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FAQs

1. I don’t live in the Northern Territory. Can I enter the NT Music Awards?

No ‐ only artists residing in the NT are eligible to enter. If you have relocated, you must have lived in the NT until 30 June 2025. Please contact MusicNT on (08) 8981 1995 to discuss your situation if you have any concerns.

2. How many songs can I enter?


You can enter as many songs as you like.
 The first three songs submitted by any one songwriter/artist will incur a $15 entry fee with every additional entry incurring a $15 fee per song. The price is inclusive of GST.
Please note, if you are a MusicNT financial member, your first three songs are free, and every additional entry will incur a $15 fee per song.

3. Can I enter the same song in different categories?


No. Songs may only be entered into one genre category (Please note 'Youth' is not considered a genre).

4. What are the categories that I can enter my songs in to?

Pop
Rock
Metal / Hardcore
Blues & Roots
Country
Rap / Hip Hop
Electronic / Dance
Folk
Youth (only open to people aged 25 and under)

5. I don’t know which category best suits my song. Can you choose for me?


No, we can’t help you make that decision, so please choose your category carefully.



6. Does it matter if I have entered my song in the NT Music Awards / NT Song of the Year Awards before?

Yes, if you have entered songs in previous years NT Music Awards they are not eligible to be entered in the 2026 NT Music Awards. Songs must have been released between the 1/1/2025 and 31/12/2025 to be eligible for the 2025 NT Music Awards.

7. I want to enter songs I have written into the NT Music Awards but I can’t sing. Can I get someone else to sing/perform them?


Yes, you can.



8. Is there an age limit?

No, there is no age limit. However, only people aged 25 and under can enter the Youth category.



23. What do I get if I win?


The prestige of an NT Music Award title!

Additionally a package of promotional activities will be undertaken on behalf of the winning artists.

9. Can I enter lyrics only?


No. We currently do not have a lyrics only category.



10. Who judges the songs?

A panel of over 50 national music industry professionals assesses the entries according to categories. The judging panel is completely independent of MusicNT. Absolutely no MusicNT staff are involved in the judging process.



11. How are the songs judged?


The songs in the genre categories are NOT judged on production values. Each song is judged on innovation, lyrical content, song architecture, expression and musicianship.

12. Why do I have to pay an entry fee?


MusicNT is a not-for-profit organisation, we rely on sponsorship, entry fees and ticket sales to run the NT Music Awards. Your entry fee contributes to the whole process.



If you are experiencing financial hardship and wish to request a needs-based fee waiver, please contact MusicNT on (08) 8981 1995.

13. How much does it cost to enter the NT Music Awards?


$15 (up to 3 songs). Additional songs will be $15 each
. This prices includes GST.


Please note, if you are a MusicNT financial member, your first three songs are free, and every additional entry will incur a $15 fee per song.

14. When is the closing date?


Entries for the Northern Territory Music Awards close at 23:59 (ACST) Thursday 30 April 2026.

15. Will I get my entry fee returned at the end of the competition?


No.



16. Can I enter instrumental songs?


Yes, you can enter instrumental songs in all categories.

22. How can I attend the Awards Night?


All nominee finalists will be invited. Further to that limited tickets will be available to the public. Check the website for details in May.

17. Can I get feedback on my song?

No, MusicNT is currently not able to offer individual feedback for NT Music Award entrants.

18. How many finalists will be chosen in each category?


There are four finalists in each category, except for the Overall Song category in which there are nine (the winner from each category).

19. When are the finalists notified?


All finalists will be notified via email in June, 2026. They will be asked to provide a photo and bio for promotional use and will be considered for media opportunities relating to the event.



20. When will the finalists be announced?


Finalists will be announced in June, 2026 via the NT Music Awards website and MusicNT social media.

21. When are the winners announced?


At the NT Music Awards night in June 2026, Date Thursday 16 July at the MAGNT Amphitheatre.

24. What is the release period for tracks to be eligible?

Songs must have been released between the 1/1/2025 and 31/12/2025 to be eligible for the 2026 NT Music Awards.

25. Can I use AI in my music?

The NTMAs are dedicated to honouring the genuine craft and lived experiences of our artists. The use of AI to generate musical works is fundamentally at odds with the heritage of these awards, which exist to celebrate the authentic human creativity of our songwriters, musicians, and producers. To protect this integrity, AI-generated entries are not permitted.