Latest news with #TripleJ
RNZ News
20 hours ago
- Entertainment
- RNZ News
Update on Oz with Brad Foster: The Crowded House battle
Australian radio station Triple J has compiled a list of 100 Hottest Aussie Songs as voted by the public. Crowded House's 'Don't Dream It's Over' came in at number 5. When will Australians understand Crowded House is a New Zealand band? Crowded House Photo: supplied
West Australian
a day ago
- Politics
- West Australian
Kate Emery: Australia must never let reheating of old culture wars tear us apart
A familiar tune has been playing in my head for days. That is not thanks to Triple J's controversial weekend list of the best 100 Australian songs, which not only put Jet's Are You Gonna Be My Girl ahead of The Church's Under the Milky Way, but made my kids late for school while I forced them to admit The Nosebleed Section was a better tune than anything from the KPop Demon Hunters soundtrack after all, Mum. That déjà vu feeling has nothing to do with seeing music fans argue the merits of INXS v ACDC, and everything to do with the fact that welcome to country is back in the public discourse. Again. This is partly down to the Liberal Party's State council, which voted on Saturday to remove official status for welcome to country ceremonies and partly down to Opposition Senate Leader Michaelia Cash, who said she thinks the ceremonies make people 'feel good' while doing nothing to improve life for Indigenous people. Senator Cash's comments weren't the silliest thing I saw all weekend — that would be ranking Savage Garden's I Want You above Nick Cave's Red Right Hand — but they were right up there. The idea that having a positive display of Indigenous culture is an obstacle to improving Indigenous welfare is like suggesting we all boycott eating hummus until the Middle Eastern crisis is solved. Two things can be true. One: that anyone who has attended a conference where every speaker performs an acknowledgement of country may have thought about rolling their eyes — especially if the tenth 'I'd like to also acknowledge' stands between them and afternoon tea. Two: that anyone who has experienced a truly great welcome to country knows it is anything but tokenistic. The problem is that too many Australians misunderstand what welcome to country is. It's not the same as an acknowledgement of country, which can be done by anyone. A welcome to country must be done by an Indigenous person and is just what it sounds like: an act of hospitality. It's not welcome to the c ountry because because these ceremonies aren't about welcoming us to Australia. As a proud Australian — proud of our music, the fact we're the only nation capable of using the c-word as a term of affection and that we boast the oldest continuous living culture in the world — why would I have a problem with that? The other big misunderstanding about welcome to country is that it was 'invented' by Ernie Dingo. Yeah, nah. Welcome to country is a modern take on what Indigenous groups have been doing since the days when, over in Europe where my ancestors are from, the Neanderthals still thought they were in it for the long haul. When one group passed into territory inhabited by another, the two would come together to request safe passage. Welcome to the patch of country we've been looking after, let us give you some tips for getting along here. The only thing that's 'new' about welcome to country is that it's been given a national platform and incorporated into so many big events, from the opening of Parliament to footy games. I've seen some cracking welcome to country ceremonies over the years, from those that made me laugh to those that tug on what passes for a journalist's heartstrings. The latter happened recently when I received a very special welcome to country in the Pilbara. Without going into specifics — this particular elder was publicity shy — he told us about his connection to the land, and warned us against the spiritual repercussions of taking any artefacts we found. It wasn't about making us feel like trespassers, just an affecting way to be reminded about the history of the land. At a time when the Liberal Party is struggling for relevance, at both the Federal and State level, it is tedious to see so many party members breathing on the coals of this particular culture war. An Opposition that puts its energy into tearing down Indigenous culture instead of holding the Government to account and coming up with policies to present itself as a credible alternative, is one that's doomed to fail. And for those of us who believe that good oppositions make good governments, it's almost as maddening as seeing Thunderstruck not make the top 10 of Australian bangers.
