Gazing into the Crystal Ball – Motherland’s predictions for 2012

HERE we go again, another new year. Polite conversation can nearly return to normal, about boring weather and transport issues, as the ‘How was your Christmas?’ timeline is almost up. Before we know it we’ll be cracking Easter Eggs, enjoying five days of summer and then moaning how fast the year has gone.

Between all this we’re looking forward to lots of special Australian music moments and we thought why not share our wisdom of what you can (maybe) expect for the upcoming 12 months.

Triple J Hottest 100
It’s only a few weeks away and grips the music lovers of Australia like a certain horse race in November. And just like the ‘race that stops the nation’ and due to Australia’s love of gambling on pretty much anything – you can even wager a few dollars on the results of this year’s Triple J Hottest 100 list.

This year odd’s on favourite is Gotye ‘Someone That I Used To Know’. So much so the betting company Sportingbet is offering better odds to pick the second placed song with Gotye sitting at about $1.10. This means you’d get about a 10 cent return on every dollar you put down. Not exactly retirement betting.

We like a good ol’ fashioned trifecta:

1. Gotye – Someone That I Used To Know

2. Boy & Bear – Feeding Line

3. Foster the People – Helena Beats

Don’t forget us if your horse comes in.

Molly on the mend
It was with great sadness before Christmas when Australian music legend Ian ‘Molly’ Meldrum fell from a ladder and suffered severe head injuries. Only recently coming out of his coma he faces a long period of treatment and recovery.

We’re not predicting an overnight miracle but we think Molly will show us how tough he is and hopefully will be donning his famous cowboy hat again by the end of the year.

Who’s going to make a splash
Every year dozens of Australian artists make their way to the UK much to our delight. Some are regular favourites, others venturing out for the first or second time to test the waters.

We love it when a few bands come over and make a huge impact on the summer UK scene whether it’s at a sweaty pub venue or an even sweatier festival. Who are we thinking will make their impact this year? Getting a spot at Glastonbury is always a good indicator but alas it’s having a year off! We still reckon a few Aussie bands are going to seriously rock the UK this year. Our predictions – The Grates, Boy & Bear, Oh Mercy and Bleeding Knees Club (you don’t have to wait long for them, they’re here in February).

Bring on the music
Will we be right? Will we be wrong? Time will tell but honestly we don’t mind that much, we just love a good surprise as much as anyone else. If you think there’s a great new piece of Australian music we should be checking out let us know. You can email info@australiantimes.co.uk with your thoughts, tips and Aussie music secrets!

As long as the Australian music keeps rolling in over the airwaves and onto the stage we’re a happy bunch. Join us on the journey. Enjoy!