Country Music in Australia Sees Major Resurgence
After a period of decline five years ago, country music in Australia is experiencing a powerful comeback, driven by surging streaming numbers and record-breaking festival attendance.
The Streaming Boom
According to Spotify, country music streaming in Australia has skyrocketed by 115% over the past three years. The nation now ranks fourth globally for listeners discovering country music for the first time.
92% of country music streams in Australia over the past two years originated from listeners in metropolitan areas.
Festival Attendance Hits New Highs
Research from the Country Music Association Australia (CMAA) reveals a 70% increase in revenue for country festivals nationwide. In 2024, Queensland hosted 47 country festivals, more than any other state.
- Country Fest in Townsville sold over 9,000 tickets in June 2024.
- Major festivals including the Gympie Music Muster and CMC Rocks reported record ticket sales since the pandemic, with audiences exceeding 60,000.
Industry Voices
Regan Anderson, organiser of Country Fest, noted that securing success now requires booking American artists, often needing more than a year's advance notice. He emphasized that festivals must provide unique experiences to stand out.
Bec Gracie, a publicist, voiced a note of caution: she is concerned that Australian artists may be overlooked in favour of international acts. Despite this, she remains optimistic about the genre's long-term future.
"There is increased interest in country music among young people post-pandemic."
Zara Lindeman, a musician, observed this generational shift firsthand. She noted a significant rise in youth engagement with the genre and has since moved to Townsville, citing the region’s strong appetite for live country music.
Chart Performance
American artist Ella Langley's track "Choosin' Texas" hit number one on the ARIA charts in May and June 2025. It was later overtaken in late June by Taylor Swift's "I Knew It, I Knew You," underscoring the genre's growing crossover appeal.
Looking Ahead
Industry figures predict continued growth and diversification for country music festivals across Australia.