LET’S HEAR IT FOR TERRITORY TUNES
We are seriously punching above our weight when it comes to our local music scene. This month, the Territory music scene is showcased, celebrated, and given the recognition it deserves at the 2026 NT Music Awards (NTMAs).
WORDS TIERNEY WHITE
IMAGE OLIVER ECLIPSE
PRESENTED BY MUSIC NT, alternating each year between Garramilla/Darwin and Mparntwe/Alice Springs, the NTMAs celebrate the incredible artistry, efforts, and innovation of our thriving local music scene.
This year’s Awards are held in the sweet setting of the Museum and Art Gallery of the Northern Territory Amphitheatre, with performances on the night to display just how diverse and talented our Territorians are.
Earning a spot as a real highlight on the annual calendar, the NTMAs recognise the artists, technicians, organisations, venues and events at the heart of our vibrant music sector.
Song award categories include Song of The Year, People's Choice Song of The Year, Country, Pop, Youth, Rock, Metal/Hardcore, Blues & Roots, Urban/ Hip Hop, Electronic/Dance, and Folk. Other accolades handed out on the night are Metro Festival of The Year, Regional Festival of The Year, Tech of the Year, and Hall of Fame, as well as three Hot Shots Photography gongs.
Music NT Executive Director Mark Smith says the Awards are integral to the Territory music scene.
“I think awards, especially NT-based awards, are really a chance for the music scene to celebrate each other. There's a real power in a community getting around each other and recognising achievement, but also recognising and celebrating that we're all in this game together,” he says.
“I think it's a good chance for people, on one night of the year, to come together and just enjoy the fact that we’re all involved in music, and just to recognise the talent – yes, the winners, but also what makes the NT music scene so great.”
The flow-on effect of receiving an NT Music Award can be instrumental in setting up the careers of our Territory musos.
Darwin band TANG took out the Rock and People’s Choice categories in 2025, and also performed at the NTMAs, last year held in Alice Springs. Lead singer Elizabeth Lentaigne says they’ve been overwhelmed by the opportunities that have come their way in the year since.
“It felt amazing because we won the People's Choice Award and the Rock Song of the Year, so it was really cool that people voted for us and the community got behind us. And it’s still burnt into my brain, us playing, and the Alice Kings mob, dancing in front of us. I love their music, they're so awesome,” Lentaigne says.
“We released our EP, Taste Tang, in March, and had our EP launch, and then we played BASSINTHEGRASS, which was super fun. And just getting to meet a lot of cool local musicians. We played with Mertas the other week, too, so there's been heaps of opportunities for us. We’re using [the NTPA accolade] all the time now, in our bio and everything, but yeah, it’s definitely helped.”
Lentaigne also backs up what Smith says about the importance of bringing the music crew together.
“Because the NT is so massive, it's really great when artists from all over can meet each other, 'cause it can be quite hard to travel, and there's a lot of planning … I think it's super important to meet other artists and see what everyone's up to, and this really does connect people.”
Being a musician in this day in age is no easy ride. The increased cost of living and pricey fuel or flights means touring is often a passion mission, rather than a financial one. Plus, cutting through the noise via streaming services makes getting original music in front of new audiences hard to achieve.
That’s why the NTMAs are so important. They shine a big old spotty on our NT musos, giving them exposure to a Territory audience, and accolades to back them when applying to play at festivals, both locally and abroad.
And, with a local and national music industry judging panel, Finalists are placed in front of some pretty influential forces.
“Annette (Tripodi) from WOMADelaide was one of the judges one year, and really liked Katanga (Junior). From that, she got him a slot performing at WOMAD. There are instances of these sorts of flow-on effects happening,” Smith says.
The resilience demonstrated by our local music industry – including those working behind the scenes – means we have varied music styles being created, produced and presented in a range of pockets across the NT.
From the heavy sounds of Koh in the Top End to the dreamy folk of The Wanted Gems in the Red Centre, the country twang of Tom Curtain in Katherine to the high-energy Yolŋu funk of Arnhem Land’s Andrew Gurruwiwi Band, our music scene is as vast as the land it covers.
A handful of tickets are available for Territory music’s night of nights and include food and bevs courtesy of the good folks at SRO Events and Alice Springs Brewing Co. But even more exciting is that you’ll be the first to know as the next wave of champions are revealed. Follow along on Music NT’s socials for all the updates, and to discover who’s reppin’ the NT in the music scene.
NT Music Awards
WHEN THU 16 JUL | 6PM
AT MAGNT AMPHITHEATRE
COST $60 (INC. FOOD & BEV)
INFO musicnt.com.au
