All The Fresh & Emerging Aussie Bands To Add To Your 2020 Playlists Now
We're certain your 'Summer 2k14' tracks slap, but you're missing out on the best and brightest of new Australian music.
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In 2020, let’s move beyond listening to the same five playlists on repeat. We’re certain your ‘Summer 2k14’ tracks slap, but you’re missing out on the best and brightest of new Australian music. And, trust us, that’s a real shame.
Plus, there’s no point pretending: it feels really good when you know an act before they blow up. Imagine being able to (very) casually slip the likes of, “Yeah, it’s so cool to see ONEFOUR blow up, I’ve been listening since 2017” into conversation.
We’ve got you covered. Freshen up your playlists with these 10 acts: from Western Sydney hip-hop to the dreamiest of dream-pop and Perth producers huge in Europe but emerging in Australia. You’ll soon hear them everywhere – why not get on board for bragging rights now?
A.GIRL
Hinenui-Terangi Tairua might’ve chosen the least-Google-friendly moniker for her stage-name, but A.GIRL deserves to sky-rocket to the top of every single search. Recently named ‘Next Big Thing’ at tastemaker FBi Radio’s SMAC Awards, the 19-year-old A.GIRL’s syrupy vocals give her slick, bouncy R&B depth way beyond her years.
EGOISM
There’s dream-pop, then there’s EGOISM. This Sydney duo double-down on the nostalgic tones, as Olive and Scout’s voices might be the sweetest thing we’ve ever heard. Warning: latest track ‘You You’ will induce daydreams of starring in your own ’90s rom-com.
Erthlings
Erthlings might be the coolest teenagers out. The four friends – Issy, Jessame, Taylor and Lissa – have been making music together since they were eight and, listening to their debut EP Indigo, you can tell. They’re masters of ‘effortless indie-pop’, making catchy choruses seem so easy time and time again.
Flowerkid
Even with just two singles out, it’s clear that Flowerkid is something special. The 18-year-old singer-songwriter from Sydney dropped out of school in year 10 due to anxiety issues, and found respite in music: his name is a reference to continually growing and blooming, which you can hear in his soothing, melancholic tones.
‘boy with the winfields and the wild heart’, his most recent track, is a stunning ballad written about a lost loved one. Set largely to guitar strumming, it wisely puts Flowerkid’s raw talent front-and-centre.
HAAi
Australia needs to claim Teneil Throssell before the UK does: this WA-born, London-based DJ is a gem of Europe’s club world, having secured big name residencies, coveted radio slots, and a devoted, loving audience.
Before Throssell turned to the decks, she was in psych-rock band Dark Bells: her former sound bleeds through her recent debut EP, Systems Up, Windows Down, which pulsates relentlessly in and out of house and garage with the same mind-bending openness that guides the best Tame Impala tracks. She’s just played a series of shows across Australia; hopefully she’ll be back soon.
Hooligan Hefs
Beyond ONEFOUR and Kwame, Western Sydney is producing some of Australia’s most exciting hip-hop acts. Hooligan Hefs is set for a massive 2020 off the back of a couple of huge, triple j-hyped singles last year, like ‘Tell Em Im Doing Eetswa’ and ‘The Party’, which deftly combine hard-style and UK drill. We never thought we could be this into Euro-trash beats.
Memphis LK
If you’re obsessed with ABRA or Charli XCX, meet your new favourite local act. Memphis LK creates dance-pop that plays with darkness, pulling together R&B influences and club 808s. The result is innovative and catchy-as-hell, filled with the kind of careful, intricate production that inspires multiple listens. Dive in.
Milan Ring
What can’t Milan Ring do? The rapper, guitarist and singer also produces, engineers and mixes all of her own music. A savvy blend of ’90s R&B and soul, with a dash of electronica, Milan’s easiest sonic comparison is SZA, who she’s spent time in the studio with. Game recognises game.
Of her tracks, start with ‘Drifting’, an ever-shifting track which shows off all her talents at once.
Poolroom.
Inspired by ’80s synth-pop, Prince and Architecture In Helsinki, Charlie Waldren’s music as Poolroom. is silly, funky, and in-your-face, filled with space-age synths and smooth disco breaks. Developing a name for himself in Sydney for his high-energy live show, Poolroom. might be the funnest act on this list.
Teen Jesus & The Jean Teasers
Sure, Canberran five-piece Teen Jesus & The Jean Teasers have both a perfect name and origin story (they began making music after a Year 10 sleepover where they watched School Of Rock), but thankfully the talent backs it up.
After a series of early afternoon slots across festivals last year, the Jean Teasers proved they can win over a tough crowd with their tight, moody indie-grunge. Latest single ‘Desk Chair’ is their best yet – clever-cute lyrics about self-sabotage with a hell of a release come chorus.
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You know the drill. Next time you’re getting groceries, chuck one (or all three) of Doritos’ new Food Truck Classics flavours into your basket and show your tastebuds some lovin’.
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(Lead image: zachrie friesen / Unsplash)