Australian Music Rocks!!! - Guest Blog on About.com

Considering Australia’s location and apparent remoteness from the rest of the world, it is no wonder that Australian artists have struggled to impact overseas. Sure, there have been some exceptions to that rule: AC/DC and INXS for example. But up until recently, very few bands have been able to convert their local success into international recognition…and then there was Jet!

Suddenly the flood gates have opened and overseas A&R managers are taking notice of Australian talent. And not before time!!! Australia offers some of the greatest new talents the music industry has seen in years.

Prepare yourselves! A large chunk of this talent is heading over to the States to perform at the SxSW Music Festival (March 15-20). Here are some performances that you will be kicking yourself if you miss!!!


Airbourne:
Pure old school rock! This band managed so secure the support spot for Motley Crue’s intimate gig in Melbourne, and had an amazing response from the audience. There is phenomenal hype building for this band, similar to the hype surrounding Jet before their debut release, the hugely successful ‘Get Born’.
Airbourne has been touted the next AC/DC, quite a rap for the young band (not to mention a lot to live up to).
Their debut album is due for release in Australia early next year… One thing is certain, it will be met with thunderous applause from those who appreciate air guitar, tight jeans and beer.

Sarah Blasko:
Sarah Blasko’s debut album ‘The Overture and the Underscore’ superbly infuses mellow vocals with soaring harmonies; and the result is breathtaking.
Blasko is a unique and refreshingly original artist who is gathering a cult following within the indie music scene in Australia. Fans of PJ Harvey will adore Sarah Blasko.

End of Fashion:
Infectious, addictive and just damn fun! I challenge anyone to stand still when they hear this band. End of Fashion is the perfect blend of pop and rock, with catchy lyrics and a spunky front man! There is an element of cheekiness with this band that is irresistible. You should particularly listen out for their first single ‘O Yeah’, it has a killer film clip too.

Faker:
Faker has an unmistakable energy, an energy that they have the ability to channel into a stark, sexy ballad or a frenzied rock explosion. It is this quality that makes them comparable to the likes of Blur (the band name Blur and The Cure as major musical influences), Editors or The Bravery (whom they supported on their Australian tour). This is just the beginning for Faker.

Missy Higgins:
Australia’s darling, Missy has the voice of an angel. Her songs are pure and honest, and you cannot help but be swept away by her modest charm. All Missy needs on stage is a piano and she can transport you to another place, and what a place it is.
Tom-boy Missy has had a busy year. ‘The Sound of White’ was Australia’s biggest selling album of 2005; Missy also won a massive 5 ARIA awards (Australian equivalent of the Grammys). There is nothing left for Missy to achieve in Australia, so the time has come to take her music to the world, and Australia is behind her 100% of the way!

Kisschasey:
This is Pop/Punk in its modern form. It is feel good music combined with playful lyrics that you can jump around to. Throw in some rocking guitars for good measure and you have Kisschasey.
These guys supported the Dandy Warhols for a free gig in Melbourne and rocked Simple Plan fans as their national tour support!
Their debut album ‘United Paper People’ debuted in the Top 15 on the ARIA Charts and the boys managed 2 ARIA award nominations…not a bad start really!

Xavier Rudd:
There is an organic edge to Xavier Rudd’s music. This makes it both unusual and unmistakably raw, yet overflowing with spirituality that resonates from Rudd’s adoration of all natural beauty.
A one-man band Xavier sits amongst his numerous instruments (which includes a stomp box, guitar and didgeridoo) with his bare feet and creates magic… there is not one else quite like Xavier Rudd.

Wolfmother:
How does one explain the music of Wolfmother? Power-filled stoner rock, with its roots firmly planted in the 70’s hard rock scene. Wolfmother will no doubt be drawing comparisons to the likes of Led Zeppelin and Black Sabbath from reviews of their self-titled debut. Classic rock updated for a new generation.

For more information on the amazing talent Australian will be showcasing check out the Australian Music Collective (http://www.australianmusiccollective.com/).

Pop Princess xo