Media Release
7 May 2025
Territory Artists Score Coveted Spots on BASS Stages
Two talented Territory artists have landed the opportunity of a lifetime - performing at the iconic BASSINTHEGRASS music festival at Darwin’s Mindil Beach, with a warm-up set at BASSINTHECITY just three days earlier.
The Territory Artist Competition, which has been running for more than a decade, once again offered local musicians the chance to share the stage with major Australian and international acts at BASSINTHEGRASS on Saturday, 17 May.
From a high volume of entries Top End band, Crystal Robins & the Wildfires, and Central Australian DJ, Jacksen, have been selected as this year’s winners. They will now perform at the Territory’s largest music festival, joining a stellar lineup featuring Hilltop Hoods, Meg Mac, The Jungle Giants, The Dreggs, Cyril, 3%, and international acts Jax Jones and house duo Jaded.
This year marks a special milestone, with two acts — a live act and, for the first time, a DJ — who will open sets on the Palm Stage and BASSment Stages, respectively. Adding to their excitement, both winners will also perform at BASSINTHECITY on Wednesday, 14 May, each delivering 20-minute sets ahead of Grammy-nominated international DJ Kah-Lo, offering fans a preview of what’s to come.
Crystal Robins & the Wildfires are a 4-piece band spearheaded by their talented namesake Crystal, a Darwin songwriter who is a recent graduate of The CMAA Academy of Country Music and has just released her first full-length album. She has performed at festivals around Australia and opened for touring artists in Darwin including Josh Pyke, Brad Cox, Wendy Matthews and Dan Sultan. Featuring stunning vocals, intricate guitar playing & heartfelt lyrics, the band’s sound is described as a dreamy mix of indie-folk with an alt-country twist.
Jacksen Dulvarie is an emerging Alice Springs DJ, producer, and artist who seamlessly blends a broad range of music, showcasing his soulful approach to taking the listener on a journey through house, breaks, downtempo, dub bass, and techno. In addition to holding DJ residencies at multiple venues, he hosts innovative dance parties and runs a community radio segment showcasing independent Australian electronic music.
The Competition was judged by industry representatives from Music NT, Standing Room Only, and Northern Territory Major Events Company. All judges unanimously agreed on the impressive volume and high calibre of applications, highlighting the wealth of musical talent within the Territory.
The Territory Artists Competition assess applicants across criteria such as quality of recordings capability, development, and live show experience. The chosen winners clearly demonstrated the talent and professionalism to shine on the BASS stage.
BASSINTHEGRASS Final Release tickets are on sale for $155 (plus booking fee). For an elevated festival experience, explore premium packages including ReFresh, Oasis, and the family-friendly BASS Camp. For tickets and more information, visit: bassinthegrass.com.au [https://bassinthegrass.com.au/]
Quotes from Northern Territory Major Events Company Executive Director of Events, Aimee Luxton:
"Seeing Crystal Robins & the Wildfires and Jacksen secure this opportunity is truly exciting. It highlights how BASSINTHEGRASS is more than just a must-attend festival – it’s a platform for elevating local talent and giving Territory artists a chance to perform before a vast and passionate audience of local fans, interstate visitors, and their own family and friends.
"This competition provides our home-grown artists with invaluable big-stage experience and exposure to industry leaders. The consistently high quality of applications underscores the Northern Territory's abundant musical talent.”
Quotes from DJ winner, Jacksen:
“BASSINTHEGRASS will be the biggest gig I've ever done in my life. It's going to be incredible to showcase the kind of music that I've been playing on a big sound system to a lot of people.
“I do it because I love the music, and I just want people to hear music they haven't heard before or unique Australian music. Getting to go to Darwin with my family will be incredible. My partner, 5-year-old daughter and 3-year-old son will get to see me play and enjoy the festival as well.”
Quotes from live act winner, Crystal Robins:
“I'm really stoked to be part of this year's lineup, and to play a major festival like BASSINTHEGRASS with my band. I can’t wait!
“Of all the artists I love Meg Mac, so I'm really looking forward to seeing her. I've never seen her live, so that's going to be amazing.”
Media Contact: NTMEC Media 0409866634
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