If they hadn’t before, Augie March and Killing Heidi have now cemented their place in Australian music history, making Triple J’s Hottest 100 countdown of Australian songs.

Shepparton’s Augie March landed at #33 with their song One Crowded Hour, and Violet Town’s Killing Heidi came in at #77 with their song Weir.

Augie March lead singer Glenn Richards thanked everyone who voted for them, and the band’s long-time Shepparton fans.

He said it was a big surprise, and they were very grateful to “whoever out there still likes us”.

“We’d been preparing for a show in Melbourne, and I wasn’t really aware of (making the countdown) until the flight home to Hobart,” Richards said.

“We’ve been doing this for 30 years, travelled a fair bit and played with a lot of big acts in big places.

“It’s definitely nice to be voted for, but these things are never an indication of actual quality or status within the musical community — my 100 would look a lot different.”

Richards said he didn’t expect the song to become as big as it did, because it was a “very live on the run recording in special circumstances”.

“I had it written in my kitbag already, we were touring the United States and had a chance to have a beer with Eric Drew Feldman from Captain Beefheart at his house in Haight Ashbury, San Francisco,” he said.

“It’s a very well-constructed tune and there’s a combination of interesting words and musical moments.

“One thing led to another, and we spent a week recording at Creedence Clearwater Revival’s old studio in Chicago.”

Richards said he thought One Crowded Hour still resonated with listeners because it sounded like it might be a love song, which people liked; however, it wasn’t.

Richards said growing up in Shepparton influenced Augie March’s music and helped their music journey.

“I was lucky enough to have a couple of lovely teachers who made sure literature classes happened at a time when public schools were trying to eliminate them,” he said.

“I also spent most of my out-of-school time walking my dog up to the Kialla Central School footy oval to have a kick with myself.

“I guess all that alone time made me a touch introspective and melancholy.”

Killing Heidi lead singer Ella Hooper said it was amazing to make the countdown and be recognised alongside some of Australia’s most iconic music.

“It was a real honour, and such a nice compliment from the voting public to see how they feel about that song,” she said.

“I love that it was a surprise, and I think everyone enjoyed the anticipation of finding out what landed where. Seventy-seven feels like a good, lucky number to me.

“I love that we were nestled in with some of our touring buddies, like Eskimo Joe and other icons, which is an honour.”

Hooper said she never thought Weir would still be resonating with listeners so many years later — but it was huge for the band to be part of the historic countdown.

“You never think about legacy when you’re writing or recording a song,” she said.

“You’re so in the moment, trying to capture that feeling — whatever it is — you have to be very present.

“Whenever your art and efforts are recognised and celebrated, it’s a lovely feeling because you know it comes from some sort of connection.

“That’s what we — or I at least — do it for. To touch people and feel connected through music.

“But it's a beautiful thing how the meaning, the effect and the gravity of it even can change and grow over time, as it has with Weir.

“I think the song has a youthful naivety and honesty to it that people love being transported back to, as it can become harder and harder to feel that way as we age and the world wears you down.”

Weir was released as a single from Killing Heidi’s debut studio album, Reflector, in 1999, and it came in second in Triple J’s Hottest 100 countdown that year.

Their song Mascara also made an appearance in the countdown from 200 at #174, which Hooper said they loved.

“It’s funny that back in the day, that song actually charted higher than Weir,” Hooper said.

“It went to number one, but as time has passed, Weir has become more so the song we are known for.

“I love both songs equally and feel like they are kind of ying yang — opposite but complimentary sisters.

“You never know how time will shape things.”

Hooper said coming from Violet Town massively shaped Killing Heidi’s music and journey as a band.

“I think my country roots show through in everything I do, and it certainly helped Killing Heidi stand out at the beginning too,” she said.

“It's always good to have an unexpected backstory in music.

“I always think it’s my secret weapon, coming from a tiny town like Violet Town.

“We appreciate you and feel blessed to be having this purple patch in our career 25-plus years in, it’s a real joy to be a part of your listening history.”

Seymour Telegraph Google News Panels

Monday, 3rd July 2023

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