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Economic Times
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- Economic Times
What defines an ‘Australian song'? Triple J's hottest 100 sparks national identity debate
Agencies Triple J's Hottest 100 countdown spotlights evolving definitions of 'Australian songs,' highlighting shifts from pub rock traditions to diverse modern voices like Thelma Plum and Baker Boy. Debating what makes a song 'Australian' As Triple J prepares to broadcast the Hottest 100 Australian Songs on July 26, attention turns beyond the rankings to a broader cultural question: What defines an 'Australian song'? Is it the nationality of the artist, the thematic content, the sonic elements, or a combination of these factors? Musical cultures have existed in Australia for tens of thousands of years. The sound of the didgeridoo, for instance, has often been used to signal 'Australianness' in film, television, and occasionally in popular music. Yet, due to colonization and systemic exclusion, much of this Indigenous musical heritage has been marginalized in the commercial music landscape. Also read: Wave to Earth announce first-ever Aussie & NZ tour; find out when & where they're playing Since colonization in the late 18th century, Australia's music has reflected broader global influences. Settlers imported genres such as jazz, country, rock, and pop, which local musicians adapted. However, questions remain about whether these adaptations constitute a distinctly Australian sound or reflect cultural imitation. These tensions parallel historical questions about Australian national identity — whether it functions as a sovereign country or remains culturally tethered to its colonial past. The legacy of pub rock and cultural identityIn the 1970s, the pub rock movement, characterized by distorted guitars and grassroots energy, emerged as one of Australia's earliest contributions to global post-rock 'n' roll culture. Bands such as Midnight Oil and Cold Chisel gained popularity not only for their sound but also for references to Australian places, politics, and working-class this period, then-Prime Minister Gough Whitlam expanded funding for the arts to help shape an Australian identity. Simultaneously, the launch of youth radio station 2JJ, now Triple J, offered a broadcast platform for emerging local acts. This era laid the groundwork for what is now referred to as the 'Oz rock canon,' a collection of Australian rock music that has shaped cultural Minister Anthony Albanese's selections for the Hottest 100, composed almost entirely of white male musicians, reflect the enduring influence of this canon. Despite political differences, both he and his predecessor submitted strikingly similar lists, underscoring the narrow scope of what has traditionally been recognized as 'Australian music.' Evolving canons and new Australian sounds Triple J's 2009 Hottest 100 of All Time reaffirmed the dominance of the rock canon. However, it also signaled the rising popularity of Australian hip-hop, with Hilltop Hoods' The Nosebleed Section ranking highest among Australian entries. In 2011, Triple J released the Hottest 100 Australian Albums of All Time. Powderfinger's Odyssey Number Five secured the top spot, with entries from electronic groups such as The Presets and The Avalanches reflecting a broader sonic range. Still, the list was male-dominated, with Missy Higgins's The Sound of White at number 29 being the highest-ranking woman-fronted album. Recent years have seen increased Indigenous representation across Australian music. Artists such as Thelma Plum, Barkaa, A.B. Original, and Baker Boy use diverse genres to celebrate cultural identity and critique the national narrative. A.B. Original's January 26, which ranked number 17 in 2016, exemplifies music's role in social commentary. That same year, Triple J moved the countdown from Australia Day to a different date, indicating a shift in public sentiment. Music, disagreement, and national reflection A strong contender in the 2024 countdown is Treaty (Radio Mix) by Yothu Yindi, a track that reached number 11 in 1991's all-time list. Its continued relevance highlights how musical canons can evolve to reflect societal change. Also read: Lorde announces 2026 arena tour in Australia; Know the dates, her family, and net worth Recent controversies, including criticism of Creative Australia's handling of politically-charged art, have sparked debate over how cultural expression intersects with social cohesion. Critics argue that democratic societies must accommodate disagreement and that art plays a vital role in questioning dominant narratives. As Triple J's Hottest 100 continues to showcase a spectrum of artists, it offers a platform for reconsidering Australian identity. Whether through traditional rock or Indigenous hip-hop, the songs selected, and the discussions they prompt, reflect the complexities of what it means to live on these lands today.
