Famous Australian Composers

Jimmy Barnes is a Scottish-born Australian rock singer known for his successful career both as a solo artist and as the lead vocalist of the rock band Cold Chisel. He is considered one of the most popular and best-selling Australian music artists of all time. Barnes has achieved an impressive total of 20 number-one albums in Australia, with 15 as a solo artist and 5 with Cold Chisel. His accomplishments surpass those of iconic artists such as the Beatles, Madonna, Taylor Swift, Eminem, and U2.

Tal Wilkenfeld is an Australian bassist, singer, and songwriter known for her collaborations with a wide range of artists such as Chick Corea, Jeff Beck, Prince, and Mick Jagger. She has been recognized for her talent, winning awards like the Bass Player magazine's "Young Gun Award." Wilkenfeld leads her own bands, showcasing her skills as a vocalist, bassist, and guitarist. She has released successful albums like "Love Remains," which topped the Billboard Heatseeker charts. Her work has been praised by notable publications like Rolling Stone and she has been featured on popular podcasts.

Robert Stigwood was a prominent music entrepreneur, film producer, and impresario known for managing popular acts such as Cream, Andy Gibb, and the Bee Gees. He also achieved success with theatrical productions like Hair and Jesus Christ Superstar, as well as film productions including Grease and Saturday Night Fever. Stigwood's influence in the entertainment industry was immense, as he owned the record label that released his artists' albums and film soundtracks, and controlled publishing rights, making him a powerful figure comparable to Hollywood moguls of the past.

Andrew Farriss is an Australian rock musician and multi-instrumentalist renowned for his role as the keyboardist, backing vocalist, and primary composer for the iconic rock band INXS. Throughout his career, Farriss has consistently showcased his musical talents, contributing significantly to the band's success. In 2021, he further solidified his musical legacy by releasing his debut studio album. His innovative compositions and dynamic performances have cemented his reputation as a versatile and influential figure in the music industry.

John Clifford Farrar is an accomplished Australian music producer, songwriter, arranger, singer, and guitarist. Throughout his career, Farrar has been a member of various prominent rock and roll groups, showcasing his musical versatility. He is widely recognized for his collaboration with Olivia Newton-John, as he wrote and produced many of her chart-topping hits, including "You're the One That I Want" and "Magic". Farrar's contributions to the music industry extend beyond his work with Newton-John, as he has also released a successful solo album and co-produced the soundtrack for the iconic film Grease.

Yahoo Serious is an accomplished Australian film actor, director, and score composer known for his work in comedy films. He gained recognition for his movies such as Young Einstein (1988), Reckless Kelly (1993), and Mr. Accident (2000). Serious is involved in various aspects of filmmaking, taking on roles such as writer, director, producer, actor, and composer for his projects. His dedication to the craft and unique style have established him as a notable figure in the industry.

Alison Wonderland is an Australian electronic dance music producer, DJ, and singer. She gained recognition with her debut album, Run, which reached No. 6 on the ARIA Albums Chart and was certified gold. Her second album, Awake, debuted at No. 1 on Billboard's Top Dance/Electronic Albums. Alison has been listed on DJ Mag's Top 100 DJs and holds the distinction of being the highest billed female DJ in Coachella history. Known for her music, she also advocates for mental health awareness and shares her personal journey with fans.

Phillip Leslie Wilcher is an Australian pianist and classical music composer known for his extensive contributions to the piano music repertoire. He gained recognition early on as one of the youngest classical composers in Australia when he published his first work at the age of 14. Wilcher has an impressive catalogue of over 100 piano-related compositions and has showcased his talents through solo performances and collaborations with ensembles. Critics have praised his style as "free-flowing" with a distinct romantic character, emphasizing melody and lyricism. His music has been featured on prominent radio stations and in documentaries highlighting his artistic achievements.

