50 Game-Changing Women in Australian Music You Should Know
Music in Australia has long been shaped by powerful voices—but too often, the contributions of women and gender-diverse artists have been overlooked. That’s why we’re celebrating a list that finally gives credit where it’s due: Double J’s 50 Game-Changing Women in Australian Music.
This isn’t just a list—it’s a reminder that the sound of Australia has been, and continues to be, built by boundary-pushers, rule-breakers, and visionaries.
What Makes a Game-Changer?
To be a game-changer means more than being successful. It’s about shifting the culture, opening doors for others, and leaving a mark that echoes through time.
These artists have done just that—whether through their sound, their style, or their refusal to fit into a box. From indie icons and rock revolutionaries to First Nations voices and production pioneers, they’ve helped create a more inclusive, powerful future for music in Australia.
Highlights From the List
Here are just a few names that shine:
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Adalita (Magic Dirt) – A fierce guitarist and frontwoman who brought raw emotion and distortion to the mainstream, inspiring countless women to pick up the guitar.
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Christine Anu – Blending pop with her Torres Strait Islander heritage, she’s a beacon for Indigenous representation in music.
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Chrissy Amphlett (Divinyls) – Bold, brash, and unforgettable, she rewrote what it meant to be a woman in rock.
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Sampa The Great – Redefining hip-hop in Australia with razor-sharp lyrics and fearless truth-telling.
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Thelma Plum – A proud Gamilaraay woman whose music is both heartbreakingly personal and politically powerful.
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Alice Ivy – A rising production powerhouse, proving women belong behind the boards as much as behind the mic.
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Kylie Minogue, Sia, Tina Arena, Missy Higgins, Courtney Barnett – These household names continue to influence pop culture, each with their own unique voice and path.
Why This Matters for Us
As a female-led platform that champions unique Japanese guitars and gear, we know firsthand how important representation is. Seeing and hearing women own the stage—whether it’s with a Flying V, a synth, or an acoustic—is more than inspiring. It’s transformative.
These artists remind us that the industry doesn’t belong to one sound, one look, or one gender. It belongs to those who dare to create.
Let’s Keep the Celebration Going
We’ll be spotlighting many of these game-changers in upcoming posts—looking at the gear they use, their songwriting journeys, and how they inspire the next wave of players and producers.
Your Voice Matters
Whether you’re a beginner learning power chords or a seasoned player producing your own tracks—you belong here. These 50 legends prove that no matter your background, sound, or story, there’s space for you to make noise.
Know an artist who deserves to be on this list? DM us or comment below—we’d love to celebrate them too.
https://www.abc.net.au/listen/doublej/music-reads/features/50-game-changing-women-australian-music/13215104
