Identity Through Sound and Image: This is Australia?

Abstract

Beginning with the example of GANGgajang’s song The Sounds of Then, this discussion explores whether or not there is such a thing as an Australian sound in popular or rock music. Of particular concern are the actions of transnational corporations, the Internet and governments in the creation or subversion of such a notion. Sometimes national or transnational groups appropriate regional or local identities in order to ‘infiltrate’ a society. Such groups are often concerned with misappropriation of ‘the local’ in order to acquire a particular hegemonic position. Rather than resisting the forces of global capital, so-called ‘local’ sites may indigenise aspects of Imperialist cultures. However, ignoring the reality of contemporary global organisations is folly. Not only that, but ‘local’ cultural forms will always survive so long as there are those that wish to have a ‘voice’ of their own. And, in the case of rock music, is the national point of origin really all that much of an issue?