, Katrina Connelly from Irrunytju/Wingellina in WA. 

Darwin-based artist Jessica L.A. performed at Bush Bands Bash last year after applying through MusicNT’s Divas program, and is excited to see more women go through the program and take the stage this year. 

“It’s such a unique opportunity, you will meet so many people, learn so much industry knowledge, and develop your authentic sound and style. It’s very challenging and rewarding, so go get it, gorgeous sisters!” 

Also on the line-up is NT community faves Arlywarre Desert Reggae from Ampilatwatja, Desert WIND Band from Yuendumu and Nyirripi, Garrangali Band from Baniyala, and Sandridge Band from Borroloola. Newcomers include Fejo & The Cruizers from Ntaria, joined by Moonlight Reggae Band from across the border in Wanarn in WA, and Ilkari Maru from Amata in SA. 

Several of last year’s Bush Bands acts achieved amazing feats this year. 

Family Shoveller Band from Bidyadanga, WA, played Rome in Italy, Desert Melody Makers from Yuendumu performed at Dark Mofo in Tasmania, Drifting Clouds from the NT community of Gapuwiyak won the triple j Unearthed competition and played at last month’s National Indigenous Music Awards, and BOUSTA from Mparntwe/Alice Springs took the stage at the Scouted showcase in Adelaide. 

For those who can’t join the action in person, the Bush Bands Bash is livestreamed on the MusicNT YouTube channel for the first time. CAAMA Radio returns to broadcast live from the event, feeding through to community radio stations all over the country. 

Celebrate the unique talent, languages and culture from some of the most isolated communities in the world. 

Bush Bands Bash 2025 
WHEN SUN 14 SEP | 4–10PM 
AT ALICE SPRINGS TELEGRAPH STATION 
COST $10 | FREE (U16) 
INFO bushbands.com

_{Image: Oliver Eclipse}