The Guardian
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- The Guardian
Five burning questions from Triple J's Australian Hottest 100, a ‘rare and precious thing'
More than 2.6 million people voted in Triple J's Hottest 100 of Australian Songs poll, anointing INXS as the Aussiest of Aussie bands for their classic anthem Never Tear Us Apart. The full list spans decades, genres and regions. But there were some key standouts – and some burning questions – as the results rolled in on Saturday afternoon. Lachlan Macara, the head of Triple J, said the campaign began as a neat way to recognise 50 years of the station but soon grew into a chance for Australians from all walks of life 'to share our feelings of our unique cultural worth'. 'Our audience really understands we really need to get behind Australian music at the moment', Macara said. 'If we want the next 50 years to sound as good as the last 50, we need to stay really fucking loud about how good it is.' Linda Marigliano, a former Triple J presenter, said the station has tapped into something special with young Australians for decades, meeting them where they are, year after year, about 'what's important to them'. The all-Australian countdown created an 'extra sense of ownership and … patriotism', she said. 'You're having these passionate arguments between people of different generations about songs from different generations.' she said. 'I think that is what one of the most exciting things'. Macara said Triple J wasn't surprised the most votes in the Hottest 100 came from the 18 to 29 demographic, the station's key listenership. But he said it was fascinating to see so many votes come in from people for songs that came out before they were born 'We know how big nostalgia is', he said. 'Classics are classics for a reason.' Chris Cheney, the lead singer of The Living End – whose song Prisoner of Society came in at number 41 on Saturday – said the Australian Hottest 100 became a spectacle reminiscent of when the song came out in 1997, when 'kids were ringing in' to radio stations demanding to hear it. 'It was a real movement. It harkened back to that [on Saturday] with people just calling in to the DJs from house parties,' he said. Cheney said while the band never set out to write a classic, great songs brought people together around ideas everyone can relate to. 'You're just trying to write songs that you like', he said. 'You're not sure if it's ever going to get further than the rehearsal room. But this, 25 years later, is extraordinary on a personal level.' Marigliano said she was proud INXS topped the list, but thought the results would be different. 'I honestly thought Australians would choose more of a joke song,' she said. 'I think there's this part of me that when the Hottest 100 rolls around I always suspect that the No 1 song will be a big, boisterous crowd pleaser. 'One of the most beautifully written, elegant, heartbreaking, sombre hits comes in at No 1,' she mused of Never Tear Us Apart, 'I can't help but being proud of the elegant little dickheads that we are'. The Hottest 100 was peppered with classic hits from Crowded House, Powderfinger, Paul Kelly and Silverchair. But some were surprised when The Veronicas' pop anthem Untouched took third place. Regardless, The Veronicas said on Sunday they were 'blown away' by the ranking, saying Untouched represented a feeling of liberation for the duo that was reflected in Australian's love for having fun. 'It's been the greatest honour to see this song unite so many different people & scenes around the world, and especially back home in Australia', the duo wrote. Macara said it was hard not to get emotional seeing the country have a shared moment together centred on music, saying thousands of people were texting in as each song played on Saturday about how they had soundtracked parts of their lives. One of those texts read: 'I'm on the 246 bus from St Kilda to Abbotsford and loving that I can tell whose headphones are playing the hottest 100 as the headbanging is happening in unison.' Macara said he hoped the momentum from the Australian Hottest 100 carried on into the coming countdown wrapping up the best songs of this year. But he said he was struck by the unifying experience of the weekend's event. He shared a text Triple J got on Saturday from a longtime listener: Hi. I'm 70 years old. I still play loud rock'n'roll in a live band. I've been listening to Triple J all my life. My kids listen to Triple J. I just want to say that what you are doing today is so important. This music is brings (sic) generations together. And today we're all listening to the same songs at the same time. Australian songs. It's bringing people right across the country together That's a rare and precious thing. Marigliano said the Australian countdown could encourage people who may be out of the Triple J loop to dive back in and become champions of local acts. 'I think it definitely shines a light on how much we need to care about Australian artists', Marigliano said. 'Especially seeing so many legacy acts in the countdown, all these older songs, and you think, 'Oh my God, was that the golden era? Do we not care as much any more?' 'We need to care. We need to champion young, strange artists'. The fun continues this week on Double J: the station plans to unveil 20 songs a day that came in from 200th place to 101st, 10 each morning and 10 each afternoon.
