20th anniversary of Bush Bands Bash

​For the past three years Outback Stores has been proud to sponsor Bush Bands Bash, an annual celebration of Indigenous music organised by Music NT.

Held at the Alice Springs Telegraph Station, the concert is the culmination of a four-day intensive workshop called Bush Bands Business, honing performance skills and music biz knowledge with industry professionals and music mentors.

This year marked the 20^th anniversary of Bush Bands Bash and featured performances by emerging talent from remote communities, as well as desert reggae legends, Tjupi Band from Papunya.

Tjupi Band guitarist Jason Butcher has lost count of the number of times the band has performed at Bush Bands Bash. He has been involved with it since his father, Sammy Butcher of the iconic Warumpi Band, first conceived of the idea to create a concert opportunity for emerging bands in remote communities.

Sammy Butcher took the idea to the Central Australia Aboriginal Media Association and together they organised the first event in 2004, held near Anzac Oval and featuring only a handful of bands.

This year Bush Bands Bash showcased 10 performances, featuring at least 8 different languages. Jason Butcher has noticed over the years a greater diversity in musical genres represented, and more female artists emerging.

We’ve developed industry knowledge to take our music to the next level. 

– Jessica LA

Jessica LA is a Western Arrernte/Luritja woman now living in Darwin, who enjoyed the four-day music business workshop.

“We’ve developed industry knowledge to take our music to the next level. We learned about copyright laws, vocal training, self-management and working with others on stage,” says Jessica.

Tara Rostron is a musician from Maningrida and member of Ripple Effect band. She was chosen to be one of five Remote Music Rangers to take part in a special mentoring program of Bush Bands Business. They learned how to set up concert equipment, how to use the mixing desks and how to care for musical instruments.

“I really love what I’ve been learning and want to take my skills back to my community so that in the future the kids there can do it themselves,” says Tara.

Outback Stores congratulates all the performers, mentors and organisers of this year’s Bush Bands Bash!

I really love what I’ve been learning and want to take my skills back to my community.

– Tara Rostron

The 20th anniversary line-up:

1. Blackstone Daylight Band (from Papulankutju singing in Ngaanyatjarra & English)
2. James Range Band (from Utju, singing in Pitjantjatjara & English)
3. Jessica LA (Australian/Western Arrernte/Luritja woman from Awabakal country, singing in English)
4. Tjupi Band (From Papunya, singing in Luritja & English)
5. Newboys Band (From Arlparra, singing in Alyawarr & English)
6. Bronwyn Stuart (from Ntaria, singing in English)
7. Desert Melody Makers (from Yuendumu, singing in Walpiri & English)
8. Myles (rapping in Arernte)
9. Drifting Clouds (from Gapuwiyak, singing in Djambarrpuyngu & English)
10. Family Shoveller Band (from Bidyadanga, singing in Karajarri)

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The annual Bush Bands program is presented by MusicNT, the peak body for music in the Northern Territory. Their mission is to support the growth and development of the contemporary music industry in the Northern Territory. Find out more about their suite of programs on the MusicNT website.