As we approach SXSW for another year, things start to take shape for some of the country’s younger bands, and we start to get some indication of the band’s we should all be keeping an eye on. As we did last year and the year before, here now, in no particular order, are 14 Australian bands we should all be watching in the year ahead – as well as 5 International bands we reckon will make a splash both here and abroad…
** DZ Deathrays (Bris, AU)
As a live act, Simon and Shane really did develop and raise a standard for conjuring up some manic live atmospheres. More than just a noise-making duo onstage, DZ Deathrays have shown early signs of what lay ahead as the continue to hone and refine their sound. 2012’s Bloodstreams record was a standout amongst Australian releases that year and with their latest single “Northern Lights” being released to considerable acclaim, 2014 is looking to be another huge year for the boys with album number 2 on the way.
** Sincerely, Grizzly (Adel, AU)
With debut album Halves nearing completion, Sincerely, Grizzly wrap up 2013 with an impressive list of accomplishments to their name. Locking down festival slots, a national support spot with …And You Will Know Us By Trail of Dead, plus local support duties for the likes of Japandroids, the Adelaide trio have dominated on the live circuit. Their punchy brand of rock is continuing to take on new shapes and the momentum that has propelled them through 2013 is sure to continue with the album release early next year.
** Sietta (Darwin/Melb, AU)
Signing with Elefant Traks in 2013, Sietta broke out with “What Am I Supposed To Do?”, catching the ears of Triple J. Earning a spot within the hearts of audiences around the country as they supported the likes of The Herd and Illy, James Mangohig and Caiti Baker have a cracker of a record in their sophomore album The Invisible River, due for a 2014 release. Pushing boundaries have been a name of the game for the duo and instead of completely shunning them for it, Sietta’s fan base and industry folk have embraced their take on soul and beats and are going along for the ride. Expect more twists and turns, more dynamic vocals and some more of those throbbing beats that have sent vibrations through many a venue through this year.
** Pharrell Williams (Virginia, US)
Pharrell has been the everyman of music this year; collaborations with Robin Thicke and Daft Punk and contributing to soundtracks for Man Of Steel and more recently, Despicable Me 2, have shown Williams’ multifaceted creative and business talents. He’s signed a new deal with Columbia Records and will be releasing an album of his own in 2014, which is exciting, considering we haven’t had an album of original solo material from the artist since 2006’s In My Mind.
** St. Lucia (New York, US)
St. Lucia have a great standing overseas, but in Australia, I don’t think they’re quite there yet. The live band did a great set at Parklife in 2012 and the self-titled album which was released this year was a great listen. The indie music St. Lucia makes may at first go over the top of some heads as being ‘just like the others’, but it’s also catchier than a lot of the stuff of the same ilk I’ve heard coming out of New York this year and with a strong live reputation continuing to snowball, I can only imagine 2014 is going to prove very fruitful. Releasing music through Neon Gold is also a great move, with the label associated with kickstarting the careers of Passion Pit and others, so I’m very interested to see what we get from St. Lucia if they continue on this path.
** Brendan Maclean (Syd, AU)
Maclean is an artist who needs to be acknowledged by so many more ears around the place and I definitely think we need to be watching to see what he produces in the New Year. Armed with a great pop sensibility, Maclean has so far brought us some great pieces in “Stupid”, “Winner” and more recently, “Population”. He’s a natural performer who knows how to switch it on each time he steps on to a stage, Maclean has been building momentum this year and looks to continue through the New Year. Working with Paul Mac and delving deeper into developing as a songwriter as seen on the tracks he’s released this year, the elements are there – I can’t wait to see what the coming months bring for Brendan.
SAFIA:
One of those acts that you stumble upon live and are instantly hooked. The revitalised interest in “hipster” R&B will definitely work in Safia favour as they sprinkle their thumping electronica with some breathy soul music to pave a lane that is entirely their own. They will be big in 2014. Get on the bandwagon now.
Jackie Onassis:
Their free ‘Holiday’ EP brought with it some very noteworthy acclaim. This producer-emcee duo have a clever pop-sensibility which balances the fine line between radio-friendly and credible, assisting them in making some of the best rap songs of the year; they already have a bigger range in their catalogue than most Aussie hip-hop acts. Now with a new EP (‘Julette’) about the hit the internet, Jackie Onassis are bound to have a big 2014 with the hopeful release of an LP.
Remi:
He didn’t win Triple J Unearthed Artist of the Year for nothing; the kid can rap circles around any production he so happens to rhyme to, making for some of the better rap singles this year. His assured. adaptive flow is his strength and places him as a sure-shot for a big 2014.
#1 – Parquet Courts
Parquet Courts arrived with a sound and an aesthetic already fully formed. They have nowhere to go but up at this point.
#3 – Lorde
There should be no explanation needed, really…
Movement – I first heard of Movement at this years Face The Music conference thanks to FBi Radio’s Dan Zilber and I have been obsessed with the Sydney trio ever since. Having already gained attention from the likes of Pitchfork and signing with Modular Records, these guys are about to hit the road with Solange and will no doubt score a legion of fans along the way. If you haven’t already, go have a listen to “Us” and I think you will agree that 2014 will be the year that Movement create just that.
I know The Chief – it’s been interesting to watch these guys develop, starting out under the name “Passport” with former contestant of The Voice Lakyn Hepari as the front man who then left to focus on his solo work. However Hepari’s departure was more a blessing in disguise as these Melbourne boys changed their name and sound which they describe as “jungle disco” and as a result have thrown out one hell of a track that is “Stay Coloured”. Keep an eye on these guys, 2014 should see the release of their EP and I have some massive good vibes about it already.
Northeast Party House – my favorite Australian band and they haven’t even released an album! But 2014 is the year we can finally expect the debut studio LP from these Melbourne chumps and going off their previous tracks “Empires” “Pascal Cavalier” and “Youth Allowance”, I think it will be one banger of an album we can all lose our shit to.
White Summer – These dudes have been getting their name out in the Melbourne music scene, having most recently played at iconic venue The Espy alongside Something for Kate and The Basics on New Years Eve as well as scoring some serious love from Triple J thanks to their track “Head In The Sand”. Everybody loves a bit of rock and roll but these guys have some strong blues sensibilities about them and like Stonefield and Spiderbait, their vocalist in Jimmy Stanfield is also the drummer. Need I say more. Catch them on their east coast tour in mid January and thank me later.
D.D Dumbo – Another favorite of Triple J, D.D Dumbo (aka Oliver Perry) has been making waves with his breakthrough single “Tropical Oceans”. Having recently stepped in for an ill Vance Joy at Meredith Music Festival, the Castlemaine artist has already proved to thousands that his unique sound and live presence can most certainly live up to the current hype surrounding him and hopefully 2014 sees more gigs and an EP of some sort. We are already itching for more.
L D R U – With over 13,000 people following him on SoundCloud, 2013 has already proved to be a huge year for young Sydney producer Drew Carmody. Not only has this guy created some stellar remixes (ie – Lorde’s “Love Club” and The Aston Shuffle’s “Comfortable”) but it’s his original work that has gained the attention of so many, with “The Tropics” joining the high rotation list at Triple J. Flume’s already on the L D R U bandwagon and 2014 will more than likely see you jump on board too!
Yahtzel: He is already beginning to grace Australian festivals but Yahtzel has further to go with his intricate synth work, feel-good summer vibes, and high-energy dance tracks. One to keep tabs on for sure.
Chance the Rapper: He’s not completely new on the scene but considering the return of hip-hop to popularity, Chance the Rapper will strike big with his marriage of humour, wit and musicality.
