Australian Indigenous Music Yesterday and Today

The music industry is one of the most famous forms of entertainment. Its popularity has continued to soar over the years as technology has provided more tools for artists and their songs to reach a wider audience. This has also allowed listeners to be exposed to different types of music and to gain an appreciation for foreign-sounding beats.

In Australia, the indigenous music scene has used this opportunity to spread their culture and message across the “Land Down Under”, and even in the rest of the world. The Aborigines originally performed for their customary rites and for the unravelling of historical stories and everyday events in their native land. They used the most famous traditional instrument, the didgeridoo, which is a hollowed log from the eucalyptus. However, when the protests for cultural and political freedom grew stronger in the 1970s, Aboriginal artists also started to fuse their indigenous sound with modern styles such as reggae and rock. This brought about a new sound that would soon conquer international airwaves.

One of the most famous performers of infused indigenous music who got worldwide attention is Jimmy Little with his song “The Royal Telephone”, which came out in 1964. Yotho Yundi, on the other hand, is the world-renowned band who gained global fame through their mixture of native Aboriginal instruments and musical styles with Western pop and rock techniques. Their career skyrocketed after the release of “Treaty”, which was sung in the Aboriginal tongue. They have won several Australian Record Industry Association (ARIA) awards for their work.

As Australia’s music scene continues to evolve, their indigenous music also keeps on gaining more influence, helping pave the way for a more varied entertainment industry and audience.