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Articles on Australian music

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Composer William Barton in 2013. Indigenous composers have long been working in the field, but the contribution of Indigenous music and culture to Australian composition deserves greater recognition. David Crosling/AAP

It’s time to properly acknowledge - and celebrate - Indigenous composers

Australian composers have long referenced Indigenous music and culture in their works. A new platform paper suggests a more collaborative way forward.
The absence of women rockers such as Chrissie Amphlett (pictured here in 2006) from an Oz playlist promoted by the prime minister speaks volumes about how women are excluded from the music canon. Joe Castro/AAP

Why Scott Morrison’s white, male music playlists matter

The PM’s Spotify playlists are significant as they offer insight into what he sees as valuable in popular culture. They also remind us how women are excluded from the music canon.
Sampa the Great won the Australian Music Prize this year but until recently, few women in hip hop were acclaimed here. Valerie Maciver PR/AAP

Five women to watch (and listen to) in Australian hip hop

Australia is home to a diverse range of female hip hop artists. Here’s our guide to five of the best.
Best Classical Album winners Flight Facilities, playing at the ARIA award ceremony last year. Tracey Nearmy/AAP

ARIAs still matter to artists, but what do they say about us?

High-profile awards ceremonies are often only as interesting as the controversies they create. The 2016 ARIA Awards has started strongly in this area. Although the main ceremony is still a month away…
A young punk at Myanmar’s annual water festival in 2012. Soe Zeya Tun/Reuters

Friday essay: punk’s legacy, 40 years on

Punk gave women a voice; changed the dynamic between audiences and performers and offered music fans a DIY smorgasbord. On its 40th anniversary, that’s worth celebrating.
Fifteen years ago, The Avalanches won four awards at the 15th Annual ARIA Music Awards. How has music changed in a decade and a half? AAP Image/Dean Lewins

Can The Avalanches flourish in a pop music world remade in their own image?

The Avalanches’ legendary first album, Since I Left You, was a modern classic, built from more than 3500 music samples. Sixteen years on, they’re finally releasing a second one - but will it resonate in an age when everyone samples?
Music – as a tool of mobilising people against power – tends to suit a more progressive agenda. AAP/Richard Milnes

Barnes vs Reclaim Australia: does Khe Sanh work as a conservative protest song?

Cold Chisel’s Khe Sanh was played at Reclaim Australia rallies in various cities last weekend – but won’t be again, after a public statement by the band’s frontman, Jimmy Barnes. Was it a good song choice?
Singer, songwriter, poet and writer, Steve Kilbey has recently released his memoir, Something Quite Peculiar. debra/Flickr

Speaking with: Steve Kilbey, lead singer of The Church

Bassist and lead singer of The Church, Steve Kilbey is one of Australia’s most prolific musicians. The band released their 25th album, Further Deeper, in October and will play The Queenscliff Music Festival…

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