Triple J Fire Back Following Media Attack

Public radio broadcaster triple j has today rebuffed an article that was printed over the weekend, claiming they are forcing Australian artists into a corner with their songwriting, as the wider industry also rallied around the station.

Appearing in Fairfax's Sunday papers, the article quotes anonymous musicians who said that catering for the influential station had become part of their initial songwriting process, and that they felt unable to openly criticise the station. It prompted sections of the industry to react today, with the majority of opinions presented to theMusic.com.au throwing support behind the station, particularly labelling it as a unique asset to the Australian industry.

Today Station Manager Chris Scaddan told theMusic that, despite the attack, triple j themselves remain confident in their servicing of the local scene – particularly when compared to the commercial radio alternatives.

“We obviously play a lot more Australian music [47 percent of all airtime in 2013, according to Scaddan] and a much wider range of genres. Plus we're always trying to find new sounds to bring to the audience. Commercial radio has different audiences and different imperatives. It's hard to compare the two.”

“I think that artists pandering to triple j is their own problem and not an issue with triple j it self,” Wonderlick Entertainment's Gregg Donovan told theMusic. Wonderlick manages triple j darlings Boy & Bear as well as acts outside the station's playlists including Airbourne, who are notable for being one of the country's top exports without triple j airplay, and pop duo Max & Bianca.

“All over the world artists are worried about getting their music on this station or that station, but all the good artists don't give a shit,” he added. “I believe that if you chase radio you're not being true to yourself as an artist and by the time your music is produced, mastered and released that sound has probably moved on a little anyway and you will be too late.”

“We are extremely lucky to have a nation-wide non-commercial station like triple j. There really is nothing else like it in the world and it's a massive advantage to a lot of Aussie artists.”

Scaddan discouraged bands from 'pandering' to a sound they thing may be in line with the station's core playlist.

“We'd much prefer bands to go out and find their own style. There are so many exciting new artists out there at the moment, doing their own thing and making something quite unique, it's really exciting. We're never looking for one particular sound, we're looking for songs that stand out and resonate with our audience. Basically we're looking for good music, as shown by the range of artists and styles currently played on triple j.”

In recent years as the Australian music landscape has sprawled and triple j has launched digital stations for discovery service Unearthed and, late last year, the digital Dig platform. While the pick-up of digital radio is largely an unknown quantity, particularly with no confirmed 'switch-off' date for analogue radio, they're conscious moves to house less-developed and matured artists who no longer fit triple j's playlist.

“There are so many ways to get your music out to people,” Scaddan said. “Radio is still the quickest way to reach a mass audience, but every artist looking for success should be getting their music onto as many platforms as they can. Both digitally and by playing live wherever you can. If you believe in what you're doing, then get it in front of people by using all the tools available to you.”

He added, “We play a wide variety of genres that work for young people, but we avoid sounds that are overtly commercial – traditional pop and R&B, soft rock – that sort of thing. Occasionally acts that we champion early get picked up by the mainstream as well, but we always judge it on the strength of any song.”

“One of our most successful acts is Airbourne,” Donovan told theMusic. “Triple j have never played them and they're doing incredible business overseas. We knew that they were not a triple j type artist and we acted accordingly when planning their tours and releases. Another of our acts is Boy & Bear and they get a lot of support from the j's, but we still plan our releases based around a flat earth mentality.

“If we get the j's support then great, if we don't then we move forward with our plan. It's not [their] responsibility to make you successful so we should all stop blaming them if they don't get on board.”