Every month is Ausmusic Month on the Silly McWiggles channels.

But radio stations, TV programmes, and streaming platforms have their own agendas. So, every year in November, Australia puts a spotlight on its local music scene.

As usual, a heap is happening in the Land Down Under this month. Some are annual, recurring events. Some are one-off, special nights. And there’s also a cool new national campaign.

PART 247 OF “AM I EVER GONNA SEE YOUR FACE AGAIN?” A RANDOM COLLECTION OF UNKNOWINGLY OBVIOUS FACTS ABOUT THE AUSTRALIAN MUSIC SCENE

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Another year, another November. And if there’s one month throughout the whole year when it’s totally worth travelling to Oz to celebrate local music or being an Aussie music fan in general, it’s definitely now.

Every broadcaster, every venue, and every music mag makes it a mission to highlight local artists. It’s also the time when major industry events are going down. And because spring is in full swing, festivals start taking over the country, too.

It’s a full-on monthly celebration. Hence, it’s impossible to mention everything going on. So I’ll try to break it all down for you chronologically with the events and campaigns I find the most worthwhile.

Let’s kick things off with themed month-long campaigns.

GOOD MUSIC MONTH IN SOUTH AUSTRALIA

I covered this South Australian initiative on the blog last year. 2025 is the third year in a row that Good Music Month highlights the events taking place under a broader program, Keep Music Live. It’s MusicSA‘s effort to connect all the dots of the state’s vibrant music scene that explodes with activity this month.

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So if you have nothing planned for Friday, 7 November, Cry Club are stopping by in Adelaide on their current tour, for example. And at the end of the month, AC/DC are bringing their 2025 tour to the SA capital. Or, if you’re more into classical music, the Adelaide Town Hall is hosting a symphony series, too.

But it’s not only about that one South Australian city. If you don’t mind travelling, check out Handpicked Festival‘s line-up, including Hilltop Hoods, The Rubens, and Meg Mac, which takes place at Lake Breeze Wines. And considering that South Australia is one of the most famous winemaking regions in the world, it’s a perfect combination for music fans who also appreciate the finer things in life.

‘AUSIFY YOUR ALGO’ CAMPAIGN

This is a new kid on the block when it comes to promoting Australian music. And even though my music channels are totally Ausif-ied already, I find the concept super fun. Starting with its promo clip with SO. MANY. CAMEOS, from the likes of Keli Holiday, Thelma Plum, G Flip and 3%.

The idea is pretty simple, but sometimes even the most obvious things need to be said out loud.

The streaming platform algorithms are designed in a way that doesn’t favour local talent. So an average listener can easily fall into the trap of consuming what is allegedly chosen “for us”. But those suggestions are based on big data that is extracted from what we listen to. It’s the perfect example of a musical “echo chamber”.

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As a result, we should proactively “trick” technology into changing gears from time to time.

Aussie music industry legend, Richard Kingsmill, put together a few playlists for punters to enjoy this November in a collaboration with the campaign. He also put it this way on the AUSIFY socials: 

“Hit repeat on the songs you enjoy. Add them to your own playlists. And then share them with friends. In no time at all, your feed will give you more. More of our music.” 

So when you’re posting about Aussie music on socials this month, don’t forget the #AUSIFY and #AUSIFYYOURALGO hashtags. That way, you can add your fave Aussie artists to the already big pool of local talent backing up the project..

Another way you can help modify that algo to feature more Aussie artists is by checking out the following events or projects, happening on specific dates. They’re listed chronologically below, so you can mark your calendars accordingly.

DANIEL JOHNS EVENTS

This event is particularly close to my heart. I grew up on grunge, you see. But I was either too young or too far away from their whereabouts to see Silverchair when they were around.

So, seeing Daniel Johns live, in conversation, and finally getting to watch the cryptic “What If The Future Never Happened” movie is totally on my bingo card. This year, and ever. And I was thiiiiiiiis close to being in Newie for it…. {sobbing quietly}.

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Anywayz, when I’m typing these words, the iconic Aussie muso already kicked off his series of events in Sydney last weekend. And I’ve only come across positive reviews of what went down, including an unreleased song (OMG!), special guests and a generally cosy living room vibe. Oh, and the muso was also presented with ARIA’s new silver accreditation on the night for his 2022 album FutureNever.

And because the ex-Silverchair frontman is quite selective when it comes to public appearances, and each night is likely to be different, I’m sure this will be a feast for the fans in other locations as well. I’m sending my rep to check out the Melbourne conversation, so expect a report on this channel very soon.

THE J AWARDS

November is music awards time in Australia, too.

Triple j and its sister stations, Double J and Unearthed, recognise Australian artists’ achievements in five categories. I posted about these accolades two years ago. But in 2025, I feel like it’s an impossible choice to make. So I do want to mention a few acts in case they’re your faves, too.

Amyl and the Sniffers are up for two accolades: Double J Artist of the Year and Australian Live Act of the Year. And since I saw the band at a music festival a few months ago again, I can totally vouch for that latter nomination.

