Australian Music Research Paper

Leslie Roda
Professor Clemente
MUS 126
1 May 2017
The Evolution of Australian Music Australia is the sixth largest country in the world and is an island continent that is between the Indian and Pacific Oceans. The first inhabitants were migrants from Asia. In the 1820s, there were soldiers, officers and emancipated convicts that turned the land they received from the government into farms which brought more migrants from Britain. During the 1960s, there was much Asian influence when it comes to Australian music. When it came to the music of Bali, Java and Japan, the melody and rhythm was used in Australian music. Australians also explored the formal implications of theatrical performance styles and absorbed aspect of those countries’ literary,
spiritual and philosophical traditions. At the time of the European settlement, there were up to one million Aboriginal people living as hunters and gatherers across Australia. There were also five hundred different clans who spoke around 700 different languages. Each of these clans had a spiritual connection with their land. They would also travel to trade and ritual gathering, as well as find water and seasonal produce. As a result of independence from Britain and resistance to the Vietnam War, Australian ethnic diversity increased which helped when it came to the contribution to an Australian atmosphere of political, economic and social change. Three important genres in Australian music are: classical, bush, folk and country music, and pop music which includes rock.
There was much influence when it came to Australia’s music from Asia and Europe.
Australian indigenous music is understood innately and is a vital part of life. Instruments in traditional Australian music include the didjeridu, boomerang clapsticks and membranophones. In traditional music, there were no chordophones or string instruments. In order to understand Australian indigenous music, someone must have a special type of knowledge to interpret and understand their words. The two main indigenous traditions are Aboriginal and Torres Strait Island. These traditions are mostly sacred and the performance occur where either only men or women can attend or only the initiated may hear the songs. What sets apart of Australian music from others is the recognition of rhythmic patterns that derive from their environment and a sense of place. It also includes indigenous and culturally diverse aspects of Australian
life. Every year there are around 2,500 concerts of classical music that are performed throughout Australia. The classical music in Australia derived from European history and traditions such as a sonata or symphony. Some of the different types of classical music include medieval music, baroque, classical, romantic, contemporary and new music. They followed strict stylistic and rhythmic rules which are more complex than popular music. There was a tradition of Western classical music with professional orchestras in every capital. Their classical musicians as well as teachers are world standard. At ceremonies, parades, church services, mass dinners and concerts, the Australian military band perform classical and popular music. An important person to note is Duncan Gifford who is an Australian pianist. He had found international success in tons of the world’s most prestigious piano competitions and has established himself as a major artist as a result. He has performed in many orchestras throughout Europe, Russia, Japan and Australia. The rich European traditions with its origins in the Renaissance period is what Australian opera is based on. A professional opera production can involve more than 200 people on and off the stage. Competitions are crucial when it comes to establishing a career in classical music. The Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC)’s of Young Performers Awards is a well-renowned competition. Australian folk songs in the 1970s was influenced by migrants from diverse backgrounds which dominated Australia’s working life after World War II. The new folk styles were influenced by the ancient traditions of Europe, Egypt and Africa. In Australia, there are over fifty folk festivals that were enriched by different cultures such as the Celtics, Gaelics, Greek, Macedonian, Klezmer, Pacific Island, African and Asian cultures. Early bush music told the stories of isolation and hard time persisted in the ruthless new land. Australian country music evolved from folk songs sung from the 1780s to 1920s that were about Australian folklores. An important figure in Australian country music was Tex Morton, who as a singer born in New Zealand. He was an inspiration for aspiring young artists such as Sam Dusty. Sam Dusty had Australia’s first international number one hit with his song “Pub With No Beer ” which was released by Slim Dusty in 1957.
Early Australian popular music, commonly known as pop, was about immigrants making the best of their opportunities and succeeding. It was mainly directed towards female singers, songwriters, performers and popular activities and events. Australian pop music is one of the most successful musical exports as it pertains to Australia. Australian pop music originated in the 1950s and 1960s when it was gaining popularity globally, in addition to rock music. In Australian rock music, there is country and rhythm and blues roots. Bands that helped with the increase in popularity of Australian rock included Men at Work and Midnight Oil. The most internationally known rock band from Australia is AC/DC. The band formed in 1973 with Angus and Malcolm Young and Dave Evans. AC/DC went on to perform for over three decades. They did not become globally recognized until they came out with their platinum song “Highway to Hell ” in 1979. Alternative popular music, commonly known as indie, has become popular recently. They use more electronic music to create unique sounds as well as the heavy guitar use. Some other instruments used in this genre of music include
A key artist in the 1960s who contributed to Australian pop was Little Pattie. At the age of 17 years old, she was the youngest entertainer to play to Australian troops in Vietnam in 1966. Her song, “He’s My Blonde Headed, Stompie Wompie, Real Gone Surfer Boy ” was the first song that took her career off. An important band when it came to the development of Australian pop is The Bee Gees. They are an Australian pop group that achieved international success not only as singers and songwriters, but also as performers. When they were children, they emigrated to Australia from Britain. They lived in Brisbane as young children and recorded many of their early singles and albums in Sydney. This group had several hits in the late ‘70s hits, which includes “How Deep is Your Love.” A current key musician who has influenced Australian pop music is Iggy Azalea. At the age of 16 she moved to America from Australia. She became the fourth solo female rapper to ever top the Billboard Hot 100 with her debut single “Fancy ”. She has topped charts in Australia, New Zealand and the United States.
The overall role that Australian music played is crucial when it comes to understanding the developed of popular music within the country.
The social and political developments also play a role in the transformation of Australian music. I found it interesting how some artists and bands really brought attention globally to Australia and their unique style of music. The music of Australia and America is similar in the way that it sounds and the instruments that are used. All in all, Australia’s music plays an important role when it comes to understanding their culture.

Works Cited
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