This past week in Sydney was full of live music and a little bit of brainpower. One of the highlights was catching an Australian surf rock band called Rum Jungle in concert. Their sound was laid-back yet punchy and created a coastal energy and indie sound. What stood out was how uniquely Australian their vibe was. There’s a rawness and casual confidence in Aussie surf rock that feels more relaxed than the polished edge often found in American indie or rock bands. It’s less about being flashy and more about capturing a mood — warm nights, salty air, and not taking yourself too seriously.
Later in the week, I found myself at a bar on Sunday night with live music covering American hits. Many a American classic rock and country song were played. It was interesting to see Aussie musicians channeling American music so naturally, and how the crowd responded to it. There’s definitely a cultural crossover as American music has a strong presence in Australia. The energy is different though. In the U.S., live performances often feel like a show, with bigger staging and high production. In Australia, the atmosphere is more intimate and communal, like everyone’s in on the jam session. I much prefer the Australian version that reminds me more of a garage band in the United States.
Tuesday night brought a change of pace with a trivia night; a fun, competitive way to break up the week. It was interesting to see how many questions were about the United States and its pop culture and politics. Trivia feels like a universal good time, but there’s a certain charm in how Aussies lean into the humor and heckling a bit more freely than Americans might.
Overall, the week was a great mix of music, community, and good times. It served as a great reminder of how much culture shows up in the little details, like the way a band plays or how a pub crowd sings along. My time in Sydney has greatly been a reflection of just this; how similar and yet different American and Aussie culture is specifically in their cultural nuances.
