Australia

The music of the indigenous population of Australia has always been a central part of the culture, social and ceremonial components of the Aborigines. The music is unique in its performance and instruments, but there are widespread fusions of contemporary music with the music of the indigenous Australians. The most basic traditional music of the indigenous Australians is clan songs, bunggul and song lines. Clan songs are songs only known by the clan and often a compendium of the clan’s history, a sub group of clan songs could be share songs, they are about every day. Bungguls are the storytelling songs, songs with intense lyrics, and tales of epic journeys. Song lines though are the most famous out of the three though; these songs are related to the Dreamtime, the spiritual aspect of Aborigines culture. Song lines are special because they are not just songs, but to an indigenous Australians, these songs are map of the land. The song describes the landscape, and for every site on Australia the Aborigines has a song for, making it a versatile tool to guide instructions for travelers. Probably the most famous instrument made by the Aborigines is the Didgeridoo. Classified as a wind instrument, the didgeridoo is normally made by hardwood, stuffed with branches and leaves and left for termites. The following process is complicated but technically, the bark is taken off, the ends trimmed and the outside layer is shaped. Authentic makers would make the best product. The technique to play the didgeridoo is also very complex. The player has to make sound through the vibration of their lips and to play the didgeridoo the correct way circular breathing is required for continuous playing without the player breaking off to breathe. Indigenous music of Australia is facing extinction, just like the indigenous population of Australia. The songs and instruments could be remembered, but the spiritual and cultural aspect of those songs would be lost forever. media type="file" key="Aboriginal Music Didgeridoo Dreaming The Spirit of ULURU.mp3" media type="file" key="Australian Aboriginal Music Song with Didgeridoo.mp3" - by Viet
 * Indigenous Australia Music: **