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I’m also glad to see acts that have been my music discoveries this year in the Unearthed Artist of the Year category. I’m especially rooting for Don West and Folk Bitch Trio.

And good luck to the judging panel for the Australian Album of the Year. From Baker Boy‘s genre-defying Djandjay to Tame Impala‘s recently released Deadbeat, I wouldn’t want to be in their shoes.

November 12 edit:

The J Awards have been announced. The winners are:

triple j Album of the Year – Ninajirachi, I Love My Computer

Unearthed Artist of the Year – Folk Bitch trio

Double J Australian Artist of the Year – Amyl and The Sniffers

rage and triple j Australian Music Video of the Year – Ninajirachi – “Fuck My Computer” (dir. Ball Bass John)

triple j Australian Live Act of the Year – SPEED

THE ARIAS

Despite the plethora of events in November, on the 19th of the month, the music industry’s eyes will surely be on Sydney. Because everyone who is anyone in the biz will be attending the ARIAs. The equivalent of the American Grammys, the Australian Recording Industry Association Awards are an annual spectacle.

This is when mortals, like you and me, get to watch the gala on TV or online (even overseas, thanks to YouTube), and see our fave Aussie acts pick up (or miss out on) well-deserved accolades. And to ensure their win, you can still vote for some of the categories from the comfort of your sofa. 

This year shapes up to be particularly interesting. Firstly, because of the hosting pair: triple j’s Concetta Caristo and Nova FM radio presenter, Tim Blackwell (my personal go-to music journo – I dig his music podcast).

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Secondly, because ARIA has partnered with Spotify this year. It has, obviously, faced backlash, since more and more artists are leaving the platform due to certain practices that don’t fly with many people. So I’m looking forward to seeing how the streaming giant will spin its role at the event.

Lastly, and perhaps most importantly, a new category has been introduced this year for Best Music Festival in Australia. And because the local festivals’ game is strong Down Under, I’m curious who will take the inaugural gong.

TRIPLE J 50TH PARTY

Someone’s turning the BIG 5-0 this yeeeeaaaaar! Happy Birthday, triple j! And you know what they say: a little party has never killed nobody.

When you’re the most influential broadcaster and youth music tastemaker in Australia, what better way to celebrate than by going on tour with some of the artists you normally play on air? Plus, it’s not a bad idea to mix things up a little so that each location gets a completely different line-up.

So expect some big names and a few surprises, too. For instance, Tkay Maidza hasn’t been Down Under much lately, so it’ll be a highlight to see her live. Luca Brasi will be on their own turf, and it always creates a unique experience. And the Gold Coast leg is an all-female bill, so that should be exciting, too.

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But wait – there’s more. The best part is that tickets are super accessible price-wise and still available for some locations. Need I say more?

AUSMUSIC T-SHIRT DAY

November is also the month when Australian music fans are dusting off their music gear, especially the upper garments. Because at the end of the month, they will rep their fave local acts under the umbrella of the AusMusic T-shirt Day campaign.

Labelled as “a national day of joy, unity and recognition” and “a chance to thank and celebrate the resilient, talented workers who power Australian music”, this is a cool collab between Support Act, triple j and ARIA. 

But this initiative is much more than just showing off your music preferences. Its charitable and purposeful aspects are actually the reason why it’s one of the most beloved music industry projects in Oz. Hence, it has been successfully running for quite a long time. The fact that it highlights crisis relief, mental health support and wellbeing services within the music industry made me a big fan instantly.

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The aim is to collect funds for music workers who are doing it tough. So if you’re feeling generous, you can either chip in some money directly or purchase the official merch. Or you can be even more proactive by starting a fundraiser as a private person, in your workplace or within another organisation or institution you’re a part of. I’m writing this post at the beginning of November, and $125,548 has already been raised on the campaign’s website. So it’s very likely another record will be set in 2025

Also, watch this space ’cause I’ll definitely be repping an Aussie act this year, too. All I can say for now is that it’s on the heavier side of the Aussie music scene.

Last but not least, November is a good time for a festival.

NOVEMBER FESTIVALS

According to the Music Festival Wizard website, there are at least six bigger, multi-day events in that timeframe.

Amongst them is the renowned music and art gathering, Strawberry Fields, happening on the weekend of 21-23 November. Its 2025 edition boasts a strong Australian representation, like Bumpy, DEVAURA, and Wax’o Paradiso. The NSW-based event is followed by another live music scene staple. Queenscliff Music Festival takes place on the Victorian coast just a week later. And its line-up is equally impressive, including Didirri & Rowena Wise, King Stingray, and The Cat Empire.

All in all, 2025 looks like a massive Ausmusic Month. So get amongst it. And maybe, like me, you’ll make the music from The Land Down Under your favourite music “genre” all year round.

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P.S. November 14 edit: The already mentioned Ninajirachi has also won the Australian Music Prize with her Album I Love My Computer. 2025 is shaping up to be a massive year for the Aussie producer.

_{Cover photo by Anthony DELANOIX on Unsplash}

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