It’s that time again where we look ahead to the year, rather than backwards, and move through the Australian artists we think will make it big in 2015. Now, our definition of “big” doesn’t mean a Gotye size explosion – we just think that by the end of this year, all these artists will be well known around the country… some even internationally. Of course, many are well on their way there already. If you look back at our lists from 2013 and 2012, you’ll see that usually we’re fairly on the ball here. So pay attention! And now, in no particular order:
Skegss
The charming surf rock of Bryon Bay locals Skegss has been rapidly catching on across Australia, developing them quite the dedicated following and leading to sold out shows on their very in-demand national tours. We’re hoping for at least a debut EP from the young band because teasing us with their beautifully infectious jam L.S.D seems a bit unfair.
https://www.facebook.com/skegss
George Maple
Future Classic member George Maple has been killing it in 2014, establishing her place as an Australian vocalist with some serious talent. “Talk Talk” brought her to the attention of many, the Flume produced number working its way through many blogs’ and outlets’ ‘must hear’ avenues. Maple’s Vacant Space EP dropped at the end of 2014, capping off what was a great year of performances and releases. She stood out at BIGSOUND this year and we can’t wait to see where she heads as 2015 rolls out.
Little May
With a Capitol Records deal in the US catapulting them into one of the most buzzed about Australian artists right now – not to mention stellar performances at CMJ only cementing this – Sydney’s Little May are looking set for a massive 2015 with their debut album due out later this year. By now you should know the song “Dust” pretty well and if that track – along with the rest of their repertoire – is any indication, we should all be very, very excited for this release… onwards and upwards!
Photo: Kane Hibberd
Eves The Behavior
Many of us have been watching the artist formerly known as Eves formerly known as Hannah Karydas for a couple of years now, which is pretty impressive considering even now she’s only 19. But breaking into the scene off the back of tracks like “Heavy” and substantial touring locally with artists like Little Scout and in the UK before she was 18, this is an artist who has had a good head start as she figures herself out musically and . With Eves The Behavior now giving her creative direction for 2015, she’s kicking things off with performances as part of Laneway Festival – and this is only the beginning. We’re expecting a big year for this Brisbane Indie Pop songstress.
https://www.triplejunearthed.com/artist/eves
Baro
You may be forgiven for thinking Baro was a defected Odd Future member who moved to Melbourne and started on a quest to dominate hip hop; his sound is very much in same vein as rappers Earl Sweatshirt and Mike G. The young emcee is clearly Australian though, and as he continues to build a very strong fanbase, his constant material only stands to get stronger and stronger. A charming laid back flow full of character and a great ear for jazzy hip hop beats makes him one to definitely keep an eye on in 2015.
Photo: Cole Bennetts
Left.
Sydney’s Jono Graham and Sarah Corry came to our attention at BIGSOUND this year, their slick production and attention-grabbing vocals instantly hooking us in after we caught a live showcase of theirs. Since then, the duo have released some well-recieved singles, toured nationally with Thelma Plum and now look forward to the release of their own debut album, in Sirens. To be released through Create/Control in February, Left. are sure to have an exciting year of shows ahead, building on the momentum which as we’ve seen, has already been so well established. Keep an eye out for them coming to a venue near you in February, in the meantime!
Montaigne
Jess Cerro may be young still, but hell, does she have a maturity in the richness of her vocals and lyricism. Having spent the last few years crafting and refining her sound, as Montaigne, Cerro has made her presence known with The Life of Montaigne, released in 2014. It’s almost ridiculous how talented Montaigne is but, chomping down on our envy, we’re stoked to see more people have begun switching on to the music this talented lass is making. She’s supporting Washington next year and no doubt it won’t be long before we see Montaigne in more headline capacities soon.
Photo: Ellya Cohen
Lester The Fierce
We first fell in love with Anita Lester’s music when her track “Howl” came our way. The admiration grew when we then was able to see the Melbourne artist perform through 2013. A haunting vocal ability and an equally as effective stage presence has brought the young songwriter acclaim and we’re excited to see where she goes in 2015, with some new music set to be released. A clever storyteller, Lester the Fierce is definitely one to be keeping an eye on.
