Australian music lovers are prioritising local music over international acts, but smaller bands are still struggling to be heard.
Music Australia’s Listening In report has suggested a growing shift toward homegrown talent, with Australian artists gaining higher representation in playlists, charts, and live music attendance.
The data found listeners aged between 18 and 24 are driving this trend. With 49 per cent of people within this age group listening to Australian music daily.
The Listening In report showed interest in Australian music is growing, but the benefits are not evenly distributed.
The Music Australia data showed many Australians want to hear more local artists, raising questions about why smaller acts are still overlooked.
Wollongong band Lightyears guitarist, Noah Maranesi said local musicians are still feeling the effects of underrepresentation.
“I think we have a lot of good talent here that doesn’t get discovered,” Mr Maranesi said.
“A lot of our radio stations still play too much from international acts. We have a lot of good local stuff, and a lot of cool songs people might relate to.”
However, he said in the age of social media, supporting independent artists has never been easier.
“Liking, commenting, and resharing… coming to shows, taking photos of us, taking photos of anything, and just sharing,” Mr Maranesi said
In the report’s foreword, Music Australia’s director, Millie Milgate said the rise of streaming and social media is reshaping how audiences discover music.
“We move to consider the impacts of changing technologies on Australians’ listening habits,” Ms Milgate said.
“Clearly, streaming and social media are changing the ways in which people are listening to and discovering music.”
Streaming services such as Spotify and Apple Music were outlined as the most common ways Australian listeners consume music. However, platforms such as TikTok and Instagram have made it easier for local artists to reach audiences directly, particularly younger listeners.
Mr Maranesi said there are always local shows happening, and heading to venues to support small artists is easy.
“Just going out, just having a look walking around and there’s pubs everywhere and they’ve got posters everywhere and even just searching up [gigs] online,” Mr Maranesi said.
Whilst streaming numbers for Australian artists have increased, Mr Maranesi said, live support is what keeps the industry alive.
Additional reporting: Laragh Michael
