Aussie singer exposes star behind downfall of local music scene
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In the world of music, strong opinions often strike a chord—especially when they come from familiar voices.
Recently, one well-known artist shared a bold perspective on the state of the Australian music scene, pointing to a surprising source behind its decline.
The comment has sparked plenty of discussion, with some backing the claim and others left raising their eyebrows.
On a recent episode of the Weirder Together podcast, which he co-hosts with his wife, Ione Skye, Lee made a bold declaration.
He named none other than American singer-songwriter Ben Harper as the artist 'single-handedly responsible for ruining Australian music.'
It's a surprising accusation, especially considering Harper isn't even Australian.
Harper, a Californian blues and roots musician, found unexpected success in Australia during the late '90s.
He earned platinum albums while still considered a niche act in the United States.
However, Lee believes Harper's popularity had some unintended consequences for the Australian music landscape.
Lee explained that Harper, followed by Jack Johnson, another US roots singer, captured the imagination of a particular group of Australian singer-songwriters.
'Something happened when Ben Harper started visiting Australia and did well. Ben Harper and then [fellow US roots singer] Jack Johnson: it captured the imagination of a certain demographic of Australian singer-songwriters, guys who suddenly decided that the only music that mattered was roots music, and it all happened around Byron Bay,' he detailed.
These artists began to believe that roots music was the only genre that mattered, and this belief spread like wildfire.
Lee lamented that you can't step into an Aussie pub without hearing someone on a cajon percussion instrument covering mainstream hits like 'Hey Soul Sister' by Train.
He argued that this trend is a symptom of a larger issue – the misguided notion that some types of music are inherently more authentic than others.
Lee quickly clarified that his issue isn't with roots music itself but with the idea that it's somehow more 'real' than other genres.
'Bob Marley is not more authentic than The Ramones, Dee-Lite, Fatboy Slim or whatever. It’s just an idea people have that roots music is real music, and Australia bought it hook, line and sinker. I do consider it my mission to correct the course,' he added.
For Lee, all music has its place, and the authenticity of a genre is a subjective concept that shouldn't dictate the music industry.
Interestingly, Lee admits that Harper's influence even touched his own career.
He prefers playing electric guitar over acoustic to avoid being labeled as another 'Aussie Ben Harper knock-off.'
The debate has spilled over into Lee's post's comments section, with fans discussing the Australian artists they believe have fallen into the Harper-inspired roots trap.
Multiple commenters have tossed around names like The John Butler Trio, Pete Murray, Xavier Rudd, and Angus and Julia Stone.
Despite his strong opinions, Lee maintains a sense of respect for Harper. The two even toured together back in 1996.
Lee emphasises that Harper shouldn't be blamed for the actions of those he influenced, saying, 'the father should not be held responsible for the sins of the child.'
As for Harper's imitators, Lee has a clear message: 'This must end.'
He sees it as his mission to help correct the course of Australian music, steering it away from a narrow-minded focus on a single genre.
Credit: Instagram
What do you think of Ben Lee's hot take? Do you agree that the influence of artists like Ben Harper has negatively impacted the Australian music scene? Or do you believe that the diversity of music is what makes it so special, regardless of genre? Share your thoughts, and let's discuss them in the comments below.
Recently, one well-known artist shared a bold perspective on the state of the Australian music scene, pointing to a surprising source behind its decline.
The comment has sparked plenty of discussion, with some backing the claim and others left raising their eyebrows.
On a recent episode of the Weirder Together podcast, which he co-hosts with his wife, Ione Skye, Lee made a bold declaration.
He named none other than American singer-songwriter Ben Harper as the artist 'single-handedly responsible for ruining Australian music.'
It's a surprising accusation, especially considering Harper isn't even Australian.
Ben Harper was blamed by Australian singer-songwriter Ben Lee for influencing a trend seen as harmful to the Aussie music scene. Credit: @weirdertogetherofficial / Instagram
Harper, a Californian blues and roots musician, found unexpected success in Australia during the late '90s.
He earned platinum albums while still considered a niche act in the United States.
However, Lee believes Harper's popularity had some unintended consequences for the Australian music landscape.
Lee explained that Harper, followed by Jack Johnson, another US roots singer, captured the imagination of a particular group of Australian singer-songwriters.
'Something happened when Ben Harper started visiting Australia and did well. Ben Harper and then [fellow US roots singer] Jack Johnson: it captured the imagination of a certain demographic of Australian singer-songwriters, guys who suddenly decided that the only music that mattered was roots music, and it all happened around Byron Bay,' he detailed.
These artists began to believe that roots music was the only genre that mattered, and this belief spread like wildfire.
Lee lamented that you can't step into an Aussie pub without hearing someone on a cajon percussion instrument covering mainstream hits like 'Hey Soul Sister' by Train.
He argued that this trend is a symptom of a larger issue – the misguided notion that some types of music are inherently more authentic than others.
Lee quickly clarified that his issue isn't with roots music itself but with the idea that it's somehow more 'real' than other genres.
'Bob Marley is not more authentic than The Ramones, Dee-Lite, Fatboy Slim or whatever. It’s just an idea people have that roots music is real music, and Australia bought it hook, line and sinker. I do consider it my mission to correct the course,' he added.
For Lee, all music has its place, and the authenticity of a genre is a subjective concept that shouldn't dictate the music industry.
Interestingly, Lee admits that Harper's influence even touched his own career.
He prefers playing electric guitar over acoustic to avoid being labeled as another 'Aussie Ben Harper knock-off.'
The debate has spilled over into Lee's post's comments section, with fans discussing the Australian artists they believe have fallen into the Harper-inspired roots trap.
Multiple commenters have tossed around names like The John Butler Trio, Pete Murray, Xavier Rudd, and Angus and Julia Stone.
Despite his strong opinions, Lee maintains a sense of respect for Harper. The two even toured together back in 1996.
As for Harper's imitators, Lee has a clear message: 'This must end.'
He sees it as his mission to help correct the course of Australian music, steering it away from a narrow-minded focus on a single genre.
Credit: Instagram
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