Australian musician Jack River has launched a grassroots campaign to encourage major networks and corporates to back Australian music. She wants to see Australian musicians being played during coverage of the Olympics and in supermarkets, stores, banks, and advertising.
Launched on Instagram this week, Jack River – real name Holly Rankin – first called on Channel 7 to play all Australian music during coverage of the Olympics. As she said, these are iconic Australian moments that could be made even more special to an Aussie soundtrack.
“Dear Channel 7 and Corporate Aus,” River posted to Instagram.
“How great would it be if you played all Australian music in your coverage of the Olympics? These are Australian moments, they deserve Australian music.
“And while we’re here, how good would it be to hear Aussie music in Coles, Woolies, Aldi, in banks, on hold, in stores and on ads being shown to Australians for the next few months?!
“We need you more than ever. We wanna be your soundtrack”
Jack River’s call to support Australian musicians comes as the industry continues to be decimated by the pandemic, with live performances and touring on hold for the most part. A lack of support for the industry from governments has also hindered musician’s ability to get through this period.
Jack River’s call for Australian music to be played by Channel 7 during the Olympics, and more widely by corporate Australia, has received lots of support from other Australian musicians and bands, with Lime Cordiale, Vera Blue, G Flip, Cub Sport, DJ Tigerlily, Japanese Wallpaper, Kita Alexander, Budjerah and many others commenting their support on Instagram.
One of Channel 7’s Olympic hosts Edwina Bartholomew responded to River, saying her call had been heard by the network, and they were going “beef up” their Aussie music content. Bank Australia also commented on the post, saying they would love to make Australian music their soundtrack.
Former Labor leader Bill Shorten also offered his support for the idea on Twitter, saying: “Aussie musoes doing it very tough in pandemic. Good call from my musoe mate Jack River to hear more of our own music during Olympics & in the big supermarkets.”
Update: Since publication, Coles has agreed to update its Coles Radio playlist, increasing the number of Australian artists on the list next week.
“Coles is a proud supporter of Australian music and our Value The Australian Way ad features Australian artists Missy Higgins, Dingo Spender and the current lead singer of Yothu Yindi, Yirrŋa Yunupiŋu. We will be adding even more amazing Aussie tracks to Coles Radio next week so tune in and enjoy!”