Introduction to Australian Music
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| My kids reaction to Down Under by Men at Work. They were jumping on the bed and having so much fun that the camera could not focus on them properly! |
I have been taking my time with this post, as I've had a hard time trying to come up with a great way to present Australian music in concise manner. I tend to dig way down deep with my own studies and narrowing down on just a few favorite songs and artists is pretty much impossible. But then I had a Terhific idea. I'm going to let my kids do the introduction and choose the songs. With the help of my friends on Facebook, I made a list of suggested artists and songs. The kids and I studied them and now the following are my kids favorites. My kids are 4 and 6, thus, I encourage you to go ahead and find your own favorites as well! Here are just a few good resources to make your studies easier:
- Australian Embassy's Tell Me About Australia booklet, pages 32 - 33, has a great introduction to Australian Music.
- Listening and watching the Opening of Sydney 2000 Olympics ceremony is great way to get an introduction to the most iconic Australian songs and artists. All parts of the opening ceremony are available on this Youtube Channel.
- Here is a good list of Australian Children's Music.
- Here is a list of Top 10 Classic Aussie Songs.
- If you have access to Spotify, you can search for Australian music.
1. Wiyathul by Geoffrey Gurrumul Yunupingu
Geoffrey Gurrumul Yunupingu is a new family favorite! (Thank you Kaisu for letting us know about this wonderful musician!) He is an Aboriginal artist whose voice is very gentle and his songs are as beautiful as can be. All of his songs give me the goose pumps. His musical style reminds me of Israel "IZ" Kamakawiwoʻole and Habib Koité. Gurrumul's music can make grown men cry. Go and grab some tissues before you listen to Wiyathul.
2. Creatures Of The Rain And Sun by Justine Clarke
Justine Clarke is another new family favorite. (Thank you Karen for telling us about her!) The kids really love dancing and being silly along with songs like Dancing Face, Sticky Monster and Do the Hulabaloo. Creatures Of The Rain And Sun is a perfect example of the calmer songs which I find delightful. Justine Clarke reminds me of The Laurie Berkner Band.
Justine Clarke is another new family favorite. (Thank you Karen for telling us about her!) The kids really love dancing and being silly along with songs like Dancing Face, Sticky Monster and Do the Hulabaloo. Creatures Of The Rain And Sun is a perfect example of the calmer songs which I find delightful. Justine Clarke reminds me of The Laurie Berkner Band.
3. Favorite Songs by The Wiggles
The Wiggles are the most well known Australian children's band. It is worth while checking out The Wiggles website as you can watch videos, play games and do children's activities there. My kids have gotten to know the Wiggles though DVDs, CDs and work books. Along with our Australian friend, Jackie, my kids have even seen the Wiggles perform live here in San Diego just before most of the original Wiggles crew retired. Every time my daughter sees the Wiggles new ensemble she comments that she preferred the original Wiggles. Who would have guessed that setting in our ways starts already at the tender age of 6! In any case, the Wiggles are entertaining for the little ones. My kids adore the following songs: Fruit Salad, Big Red Car, Wake Up Jeff, Rock A Bye a Bear and Move Like an Emu Moves.
The Wiggles are the most well known Australian children's band. It is worth while checking out The Wiggles website as you can watch videos, play games and do children's activities there. My kids have gotten to know the Wiggles though DVDs, CDs and work books. Along with our Australian friend, Jackie, my kids have even seen the Wiggles perform live here in San Diego just before most of the original Wiggles crew retired. Every time my daughter sees the Wiggles new ensemble she comments that she preferred the original Wiggles. Who would have guessed that setting in our ways starts already at the tender age of 6! In any case, the Wiggles are entertaining for the little ones. My kids adore the following songs: Fruit Salad, Big Red Car, Wake Up Jeff, Rock A Bye a Bear and Move Like an Emu Moves.
4. True Blue Wonders - Australian Children's Song
This song includes animal sounds made with the diggeridoo. My kids find the sounds fascinating. It is a wonderful song that celebrates the beauty of Australia. After hearing this, my kids wanted to learn more about the diggeridoo. We searched and found both traditional and non-traditional didgeridoo music, both equally fascinating.
5. Kookaburra Sits in an Old Gum Tree by The Mudcakes
The Mudcakes are an Australian based duo that produces adult friendly Kindie Rock. We picked them to play this song, as many of the other versions on YouTube were just a little less interesting. Both of my kids have learned the Kookaburra song at school. We often sing this song, especially when we get ready to celebrate Australia Day.
The Mudcakes are an Australian based duo that produces adult friendly Kindie Rock. We picked them to play this song, as many of the other versions on YouTube were just a little less interesting. Both of my kids have learned the Kookaburra song at school. We often sing this song, especially when we get ready to celebrate Australia Day.
6. Give Me A Home Among The Gum Trees by John Williamson
John Williamson is an Australian icon. He has had a long career and continues to produce new songs. He has had many offers to expand his career to the rest of the world, but he has chosen to stay where his heart is - Australia. His songs and music can be enjoyed by everyone. Give Me A Home Among The Gum Trees is one of the most recorded Australian songs of all time.
7. Waltzing Amanda by Slim Dusty
Waltzing Amanda was my first introduction to Australian music in elementary school in Finland. It is the most famous Australian songs and often it is mistakenly thought to be the Australian Anthem. Slim Dusty is Australia's King of Country music.
Waltzing Amanda was my first introduction to Australian music in elementary school in Finland. It is the most famous Australian songs and often it is mistakenly thought to be the Australian Anthem. Slim Dusty is Australia's King of Country music.
8. Down Under by Men at Work
Last but not least another Australian classic, Down Under by Men at Work. My kids go crazy over this song, as you can see in the picture on the top of this post :-D
We have had so much fun studying Australian music. Our list could go on and on. During many nights I could not stop myself from listening even after I put the kids to bed. I've gained a few new favorite Australian music groups such as Cat Empire, Charmaine, Missy Higgins and of course Crowded House. Thank you everyone who contributed towards my list of Australian music on Terhific Ideas Facebook pages! Australian music is awesome!
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