The Australian Music Vault has unveiled a sensational updated exhibit at Arts Centre Melbourne.
The refreshed Australian Music Vault spotlights ARIA Hall of Fame inductee Missy Higgins and celebrates Australian music’s diversity through objects from artists like Roger Knox, Skyhooks, and Jane Clifton.
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Honouring Missy Higgins
Missy Higgins, the 2024 ARIA Hall of Fame inductee, has been a cornerstone of Australian music since her 2004 debut album The Sound of White. Known for her heartfelt lyrics and distinctive Australian accent, Higgins has captured audiences with hits like Scar and The Special Two.
Her most recent album, The Second Act, released in September 2024, marks her return to intimate, confessional songwriting. The album debuted at No. 1 on the ARIA Charts, making Higgins the seventh Australian artist to achieve No. 1 albums across three consecutive decades.
The new display features iconic items from Higgins’ career, including the guitar she used to compose songs for The Sound of White, handwritten lyrics, CDs, and posters, offering fans an intimate look at her creative journey.
Exploring the Australian sound
The refreshed display, The Real Thing, delves into the essence of Australian music, showcasing how it reflects and shapes the nation’s cultural identity. From Indigenous rhythms to pub rock anthems and Aussie hip-hop, the exhibit celebrates the diverse sounds that define Australia.
Visitors can view a hand-painted guitar from Roger Knox, Bob ‘Bongo’ Starkie’s Skyhooks jumpsuit, Clare Moore’s drumsticks and boots from The Moodists, and costumes from Jane Clifton and Marcie Jones, among other unique artifacts.
The display also highlights the role of Australian festivals, record labels, and venues in shaping the industry, tracing the influence of labels like Mushroom Records and Elefant Tracks in promoting Australian talent.
The Australian Music Vault, a free exhibition at Arts Centre Melbourne, celebrates Australian contemporary music’s past, present, and future. Developed in consultation with the music industry and supported by the Victorian government, the vault provides an engaging space for visitors to explore the nation’s rich musical heritage.
For more information, visit australianmusicvault.com.au.
