Why Australian Music?
Australian music is a vibrant and diverse tapestry, woven with influences from its indigenous custodians and all corners of the globe. The term ‘Australian Music’ can sometimes be contentious in academic circles. Indeed, how does one pinpoint all of what Australian music is in just a few sentences. It is a country that has seen 235 years of political policy that hasn’t always reflected the total sum of its inhabitants. It is also a country that has provided a new sense of home to countless migration stories over the decades. Speaking generally of the music produced on this continent, it encompasses a wide range of genres, influences, and perspectives, and has gradually matured in its own skin throughout the Twentieth Century. As a maker of music, it has been fulfilling to observe its transition from Colonial imitator to innovator, embracing its differences, and communicating those, as one of the Australian music industry’s major strengths.
What is it that makes Australian music unique and worthy of exploration?
1. Indigenous Voices
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples have a rich musical heritage that predates European settlement in Australia by thousands of years. This music provides a powerful link to the nation's story, country and spirituality. Through artists like Archie Roach, Gurrumul, William Barton and many more, the voices of Indigenous Australians have come to the fore internationally, amplifying their stories on a global stage, and raising awareness of issues pertaining to the recognition of culture, land and people. Australia enters a new era in 2023 with its referendum, The Voice, addressing long-petitioned changes to its constitution in relation to Indigenous Australians. October 2023 will reveal an important development in the psyche and identity of the country, with a well-overdue reassessment of its past. This takes place parallel to Australia redefining its place in the world arena geo-politically.
2. Cultural Diversity
A melting pot of cultures, Australia’s diversity is reflected in its music. Its reflection of identity today is, for a European audience, quite far removed from that first promoted during its post-WW2 boom. From Indigenous storylines to the rhythmic beats of many multicultural-fusion ensembles, and far beyond mainstream genre categories, Australian music today is woven from the threads of extensive cross-cultural dialogue. A unique blend of musical styles commenting on the contemporary Australian experience has created an increasingly fascinating journey through sound worlds, traditions, and innovations
3. Connection to Land
Australia’s vast landscape has been a source of inspiration for countless musicians throughout its history. First Nations cultural practices, iconographic ballads of the bush, and surf-rock anthems of the coast - this country’s environment continues to have a profound impact on the music it produces. Issues pertaining to its relatively short yet intensive history of environmental policy provide vivid stories of the country's geography and its people's connection to it.
4. Iconic Artists
Australia has produced a remarkable array of world-renowned musicians, many of whom international audiences may not initially recognise as characteristically Australian. Its breadth of artistry has continually achieved international acclaim throughout its modern history, showcasing the country's ability to produce music attractive to a global audience across genres. Its artists have not only left their mark on the international music industry but have also served as cultural ambassadors for Australia, introducing the world to its potential and unique sound world.
5. Innovation and Experimentation
Australian musicians are known for their willingness to experiment and push boundaries. From a redefinition of electronic music, to blended folk and blues, new approaches to the jazz idiom, and much more, a distinctive sound is always sought as a reflection of its peoples’ experience on this largely isolated island in the Southern Hemisphere. This spirit of innovation has kept Australian music constantly evolving, similar to its popular and much-loved wine industry. It synthesises the rules only to break them, or use them sparingly as necessary.
Australian music is a captivating journey through a land of unique indigenous history and knowledge, cultural diversity, varied and extreme geographies, as well as fresh artistic innovation. It's a testament to the nation's ability to adapt, synthesise, and innovate in its own unique context. Why Australian music? They’ve always said the answer lies in the water...or the air. For me, the Australian willingness to experiment, push boundaries, test, and ‘have a go’ are testament to the excellent standard of artistry being cultivated in this southern land of endless skies. As an Australian citizen of mixed European heritage, currently living and working on Gomeroi country in NSW, I would like to pay my respects and acknowledge the traditional custodians of this land, paying respect to Elders both past and present.
Written by Maryanne Piper, award-winning Australian musician, composer and producer, and curator for Music Meeting Festival 2024.
