Triple j’s Hottest 100 isn’t just a countdown; it’s a cultural barometer, reflecting the ever-shifting landscape of musical taste. For over three decades, it’s offered a unique snapshot of what Australia is listening to, and a wealth of data for those willing to dig a little deeper. As we approach the 2025 reveal, let’s explore some emerging trends and potential records that could be broken.
The Reign of the Solo Artist: Is the Band Dead?
A recent conversation with a Gen Z colleague brought a startling realization: bands aren’t necessarily “cool” anymore. This anecdotal observation is backed by streaming data – Spotify reveals only five bands rank within the top 50 most-streamed artists of all time. Several music publications have explored this phenomenon, and the Hottest 100’s history confirms a significant shift.
For clarity (the “White Stripes Rule,” as it were), we’re defining a band as any act with more than one official member. Peking Duk, with its duo, qualifies, but a collaboration between Charli XCX and Billie Eilish doesn’t constitute a band. Between 1993 and 2004, band representation in the Hottest 100 consistently hovered around 80 songs annually.
Spacey Jane is one of the few bands to dominate the triple j Hottest 100 in recent years. (ABC South West WA: Bridget McArthur)
By the mid-2000s, a decline began, reaching a low of just 32 band-inclusive songs in 2023. While this year’s longlist features numerous bands, the trend suggests solo artists will once again dominate. Interestingly, The Wiggles’ surprise #1 in 2021 might be seen as an anomaly, a nostalgic peak rather than a resurgence of the band format. Billboard recently explored this shift, attributing it to the rise of individual branding and the accessibility of solo music production.
Pro Tip:
Keep an eye on artists who blend genres. The Hottest 100 often rewards innovation, and solo artists are often more agile in experimenting with different sounds.
The Aussie Invasion: Will National Pride Prevail?
Triple j’s celebration of Australian music with the “Hottest 100 Australian Songs of All Time” earlier this year sparked a wave of national pride. But will this translate into a strong showing in the main countdown? Historically, Australian representation has fluctuated. It peaked at 55 in 2010, but dipped dramatically to just 29 in 2024 – the lowest since 1996.
G Flip could be among the Aussie artists leading the charge in this Hottest 100. (Credit: Instagram / @gflip)
Triple j’s addition of an Australian filter on the voting page and tagging of Aussie songs is a clear attempt to boost local representation. Whether this will be enough to reverse the trend remains to be seen. The success of artists like G Flip and the continued popularity of established acts will be key. The rise of independent Australian labels and the increasing focus on homegrown talent within the music industry are positive signs.
Hot Streaks and Leaderboard Battles
Billie Eilish currently shares the record for most Hottest 100 appearances with Hilltop Hoods, both boasting 25 entries. However, with no songs on this year’s shortlist, Eilish’s eight-year streak (every countdown since 2017) is likely to end. Bring Me The Horizon, Fisher, G Flip, and Lime Cordiale are all vying to continue a streak that began in 2018, but only the latter three have songs in contention.
Billie Eilish’s hot streak is expected to come to an end in this Hottest 100. (Universal Music: William Drumm)
Hilltop Hoods have four songs on the voting list, giving them a strong chance to surpass Eilish and claim sole possession of the top spot. G Flip and Flume are close behind with 22 appearances each and five songs in the running. The leaderboard battle promises to be a fascinating subplot to the main countdown.
Longevity Legends: A Three-Decade Triumph
Kylie Minogue and Damon Albarn (Gorillaz) share the remarkable record of appearing in the Hottest 100 for 30 consecutive years. Albarn could extend this record to 33 years if Gorillaz lands a spot in 2025. However, Paul Kelly, thanks to his Like A Version cover of Kylie Minogue’s “Did It Again,” is also in contention, potentially achieving a 33-year span dating back to 1993.
If Paul Kelly gets into the upcoming countdown, his Hottest 100 career will span 33 years. (Supplied: triple j)
This sets up a compelling showdown, with Kylie Minogue inadvertently playing a role in potentially dethroning Damon Albarn. It’s a testament to the enduring appeal of these artists and the Hottest 100’s ability to capture musical legacies.
FAQ
Q: What defines a “band” for the purposes of these statistics?
A: Any act with more than one official member is considered a band.
Q: How are Australian appearances counted?
A: Every appearance by an Australian act, including featured artists and collaborators, is counted. Multiple entries by the same artist are also counted individually.
Q: Where can I find the Hottest 100 voting shortlist?
A: The full voting shortlist is available on the triple j website.
Q: Is the decline of bands permanent?
A: It’s too early to say definitively. The music industry is constantly evolving, and trends can shift quickly.
What are your predictions for the Hottest 100? Share your thoughts in the comments below! Explore more music analysis on our Music Insights page, or subscribe to our newsletter for the latest updates.
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