Australia has fostered a vibrant, diverse, and interesting music scene that has captivated audiences worldwide.
Hard rock, folk, pop, country, and much more!
Australia reflects a kaleidoscope of influences that reflect the nation’s diverse landscapes and rich culture.
Without further ado, let’s sink into this list and check some of the top Australian musicians.
1. AC/DC
This entry doesn’t need an introduction.
AC/DC is not only the top rock act in Australia, but also one of the top Hard Rock bands in the entire history.
With classics such as Highway To Hell, Back In Black, You Shook Me All Night Long, and T.N.T., AC/DC had a long, long way to the top since their beginnings in the 70s.
The group has released more than 15 studio albums, including the successful Back In Black, which turned out to be one of the top seller albums in the world.
2. Wolfmother
Wolfmother blends classic and modern-oriented rock into a single unique formula that has captivated both old-school and newer audiences.
The band emerged in the year 2000 and it was thanks to outstanding tunes like Joker & The Thief and Woman that their popularity grew internationally.
Nowadays, Wolfmother is slightly off the radar. However, their legacy continues to captivate new listeners all around the globe.
3. Keith Urban
Keith Urban was born in New Zealand in 1997. However, he moved to Queensland, Australia at the age of two, where he continued to grow up.
Urban has won the fifteen Academy of Country Music Awards and collaborated with colossal musicians including Dolly Parton, Carrie Underwood, Julia Michaels, and Pink, among many others.
4. Nick Cave
Considered one of the most pivotal songwriters in the alternative rock scene, Nick Cave fronted his band Nick Cave & The Seeds, blending poetic writing with emotionally deep music.
Nick Cave has also written several books and appeared in various films. A talented and hard-working guy, indeed!
5. INXS
During the 80s, INXS was a hitmaker machine.
Among their many, many classics we can mention Original Sin, New Sensation, Suicide Blonde, Disappear, Devil Inside, and Mistify.
Their most successful album (which by the way, includes many of the songs mentioned before), Kick, was released in 1987 and has sold over 20 million copies worldwide.
Far from being Oceanic sensations, INXS conquered Europe, South America, and North America thanks to their catchy and professional rock-pop anthems.
6. Flea (Red Hot Chilli Peppers)
Indeed!
Believe it or not, the famous Californian bass player was born in Australia!
He would later move to America where he would form one of the greatest bands in existence. But that’s a story for another article…
7. Partiboi69
Probably the funniest Australian musician you’ll find in the whole country (or at least, the funniest you’ll find on this list).
Partiboi69 is an electronic musician who’s specialized in ghetto house, Detroit techno, and Miami bass.
If his artistic name is not enough to give you a smile, wait before you watch his eccentric and witty music videos.
8. Sia
Singer, songwriter, actress, and director.
But, mainly remembered because of her musical career both as a solo artist and as part of the supergroup LSD together with British rapper Labrinth and American producer Diplo.
9. Midnight Oil
From Sydney comes this group whose songs deal with environmental issues and awareness of diverse causes.
Singer Peter Garrett has even been the president of the Australian Conservation Foundation.
10. 5 Seconds of Summer
Combining pop with certain touches of punk rock, 5SOS quickly began to climb the chart lists after releasing a series of covers on Youtube in 2012.
In 2014, 5 Seconds of Summer released their first international album and took over the world.
11. King Gizzard & The Lizzard Wizard
KG&TLW is one of those bands whose trajectory has been (so far) very short, yet managed to release plenty of studio albums.
Their psychedelic and catchy rock music is the main focus, of course. Nonetheless, I’d argue that their music videos are also worthy of admiration.
12. Silverchair
It seems that Australia has nothing to envy England or America when talking about quality rock acts.
They started in the middle 90s and continued making music until 2011, leaving behind a fruitful legacy with their 5 studio albums.
13. Tame Impala
Although Tame Impala is a band, the mastermind behind the group is one single human being: Kevin Parker.
That is to say, although there’s a full band playing live, Parker records everything in the studio before releasing material.
In 2015, Tame Impala released Currents, a highly successful album that peaked at N°1 in the ARIA charts.
14. Kylie Minogue
Kylie’s talent cannot be denied. She has released a grand amount of fantastic music throughout the years.
However, the most successful moment during the singer’s career was after releasing the 2001 album Fever.
The song Can’t Get You Out of My Head became the most-listened song of the year.
15. Tommy Emmanuel
Tommy Emmanuel is not just recognized because of his characteristic fingerpicking style. He has also played with Eric Clapton, George Martin, and John Denver.
What an interesting CV!
16. Rick Springfield
Rick Springfield’s discography is boundless.
His music and career should be an example to follow not just because of his artistic talents, but because the man has struggled with depression since his teenage years.
In his own words, he is “an example of the moment passing”.
Remember. If you’re struggling with suicidal thoughts, seek immediate help.
17. Iggy Azalea
18. Jet
19. Men At Work
20. The Chats
21. John Farnham
Hello there, my name is Ramiro and I’ve been playing guitar for almost 20 years. I’m obsessed with everything gear-related and I thought it might be worth sharing it. From guitars, pedals, amps, and synths to studio gear and production tips, I hope you find what I post here useful, and I’ll try my best to keep it entertaining also.
