Damon Mcknight
Country music is currently experiencing a surge in popularity in Australia, with the country being the third-largest market for the genre globally. Streaming numbers have risen by 55% in Australia from last year, with Australians streaming artists in the Top 500 US Country Songs over 1.1 billion times from the beginning of the year to 29 June. This trend is also reflected on TikTok, which captured around 196 million views of country music content in Australia in the past year. While country music has traditionally been more popular in regional and rural areas of Australia, it is now reaching the mainstream, with 78% of Australian music fans considering it mainstream.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Popularity of country music in Australia | Country music is popular in Australia, especially in rural areas. It is the third-largest market for the genre globally, and the second-largest outside the US. |
| Streaming numbers | Australians streamed artists in the Top 500 US Country Songs over 1.1 billion times between the beginning of 2023 and 29 June 2023. |
| Country music artists from Australia | Keith Urban, Morgan Evans, Rachael Fahim, The Wolfe Brothers, Tori Forsyth, Casey Barnes, Missy Lancaster, The McClymonts, Travis Collins, Kaylee Bell, Lindsay Rimes, Kylie Sackley, Phil Barton, Chris DeStefano, John Williamson, Slim Dusty, Joy McKean, Barry Thornton, Billy Blinkhorn, Smoky Dawson, Shirley Thoms, Buddy Bishop, Dougie Young, Lionel Rose, Harry and Wilga Williams, Gus Williams, Auriel Andrew, Isaac Yamma, Roger Knox, Warren H. Williams, Kev Carmody, Archie Roach, Ruby Hunter, Troy Cassar-Daley, The Waifs, The John Butler Trio, Paul Kelly, Nick Cave |
| Country music festivals in Australia | Tamworth Country Music Festival, Gympie Muster |
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What You'll Learn
Popularity of country music in Australia
Country music has a strong presence in Australia, with the country being the third-largest market for the genre. From the beginning of 2023 to 29 June 2023, Australians streamed artists in the Top 500 US Country Songs over 1.1 billion times.
Country music has been especially popular among Aboriginal Australian and Torres Strait Islander peoples, with artists like Jimmy Little, Georgia Lee, Dougie Young, Lionel Rose, and Harry and Wilga Williams and their band, The Country Outcasts, gaining popularity in the 1940s to 1970s. The genre's themes often revolve around the Australian outback or bush, with stories of farms and country towns. This sub-genre is known as Aboriginal country music.
The Tamworth Country Music Festival, held annually in New South Wales, is considered the country music capital of Australia. It celebrates the culture and heritage of Australian country music, with awards and performances by stars and new talents. Another important festival is the Gympie Muster, which began in 1982 and attracts around 25,000 fans.
Despite country music's popularity in Australia, some artists have found it challenging to break through to a wider audience. Western Australian artist Jonny Taylor shared his experience of the difficulty in gaining recognition in the country music scene in Australia. He noted that moving to the US, specifically Nashville, seemed to be the turning point for many Australian country musicians to gain recognition back home.
While country music has a dedicated fan base in Australia, it may not be as widely accepted as it is in the US. Festival manager Barry Harley suggests that Australians don't relate to country music in the same way Americans do, and the influence of international sounds may impact the perception and evolution of the genre in Australia.
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Country music streaming services
Spotify has responded to the growing demand for country music in Australia by launching mood-oriented playlists, Country Chill and Country Party, featuring a mix of Australian and American artists. The most-streamed artist born outside the US is Keith Urban, followed by Morgan Evans, whose song "Kiss Somebody" has garnered over 45 million hits on the platform. Other popular Australian country artists include Rachael Fahim, The Wolfe Brothers, Tori Forsyth, and Casey Barnes.
Despite the growing popularity of country music in Australia, some artists have shared the challenges of breaking through to a wider audience. Western Australian artist Jonny Taylor, for example, gained popularity through TV shows like "Australia's Got Talent" and "Australian Idol" but noted that many talented Australian country musicians struggle to achieve stardom domestically.
To reach a broader audience, up-and-coming artists like Josie are turning to social media platforms like TikTok. Tamworth Country Music Festival is at the heart of the Australian country music scene, and Spotify's music editor for Australia and New Zealand, Peter Stevens, attributes the genre's strong presence in the country to its vast interior and open areas, known as the outback or the bush, which inspire common country music themes.
In addition to Spotify, Australians can stream country music on various other platforms, including Netflix, Amazon, Binge, Disney, Foxtel, and Stan. Country music radio stations, such as ABC Country, also provide listeners with a way to enjoy new and classic country music from Australia and around the world.
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Country music festivals in Australia
Australia is host to a number of country music festivals, celebrating the genre and its artists. The Canberra Country Blues & Roots Festival is one such event, offering a mix of country, blues, and roots music. The Mildura Country Music Festival is another popular gathering, attracting country music fans from near and far. Additionally, the Tamworth Country Music Festival is a well-known celebration of the genre, with a strong focus on country music and culture.
