ME creates all-Aussie playlist for customers stuck on hold

Online bank ME has joined the raft of organisations pushing their local music credentials this month.

This afternoon the organisation revealed it will update its on-hold playlist “with 10 new bangers” which will play as customers wait in the phone queue.

The bank said the playlist features a diverse range of up-and-coming as well as established local talent, including LGBTQI+ and First Nations artists.

The announcement comes on the first day of Ausmusic Month, which also saw Woolworths reveal its new partnership with ARN to overhaul its in-store audio offering as well as creating the online Woolworths Radio station. The organisations noted the bespoke playlists will feature increased Australian music.

The ongoing Hold Aussie Music campaign will also turn up the volume throughout Ausmusic Month and lobby 30 organisations across the 30 days of November to increase their use of Australian music.

ME’s full playlist is available on Spotify, and the bank is also working with artists including Budjerah and The Merindas to share their best money tips on their Instagram feeds and ME’s online money guide, The Feed. 

ME CEO, Martine Jager, said it’s been great to see more Australian companies supporting Aussie music recently.

“As we all know, COVID-19 has cancelled many tours, festivals and venues, and put careers on hold, so we want to do our part in supporting this vibrant industry and brighten everyone’s day,” she said.

“We know that hanging out on hold isn’t necessarily how you’d like to spend your time, but with awesome on-hold music, you might just wish to hold a little longer.”

The playlist includes:

1. Jack River – Fool’s Gold
2. The Babe Rainbow – Ready for Tomorrow
3. G Flip – Not Even in Vegas
4. Isabella Manfredi – Jealousy
5. Gang of Youths – The Angel of 8th Ave
6. Vance Joy – Missing Piece
7. Budjerah – Higher
8. The Merindas – We Sing Until Sunrise
9. Tones & I – Cloudy Day
10. Birdz – Fly

River, who features on the ME playlist, wrote an open letter to Channel 7 and wider corporate Australia in July as the broadcaster was beaming the Tokyo Olympics into the country. In it, River noted that Australia’s Olympic victories, successes and stories were Australian moments and they deserved Australian music to accompany them.

“And while we’re here, how good would it be to hear Aussie music in Coles, Woolies, Aldi, in banks, on hold, in stores and on ads being shown to Australians over the next few months?,” the post continued.

Off the back of this callout, Coles Radio, programmed by NOVA Entertainment, told The Music Network it would be ramping up its commitment to local music.

Other brands to get on board with Ausmusic Month with announcements today include youth broadcaster triple j, which revealed the nominees for its J Awards, and social media platform TikTok, which has created a special local music hub and will broadcast exclusive performances from Aussie artists.

Ausmusic T-Shirt Day will also take place on Friday, November 19.