The State of Australian Music: Why the Hottest 100 Had Only 18 Local Acts

Ocean Alley at Splendour in the Grass, 2023.

This year’s Hottest 100 results raised a lot of questions. Only 18 Australian artists made the list, highlighting a shift in how local music competes against international acts.

So what’s going on? And more importantly, what can we learn from the artists who did break through?

💡 Key Takeaways from the 18 Artists Who Made It:

• They have a strong, distinct artistic identity.

• They actively engage their fanbase online.

• They collaborate strategically to expand their reach.

• They secure industry/radio support where possible.

• They invest in branding and visual identity.

The takeaway? It’s not just about great music. The artists who break through are the ones who treat their careers like a business—building their audience, working smart, and staying consistent.

🚀 What Needs to Change?

For more Australian artists to reach the Hottest 100 (and beyond), we need:

✔ More visibility for diverse voices.

✔ Stronger support from radio and industry platforms.

✔ A bigger push for international expansion.

🔗 Read my full breakdown on Substack: https://shorturl.at/a7xtp