The Gympie Music Muster is a unique festival, often featuring a diverse range of artists and musical styles alongside country music. It provides a platform for emerging artists and established stars alike. The Wandong Country Music Festival is another notable event, bringing together country music enthusiasts for performances and community engagement.
One of the highlights on the country music festival calendar in Australia is CMC Rocks QLD. This festival promises an exciting lineup of country music stars and emerging talent, creating an unforgettable experience for attendees. The festival guide for CMC Rocks QLD 2025 is already available, offering country music fans an early glimpse of what to expect.
These country music festivals in Australia provide a platform for local and international artists to showcase their talent, connect with fans, and celebrate the enduring appeal of country music. These events contribute to the vibrant country music scene in Australia, fostering community and a shared passion for the genre. Country music fans can look forward to these festivals, knowing they will be treated to world-class performances and a chance to immerse themselves in the culture and community of country music.
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Aboriginal country music
Country music has been popular among Indigenous Australians, particularly Aboriginal Australians and Torres Strait Islanders, for decades. The book, documentary, and soundtrack Buried Country showcase significant Indigenous musicians from the 1940s to the 1990s.
Indigenous Australian musicians have adopted and interpreted Western musical styles, often informed by and in combination with traditional instruments and sensibilities. Aboriginal country musicians include pioneers Tom Foster, Dougie Young, Jimmy Little, and successful contemporary artists Troy Cassar-Daley, Kev Carmody, and Archie Roach. Cassar-Daley's music combines country with rock, while Carmody and Roach employ a combination of folk-rock and country music to sing about Aboriginal rights issues.
Country music has always had a strong presence in Australia, with its vast interior and open areas, known as the outback or the bush, inspiring the genre's common themes. According to Spotify's Australia and New Zealand music editor Peter Stevens, the genre's popularity in Australia is increasing, with more artists entering the spotlight and global streaming services providing opportunities for discovery and global reach. Spotify reports a 21% increase in the share of country music streaming outside America since 2015. Australia is currently the third-biggest market for country music, excluding the US, sitting behind Canada. From the beginning of 2023 to June 29, Australians streamed artists in the Top 500 US Country Songs over 1.1 billion times.
However, some sources claim that country music is not as popular in Australia as it is in the US. Festival manager Barry Harley states that Australians do not relate to country music in the same way as Americans, and Australian artists tend to emulate American sounds. Western Australian artist Jonny Taylor, who gained popularity after appearing on Australian TV talent shows, agrees that it is difficult to break through to a wider audience in Australia. Taylor also notes a shift in the perception of country music in Australia, moving away from the "horrible cliche of chewing straw in the fields."
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Country music artists from Australia
Country music is a popular genre in Australia, with the nation being the third-largest market for the genre globally. According to Spotify, there has been a 21% increase in the share of country music streaming outside of the United States since 2015.
While country music has traditionally been more popular in the US, it seems that Australia is catching up. Tamworth Country Music Festival is at the heart of the Australian country music scene, and Spotify has even released country-specific playlists, such as "Country Chill" and "Country Party", to cater to the growing demand for the genre in Australia.
Some well-known Australian country music artists include:
- Keith Urban: Spotify's most-streamed artist born outside the US.
- Morgan Evans: His song "Kiss Somebody" has over 45 million hits on Spotify.
- Rachael Fahim
- The Wolfe Brothers
- Tori Forsyth
- Casey Barnes
- Missy Lancaster
- The McClymonts
- Travis Collins
- Kaylee Bell (from New Zealand)
- Lindsay Rimes
- Kylie Sackley
- Phil Barton
- Chris DeStefano
- Slim Dusty: A legend among Australian country music artists, his music resonates with many Australians due to its authenticity and patriotic themes. His song "True Blue" is widely recognised as an Australian anthem.
- Joy McKean: Slim Dusty's wife, with whom he recorded many tracks.
- Smoky Dawson: Known for his distinctive voice and yodelling, he is considered the most "American West" of all Australian country singers and was often likened to the "Singing Cowboy" figures of the genre.
- Olivia Newton-John: Born in the UK, she moved to Australia as a child and had a successful career as a country music artist, winning two Grammys in 1976.
- Jonny Taylor: A Western Australian artist who gained popularity after appearing on TV shows like "Australia's Got Talent" and "Australian Idol".
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Frequently asked questions
Country music is popular in Australia, especially in rural areas. It is the third-largest market for the genre.
Australians streamed artists in the Top 500 US Country Songs over 1.1 billion times from the beginning of 2023 to 29 June.
Some popular country songs in Australia include "A Bar Song (Tipsy)" by Shaboozey, "One Thing At A Time" by Morgan Wallen, and "Gettin' Old" by Luke Combs.
Tamworth Country Music Festival is at the heart of the Australian country music scene.
Country music's themes are inspired by Australia's vast interior and open areas, known as the outback or the bush.
