MUSIC | 5 Australian artists you NEED to hear
We love Australian music. There is an honesty to it - something that pulls at the heartstrings and hits close to home. Soon we'll be covering our favourite Australian musicians of all time, but today, let's take a look at five up and coming Aussie artists worthy of your attention.
5. JULIA JACKLIN
Promising young Australian performer Julia Jacklin is making waves on Australian radio. Hailing from New South Wales' beautiful Blue Mountains, Jacklin's 2016 debut studio album, 'Don't Let the Kids Win' impressed listeners immediately, and earned a fresh fanbase with its melodic indie pop sound. Her hard work, persistence and obvious musical talent continues to turn heads, catching the attention of some industry heavy weights in the process. In 2016, Triple J nominated Julia as one of five finalists for an Unearthed Artist of the Year J Award, while Rolling Stone Australia labeled her 'an artist to watch' on their ‘Future is Now’ list. We at Gigamov couldn't agree more!
Currently travelling the world, Julia will be making a whistle-stop appearance at the annual Australian Music Festival Splendour in the Grass before resuming her North American tour, and continuing on to Europe. Do yourself a favour and catch a Julia Jacklin performance, and you too will understand why Jacklin is an artist living up to the hype, and clearly destined for great success.
Check out Julia Jacklin's tour schedule HERE.
4. CAITLYN SHADBOLT Caitlyn Shadbolt was a Season 6 contestant on 'X-Factor' Australia. Placing fifth, she may not have gone down as the winner, but she did go on to release a fun and quirky country album.
Her debut album 'Songs On My Sleeve' released this year offers fans 12 tracks, including her new hit 'My Breakup Anthem'. The album is all that you would expect from the 21 year-old from Gympie. She brings fun and quirky vibes to country music, while singing about the woes of love. The album also sees Shadbolt team up with 2011 'X-Factor' winner Reece Mastin on the duet 'Me Without You'.
Caitlyn has a lot to offer and it seems like she could make Australia proud with her voice and talent. If you like Taylor Swift, chances are you'll love Caitlyn Shadbolt.
Get the latest on Caitlin Shadbolt HERE!
3. INTERIM
If you're a fan of 'Home and Away', then you may remember Alec Snow, who played the loveable bad boy and musician, Matt Page.
Matt was a memorable character on the show, but he departed the Bay earlier this year when viewers saw Matt and wife to be Evie MacGuire venture off overseas. Alec played Matt for five years, but what viewers didn't know is that off-screen, he was singing for up and coming indie rock band, Interim. Since his leaving 'H&A', Interim have undoubtedly gained a steady following. Alec, along with band members Lachlan, Matt, Jock and James, have now successfully raised enough through crowdfunding to be able to release their debut album. The album will be released a little differently though, with the band releasing one new track from the upcoming album and its music video each month. Six tracks have been released to date.
The band are sure to be a success story, with their unique and somewhat haunting sound, especially when you hear Alec’s vocals at work. It is safe to say the band has created a sound that is entirely their own.
Check out the June track, 'Scarlett' (above), and be sure to check out their other tracks on YouTube!
2. BOOTLEG RASCAL
The ragtag bunch of misfits that make up Sydney’s Bootleg Rascal are building a bubbling undercurrent of followers, set to make waves all around the world.
With their dreamscape rock sound, the Rascals have received huge airplay with their single ‘Oh I Know’ and were invited in for Triple J’s coveted segment 'Like A Version', laying down haunting performances of their track ‘Asleep in the Machine’ and a chill cover of The Weeknd’s ‘The Hills’.
With so many genres blended together, Bootleg Rascal are kind of like one of those green smoothies - you’re not quite sure what all the ingredients are, but you know it’s good for you.
Lead singer Carlos Lara is also kicking goals off the stage, teaching music and mentoring underprivileged kids at high schools, festivals and Youth Off The Streets through the Blue Guitar Project, where students create and set about achieving their dreams. The motto of the project being ‘Strike 3 chords for Unity, Equality and Freedom.’
Having toured the US with Sticky Fingers and played The Falls Festival and The Big Pineapple Festival, Bootleg Rascal are touring east coast Australia starting with a gig at the revamped Lansdowne Hotel in Sydney Aug 4, before heading to the UK and Europe in August and September.
For more information, visit bootlegrascal.com.
1. KINGSWOOD
After they were hand delivered with care via Triple J Unearthed’s Splendour In The Grass comp back in 2012; Melbourne three piece Kingswood have come a long way.
Following the release of their second studio album, ‘After Hours, Close To Dawn’ early this year, the outfit has enjoyed a huge national tour with mostly sold out dates. They’re back at Splendour later this month.
‘After Hours, Close To Dawn’ is an experimental body of work, surprising many with the band’s departure from heavy alt-rock and their exploration of a more soulful, blues and RnB inspired sound. The album still features much of Kingswood’s signature style, including soaring vocal harmonies and lovelorn lyrics depicting romance and heartbreak.
Lead singles ‘Creepin’ and ‘Golden’ were successful, and enjoyed high Triple J rotation. The group are known for their high energy live performances, which in their most recent tour included backing vocalists, a brass section and a vivid lightshow - these features only serve to enhance the well rehearsed renditions of their many hits.
Kingswood have achieved a lot since their Unearthed days, but have earned and firmly cemented their place in the Australian alternative music scene.
Key Tracks: ‘Ohio’, ‘ICFTYDLM’, ‘Creepin’, ‘Golden’.
What did you think of our list? Have we missed any great Australian up and comers? Let us know HERE!
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