The Northern Territory often gets a light once over, but rarely do we take a close look at the talent that is actually growing steadily in the North of our country. Now that our much loved Needle in the Hay competition is back underway, we are hard at work scouring the music landscape for some of the best up and coming voices out there.
It just so happens that our winner from last year’s contest was Northern Territory artist Kardajala Kirridarra. We are hence huge fans of the top end of our nation and can’t wait to hear more from the NT.
We’re looking all over Australia to give one artist the chance to press their single to vinyl. Here are 5 artists from Northern Territory we’re digging.
Kardajala Kirridarra
These girls are selling out shows left right and centre, currently on tour around Australia Kardajala Kirridarra have already wowed us with their entry in the inaugural Needle in the hay competition. We couldn’t help giving them yet another shoutout for being such a dope edition to a year of great music.
This powerful group traverse conversations of country and culture, interweaving their own experiences into every song. Kardajala Kirridarra are an act not to be missed in 2018.
Baker Boy
If you managed to get yourself to Bigsound last year, you would know that Baker Boy is pretty much the hottest thing out there right now.
With his first single Cloud 9 going viral and now his track Marryuna making for some of the most explosive festival sets of the summer, Baker Boy dominated 2017 and we can’t wait to see what the freshest voice in Aussie hip hop can do this year.
Ben Evolent
This up and coming folk singer has already won NT Song of the Year in 2016 for his track Next Time and is heading into this year with a bang.
With hints of reggae and blues thrown in amongst easy folk tunes, Ben Evolent has a smooth and unassuming take on traditional acoustic music. A fresh and light approach to 2018, one which is sorely needed.
Dhapanbal Yunupingu
One of six daughters of the late Dr Yunupingu, Dhapanbal Yunupingu has been releasing some outstanding electronica infused indie rock. Like Baker Boy, the traditional language of the Yolgnu people is deeply embedded in her work, leaving the audience captivated by the stories found within.
Her latest single Gurtha (featuring The Fire) has received praise from, well, pretty much everyone who’s had the pleasure of hearing it.
Caiti Baker
2017 was quite the year for Caiti Baker. Taking out NT Song of the Year and with a huge tour underway around Australia, her soul infused indie sound has captured the hearts and praise of music fans the country over.
With supports coming for her upcoming shows including last year’s powerhouse Imbi The Girl, this is sure to be a big year for the Darwin artist.
Needle In The Hay is a vinyl competition targeting the next generation of exciting musical talent across Australia. Find out all the details here.
See the winners of our first Needle in the Hay competition here.