James Morrison is a versatile Australian jazz musician known for his proficiency on various instruments including trumpet, trombone, and saxophone. He is also a talented composer, creating jazz charts for ensembles of different sizes and skill levels. Morrison gained widespread recognition for composing and performing the opening fanfare at the Sydney 2000 Olympic Games. He has won awards for his jazz collaborations, served as Artistic Director of the Queensland Music Festival, and conducted large orchestras, showcasing his leadership and musical prowess on a global stage.

Lisa Gerrard is an Australian musician, singer, and composer known for her unique singing style technique, glossolalia. She is a member of the group Dead Can Dance and has a dramatic contralto voice with a vocal range of three octaves. Gerrard played a pivotal role in Melbourne's Little Band scene before co-founding Dead Can Dance in 1981. She has released multiple solo albums, collaborated on numerous projects, scored award-winning movie soundtracks, and received accolades such as a Golden Globe Award for her work on the film Gladiator.

S3RL, known for his stage name, is an Australian hardcore DJ, record producer, singer, and musician hailing from Brisbane. With a career rooted in the hardcore music scene, he has gained recognition for his energetic performances and catchy tracks. S3RL's professional life revolves around creating and producing music that resonates with fans of the hardcore genre. Through his work, he has established himself as a prominent figure in the music industry, known for his unique style and contribution to the hardcore music scene.

Ian Alexander "Molly" Meldrum AM is an influential figure in the Australian music industry, known for his roles as a music critic, journalist, record producer, and musical entrepreneur. He gained prominence as the talent coordinator and on-air interviewer for the popular music program Countdown. Meldrum has worked as a record producer on various hit songs and has been a champion of Australian music both locally and internationally. His contributions have been recognized with prestigious awards, including inductions into the ARIA Hall of Fame and the Order of Australia.

Adam Plack is an Australian didgeridoo player, composer, and producer known for his work in meditation music. Originally from Melbourne, he relocated to New York City in 1991. Plack has released four albums showcasing his musical talents before transitioning to focus on production and composition. He has collaborated with renowned figure Deepak Chopra to create meditation music that resonates with audiences worldwide. Plack's professional journey reflects a dedication to crafting soulful and transformative music that enhances spiritual practices and relaxation.

Nick Littlemore is a versatile Australian musician, record producer, and singer-songwriter. He is known for his work as the frontman of electronic project Pnau, a former member of the art-rock band Teenager, and one half of the electro pop-duo Empire of the Sun. Littlemore has also made a name for himself as a skilled record producer, collaborating with notable artists such as Elton John, Lover Lover, Groove Armada, and Mika. In addition, he has showcased his talent as a composer and musical director for the Cirque Du Soleil.

Archibald William Roach AC was an influential Australian singer-songwriter, activist, and elder of Gunditjmara and Bundjalung descent. Known as "Uncle Archie", Roach gained recognition with his powerful song "Took the Children Away" from his debut album in 1990. He toured globally, sharing the stage with renowned artists like Joan Armatrading and Bob Dylan. Roach's work advocating for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander rights earned him multiple awards and nominations, including a prestigious Deadly Award. He was celebrated for his contributions to healing the Stolen Generations and was posthumously inducted into the ARIA Hall of Fame in 2020.

Bruce Woodley is an accomplished Australian singer-songwriter and musician known for his contributions to the folk-pop group the Seekers. As a founding member, he played a key role in the group's success. Woodley is recognized for co-composing iconic songs such as "I Am Australian," "Red Rubber Ball," and the popular Simon & Garfunkel track "Cloudy." His talent as a songwriter and musician has left a lasting impact on the music industry, showcasing his creativity and skill in crafting memorable melodies.

Malcolm Williamson was an Australian composer who served as the Master of the Queen's Music from 1975 until his death. Initially known for his Serialist compositions, he later shifted towards a more tonal and lyrical musical style. In the 1960s, he was considered the most frequently commissioned composer in Britain. Throughout his career, Williamson created over 250 works spanning various genres, showcasing his versatility and prolific output in the world of music.

