With the dominance of mainstream pop booming across radio stations everywhere, it’s becoming harder to discover and enjoy local acts loaded with talent. Triple M play the occasional new rock act and Triple J support home grown quality as much as possible, but the international stars continue to steal the spotlight even though many tracks lack innovation. Last year a teenager from New Zealand (you may have heard of her: Lorde) rose from the unknown and won some of the most prestigious music awards against the apparent stars. Here is a list of 10 Australian acts that you should be listening to, all set for a massive 2014:
British India – Perhaps the most well known act on this list, British India are a Melbourne indie rock band that formed almost a decade ago. Despite rising success, they have continued to play gigs in local establishments (The Espy in St.Kilda, for example) with charged enthusiasm and tracks that deserve regular airplay. Their 2013 album, Controller, boasts hits such as I Can Make You Love Me, Blinded and Summer Forgive Me; odes to love which bring energy and life to the garage rock scene. Listen to Plastic Souvenirs for a taste of entertainment, the opening track on an album full of diverse tunes with distinct riffs and absorbing lyrics.
Illy – Another act originating from Melbourne, Illy is a hip hop artist who won an ARIA last year for his album Bring it Back. Beginning his career in 2009, Illy toured with other Australian rappers such as 360 to get his name in lights. His first album performed well on the urban charts, and the competition is starting to take notice. His latest single Youngbloods features The Amity Affliction’s Arhen Stringer and is the perfect example of what local rappers can achieve with strong collaborations. Listen to On & On for the best representation of Illy’s style. He will be participating in Triple J’s One Night Stand in Mildura.
Violent Soho – Melbourne isn’t the only city with budding talent; this quartet from Brisbane bring life to the grunge format and will be joining Illy at Triple J’s One Night Stand. Heavily influenced by Nirvana, Blink 182 and The Vines, they’ve taken Silverchair’s lead and added a new dynamic to the local industry. Raw and alternative, tracks such as Covered in Chrome and Saramona Said are reasons enough to purchase their 2013 album Hungry Ghosts; 40 minutes of class from a bunch of likeable characters. Watch their interviews for a laugh; listen to their music for a crazed dance.
Andy Bull – A singer/songwriter based in Sydney, Andrew performed in his home town for years before earning the support act slot for Lisa Mitchell’s tour a few years ago. Multi talented, Bull sings and plays piano, guitar, drums on most of his work and is known for powerful covers of iconic artists. 2013 tunes Keep on Running and Baby I am Nobody Now have thrust Bull into the spotlight and you can catch him at Groovin’ the Moo this year.
The Amity Affliction – Another band who’ve been around for years, this hardcore act blend screaming and a rhythmic lead to create a style rare in this country. Their latest release Too Legit to Quit is a cover of Lana Del Rey’s Born to Die and ranked #40 on Triple J’s Hottest 100. Touted as one of the greatest covers in recent history, the lyrics take on a whole new meaning when powered through a faster pace and heavier backdrop. Listen to Chasing Ghosts, the title track off their latest album with the same name, and prepare to be instantly thrilled with an unprecedented mix of styles.
Allday – Unearthed by none other than Triple J, this young Melbourne rapper already has a loyal fan base and is an individual in demand. His lyrics, style and persona sets him apart from others in the genre, and the rate at which he is releasing songs keeps the target audience charged and fulfilled. Claude Monet is perhaps his strongest track so far, discussing family, growing up and channelling the inner child. Preferring plays on words to aggressive swearing and attacking rivals, Allday utilises social media and simple beats to create a humble and driven image. Listen to Like I Does for the highlight off his Euphoria mix tape. The music in this track may seem familiar.
RUFUS – Bringing dance to the list, RUFUS are a Sydney outfit with a debut album that reached number one on Australian charts late last year. With a unique blend of beats and vocals, the trio are on track to create something entirely different to what we are used to hearing on airwaves anywhere. With three popular singles released in the last 6 months (Desert Night, Tonight, Sundream), the album Atlas is one not to be missed by those who appreciate an indie groove. Clubs are beginning to play RUFUS, prompting people to ask the DJ ‘who sings that song?’
The Jezabels – Yet another Sydney entry, The Jezabels utilise an extremely talented and wide-ranging female vocalist with a genre they feel they’ve created; intensindie. Their first single, Endless Summer, has been the most successful so far, but City Girl and The End are examples of the direction this band are starting to take. There’s almost an 80’s style that finds its way into various tracks, while the tunes are so upbeat you’ll be bopping away on the first listen.
The Jungle Giants – Rocking and popping through the ranks of Brisbane, this indie act recently featured at Big Day Out, will be performing at Groovin’ the Moo in April/May and have a slot booked in for One Night Stand; they’re becoming hot property. She’s a Riot was the first single to get the catchy name heard across the country, receiving a late placing in Triple J’s Hottest 100 in 2012, while a follow-up debut album last year appears to be the reason why promoters are booking them for festivals. Fun is the best way to describe the group; poppy and easy-going, few will complain as they rise to be one of Australia’s dominant bands in the near future.
Boy & Bear – With a dose of rock, pop, folk and harmony, here is a band that are finally earning play on multiple radio stations. This is mainly due to the single Southern Sun at the moment, but a tribute to Tim and Neil Finn with the track Fall at your Feet earned a top five ranking on Triple J’s 2010 countdown (and this wasn’t their only placing). Their latest album Harlequin Dream debuted at #1 on the ARIA charts late last year and is set to produce an array of memorable hits. The chilled vibe and sing-along type choruses allow for an attachment, just as the Aussie feel creates immediate pleasure.
Chris Sutton
