ASHWARYA
If you're not already onto ASHWARYA, move very, very quickly. This 21-year-old Melbourne artist describes her music as "darkly romantic" and "emotive but icy" but we're just about to ready to describe it as "the next big thing". *plays Psycho Hole on repeat*
Beans
Formerly known as Baked Beans, Geelong five-piece Beans have clearly already made an impression, signing with Flightless Records back in 2018 (you might already be familiar with frontman Matt Blach as the drummer for The Murlocs too). The group released their second album a few months back, bringing with it this spectacular video for Stride. Come for the music, stay for synchronised dance moves.
colourblind
Describing their sound as "punk-rock-emo" Adelaide's colourblind will be giving you some serious Ceres/Slowly Slowly/Luca Brasi vibes and you won't be mad about it. The four-piece has already joined the likes of Grinspoon, Polish Club, These New South Whales and more in support slots, but we reckon they'll be enjoying some more time with 'headliner' status very soon.
Death By Denim
There's clearly something in water over in WA that just makes for dreamy, psych inspired music and Death By Denim are the latest act to prove it. They're already making waves too, with a signing with Lemon Tree Music in February (ya know, the group that helped take Tones & I to the world), a UK and Europe booking deal in August with Paradigm and a US booking deal last week.
Harper Bloom
We actually think it's impossible to love Harper Bloom more than we already do. The Music premiered Bloom's video for Walk My Way back in June (which was impressively just her second single!) and then just last month Bloom announced her signing with Teamtrick's Jim McKinnon for management (Allday, Mallrat) and New World Artists for bookings. Have a listen and prepare to feel better about everything.
Hauskey
Chances are you're already very familiar with Hauskey after his ultra buzzy track Slow from earlier this year; it's already scored him a triple j Like A Version appearance and a stack of streams. The multi-instrumentalist has already struck a deal with Republic/Polydor and is looking like a big 2021 is ahead of him.
Jerome Farah
Just prepare yourself to be blown away by Jerome Farah - no really, he's incredible. You've also been listening to Farah's work for years too, with writing credits on tracks like Adrian Eagle's 17 Again and A.O.K, Dallas Woods' Hoodlum and more, as well as working with the likes of Baker Boy and Kian.
Jess Day
Adelaide's Jess Day knows her way around a catchy hook and her tracks Affection and Why Is She So Beautiful are perfect examples of that. “I strive to write as honestly as possible, using the best hook as a vessel for whatever message I feel is worth getting across," Day told BIGSOUND recently. "I like songs that on first listen are just catchy but on later listens, are harbouring a specific message that hits home." We reckon we'll be getting her songs stuck in our heads for years to come.
Kee’ahn
We caught Kee'ahn at the Melbourne One Of One International Women's Day event last year and were immediately floored. It's not just us that's blown away either; Kee'ahn recently took out the Archie Roach Foundation Award at the 2020 NIMAs and has also been nominated for Best Emerging Artist for the Music Victoria Awards. Expect VERY big things.
Lydia Fairhall & The She Oaks
Lydia Fairhall is just about to release her debut album and we couldn't be more ready for it - just look to Sign Of The Times and you'll understand why. "I share these songs because I am deep in humanity and hope that others may find healing and reprieve in my work," said Fairhall. It's important work that demands your attention.
Nerve Damage
We're feeling more than a little sad at the prospect of not seeing hardcore/punk group Nerve Damage play live in person. “I would describe Nerve Damage's music as confrontational, energetic, abrasive and abrupt… Nine times out of ten, we are playing a small DIY room, most of the time on the floor," Nerve Damage's Shal told BIGSOUND recently. "We play loud, through a lot of gear, and encourage everyone to do whatever the music makes them feel like doing." Expect to see us first in line for their next show.
No Money Enterprise
EVERYONE is excited about No Money Enterprise. It's more than apparent with their track German already earning over 20 million streams. They've already landed themselves on the ARIA Charts and earned two Gold records within eight months of their debut single. No Money Enterprise are a MUST for this year's BIGSOUND.
SOPHIYA
We can't get enough of SOPHIYA. The Melbourne artist dropped her debut EP, Overdue, a few weeks back and with a sound that brings together rap, R&B and pop, she's already gained a stack of attention around the country. “Bad bitch energy is always my category" - yes, SOPHIYA, yes.
Southeast Desert Metal
It feels like everyone we speak with is buzzing on Southeast Desert Metal ahead of this year's BIGSOUND. “I grew up in the desert, learning Dreamtime stories from my Auntie, listening to Iron Maiden, ACDC and Black Sabbath," explained vocalist and guitarist Chris Wallace. "I always wanted to play like my idols. I started the band when some younger fellas in the community started wanting to play a heavier sound too. Music is a way to connect with people and share a message." Make sure you get to know the “most isolated metal band in the world”.
Sycco
Sycco's been appearing on line-ups everywhere on the past 18 months and for damn good reasons too. Her track Peacemaker is the seventh most played Indigenous song on Australian radio for 2020 so far, seeing Sycco in the company of Baker Boy, Jessica Mauboy, Thelma Plum, The Kid LAROI and more. Triple J have shown a lot of love too, adding Dribble to rotation back in July. Don't miss her.
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