MUSIC IN THE 90'S IN AUSTRALIA
Despite the high American influence, Australia began to form a voice in the music industry that was significant in contributing to a cultural identity. Australia’s own boy band “Human Nature” emerged popular in the late years of the decade, with an extremely hybridized sound. Australian hip hop grew a voice of its own, with artists rapping in Australian accents, focusing on issues of modern Australian culture. Australian bands such as ‘Silverchair’ gained wildly from the culture, and its popularity was highly inspired by Nirvana. These musicians remain as Australian music icons even today.
Music in the 90s was a heavy influence for behaviors, especially amongst Australian teenagers. For example, grunge music was characterized by heavy drums, distorted guitars and intense, angst-filled lyrics. The grunge scene was distinguished by a lack of conformity, and was driven by a rejection of the materialism of the past. It influenced the youth of Australia by popularizing grunge fashion with baggy boots and torn clothes, sparking rebellious and anti-materialistic attitudes in teens of the 90s. |
Music in the 1990's was abundant in shaping Australian society by influencing behaviours and contributing to the “Americanisation” of Australian culture whilst also leading to the emergence of new Australian musicians.
Pop music, hip hop music and rock music were of high significance in the Americanisation of Australian culture. American hip hop music emerged highly successful in the 90's, contributing to styles of dance and attitudes of freedom affiliated with the genre. The pop music industry say boy and girl bands such as the Backstreet Boys achieve high popularity amongst Australians. Rock music primarily came from America as well and was popularized by the Australian youth who found independence and rebellion in the sound. Today, majority of the music aired on the radio in Australia is American and the behaviours and styles that follow still continue, demonstrating the immense significance of “Americanisation” on Australian society. |
|
|
Some examples of popular grunge and pop music from the 1990's can be seen above, with grunge band Nirvana's "Smells Like Teen Spirit", and pop boyband N Sync's "It's Gonna Be Me".