Zan Rowe from Double J, Take 5 and Bang on! here - taking over the listen newsletter this week for Ausmusic Month 🎵 | | |
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And what a month it is, because all through November we celebrate Australian music across the ABC. Did you know Ausmusic Month began at triple j? We’ve always championed local sounds, but we go turbo in November and the local love-in is now celebrated across the country; on TV, radio, and online. One of the things I love most about this month is that it’s a chance to take stock of our local scene, to reflect on what telling our stories through song means to us all, and to show our deep appreciation for those who make it. These past two Ausmusic Months have become particularly poignant, as much of our music industry has shutdown in the pandemic (all whilst keeping us afloat with their beautiful songs).
So over the next few weeks, we’ll be celebrating it all. Singing out loud, tapping our feet, and wearing our love of Australian music quite literally on our sleeves (more on that, later).
My first album was Australian. It was INXS - Kick. I remember saving 8 weeks pocket money to buy it from the local Brashs, and when I finally did, I played it every day. There’s something very special about the music that made us who we are today, and so much of it is from our own backyard. So let’s remember it, while we champion the artists who’ll make memories for the next generation.
Can you remember your first ever concert? I’ll never forget mine. Mum and dad took the whole family along to Midnight Oil’s “Diesel and Dust” tour. I was 9 years old, and I thought the lead singer had some wild moves. I’ll never forget Rob Hirst playing a massive water tank on stage, and the power of hearing those anthems very loud, surrounded by thousands singing along with me. As a kid, I learned more about Australian history at that gig than I had at primary school.
Our live music team has been capturing and bottling these moments for everyone to enjoy, for decades. On Double J this week you’ll be taken back to a huge Midnight Oil set in 2009, where the power and the passion can be felt on every song. And this month we’re also marking the 30th anniversary of Yothu Yindi’s debut album Tribal Voice. Treaty , co-written with Peter Garrett and Paul Kelly, is a landmark moment in Australian music. The first time a song in Language hit the charts, and the start of a conversation that continues to this day. Hear the story of Yothu Yindi’s mark on Australian music, on Classic Albums, on Double J. It’s the best kind of education.
Some other great presenters will be taking over from here, but catch you at the end of the month for another takeover from me.
Until next time,
Zan 🎧 |
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