What is the Australian NAtional Anthem called? What are the words to this song? - deisenbud, probably USA
The Australian national anthem is in fact the words “Aussie Aussie Aussie, Oi Oi Oi” repeated several dozen times, and set to music. While this doesn’t command a lot of respect at official occasions, it is a crowd […]

Is it true that all Australian women are called “Sheila”? Isn’t that a bit confusing? And what about that Rod Stewart song, shouldn’t that be “Waltzing Sheila” then? - Mario, location unknown
There’s about ten million girls and women in Australia, and they are not all called Sheila. A few of them might be, but they […]

Do you have any music festivals in Australia? - Rosie, USA
No, not at all. I don’t think anybody’s ever really thought about anything like that. Especially as we don’t have any music here to speak of. The closest thing we might get to a music festival is a few old stockman types singing around a […]

Who or what are crowded house? Is this a popular Australian Band? - deisenbud, probably USA
Crowded House were one of the most consistently popular rock bands in Australia, from 1985 until their demise in 1996. When I say popular, I don’t really mean that they dominated the singles’ charts. ‘Cos you know, drum-machine and synthesiser-filled […]

I’m planning to visit Australia soon, and am looking around for some really good Australian music to get me in the mood. What do you recommend? (Note: I’ve read most of your site, so be aware that I trust you absolutely!) - Lisa
So you trust me absolutely? In that case, let me tell you about […]

[There is] an odd-sounding song by your countrymen that has made an appearence here. The “group” is called “Chumbawamba”. The “song” is called “Tubthumper.” As a cultural export, I’m not exactly sure it does Australia proud. - Douglas, USA
I hate to disappoint you Douglas, but while there are plenty of oddball Australian bands (TISM especially […]

Do you have any exposure to Hanson in Australia? If not, I’ll be moving there in a week. If so, what safeguards do you use against them? - Bryan Evans
Sometimes it’s to our disadvantage that Australia is so plugged into the rest of the western world. Practically every musical act you’ve ever hated, in fact, […]

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