The Advertiser
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- The Advertiser
Nobody cares about third place... unless you're the Veronicas
Voice of Real Australia is a regular newsletter from the local news teams of the ACM network, which stretches into every state and territory. Today's is written by regional digital editor and millennial Kim Chappell, and national social producer Rachel Clark representing Gen Z. Millennial says: Picking just 10 songs to give my votes to for Triple J's Hottest 100 Australian songs of all time was like choosing between children. So many Aussie bands shaped my teens and 20s - they filled my weekends and week nights with gigs and made the soundtrack to many road trips. But after days of hard-fought decisions, I made my picks and then on Saturday tuned in to see who made the list and where they landed. The number one song, Never Tear Us Apart by INXS, is an Australian classic, and to be honest, I would have been shocked if anything knocked it off the top of the tree. But the song in spot three. That was a shock. The Veronicas! Say what?! It's not even 20 years old yet - hasn't even stood the test of time. To see The Veronicas get two songs in the countdown and long-standing Aussie legends like Jebediah get none and incredible acts like You Am I and Augie March get just one... they were robbed! As for You Am I not even cracking the top 50? In the words of many a countdown listener.... should have been higher! Gen Z says: Untouched by the Veronicas absolutely deserved to nab the third spot on Triple J's Hottest 100 Australian songs of all time list. As it is now and forever, the unofficial Aussie national anthem for all Gen Zers. The duo's 2007 hit song shaped our childhoods and teenage years, from swimming carnivals and school discos to teen house parties and nights out. Even now, when I or any of my friends hear those first few notes, we rush to the dance floor. The song brings a sense of nostalgic joy for the early 2000s; the iPhone had only just been introduced, YouTube had not peaked yet, magazines were still in high circulation, and no one lived their life through a camera lens. Plus, I suspect most listeners could name more than one of The Veronicas songs compared to half of the artists on the list. The Veronicas are not the only band that holds a sentimental spot in young Aussies' hearts; Hilltop Hoods, Gotye, Temper Trap, Tame Impala, and Thelma Plum gave us the soundtracks to our young adult lives. But I do have to say, despite our disagreements about who deserved which spot, at least we can agree that Never Tear Us Apart by INXS rightfully deserved the number one spot. There is not a more iconic song that can bring all Aussies together. Voice of Real Australia is a regular newsletter from the local news teams of the ACM network, which stretches into every state and territory. Today's is written by regional digital editor and millennial Kim Chappell, and national social producer Rachel Clark representing Gen Z. Millennial says: Picking just 10 songs to give my votes to for Triple J's Hottest 100 Australian songs of all time was like choosing between children. So many Aussie bands shaped my teens and 20s - they filled my weekends and week nights with gigs and made the soundtrack to many road trips. But after days of hard-fought decisions, I made my picks and then on Saturday tuned in to see who made the list and where they landed. The number one song, Never Tear Us Apart by INXS, is an Australian classic, and to be honest, I would have been shocked if anything knocked it off the top of the tree. But the song in spot three. That was a shock. The Veronicas! Say what?! It's not even 20 years old yet - hasn't even stood the test of time. To see The Veronicas get two songs in the countdown and long-standing Aussie legends like Jebediah get none and incredible acts like You Am I and Augie March get just one... they were robbed! As for You Am I not even cracking the top 50? In the words of many a countdown listener.... should have been higher! Gen Z says: Untouched by the Veronicas absolutely deserved to nab the third spot on Triple J's Hottest 100 Australian songs of all time list. As it is now and forever, the unofficial Aussie national anthem for all Gen Zers. The duo's 2007 hit song shaped our childhoods and teenage years, from swimming carnivals and school discos to teen house parties and nights out. Even now, when I or any of my friends hear those first few notes, we rush to the dance floor. The song brings a sense of nostalgic joy for the early 2000s; the iPhone had only just been introduced, YouTube had not peaked yet, magazines were still in high circulation, and no one lived their life through a camera lens. Plus, I suspect most listeners could name more than one of The Veronicas songs compared to half of the artists on the list. The Veronicas are not the only band that holds a sentimental spot in young Aussies' hearts; Hilltop Hoods, Gotye, Temper Trap, Tame Impala, and Thelma Plum gave us the soundtracks to our young adult lives. But I do have to say, despite our disagreements about who deserved which spot, at least we can agree that Never Tear Us Apart by INXS rightfully deserved the number one