There’s nothing better than discovering a band before they break into the market. You get to see them earn their chops while you stand front and centre, learning every song and becoming one of their first fans. But sometimes it helps to have an idea about where to look! This week on the AU we’ll be traversing the country and bringing you some of our favourite new discoveries in the local scene. We kick things off in Melbourne this these five artists, in no particular order – some have been around for a little while, others are brand new additions to the scene:
KAGU
Ex-Snakadaktal musician Sean Heathcliff has launched his new solo guise Kagu and it’s really impressive. Moody and minimalist, while still upbeat enough to get us all dancing, this is a project worth keeping your eye on… Watch the video for “Human” here:
Follow them on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/KaguMusic
MAGIKARP SPLASH
Anyone who grew up playing a bit of Pokemon Red or Blue will get a bit of a kick out of the name, the guise of Memphis Kelly. We’re been loving the electronic soundscapes she’s been creating here, especially in her most recent single “Post Glow”:
Hear more on Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/magikarp-splash
WHITE WALLS
Morose and foreboding yet still somehow danceable, White Walls is perhaps the greatest force in the unseen world of Australian shoegaze. They’ve been going for a little while now, but remain relatively unknown to those outside of Melbourne (or at least not in the “scene”). Check them out here. You’ll be glad you did.
Follow them on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/whitexwallsx
MILWAUKEE BANKS
They played Laneway for a very very good reason, and we’re loving just about everything we’re hearing here… check out the Double A-Side release featuring collaborations with Melbourne’s Andrei Eremin and Rat & Co.:
Follow the band on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Milwaukeebanks
SWIM SEASON
Melbourne’s answer to Brisbane’s indie-pop explosion, tracks like “Hide & Seek” definitely give us a reason to pay attention:
Follow the band on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/swimseasonband
This article was compiled with the help of James Stanley, Gemma Bastiani, Lauren Mitchell and Cleatus Glob.
