This Saturday, at 10am, triple j will count down the Hottest 100 of Australian Songs as voted by us. In this period of time where the Australian music industry is struggling I loved the concept and look forward to seeing just what we think is the hottest Australian track. But I’d also like to know if any song that wasn’t offered up on the easy click alternatives cracks the 100, as many artists were left out.
There were two ways to vote. You could lock and load from a alphabetical list that included what are the usual suspects – You’re the Voice, Khe Sanh, The Horses, AC/DC, and much more recent songs and acts that triple j introduced us to like G Flip, Ball Park Music and Ocean Alley. Another option was to upload your own selection from Spotify.
I saw many people’s ten songs, including the Prime Minister’s (see below), shared on social media.
When compiling my list I stopped when I couldn’t choose a specific Missy Higgins song, or anything from the Black Sorrows at all. I suspect most of you who voted just got it done in one hit and didn’t overthink it like I did. In the end it automatically submitted eight songs that aren’t wholly representative of what I would want any person who doesn’t know Australian music to hear.
But then, what songs or artists do define what Australian music is?
Above is a selection of outlier songs not on the easy click triple j list that do go some way to answering that question for me. I’d love to hear yours too. And what you think will be No 1 on Saturday.
Jen Seyderhelm is a writer, editor and podcaster for Radioinfo.