spot. There is not a more iconic song that can bring all Aussies together. Voice of Real Australia is a regular newsletter from the local news teams of the ACM network, which stretches into every state and territory. Today's is written by regional digital editor and millennial Kim Chappell, and national social producer Rachel Clark representing Gen Z. Millennial says: Picking just 10 songs to give my votes to for Triple J's Hottest 100 Australian songs of all time was like choosing between children. So many Aussie bands shaped my teens and 20s - they filled my weekends and week nights with gigs and made the soundtrack to many road trips. But after days of hard-fought decisions, I made my picks and then on Saturday tuned in to see who made the list and where they landed. The number one song, Never Tear Us Apart by INXS, is an Australian classic, and to be honest, I would have been shocked if anything knocked it off the top of the tree. But the song in spot three. That was a shock. The Veronicas! Say what?! It's not even 20 years old yet - hasn't even stood the test of time. To see The Veronicas get two songs in the countdown and long-standing Aussie legends like Jebediah get none and incredible acts like You Am I and Augie March get just one... they were robbed! As for You Am I not even cracking the top 50? In the words of many a countdown listener.... should have been higher! Gen Z says: Untouched by the Veronicas absolutely deserved to nab the third spot on Triple J's Hottest 100 Australian songs of all time list. As it is now and forever, the unofficial Aussie national anthem for all Gen Zers. The duo's 2007 hit song shaped our childhoods and teenage years, from swimming carnivals and school discos to teen house parties and nights out. Even now, when I or any of my friends hear those first few notes, we rush to the dance floor. The song brings a sense of nostalgic joy for the early 2000s; the iPhone had only just been introduced, YouTube had not peaked yet, magazines were still in high circulation, and no one lived their life through a camera lens. Plus, I suspect most listeners could name more than one of The Veronicas songs compared to half of the artists on the list. The Veronicas are not the only band that holds a sentimental spot in young Aussies' hearts; Hilltop Hoods, Gotye, Temper Trap, Tame Impala, and Thelma Plum gave us the soundtracks to our young adult lives. But I do have to say, despite our disagreements about who deserved which spot, at least we can agree that Never Tear Us Apart by INXS rightfully deserved the number one spot. There is not a more iconic song that can bring all Aussies together. Voice of Real Australia is a regular newsletter from the local news teams of the ACM network, which stretches into every state and territory. Today's is written by regional digital editor and millennial Kim Chappell, and national social producer Rachel Clark representing Gen Z. Millennial says: Picking just 10 songs to give my votes to for Triple J's Hottest 100 Australian songs of all time was like choosing between children. So many Aussie bands shaped my teens and 20s - they filled my weekends and week nights with gigs and made the soundtrack to many road trips. But after days of hard-fought decisions, I made my picks and then on Saturday tuned in to see who made the list and where they landed. The number one song, Never Tear Us Apart by INXS, is an Australian classic, and to be honest, I would have been shocked if anything knocked it off the top of the tree. But the song in spot three. That was a shock. The Veronicas! Say what?! It's not even 20 years old yet - hasn't even stood the test of time. To see The Veronicas get two songs in the countdown and long-standing Aussie legends like Jebediah get none and incredible acts like You Am I and Augie March get just one... they were robbed! As for You Am I not even cracking the top 50? In the words of many a countdown listener.... should have been higher! Gen Z says: Untouched by the Veronicas absolutely deserved to nab the third spot on Triple J's Hottest 100 Australian songs of all time list. As it is now and forever, the unofficial Aussie national anthem for all Gen Zers. The duo's 2007 hit song shaped our childhoods and teenage years, from swimming carnivals and school discos to teen house parties and nights out. Even now, when I or any of my friends hear those first few notes, we rush to the dance floor. The song brings a sense of nostalgic joy for the early 2000s; the iPhone had only just been introduced, YouTube had not peaked yet, magazines were still in high circulation, and no one lived their life through a camera lens. Plus, I suspect most listeners could name more than one of The Veronicas songs compared to half of the artists on the list. The Veronicas are not the only band that holds a sentimental spot in young Aussies' hearts; Hilltop Hoods, Gotye, Temper Trap, Tame Impala, and Thelma Plum gave us the soundtracks to our young adult lives. But I do have to say, despite our disagreements about who deserved which spot, at least we can agree that Never Tear Us Apart by INXS rightfully deserved the number one spot. There is not a more iconic song that can bring all Aussies together.
