Australian Folk Music- A Genre Worth Exploring

If you’re a fan of music that tells a story, then you’ll love Australian folk music. This genre is full of heart and soul, and it’s definitely worth exploring.

So what are you waiting for? Start digging into some of the best Australian folk music today!

What is Australian Folk Music?

Australian Folk Music is a genre that is often overlooked. It is a shame, because there is some great music being made in this genre. Australian Folk Music often has a strong focus on storytelling, and the lyrics are usually based on real life experiences. The music is often upbeat and positive, and it has the ability to transport you to another place. If you are looking for something different, then Australian Folk Music is definitely worth exploring.

Origins of Australian Folk Music

Australian Folk music is a style of music that is unique to the country of Australia. The music is a blend of various influences, including British, Irish, and Scottish folk music. The genre began to develop in the 19th century, and it has continued to evolve and grow in popularity ever since.

Traditional ballads

Traditional ballads are narrative folksongs – simply put, they are folksongs that tell stories. The term “ballad” is derived from the Latin word “ballare” meaning “to dance”, as many early ballads were written to be sung at dance gatherings. These songs were often about tragic events such as murder, death, and war. Many of the earliest known ballads were written in England in the late medieval period (14th-16th centuries), and were brought over to Australia by English settlers in the 19th century.

Australian traditional ballads often deal with local topics and events, such as bushrangers and swagmen (itinerant workers), as well as more universal themes like love, loss, and death. Some of the most well-known Australian traditional ballads include “The Wild Colonial Boy”, “Click Go The Shears”, and ” Ned Kelly”.

Celtic music

Celtic music is a genre of folk music that has its roots in the cultures of the Celtic people. Celtic music is characterized by its use of traditional instruments such as the fiddle, bagpipes, and accordion, as well as its focus on themes of love, loss, and nostalgia. Celtic music has been influential in the development of other genres of folk music, such as Appalachian and bluegrass.

Bush music

Australian folk music is a genre of music that is inspired by the folk music of other cultures, as well as the traditional music of Australia’s Indigenous people. Bush music, also known as bush band music, is a form of Australian folk music that developed in the 19th century. It is typically performed by a group of musicians playing acoustic instruments, such as guitars, fiddles, banjos, and drums.

The genre is often associated with the bushranging ( outlaws who lived in the Australian bush) and droving (cattle herding) eras of Australian history. Bush bands would often play songs about these activities, as well as other topics such as love, loss, and death. Many of the most well-known bush bands were based in New South Wales, such as The Stringybark Band and The Wild Colonial Boys.

Despite its name, bush music is not limited to the Australian bush; it can be found in many urban areas across Australia. In recent years, there has been a resurgence in popularity for the genre, with new bands forming and old bands reforming. If you’re looking for something a little different from the mainstream, Australian bush music is definitely worth exploring.

Contemporary Australian Folk Music

Contemporary Australian folk music is a genre that is often overlooked. This is a shame, as there is a lot of great music being made in this style. Australian folk music has its own unique sound, and there are many talented artists making great music in this genre.

Popular Australian folk artists

There are many wonderful Australian folk artists making music today. Here are some of the most popular:

-The Waifs are a hugely popular Australian folk band who have been making music since 1992. Their music is a mix of traditional folk and contemporary sounds, and they have won multiple ARIA Awards (the Australian equivalent of the Grammy Awards).

-The Seekers are another hugely popular Australian folk band, who were formed in 1962. They have a distinctive sound that combines traditional folk with country and pop elements, and they have sold over 60 million records worldwide.

-Sarah Blasko is a popular singer-songwriter who blends indie pop with chamber folk. She has released six studio albums, all of which have been very well-received by critics.

-Kate Miller-Heidke is a singer-songwriter and musician who combines pop, opera, and electronica in her unique sound. She has released five studio albums, all of which have been very successful in Australia.

Where to find Australian folk music

If you’re interested in exploring Australian folk music, there are a few different places you can look. You can find many contemporary Australian folk musicians performing at local pubs and clubs, as well as at festivals and other events. You can also find a number of Australian folk bands and solo artists recording and releasing albums.

There are several contemporary Australian folk bands that are worth checking out. The Waifs are a popular band that has been performing since the early 1990s. The Band of Brothers is another band that has been gaining popularity in recent years. Both of these bands have released a number of well-received albums.

In addition to these contemporary bands, there are also a number of older Australian folk bands that are worth checking out. The Bushwackers are one of the most iconic and influential Australian folk bands. They formed in the 1960s and have released a number of classic albums. The Seekers are another well-known Australian folk band who formed in the 1960s. They had a huge impact on the Australian music scene and released a number of chart-topping singles.

Why Australian Folk Music is Worth Exploring

Australian Folk music is a genre that is often overlooked. It is easy to see why some people might write it off as unimportant or not worth exploring. After all, it doesn’t have the same mainstream appeal as other genres. However, there are a number of reasons why Australian Folk music is worth exploring. In this article, we will be discussing a few of those reasons.

The unique sound of Australian folk music

When most people think of Australian music, they probably think of AC/DC or Kylie Minogue. But there is so much more to the country’s music scene than just pop and rock. If you’re looking for something a little different, why not explore the unique sound of Australian folk music?

Australian folk music has its roots in the traditional music of the country’s Indigenous people. Over time, this sound has been blended with influences from other cultures, including Celtic and Scottish music. The result is a genre that is both familiar and unique.

One of the most distinctive features of Australian folk music is the use of the didgeridoo. This ancient instrument is used in many traditional Aboriginal songs and dances. It’s also a staple in contemporary Australian folk bands.

If you’re interested in exploring Australian folk music, there are plenty of great artists to check out. The Black Arm Band is a group that combines traditional Aboriginal sounds with contemporary influences. They have won multiple ARIA Music Awards and their albums have been nominated for Grammy Awards.

Another band worth checking out is The Waifs. This trio has been making beautiful acoustic folk-rock music since 1992. They’ve won multiple Australasian Performing Right Association (APRA) Awards and their 2003 album Up All Night was nominated for a Grammy Award.

Whether you’re a fan of traditional folk music or you’re looking for something a little bit different, Australian folk music is definitely worth exploring.

The connection to the land

Australian folk music has a strong connection to the land, and this is perhaps one of the things that makes it so unique. The vast majority of Australian folk songs are about the land, and its history, people and animals. This connection to the land is also evident in the instruments that are used in folk music, with many songs being accompanied by didgeridoos, clapsticks and other Indigenous instruments.

Australian folk music is also unique in its influences. While most Western countries have been influenced by British and Irish folk music, Australia has also been strongly influenced by German, Chinese and Aboriginal music. This diverse range of influences has resulted in a genre of folk music that is truly unique.

Despite its uniqueness, Australian folk music is still relatively unknown outside of Australia. This is a shame, as it is a genre of music that is well worth exploring. If you are looking for something different, then Australian folk music is certainly worth a listen.