John Williams is an Australian classical guitarist known for his exceptional ensemble playing and his dedication to interpreting and promoting the modern classical guitar repertoire. In 1973, he won a Grammy Award for Best Chamber Music Performance with fellow guitarist Julian Bream. Guitar historian Graham Wade has praised Williams as one of the most technically accomplished guitarists in the world. Williams' professional life is marked by his remarkable skill, innovative interpretations, and his significant contributions to the classical guitar music landscape.

Craig Nicholls is an accomplished Australian musician recognized for his roles as the lead singer, songwriter, and guitarist of the prominent Australian alternative rock band, The Vines. As the sole continuous member of the band, Nicholls has played a pivotal role in shaping and defining their sound over the years. His contributions to the music industry through his versatile talents as a vocalist, lyricist, and instrumentalist have garnered him a strong following and critical acclaim within the music community.

Peter Sculthorpe was an Australian composer known for blending elements of Aboriginal Australian music with Western heritage in his orchestral and chamber works. He was recognized for pieces like Kakadu and Earth Cry, which reflect the Australian landscape. With a focus on creating music that uplifted listeners, Sculthorpe avoided dense, atonal techniques favored by his contemporaries. His compositions often featured unique percussion elements, contributing to the development of a distinctive Australian sound in classical music.

Samuel Dixon is a highly accomplished record producer, songwriter, and musician based in London. His extensive professional portfolio includes collaborations with renowned artists such as Adele, Sia, Kylie Minogue, Christina Aguilera, Paloma Faith, and Jack Savoretti. Dixon is recognized for his versatility as a multi-instrumentalist, with his bass guitar skills being particularly notable. Through his work, he has made significant contributions to the music industry, consistently delivering exceptional productions and compositions that have garnered widespread acclaim and success.

Conway Savage was an Australian rock musician known for his contributions as a pianist, organist, and backing vocalist for Nick Cave and The Bad Seeds from 1990 to 2017. He also released solo albums including "Nothing Broken" and "Wrong Man's Hands," as well as a compilation album. Additionally, Savage collaborated with other artists, such as Suzie Higgie and Amanda Fox & Robert Tickner, showcasing his versatility and talent in the music industry.

Edward Jeffries is a popular Australian actor and director known for his work in the film 'Team Orion The Fight For Freedom,' where he served as the writer, director, and composer. He also played the role of Colonel Peter Jackson in the film. Jeffries is a multi-talented individual with a keen interest in music, being a part of the band 'The Stars of Orion' that has released several hit singles and albums. His passion for performing arts dates back to his childhood, and after initial struggles, he found success with 'Team Orion The Fight For Freedom,' establishing himself as a rising talent in the industry.

Graeme Bell was a prominent Australian Dixieland and classical jazz pianist, composer, and band leader known for his distinctive Australian style characterized by "nice larrikinism" and a "happy Aussie outdoor feel." He played a vital role in promoting jazz in Australia, introducing American performers and leading his band well into his later years. Bell's influence extended internationally, being the first Westerner to lead a jazz band in China. His contributions were recognized with accolades such as The Australian Jazz Awards, also known as The Bells in his honor.

Rebecca St. James is an accomplished Australian American contemporary Christian singer, songwriter, and actress. With a career spanning over three decades, she has released multiple successful albums, including Gold-certified records and Grammy-winning projects. St. James is known for her impactful music in the Contemporary Christian music scene, with numerous No. 1 hits on Christian radio. Additionally, she has authored several books, starred in various films and stage productions, and advocates for causes such as sexual abstinence and Pro-Life.

Mick Harvey is an accomplished Australian musician known for his diverse skills as a singer-songwriter, composer, arranger, and record producer. His expertise as a multi-instrumentalist has been showcased through his extensive collaborations with renowned artist Nick Cave, spanning projects such as The Boys Next Door, The Birthday Party, and Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds. Harvey's professional journey is marked by his significant contributions to the music industry, displaying a versatile talent that has left a lasting impact on the world of music.