The Underground Stage
“Noctica’s giant sound matches the theatre and the roar, fearsomely digital with an analog layer of grit overlaid. Massive, but focussed and personal, it’s an experience.” Gallery Learn More Instagram | TikTok
“Nonnie’s got a bit of onstage nerves but all that does is add to the charm, with these rich and jittery songs blaring like sirens. Super fun.” Gallery Learn More Instagram
“Blake Williams is just the one body but makes the sound of several, searing tone and wild songs. The riffs are what end up killing you dead, a rare pleasure.” Gallery Learn More Instagram
“Driving to the end of the year, Candy Moore gifts us a precise and jangly mix of sharp guitars and whimsy. Sub-zero production comes off it like dry ice, but dafter moments – like rhyming “pjyamas” with “Bahamas” – adds knowing humour and warmth 🧊”
“JACOTÉNE has spent the year testing her strength in ‘demo’ form, but these songs are surely as fully-formed as they need to be. Rich, soulful songs delivered by a voice that’ll stop traffic, it’s intimidating to think that this talent could level up even further 😮”
“The Headaches and Golden Vessel collaboration springs forth another understated gem, teeny-tiny beats and barely-there vocals nonetheless creating something of quiet strength 💎”
“Formerly the drummer from Terra, Darcy Baker emerges in solo mode with a debut bubbling with energy. Also featuring the powerhouse vocal of Eat Your Heart Out’s Caitlin Henry, it’s a loud and feels-filled introduction 🫧”
“Packing as many syllables as possible into a track just over 90 seconds long, St.Bedlam takes stock of the world with dense bars and booming beats. Short and sharp, but cuts deep 🔪”
Across 2023, I playlisted over 2,500 tracks, and shot nearly 400 sets by over 300 different artists. I loved it all, but I thought I’d have a crack at pulling together the fifty artists who gave me the most musical joy, made me mash the repeat button the most, or who just plain blew my […]