Telegraph
16-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Telegraph
Kate's country look is perfect for a British bank holiday weekend
The Easter Bank Holiday might usually call for pretty pastels and perhaps even the first of the season's occasionwear. But with a decidedly grey and damp forecast, solid British countryside style looks set to be the best sartorial route to take over the upcoming long weekend. And there could be no better source of inspiration for this than the Princess of Wales, who recently appeared in a short film focused on the importance of nature and its impact on mental health in a classic country outfit. Combining natural tones and practical pieces with a little of-the-moment flair, Catherine proved once again that nobody does wet weekend dressing quite as reliably – or stylishly – as the British royals. The Princess, who has served as joint president of the Scouting Foundation since 2020, was filmed on a visit to the scenic Lake District with a group of scouts. The combination of cable-knit sweater, cargo-style skinny jeans and walking boots is straight out of her country style playbook, but the addition of a wool bomber jacket and Baker Boy cap added a modern touch to a classic ensemble. The look cast a spotlight on Bella Hoskyns, the made-in-Britain brand behind Catherine's wool bomber jacket. With its Nehru collar and olive green hue, it strikes the perfect on-trend note, while remaining practical with its Melton wool exterior and quilted lining. With all fabrics sourced in the UK and pieces manufactured in the north of England and Scotland, the brand has already won over the in-the-know country set, but this royal seal of approval will doubtless amplify it further – just look at the 'Kate effect' on small British brands like Beulah London, Zoraida and Finlay & Co. 'I love heritage style with practical appeal and always design my clothes with the aim that they will stand the test of time,' says founder Arabella Hoskyns-Abrahall. 'Bella Hoskyns clothes are meant to feel like they're instant old friends and the classic you reach for time and again in your wardrobe. They're also a 'go-to' for the change in any season, whether layering the gilets or throwing on the jackets.' Catherine's £385 jacket, which is currently in stock in all but size 14, will likely fly off Hoskyns' online shelves. Wool bomber jacket, £385, Bella Hoskyns Her Baker Boy cap, meanwhile, has divided fashion commentators. It's not the first time the Princess has resuscitated the trend, which she was last spotted sporting in a picture taken by Prince Louis and released to mark World Cancer Day 2025. She has also donned a similar style in tweed on a number of occasions, including on a previous Scouts-related trip to Cumbria on a snowy day in March 2013. This was identified as the 'Lindsay' cap from Really Wild Clothing, so royal fashion fans have deduced that the more recent incarnation is also from the British brand. Other elements of the look featured in the new video came from some of Catherine's long-time favourites. One of these is her cosy-looking cable-knit wool sweater in 'sand', £610, by British designer Emilia Wickstead. The Princess often favours Wickstead for formal attire, from a memorable regal purple suit to pretty coat dresses and even a dress renamed 'Kate' in her honour. Showcasing the brand's simultaneous low-key appeal, the jumper is already sold out – and little wonder; while it's clearly an investment, this is a timeless piece, and the super-soft yarn allegedly has a cashmere-like feel. Fans will be pleased to know that similar jumpers in the same material are still available online. As a base for outdoorsy looks, Catherine often turns to Amsterdam-born denim brand G-Star Raw, and her latest ensemble was no exception. She wore the brand's 'Kafey Cargo' skinny jeans, £110, which are now sold out in multiple colours on the brand's website – although, at the time of writing, there are still select sizes available on Amazon. She's worn the jeans on a number of previous occasions, including the Big Help Out celebration in London on the week of King Charles's coronation (when she also donned a Scouts scarf) and again on a visit to a seaweed farm in Wales in September 2023. And the final item she repeatedly dons for royal engagements in sometimes testing natural settings? A trusty pair of brown leather hiking boots, £165, from Berghaus. Her Supalite ll Gortex boots are, unsurprisingly, currently sold out, although UK size 7 is still available in the men's section. From battling snowy conditions in camo for Irish Guards training to abseiling with the Welsh mountain rescue team, these ever-reliable boots have seen her through an impressive array of outdoor activities. Surrounded by the majestic beauty of Lake Windermere on her recent visit to Cumbria, Catherine shared that she feels a 'very spiritual and very intense emotional reconnection' when spending time in the natural world. As any fan of the great outdoors – if not the Great British weather – will know, the right clothing is essential in order to fully enjoy this special connection, while also looking the part. The Princess did both to a tee, returning to some time-honoured classics as well as introducing a few new covetable pieces that will be high on the wish lists of 'copy-Kates' everywhere for the Easter weekend and beyond – whatever the weather holds. Get the country-chic look
