There has been a massive influx of Australian bands surging through listening platforms over the last few years. Many bands however, aren’t receiving the recognition they deserve despite the brilliant songs they are creating.
This is why I’m here to bring you my current top four up-and-coming Australian bands you should know about. I’ve taken a deep dive into the various social media platforms and listened to countless songs on Spotify to curate this list.
Without further adieu, here are the bands:
MidDrift
I first heard of this band through TikTok where they were promoting their new song at the time ‘Nicotine’, with inspiration drawn from artists like Benee and Parcels, MidDrift capture the essence of unrequited feelings and getting through the Sunday Scaries in this 2024 single.
Their debut EP Lemon, Lime and Tan Lines released in February of this year giving listeners the perfect chance to explore MidDrift’s lively, indie-pop sound with the perfect tracks to enjoy beach days filled with friends and sun-soaked fun.
The 5-piece have secured impressive support slots alongside Old Mervs, Rum Jungle and Great Gable as well as having sold out both of their head-liner shows at The Valley Loft 2023 and The Outpost 2024.
MidDrift is embarking on a small tour over the next 2 months to celebrate the release of their new EP, have a listen to their music here and go and grab yourself some tickets to one of their upcoming shows here.
‘Nicotine’ – MidDrift
To keep updated with MidDrift, follow them on their socials below for upcoming tours and releases.
Purée
Perfect band to give a listen to if you’re a fan of Spacey Jane, The Vanns or Middle Kids. Purée are an indie-rock and pop band surfacing from Adelaide and are sure to have a song for everyone while still delivering their unique sound.
Purée was first introduced to me from a Spotify playlist by Spacey Jane radio and I have since been listening to their music including captivating singles such as ‘Figure It Out’, ‘I Guess You Were Right’ and ‘Storm’. The band showcase their vulnerability and give their all in each tune, their songs express both high-energy and heart-felt vocals with stunning layers built by the balanced blend of guitar and drums.
They are currently set to open at ‘The Tullamarines – No Internet Tour’ with dates on March 21st (Adelaide), 28th (Sydney) , 29th (Melbourne) and 3rd April (Brisbane) 2025, grab tickets here.
‘I Guess You Were Right’ – Official Music Video (Purée)
Go give Purée some love and follow them on their socials to keep updated on future releases and shows.
Instagram | Spotify | Apple Music | Website
The Colliflowers
Bursting from Byron Bay with an infectious indie-rock beat, The Colliflowers were another awesome discovery on TikTok for me. My first impression of their music came from their newest release ‘Streets’, with such a fun, beachy vibe that calls to be played driving around the coast on a holiday.
After securing slots at a series of festivals including CREEKFEST, Gold Coast & Byron Music Festival and Spaced Out Festival, The Colliflowers have truly established themselves. They have also performed alongside the likes of DICE, Pacific Avenue, Old Mervs, South Summit, Rum Jungle and many more. My favourite songs of theirs are “Devil’s Child”, “Bitter End”, and “Let Me Go”, in addition to the new single “Streets”. These songs showcase their unique sound, with each one delving into different emotions, especially “Bitter End”, which has a slower pace compared to some of their other tunes and behind the raw, heartfelt lyricism it still utilises each band member, from the steady drum pace to the beautiful guitar strum throughout.
The Colliflowers are currently on tour for their new single ‘Streets’ with tickets available here with dates running from March 14th to May 3rd.
‘Streets’ – Official Music Video (The Colliflowers)
To keep up to date with The Colliflowers go give them a follow to make sure you get in first for tickets and any upcoming music.
Instagram | TikTok | Website | Spotify | FaceBook
Fool Nelson
I first heard Fool Nelson‘s music on Triple J’s Unearthed radio promoting their 2024 hit single “Don’t Feel Right”, where it received high praise from Ash McGregor (triple j), Polly (Artist) and many more! This track felt very nostalgic and has a 2000s indie surf feel to it, it was such an easy listen and it made me go and listen to their whole catalogue after just this one track. I think by them being on this list you understand how I felt about their music.
“The most exciting up-and-coming indie-rock sound coming out of the West Coast of Australia.” – Ash McGregor (triple j)
Just coming off of their very first Australian national headline tour in the last 2 months, this WA indie-rock band are heading for a massive 2025, and it is well deserved especially after having won the ‘triple j Unearthed’ competition for Australian mainstay festival Groovin the Moo back in 2023. In case you haven’t listened to Fool Nelson yet or you missed out on tickets to their tour, they are going to be playing on March 29th at esteemed WA festival Hyperfest, supported by Triple J. They will be playing alongside the likes of San Cisco, Dice, South Summit, Ruby Fields, The Buoys and many more!
If you haven’t yet secured your ticket for Hyperfest you can get yours here and go check out Fool Nelson!
‘Don’t Feel Right’ – Fool Nelson
Keep updated on all things Fool Nelson so you don’t miss out on any upcoming shows by following their socials below.
Instagram | TikTok | Website | Spotify | Facebook
That wraps up my list of my current favourite emerging Aussie bands, there are many more bands that deserve a spot on this list and maybe by listening to these four, you can discover more bands to add to your own playlists. To all the bands listed, keep up the good work!
