Australian Folk Music

When British colonisation of Australia began in 1788, the colonists adapted the music of their homeland to their new way of life as convicts in a new world. Thus was born Australian folk music, which later became known as bush music. Early bush music was known for expounding on the harsh lifestyle necessary to survive in undeveloped Australia. As this musical style evolved, other themes began to emerge, such as severe weather, war, the aborigines, loneliness, isolation and the building of the railroad. By the 1890s, hundreds of these songs were being collected and published in large volumes. In the 1970s, Australian folk music experienced a revival as it was blended with contemporary rock.