Xpress
Presented by Global Sound School and Incite Arts
“Empowering Mparntwe First Nations Musicians through career-building mentorships”
By connecting emerging talent with experienced industry guides, we aim to build strong foundations for lasting careers. Our program emphasizes self-belief and courage, essential qualities for navigating the music industry.
Join us in celebrating the talent and resilience of our participants as they share their original music.
This program, born from years of industry research and interviews,
builds on existing community connections to support aspiring musicians
to take consistent steps towards achieving their dreams.
Xpress offers:
- Ongoing mentorship: Guidance from experienced musicians who have walked the same path.
- Skill development: Honing of craft with workshops and training to elevate musical abilities.
- Industry exposure: Opportunities to connect with industry professionals.
After working closely with their mentors this year, Xpress follows the inspiring stories of a group of Mparntwe First Nations musicians as they strive not just to achieve their musical aspirations, but to build a life centred around their music.
Culminating in a workshop and showcase of their songs, stories and messages in the final week of August 2024, this event marks the program’s first major milestone.
Working alongside the Alice Springs well loved event Red Dirt Poetry festival, the Xpress team will debut their music to the community at the festival’s feature show ‘Agape and other kinds of love’ on the Araluen big stage.
Kicking off the Xpress segment will see a panel discussion with the Artists and Mentors sharing what it takes to get where they are. Audiences will witness the behind-the-scenes process of creating compelling music, from catchy hooks and insightful lyrics to captivating vocals and production. Plus experience the raw power and emotion of music deeply connected to the First Nations experience.
Be the first to hear original, self-produced music from these rising stars along with powerful visuals to tell their story.
These artists are only just warming up!
You don’t want to miss this special event!
Mparntwe (pronounced M-ban tua) is the Arrernte name for Alice Springs. The Aboriginal Arrernte (pronounced arrunda) people are the traditional custodians of Alice Springs and the surrounding region.
Xpress – Mentors
Born from a place of Collaboration, Consultation and Creation, Xpress is built upon the backbone of Relationships. With a focus on strengthen people’s ability to step into opportunities & develop their networks, plus the ethos of passing on the knowledge. Putting...
Xpress – King Abo
“King Abo aka Hakiem Abbott is an MC/Producer originally from Mt. Isa, he grew up travelling all over but spent much of his formative years between Palmerston and Alice Springs. He grew up rapping and loving Hip Hop. At the age of 14 he caught some assault charges in...
Xpress – Big J
“Big J aka James Nelson is an upcoming Warlpiri MC from Alice Springs (Mparntwe). He started rapping at the of 11 with his brother/cousin AJ Mic aka Ashley Marshall. He met Dan the Underdog at a Music Workshop at St. Joseph’s where he currently attends High School. In...
Xpress – Narbz Media Crew
Our next feature Artist is the Narbz Media crew. “Born in Alice Springs (Mparntwe) and raised on Arrernte and Walpiri homelands, Narbz, also known as Narpipe Kngwarreye, is a gifted poet and rapper from the centre of Australia. Since 2023, he has been making waves...
Xpress – YULUBALA
This week ‘Xpress’ is celebrating a group of inspiring First Nations Musicians. Through mentorship this year with Dan the Underdog and Darcy Davis they forged ahead with their careers; developed music skills, produced original songs, released albums, networked,...