About the Artist

Counting Down The Beat

Countdown was instrumental in breaking not only mainstream Australian and New Zealand artists but also a diverse range of emerging and alternative acts during the golden era of the ’70s and ’80s. While household names like John Farnham and INXS benefited from its reach, the show also gave crucial exposure to lesser-known and genre-diverse musicians who may have struggled to find an audience through traditional radio airplay. Bands like The Models, Machinations, and The Reels, who blended elements of new wave, post-punk, and electronic music, found a home on Countdown, where their music videos and performances reached a broad national audience. Even underground and experimental artists, who may not have fit the commercial mold, had the chance to be seen and heard, creating a more dynamic and diverse Australian music landscape. By embracing a wide range of musical styles, Countdown played a key role in fostering innovation within the industry. The program’s support for punk and alternative acts such as The Saints and Hunters & Collectors helped these bands gain credibility and a dedicated following. Likewise, New Zealand acts like Mi-Sex and The Swingers benefited from the show’s ability to introduce fresh, unconventional sounds to Australian audiences. Additionally, Countdown’s early adoption of music videos allowed independent and emerging artists to showcase their creativity in ways that transcended their limited promotional budgets. Whether through live studio performances or pre-recorded clips, the show provided a rare opportunity for non-mainstream artists to reach thousands of potential fans, helping shape the musical identity of the era beyond just the biggest chart-toppers.