Every year, Aussies (and some non-Aussies) come together to celebrate the local music scene in the most relatable way. And no, I don’t mean any fancy award galas.
On one day in November, bands happily rep their counterparts’ merch. Music fans proudly sport their fave acts’ T-shirts. Pics with the campaign hashtag are shared on social media, far and wide. And donations to the music industry participants doing it tough appear on the official campaign website.
This year, I can properly share in the fun, too. After years of talking about it, I’ve finally secured a tee, repping one of my fave Aussie acts. I bet you’re dying to know which one. But before revealing it, let me tell you why the Aus Music T-shirt Day is one of those rare occasions when local music truly plays the first fiddle in the Land Down Under.
PART 170 OF “AM I EVER GONNA SEE YOUR FACE AGAIN?” A RANDOM COLLECTION OF UNKNOWINGLY OBVIOUS FACTS ABOUT THE AUSTRALIAN MUSIC SCENE
The first time I mentioned #AusMusicTShirtDay on this blog was back in 2019. A few of my friends agreed to talk about their fave acts and pose for some photos in those bands’ tees. And that’s the whole point of the campaign. Aus Music T-shirt Day means what it says, literally.
But this “heaps good” initiative, run by Support Act, has been around for much longer. It’s one of the organisation’s signature programs that throws a lifeline to people who shape the music industry but might be going through a rough patch.
In 2023, the celebration is on Thursday, November 30th. And a new generation of artists has stepped up to advocate for it this year. Apart from Aussie music stalwarts, like the beloved rocker Barnsey (aka Jimmy Barnes), indie-pop singer Amy Shark and First Nations R&B/pop crossover artist Budjerah have joined the Ambassadors’ ranks, for example.
The campaign’s tagline is “In music, every little bit matters”. So, how can you do your bit this time round?
Unsurprisingly, a big part of the #AusMusicTShirtDay concept is fundraising. The good news is, however, that you don’t have to go it all alone (but you can if you want to).
Years of following the campaign have shown me that starting a fundraiser as a team is hugely popular. That doesn’t necessarily mean a friends’ squad. Workplaces also often come together to chip in their part. And I mean serious, big enterprises, i.e. Spotify, Oztix (an independent Aussie online ticketing company selling) or even big hotel chains like Rydges.
Check out the leaderboard from November 28th, just two days before it all goes down.
As usual, donations are welcome, too. Here, you can choose between backing someone else who is fundraising or sending your money directly to Support Act.
There’s also a third way to show your monetary contribution.
Let’s assume for a moment that you can’t decide which Aussie act to rep (a crazy idea, I know!). Or you don’t have a proper tee to wear (which was me till this year). In that case, you can show solidarity with the cause by purchasing the official campaign merch. Check out the 2023 selection here.
And if you ever wonder whether artists give a damn about your repping their name on #AusMusicTShirtDay (or any other day of the year, for that matter), Perth alt-rock outfit DICE will break it down for you in the vid below.
A fun thing introduced this year is music trivia that you can download from the Ausmusic T-Shirt Day website. They test your knowledge about Aussie music in four categories: current music, 80s & 90s, rock music and general music trivia.
If you’re Aussie, you’ll nail the answers – guaranteed. And if you’re not, you’ll learn heaps about the local scene. So a win-win situation, either way.
And let’s face it. It wouldn’t be a music celebration if no gigs were planned for the day.
When I’m typing this (November 28th), more than 60 events linked to #AusMusicTShirtDay are listed in the official gig guide. If you’re in the country, maybe you can make one of them? You’ll be spoilt for choice, going from a Pacific Avenue concert to a South Aus Music T-Shirt Market or a Jamaican Music and Food Festival.
Now, what does it have to do with me? I really don’t know how it happened, but I had no Aussie band’s tee until this year. And I’ve been talking about getting one since… like forever.
I even discussed it with Ash King, Support Act’s in-house psychologist. In March 2023, I interviewed her for my ‘Silly Talks Music’ podcast. Ash used to be a muso herself. But a vocal cord rupture stopped her from pursuing a dream career as an artist. Hence, she can totally relate to music workers in need – the group the campaign is primarily dedicated to.
After that convo, I made it my mission to join other Aussie music fans and score a band T-shirt this year. Thankfully, the stars have aligned. And even though I’m living overseas now, I’ve had the opportunity to see quite a few acts from the Land Down Under on my side of the world in 2023.
So here comes the big reveal:
This year, I’m repping D-D-DMA’S. I’ve already written about the Sydney indie rockers responsible for the Britpop revival in this post. And I sneakily snatched the last fluorescent tee at their Newcastle upon Tyne gig this (European) summer. Naturally, it now occupies an honorary place in my (music) wardrobe.
And the last thing before I let you go. If you’re still wondering what Support Act is and why it’s worthwhile to follow the organisation, the answer is here.
But a straightforward argument is this. If you’re a fan of the Aussie scene (or music in general), why wouldn’t you back this Aussie music industry’s mental health charity?
So happy #AusMusicTShirtDay 2023, (Aussie) music lovers!
Check out other awesome Aussie music initiatives:
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