Territory bands win chance to take to the BASS stage

Two Territory bands have won the chance of a lifetime to play at BASSINTHEGRASS at Darwin’s iconic Mindil Beach on 18 May 2024.

Up against some stiff competition Mr Chrisy Mertas and Elephant Town have taken out the Territory Artists Competition, and will perform at the Territory’s largest music festival on a line-up featuring international star Macklemore and some of Australia’s biggest musical acts.

Mr Chrisy Mertas hail from Nhulunbuy, and are an alternative Surf- Punk band. The band, made up of four people is known in the Arnhem Land music scene for their energetic attitude and heavy surf punk infused sound, mixing the rough community environment with the beautiful ocean surroundings. Mr Chrisy Mertas pride themselves in continuing the DIY culture and have followed through by self-producing and recording all their material; music, photos and videos.

Mr Chrisy Mertas frontman Matt McLean said it meant the absolute world for the band.

“We are a small emerging band and BASSINTHEGRASS is a festival I’ve been attending ever since I was a kid and we’re stoked,” he saidl.

“We’ve been a band in Arnhem Land for about two years now. We really hope that it leads to some exposure, we’re a live band and our dream is to be on festival circuits and to get out to a greater audience. We’re hoping this opens up some opportunities for some live shows.

“I think it’s an amazing thing for Territory artists. It’s an amazing incentive for people to get their stuff together and give it a crack.”

Elephant Town are a four piece high school surf rock band from Darwin, who have been playing for three years. Always keen for a good time, the band has a firing stage presence that will bring the crowd to their feet. Having a large array of originals and covers displaying a variety of genres, the band is always a fan favourite, with their most recent singles ‘Henry’s Song’ and ‘Dancing Through the Rain’ racking up streams to become classic singalongs at their shows.

Elephant Town frontman Pedro Sanches Luiz said he and the band mates were shocked to learn they had won the competition.

“I was so excited, I was not expecting it but I just gave the band members a call, we’re pretty shocked and very keen for the opportunity.

“We all love BASS so much and go every year and it’s pretty surreal to be on stage and we’re keen to have the opportunity to perform on stage and see what it’s like, and play our music.”

The Territory Artists Competition was judged by industry representatives from Music NT, Standing Room Only and Northern Territory Major Events Company (NTMEC). All judges unanimously agreed the level of talent evident in the applications was incredible. The competition is supported by NTMEC community partner Santos.

Applicants were judged on quality, genre, capability, development, experience and ability to perform, and the winners showed they had plenty to offer fans at BASSINTHEGRASS.

Final Release BASSINTHEGRASS tickets are on sale now for $149, plus booking fee. There’s are also a range of premium tickets from ReFresh for $250, Oasis for $350 and The Terrace for $525. To grab your ticket visit www.bassinthegrass.com.au