The purpose of Country Kid’s blog site is to make sure that the genre of Country Music receives the coverage that it is worthy of. Along the path of my personal research into country music I came across the fascinating country music that is written and sung by Aboriginal people. I wanted to bring this form of country music to your attention because if you are like me you may never have heard much about it.
Walk (2000) realizes that to many people country music and an Aboriginal person seem an unlikely combination. This however is not so, Aboriginal country music is a very real phenomenon that gives Aboriginal people a voice in a modern Australia. This sub genre of country music is not well known, especially on the coastal areas of Australia. Country music offers a common ground between black and white Australia. The tradition of Aboriginal country music is swamped by mainstream music and a myriad of multicultural styles.
According to Walk (2000) Aboriginal people took to country music for quite a number of very good reasons. Firstly, most Aboriginal people live in-land Australia, outside city areas and country music was about all they ever heard. Apart from their own making the only live performances they would be subject to would be the likes of Slim Dusty and Buddy Williams.
Secondly, they could relate to it. In traditional Aboriginal society their songs were story songs, as is country music.
The final reason is that country music is guitar based and relatively easy to play the basics for a song.
Walk, C. (2000), Buried Country, Pluto Press, Annandale NSW.
An interesting book, isn’t it? I believe the Aboriginal Country Music Assn have a talent quest as part of the Tamworth Festival.
Wow I didn’t realise that Aboriginal country music even existed. And I would have never guessed that Troy Cassar-Daley had Aboriginal heritage. I would be really interested in finding some Aboriginal country music, I don’t think I would have ever heard anything like it.
I actually found an example of Aboriginal country music on You Tube (Steering clear of Troy Cassar-Daley because he was the most well-known). As soon as I figure out how I will post it up on our page so we can all see.
It is awesome to see how a form of music such as country can mean so much to so many people. The fact that there is aboriginal country music i think is great! beats another stereotype with in australia and show how through music a sort of reconciliation can be made and acknowledged! As youve said its giving people a voice with in a modern world. Through music a a technology, a culture, a communication form of expression is reaching people! I think one of country musics great attributes is it is very community orrientated thats why it is seeming to have a massive following! awesome research!
This is very interesting!! (especially since I only ever really heard Aboriginal music when I came to Australia). I would really like to hear some Aboriginal country music – I can’t really imagine what it would sound like. It is so interesting how things are interconnected in the world and we don’t ever realize it.