The Age
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- The Age
Where was Helen Reddy's I am Woman on the Hottest 100?
I was lucky enough to enjoy Saturday's journey through Australian music, with two of my grown-up children on a road trip to the Blue Mountains. To celebrate 50 years of being on air, Triple J invited listeners to vote on the 10 best Australian songs. After 2.65 million people voted, including yours truly, the result was a nostalgic playlist, The Hottest 100 Australian Songs. As we drove, it stirred fond memories of their childhood and my youth. After lunch, as number 56, Jimmy Barnes' Working Class Man played, my daughter showed me an Instagram reel shared by @sherelmoodyfemicidewatch. It was footage of well-known Australian rap artist, Fortay, who has decided to try his hand at stand-up comedy. The reel was from a recent performance at Zhivago nightclub in Adelaide, where he addressed any feminists who might be in the audience: 'If the power grid goes down, you bitches are in trouble. You better start behaving yourself. Stop protesting. Stop trying to cancel my concerts. 'Cause once the power grids go down … 'cause I tell you what…' At this point the men in the audience jollied him along. 'Fortay's comin round!' one called out. Encouraged, Fortay continued: 'The men in this crowd are gonna be doin' what we want with you.' I typed ferociously in the comment section, trying to be concise and powerful, but knowing, in my escalating anger, that I was a voice in the wilderness. Because, in reality, no one is going to cancel Fortay. His threats of violence will continue to be condoned and this will help to sustain a culture that kills one woman a week in our country. How do I know Fortay will not be cancelled? My life spans the second and third waves of feminism and is taking me into the next, but misogyny does not die; it just reinvents itself. Now it looks like a tattooed rapper with street cred, or a YouTuber, or an angry incel, or a 'Christian' American president. After the wave of anger subsided, we continued to enjoy the afternoon of music nostalgia, counting down towards the top 10: the best ever, most loved, most powerful, most iconic Australian songs. So far, we'd heard anthems like Treaty by Yothu Yindi at number 36, a still unfulfilled promise that resonates with as much relevance as ever. I was surprised that we had not yet heard Helen Reddy's feminist anthem, I Am Woman, which became a soundtrack to the women's liberation movement worldwide, and whose lyrics – 'Hear me roar' – have been part of the vernacular for female empowerment for more than 50 years. But I assumed its significance would be satisfyingly recognised in the top 10. The bangers kept coming: Powderfinger, the Angels and AC/DC. Paul Kelly made a well-deserved appearance at No. 9 and Cold Chisel at numbers 8 and 7! Missy Higgins and The Veronicas edged in at 4 and 3, and finally Hilltop Hoods' Nosebleed Section at No. 2 and INXS's Never Tear us Apart at No. 1. Great songs. But still no Helen Reddy. It was over, and I Am Woman was not listed as even one of the best 100 Australian songs. It was a democratic process, and I am not disputing the results, but it made me wonder why our feminist anthem was overlooked. 'I am woman, hear me roar'. These words have become idiomatic in the English language, emblematic of equality, resistance, of breaking down patriarchal structures that disempower women. It would seem that a war cry is needed more now than ever when misogyny is rearing its ugly head through legitimised channels.
