John Williamson on retirement and the future of Australian country music

Folk and country music icon John Williamson is winding down his performing career, preparing to trade the Australian winter for Fiji as he eases into retirement at 80. After more than fifty years on stage, the artist behind hits like "Old Man Emu" and "True Blue" intends to spend more time at his Gold Coast Hinterland property.

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I've got an 180 acre block… I'm still discovering what's on there, because rainforest is like that, you know. But it's really two countries, it goes from tropical rainforest up into koala country on the ridges.

Williamson's office, decorated with Australian art and music memorabilia, reflects his deep connection to his homeland. Among the items is a proposal for a new Australian flag featuring a kangaroo. He plans to dedicate his retirement to various personal projects. These include developing a sculpture park on his 180-acre property, which he describes as having diverse environments from rainforest to koala habitats. He also looks forward to simple pleasures, like picking his own tomatoes, a luxury often missed due to his extensive touring.

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I also want to pick my own tomatoes. I've got four chooks but because in my life, the way it's been with travel, I might have a beautiful tomato plant, and I'll go away, and the neighbours pick it. I want to be there to eat my own tomatoes.

Reflecting on the state of Australian country music, Williamson voices concern about the scene's strong influence from American music. As a storyteller who aims to capture Australian life and identity in his songs, he encourages local artists to embrace their unique voices and narratives. He believes there is not enough music sung with a distinct Australian accent, urging artists to "believe themselves and believe in their own voice" rather than solely emulating American sounds, even when singing Australian lyrics.

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I think we've always been over-influenced by the American stuff. I'm a storyteller. I tell stories about us and maybe put our little towns into a song, and all the rest of it with an Aussie accent. I don't think there's quite enough of it (with an Australian accent) so I encourage that as much as I can for people to believe themselves and believe in their own voice, instead of listening to America.