News Summary

• Bands and venue managers say rising travel and accommodation costs have made it unprofitable for touring acts to visit the Top End.
• They are calling for a renewed focus on Darwin's local live music scene, including repurposing funding models and refreshing old venues.
• Crowd-sourced data from the Australian Concert Tour Database shows the territory hosts a disproportionately low number of international touring artists compared to other states and territories.
• Local musicians like Leisa Howlett say the chance to support major touring artists playing gigs in Darwin can be game-changing.