Photo: Ben Frazer
GL
Melbourne ‘cosmic funk revivalists’ GL released their debut EP Love Hexagon last year and have been making an impact quickly, given they only released their first track around six or seven months ago! The duo recently supported Big Freedia and earned a spot on the Falls Festival bill in Lorne, showing off considerable talent at both. Taking part in both Melbourne Music Week and the Electronic Music Conference in Sydney has brought GL to the attention of more ears within the industry, here’s hoping the good word continues to spread.
https://www.triplejunearthed.com/artist/gl
Photo: Hugh Black
West Thebarton Brothel Party
They formed out of some of Adelaide’s brightest rock bands playing at the moment last year and as of 2015, West Theb have already cultivated a strong following on the local circuit, supporting the likes of Cloud Nothings, Wavves and Courtney Barnett and have their debut EP on the way. Set to release the record through Mirador Records, the seven piece garage rock band exude brilliant energy onstage and have demonstrated great potential as a longstanding Adelaide music export.
https://www.triplejunearthed.com/artist/west-thebarton-brothel-party
Photo: Brook James
Japanese Wallpaper
Taking out triple j’s Unearthed High competition in August last year, 17 year old Gab Strum hasn’t wasted any time in building up a profile for himself as an exciting musician to be keeping an eye on. The Melbourne musician has already won the praise of Chet Faker, Bombay Bicycle Club and more, while the popular track “Breathe In” was featured in Zach Braff’s latest indie film, Wish I Was Here. Still incredibly humble despite his recent success, we fell in love with Gab through 2014 and we can already tell he’s going to be on to some great things this year.
Photo: Lena Wagner
I Know the Chief
Releasing their debut EP Disco Demolition Night last year, Melbourne ‘jungle disco’ band I Know the Chief went on to jump on the opportunities which came their way, most recently smashing out a set at the Beyond the Valley Festival on Philip Island. The four piece are next to appear the 2015 St Kilda Festival alongside some amazing talent, continuing to bring those great summer vibes through on home turf.
Photo: Aleksandar Jason
Flamingo
Kicking around since 2013, Adelaide trio Flamingo have turned themselves into purveyors of some sweet alt-electronica sounds. Creating lush soundscapes and establishing a live show that has seen them support the likes of Bonobo, Yacht and Rüfüs, Flamingo have already got some impressive feats under their belt. More and more Australian crowds were able to see the band do their thing through 2014, as they took their sounds to Splendour on an invite from the Red Bull Music Academy and then around the country supporting The Kite String Tangle. The trio will be touring through February and March, so do not miss out on your first chances to see Flamingo take flight in 2015.
Photo: Savanna van der Niet
Foreign/National
The Melbourne band have been picked up by international music tastemakers as they have done at home through 2014, with their psych tinged rock music positioning Foreign/National as one of the fresh and promising names out of that scene during the year. Now a five piece, the band kicked ass at the Paradise Music Festival recently, supported The Cairos and were named the 15th most played act on triple j Unearthed in 2014. From little things, big things grow, goes the line and we’re sure the trajectory Foreign/National are currently on is going to follow similar suit in 2015.
Photo: Jack Toohey
Nicole Millar
She’s got a unique voice that has been put to good use in Peking Duk and Cosmo’s Midnight tracks lately – the former of which has already netted her an ARIA Award. And it seems that 2015 will be her time to shine as a solo artist, with an album due out (she’s in the recording studio as we speak) later in the year. If her single ‘Taken’ if anything to go by – with an interesting, ethereal vibe to it without being too fancy – then we have a lot to be excited about.
Keep your eye on the AU for coverage of all these artists throughout the year! This article was a collaboration between Larry Heath, Chris Singh, Sosefina Fuamoli, Bridget Hustwaite and Philippe Perez.
