When you think "jazz-based a cappella quintet," you might not immediately think of Canberra, Australia. But you would be missing out. 

The Idea of North simply defies categorization.

A cappella singing is not a style of singing. It's merely a description of our instrumentation, which is that we have none.

-The Idea of North tenor Nick Begbie

Tedx Talk by The Idea of North

In 1993, four students from the Canberra School of Music at Australian National University began to hang out together at the lake, each other's houses, and the skate park.

Shortly thereafter, the singing began -- for fun. They jammed on some songs and came up with some arrangements. Four years later, "the quartet" had put together the arrangements of about six songs, but they were good. The songs, the arrangements, the singing, it was all good.

Stayin' Alive Live

The Idea of North has won numerous CARA and CASA awards and in 2003 took home first prize at the Harmony Sweepstakes Nationals. On top of winning the Harmony Sweeps Nationals, they took home (as they would say) "Audience Favorite" and "Best Original Arrangement."

That year was a particularly fantastic Harmony Sweepstakes Nationals, featuring The Idea of North, moosebutter, Cadence, Groove Society, and others. You should check out the CD from the live performance here.

"Sister Sadie" at the 2003 Harmony Sweepstakes Nationals

After 20 years of success and winning countless ARIAs, The Idea of North was inducted into the MusicACT Hall of Fame in 2013.



Their education program has become an integral feature of the group's musical journey. The Idea of North works regularly with schools, universities, and other educational institutions as well as choirs and musical ensembles.

The Idea of North's Choral Warmups

Can you guess what song is being used for their diction "tongue twister?" I bet Nate Tao can.

The Idea of North's Diction Warmups

The interest in choral music skyrockets after they've been here and continues throughout the year, with the kids waiting and waiting until the next visit.

-Celia Christmass, Perth Modern School

One of The Idea of North's signature songs is "Mas Que Nada" by Sergio Mendez. It's won a bunch of awards, and if you know the group, you're extremely familiar with their rendition. If you're not, you can find it here.

Here's The Idea of North on a different Latin tune that you may not have heard!

The Idea of North takes on Brazilian jazz with Jobim's "No More Blues"

The Idea of North's latest album is called "Ballads" and features this tune from Australian rock band "Cold Chisel."

Consider Us 'Modern Australian Fusion.'

SMILE!

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