Designers For Paul Kelly, Powderfinger & More On Ausmusic T-Shirt Day 2024 Tees

Ausmusic T-Shirt Day – Support Act’s annual fundraiser – returns next month, and to celebrate, we’ve caught up with country singer Max Jackson and a bunch of designers about this year’s exclusive t-shirts.

On Wednesday, 28 November, you can purchase official and exclusive shirts from the Ausmusic T-Shirt Day premium t-shirt range, featuring new shirts from Paul Kelly, The Amity Affliction, Royel Otis, Powderfinger, Angus & Julia Stone, G Flip, Diesel, Teen Jesus And The Jean Teasers, Ninajirachi, The Wolfe Brothers, and more.

This year’s theme is “Life’s better with Australian music” and is supported by ARIA, triple j, Mushroom Creative House, and AAMI.

The premium t-shirt range features items sold for $50, with 100% of proceeds going to Support Act, courtesy of support from Gildan Brands and Love Police. Orders are open until tomorrow, so get in quick and order your t-shirt here.

In addition to the premium shirt range on the Ausmusic T-Shirt Day website, punters can also purchase shirts from merch partners supporting the charity campaign, including Artist First, Love Police, Bad Apples, Merch Jungle, Sound Merch, Sound of Vinyl, Warner Music, High Tees, On Repeat, and Crew Care. All merch partners will donate a percentage of t-shirt sales to Support Act.

Max Jackson, Travis Price (designer of the Paul Kelly t-shirt), Kylie aka Nomad Create (designer of the Powderfinger and Angus & Julia Stone t-shirts), and Sophie Howarth (designer of the “Homage” t-shirt) have shared the process behind the exclusive shirts. Here are their stories.

Max Jackson

I chose to work with Lisa De Angelis, who makes her art (@devillelovesyou), because Lisa herself is also a singer/songwriter/artist and an amazing graphic designer. I thought that in the name of Aus Music T-shirt Day, which is about celebrating and supporting Australian musicians and all of the amazing music workers that surround them, this collaboration with a fellow artist is what our Australian Music community is all about.

I went with a boots and denim theme as my signature style on stage is to cram as much denim into every outfit as I can. My mum actually makes me a lot of my on-stage looks out of recycled denim, so this design feels very me. Lisa really brought her cool, vibrant, and cartoonist flair to the design, and I think what we came up with is strong, fun, and country—just like the two gals who designed it.

Max Jackson t-shirt. Source: Supplied/Support Act

Travis Price

I’ve always found myself getting lost in Paul Kelly's songs. It’s like watching a film in your mind's eye that amazingly all wraps up in 3-5 minutes.

They somehow perfectly capture pieces of the Australian experience like no other. His words, lyrics, phrases, and metaphors stick with you long after the music has gone.

This was my inspiration for our Ausmusic T-shirt Day collaboration, visually capturing pieces of my favourite PK songs almost like a visual puzzle.

Paul Kelly t-shirts. Source: Supplied/Support Act

Kylie aka Nomad Create

Powderfinger tee:

Creating a t-shirt design for a band that has been a significant part of my life for over half of my existence is not just a project; it’s a heartfelt tribute. This band of five incredible individuals has not only shaped my musical tastes but has also made a lasting impact on my life. 

Designing this T-shirt is my way of expressing my gratitude for the countless memories and experiences their music has provided me. Each note and lyric have been a source of comfort and inspiration, guiding me through the highs and lows of life.

I wanted this design to encapsulate them being a national treasure but also the sense of community and belonging they have fostered among their fans. It’s a celebration of their artistry and the profound connection we share, a connection that transcends mere fandom and becomes a part of who I am.

Through the years, their music has been a constant source of strength, helping me navigate the challenges that life has thrown my way. The melodies and lyrics resonate deeply, reminding me that I am not alone in my struggles.

As I sat down to create this design, I was reminded of the countless concerts I’ve attended, the friends I’ve made, and the moments of pure joy that their songs have brought into my life. This T-shirt is not just another shirt; it is a symbol of resilience, hope, and the unbreakable bond between the band and their fans, including myself.

Powderfinger t-shirts. Source: Supplied/Support Act

Angus & Julia Stone

Angus & Julia Stone, the Australian folk duo, have captivated audiences not only with their enchanting music but also with their distinctive visual identity. As their graphic designer, I have the privilege of translating their artistic vision into compelling visuals that resonate with their fans. From album covers to promotional materials, each design reflects the duo’s unique blend of whimsy and melancholy, ensuring that their aesthetic is as memorable as their melodies.

Collaborating closely with Angus and Julia over the last six years has been a dream, creating art that enhances their storytelling and evokes the emotions embedded in their songs. The inspiration behind this t-shirt “Just A Boy” captures the essence of youthful innocence and the complexities of growing up.

Its melodic tunes and heartfelt lyrics resonate with listeners, making it a perfect inspiration for the t-shirt design to serve as a wearable tribute to the themes of love, longing, and the bittersweet nature of adolescence. This design not only reflects the spirit of the song but also connects with fans who appreciate the emotional depth of Angus and Julia Stone’s music.

Angus & Julia Stone t-shirt. Source: Supplied/Support Act

Sophie Howarth

Collaboration was the key to the magic of the 2024 Sophie Howarth Photography / Support Act AusMusic T-shirt design. In recent times, I have been invited to collaborate with others. These collaborations have breathed new life into my existing artworks and photography archive. I was thrilled with the Nick Cave collaboration T-shirt last year and have been invited on board again.

This year, the collaboration was a bit more complex, with the idea to reference my exhibition artwork, “Homage to Chicks.” The collaboration began with an exciting and inspiring conversation with Bec Shand from Support Act fundraising. In the next stage, the head designer at Love Police, Michael Bowers, created a clever design interpretation of my artwork for the tee.

The cherry on the cake came from Support Act boss Clive [Miller]’s suggestion to call the T-shirt simply “Homage” as a reference to the full artwork – “Homage to Chicks”.

Sophie Howarth’s “Homage” shirt. Source: Supplied/Support Act

About the Homage to Chicks artwork Exhibition piece:

Homage to Chicks represents over 20 years of photography from my music photography archive of the 1990s-2000s; it is 13 metres long and is made up of 126 photographs. Homage to Chicks exhibition artwork puts the focus on women in music.

Equipped with an AAA (Access All Areas) photo pass, I captured a story of the Australian Music scene, photographing wherever the moment took me—at festivals, live gigs, tours, and portrait shoots. Collaborating is the very essence of the photographs—the artists and their audience.

These moments are from pub gigs to our Australian festival favourites—Homebake, Splendour in the Grass, and Big Day Out. A feeling of reverie prevails in the photographs: intimate, heartfelt moments onstage, offstage, and in the crowd.

Taking all this to heart, Michael Bowers has designed a heart shape with 18 black-and-white images. At its centre, one of my iconic photographs of Adalita Srsen from Magic Dirt beats out in colour.

“Homage” is a walking exhibition representing women in Australian music!