Listen Out is just about to kick off for another year, with Melbourne and Perth this weekend, and Sydney and Brisbane to follow.
As always, there’s a great lineup of varied acts, led by the likes of local electronic champs RÜFÜS and French house maestro Tchami – but there are plenty of other gems nestled amongst the lineups.
From some very annoying last-minute news, to the up-and-comers who demand your attention, here’s our list of must-sees for Listen Out 2016.
Firstly: Stormzy Is Out
While he would have been on this list, in a very last-minute move, grime artist Stormzy has cancelled his anticipated Listen Out appearances, together with the rest of his gigs for the year. Festival organisers have said they’re doing what they can to tee up a consolation for punters, but it’ll be cold comfort for grime fans who are probably still smarting from another recent Aussie cancellation from Skepta.
Stormzy has provided an apology to fans, if not much of an explanation:
Get Down Early
We can definitely recommend Sui Zhen’s opening DJ sets, as she’s a great act with killer taste in music, but if there’s one act that you need to get down early for, it’s the Melbourne addition of talented multi-instrumental producer Alice Ivy. She deservedly won her way onto the bill through triple j Unearthed, but it was her recent sets at BIGSOUND that really placed her firmly on her radar.
Sydney’s Unearthed act Wallace is also one to firmly keep an eye on, as is the Brissy catch of Midas.Gold, so there’s plenty of incentive to head down as gates open.
Do Not Miss Tash Sultana
From busking and streaming from her home studio to massive international recognition, Tash has had one hell of a breakout year. Coming off a sold-out national tour and overseas shows, it’s bonkers that you’ll be able to catch her so early on in the arvo.
Willow Beats Are Back
The wonky electronic duo have re-emerged with new music after a long time away, and that time off is sure to make for a great set. The Pilerats signing’s appearance at Splendour In The Grass last year drew a good crowd full of some very enthusiastic dancers, and we’re sure this time around will be no different.
Anderson .Paak Are Quasi-Headlining
While the later sets from the likes of RÜFÜS and Tchami are going to be plenty of fun, there’s no doubting that Anderson .Paak & the Free Nationals could potentially steal the show before they’ve even had a chance to take the stage.
A recent collaboration with Mac Miller has raised their profile significantly, and we reckon a few people might go a bit too hard too early on this one, as it’ll be a damn good set.
The Young Bloods Stage Is Packing Heat
Not to be relegated to the ‘other’ stage, the offshoot stage is packing some serious talent, from buzz duo Lastlings in Brisbane to talented lounge pair Pillow Pro in Melbourne. Also ones to watch for the Melbourne crowd are the closers Ara Koufax, aka Sam Gill and Luke Neher of Naysayer & Gilsun, who always deliver a great set.
All in all, there’s definitely a good selection of acts to entice you over for a break from the main stages. Just a head’s up: Chino Gambino is definitely not the rapper you’re thinking of at first glance – the stage isn’t quite that stacked.
Melbourne Set Times
Perth Set Times
Sydney Set Times
Brisbane Set Times
