John Williamson condemns cooker rallies

True Blue backlash, AI’s royalty mental health, Ryan Adams’ breakdown and the jazz legend’s farewell – it’s all in IA’s music column this week jukebox journalist David Kowalski.

**John Williamson condemned True Blue used in January rallies**

In the news this week, of course, are these “March for Australia” rallies across the country; hearth conspiracies and anti-immigration messages. I don’t agree with any of this, but what interested me more was the choice of soundtrack the cooks chose to accompany the hollow meeting cries and the ensuing outrage.

Australian country singer-songwriter John Williamson is the latest person to come forward and express his displeasure at having his music used in such a tone-deaf manner. He finds himself in the company Cold Chisel (‘Khe Sanh‘), Treatment (‘Killing an Arab‘) And Randy Newman (‘Short People‘), having written a song with many layers of depth and deep meaning, but has left the general public completely missing the point.

His modest song from 1982 ‘True Blue‘ It was never intended to be divisive. As a standalone single in its original release, it asked questions about Australian culture and how that culture was changing for the better through the influence of new cultures through immigration. Indeed, if it had not received a huge publicity boost after 1986 “buy australia” campaign, here new record It may never have become a totemic national song, although the song has become permanently associated with it.

I can’t believe the audacity people have to say about Williamson’s Facebook post that everything is wrong. Williamson knew what he was aiming for when he wrote this; Who do they think they will claim it means anything else?

(Screenshot via Facebook)

The same Facebook posts by Williamson and others are unfortunately a way of life for many musicians. I wrote this in 2015 my blog It’s about protests by a crowd in Melbourne calling themselves “Take Back Australia” and using the same songs at their rallies. Williamson did similar expression at that time too. Frankly, people didn’t get the message the first time.

The question is, will they be able to do it?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f01OcUKy8

No copyright exemption for tech companies and AI

A brief follow-up to a comment I made recently about proposed changes to Australia’s copyright laws to allow big tech companies to draw on Australian creative works to train their AI models. This meant that generative AI could create new songs and other creative works based on material previously created by Australian creators, without paying any compensation to the original creators.

Government ruled definitively will not allow AI models to use Australian materials carte blanche. There is actually a working group that will be meeting to see which copyright laws need revision, but I’m pleased to report that there is no room for that.

At least somewhere in this crazy world, common sense has prevailed… for now.

Ryan Adams’ puppet spit

US American artist Ryan Adams undertook a controversial and ultimately unsuccessful tour of Australia. He left the country with many choice words on his way out.

Adams’ performance at Melbourne’s Hamer Hall on 12 October 2025 cut short due to a number of factors. He began to become angry at the evangelists for “not doing their job” and had trouble finishing the song he started in the second set. He apologized after the Sydney show for being tired and ill. The Melbourne show was a far cry from the promised three hours of deep cuts and classics. His incoherent ramblings and barely attempted songs left many punters deserted remarkable that the show was a “train wreck” and an “absolute flop”.

In a now-deleted Instagram post he said: I don’t go abroad anymore anymore and this ‘Australia will always be the worst country to play in’.

Adams added:

‘I do so much with audiences that I take the no-flash/unhealthy phone flash thing seriously. I still can’t see in my left eye. Thank you AUS. See you never. (sic)‘

Later clarified his commentsHe always says “no flash photography” on his shows, and because he’s sensitive to light, it causes seizures. The Melbourne crowd apparently did not comply with this request, triggering a potentially dangerous health event. He said he had a type of epilepsy known as epilepsy.Vestibular Disease“and he says this Ian Curtis from Joy Department has the same thing.

I understand the need to take photos on phones for future generations, but there also needs to be some respect for the artist. Is it that difficult? Perhaps the punters taking photos wasn’t a malicious act, but something has to give.

No wonder he was angry with the evangelicals.

RIP Jack DeJohnette

2025 hasn’t been a good year for drummers; Snowy Fleet from Easybeats And Ric Buckler from Jam early in the year. Now we hear the sad news of one of the legendary names of the jazz world. Jack DeJohnetteto have passed away From congestive heart failure at the age of 83.

DeJohnette made his first big wave by changing Tony Williams inside Miles Davis‘ touring band and plays on Davis’ landmark electric albums bitches brew, A Tribute to Jack Johnson And in the corner. He is also known for playing on many recordings and live dates. Herbie Hancock, Pat Metheny And Keith Jarrett.

Perhaps my favorite among his works is his improvisation work with the kora player. Foday Musa Susotitled Music from the Hearts of Masterswhere two players find a rhythm and like each other, making the most amazing music out of nothing.

Thank you Vale Mr. DeJohnette and your wonderful contributions to music.

New Music: Tanya-Lee Davies — You Know Your Autumn

As I watch dark clouds form outside my window, the Melbourne-based singer-songwriter’s new single Tanya-Lee Davies It’s playing on my speakers. Her voice warms the room as she watches the sun set with amber grace.

The piece is called ‘Autumn You Know’ and it ticks a lot of boxes to my ears – softly strummed 12-string guitars, atmosphere that finds a nice compromise between sunshine and melancholy, gorgeously layered vocal harmonies and just enough baritone guitar to make it happen. Glen Campbell blush

Davies is set to release a new album in 2026, and it’s the start of what I expect to be one of the best albums of the new year. I can’t wait to hear more.

Until next time…

LISTEN TO THIS WEEK’S SPECIALLY CREATED PLAYLIST BELOW:

David Kowalski is an author, musician, educator, audio engineer, and podcaster. His podcasts ‘The Sound and the Fury Podcast’ and ‘Audio Cumulus’ are available to listen to only HERE. You can follow David on Twitter/X @sound_fury_pod.

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