The Basics Defend Triple J After Backlash Over Courtney Barnett's J Awards Win

Melbourne band The Basics — that’s Wally De Backer (aka Gotye), Tim Heath and Kris Schroeder — have defended triple j‘s attempts to “champion new music and sounds” in the wake of Courtney Barnett‘s somewhat controversial Australian Album of the Year win at last week’s J Awards.

After Barnett took home the J Award for Australian Album of the Year, the triple j Facebook page was flooded by some not-so-positive comments. For example:

Posting to Facebook today, The Basics say their News Feed has been “burning alive with anti-J sentiment” recently. “It doesn’t matter what about,” they add, before saying, “Though we happen to think Courtney is feckin great.”

The Basics go on to ask, “What is it about [triple j] that attracts the ire of so many? Is it because maybe they’re the only national broadcaster that actually *does* give two shits about trying to champion new music and sounds?”

Then, praising the broadcaster, the group says, “If triple j has done one thing well is consistently programme a balance of local and overseas content. And they’re killing it in the ratings!! Advertisers take note.

“Enough with the triple j bashing. Enough of the Richard Kingsmill bashing. Nobody’s perfect, but triple j, Double J and triple j Unearthed are doing everything they can for your music (and mine).”

The band also suggests that commercial radio organisations such as DMG (now NOVA Entertainment) and Southern Cross Austereo should increase their support of Australian music.

“We always excuse them from scrutiny because ‘they’re just after the advertising dollars’,” the band says. “Well I’ve had enough of that apathetic attitude toward how these networks maintain a radio license without requiring them to support our industry beyond the absolute minimum.”

Catch The Basics’ full Facebook post below, and the full list of this year’s J Award winners right here. It’s unclear which member of The Basics wrote the post.

Watch: Courtney Barnett – Nobody Really Cares If You Don’t Go To The Party

Yet again triple j is under fire. It doesn't matter what about (though we happen to think Courtney is feckin great) -... Posted by The Basics on Sunday, 22 November 2015

Gallery: Courtney Barnett – Sydney, Metro Theatre 07.05.15 / Photos: Ashley Mar