Featuring Floodlights and James Range Band –
10 days of live music and workshops through remote communities in the Northern Territory,
September 19 – September 28, 2024
Bush Music Fund, Media Release, 27 August 2024
Celebrated live music and workshop program Guts Touring is back for another year, unveiling the two bands who will be performing throughout the Northern Territory for their 2024 program. From Thursday 19 September to Saturday 28 September, indie-rock darlings Floodlights and Utju’s James Range Band will be embarking on a 10-date tour and hosting workshops throughout Central Australia, continuing the program’s mission of bringing live music to remote communities.
This year’s offering closely follows the path of Warumpi Band and Midnight Oil’s historic 1986 Blackfella/Whitefella tour, kicking off in Alice Springs on Thursday 19 September. Floodlights and James Range Band will then travel to Mutitjulu on Friday 20 September, Docker River on Saturday 21 September and Tjukurla on Sunday 22 September. For the last half of the tour, they will perform in Kintore on Tuesday 24 September, Mount Liebig on Wednesday 25 September, Papunya on Thursday 26 September, Ltyentye Apurte/Santa Teresa on Friday 27 September, before finishing with a special final performance in James Range Band’s hometown of Utju on Saturday 28 September.
Formed in Naarm in 2018, Floodlights have gained a cult following across the country for their dynamic performances and poignant lyricism. The band are gearing up to tour the EU and UK in support of their acclaimed 2023 album, Painting of My Time, which was named Album of the Week on RRR, RTRfm and 2SER. They’ve also performed at SXSW Austin, UK’s End of the Road Festival and Meredith, as well as supporting Pavement and Black Midi.
James Range Band are a proud family band from the Pitjantjatjara community of Utju with stories to share about family, culture and community. They are experiencing a breakout year winning the Rock Award at the Northern Territory Music Awards and a nomination for New Talent of the Year at the National Indigenous Music Awards. This year, they have been announced as one of the bands working alongside Bush Music Fund, a music pathway program providing long term career development for First Nations musicians living in remote areas.
In addition to these special performances, Guts Touring will continue its tradition of collaborating with local artists. Each community visited will feature local performers on the lineup, fostering cross-cultural exchanges and supporting local talent. This year’s offering will also include a new solar-powered PA system, allowing artists the access to perform in spectacular parts of the Country where live music set-ups aren’t normally a possibility.
“Guts takes so long to plan that the actual tour often feels so far away, so to be announcing the next instalment of Guts – and within a month of being back out on the road is very, very exciting. I can’t wait to get back on the road with two beaut bands in some beaut remote communities.” – Jack Parsons, Guts Touring
“I remember hearing about bands like Amyl and Dumb Punts doing the Guts Tours and thinking how amazing it’d be to get to do it. We feel so lucky to have gotten the call up and are counting down the days now. It’s going to be so special.” – Joe Draffen, Floodlights
“We’re so excited to be going on the tour.” – Imran Poulson, James Range Band
The story of Guts Touring began on a porch in Brunswick, where co-founders Jack Parsons and James Clarke were inspired by their mutual love of the legendary Blackfella/Whitefella tour of 1986. The expansive and adventurous spirit of Australian pub rock touring from the 70s and 80s spurred the duo to revive this ethos and create new opportunities for bands to perform in remote and outer regional areas across the country. What started as a conversation between friends evolved into a beloved annual program, connecting artists from across Australia, encouraging collaboration and cultural exchange and creating opportunities for younger generations to become involved in music.
From their debut in 2016 to their recent tours with artists like Amyl and the Sniffers, Bad//Dreems and Teen Jesus and the Jean Teasers, Guts Touring has continued to evolve and expand their vision. The 2024 program, created in partnership with Bush Music Fund, reflects this with a renewed focus on remote locations and a commitment to showcasing diverse talent.
Don’t miss a second of Guts Touring 2024, as they amplify voices, ignite talent and create unforgettable experiences across the Northern Territory! You can get involved by grabbing your ticket below and support the program by donating here.
Tour dates
- Thursday 19 September – Alice Springs (tickets here)
- Friday 20 September – Mutitjulu
- Saturday 21 September – Docker River
- Sunday 22 September – Tjukurla
- Tuesday 24 September – Kintore
- Wednesday 25 September – Mount Liebig
- Thursday 26 September – Papunya
- Friday 27 September – Ltyentye Apurte/Santa Teresa
- Saturday 28 September – Utju
- Guts Touring Instagram
- Bush Music Fund Website | Instagram | Kickstarter
