The real point of SXSW is to discover what’s next, not what’s already big, so it’s always worth looking beyond the artists you’ve already heard of and hunt out who’s coming up. Here are my favourites from the Indie Rock crop this year.
I’ve taken a look at the Australian artists announced so far who currently have less than 10k Spotify followers and have come up with a totally definitive (ie wildly subjective) list of the some of the best emerging acts you need to be checking out across the event.
I’ll be updating this each time an artist announcement drops. Latest updates:
- 18th Aug: CLEWS, DIVEBAR YOUTH, ixaras, Joan & The Giants, Nick Ward, The Tullamarines, total tommy
- 22nd Aug: dogworld, Elizabeth M. Drummond
CLEWS
Why? While making some of the must luxurious and beautiful music going, CLEWS (pictured) also put on a rip-snorter of a live show. High-quality songwriting wrapped in a top-shelf performance – these are mere table stakes at a CLEWS gig.
DIVEBAR YOUTH
Why? 2024 has the vibe of somewhat of a coming out party for DIVEBAR YOUTH. Having spent twelve months releasing a ridiculous amount of tracks (which were very good indeed), being picked up and supported by tons of major playlists, and generally growing the hell out their fanbase, it’ll be well worth seeing what this prolific and exciting artist has lined up to showcase.
DOGWORLD
Why? Only recently popping up on my radar but landing with a mighty thud, Melbourne’s dogworld are dropping noisy post-punk tinged slap-bangers that intrigue as much as they make you twitch in your dancing shoes.
Elizabeth M. Drummond
Why? Formerly of Little May and now solo, Elizabeth M. Drummond has been picking up oodles of critic support – and doing it consistently – for her latest work.
ixaras
Why? This teenaged prodigy has been busy, squeezing at least two careers into a remarkably small number of years. Popping up on radars initially by promoting a series of all-ages shows in Queensland, she also releases excellent music, as well as now running a record label. Clearly talented enough to play a big part (or three) in the music industry’s rich tapestry, there’s already a large cheering section for ixaras across the landscape, and I for one will definitely be there to see this literal poster child for what’s coming up next in music.
Joan & The Giants
Why? You can never have enough shiny things in your life, and few emerging artists have as much gleam as Joan & The Giants. A support slot with none less than P!NK in Perth propelled them onto a lot of radars, and a handful of shimmering tracks has kept them solidly in view.
Nick Ward
Why? Nick Ward is spending 2024 building up to his debut album ‘House With The Blue Door’, which will be out in the week prior to SXSW Sydney (Oct 4). Judging by the excellent tracks released so far, and a really strong swell of playlist support behind each release so far, it feels like these shows will be somewhat of a crescendo in this artist’s year.
RINSE
Why? RINSE – the project of scene veteran Joe Agius – creates great swirling clouds of 90s-tinged guitar haze, danceable and fuzzed out. As well as some cracking records, there’s a swell of goodwill behind this artist, and the shows are always excellent value too.
The Tullamarines
Why? Straight-up and unadulterated good times are the signature move from emerging Adealaide four-piece The Tullamarines. Super-high levels of pep and vim in the songwriting have picked them up a number of heavyweight playlist spots and juiced their still-growing following in the last twelve months – if you’re looking for a new act full of potential, this lot look tasty indeed.
total tommy
Why? By the time SXSW Sydney comes around, my guess is that everyone is going to be crystal clear on how exciting total tommy is. This will not make it any less true. I’ve said it before, but if this artist’s showcase isn’t the first one you write down and commit to, you need your head checked.
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