After a widely successful launch in North America in 2017, Live Nation’s Ones to Watch program will grace Melbourne for the first time on Wednesday 29 March. The showcase will serve as a platform for exciting new local artists PANIA, Mitch Santiago and BOY SODA at Live Nation HQ in Collingwood.
Ones to Watch Australia first launched in 2021 and is a great opportunity for local music fans to discover their new favourite artists. The select lineup will be receive professional support to help kickstart their careers by drawing on Live Nation’s global network.
Having hosted now-superstars like Dua Lipa, Halsey and Olivia Rodrigo, Ones to Watch expanded to include China, New Zealand and Australia by 2021. The Australia launch, 2022 Sound West and BIGSOUND showcases reached a combined audience of over 4 million.
We got each of the three artists performing at the Melbourne showcase to ask a question of our choosing.
Mitch Santiago to BOY SODA: What is your go-to writing process?
“My go-to writing process generally is letting the melodies arrive first. Sometimes that’s while there’s a track being built and sometimes they just come out acapella and I build over the rough vocal. I usually procrastinate and write the hook after I’ve done verse one because that dictates the rest of the song. I’ve been enjoying going back to handwritten notes lately, I enjoy the tactility of transcribing my thoughts in a physical way.”
BOY SODA to PANIA: What is your best live moment to date?
“My best live moment to date would be supporting Kehlani in my hometown of Melbourne at Sidney Myer Music Bowl. It was a huge crowd and having my dancers and DJ Sana perform with me was a crazy experience. In 2022, I wrote a goal list and supporting Khelani was on my list, so it was sick to see that come true and it reminded me that I’m on the right path.”
PANIA to Mitch Santiago: Who is your favourite local artist right now?
“I have way too many favourite local Aussie bands so this is a really hard question! I would have to say South Summit, who are also Perth locals, really have something special going on… They really know how to write an amazing song, and their live show is truly an experience that takes your mind and soul elsewhere.”
Follow Ones to Watch on Facebook and Instagram for more! Stay connected with PANIA, Mitch Santiago and BOY SODA on their socials.
