If you ever needed proof that Aussie school kids appear to be getting more talented every year, look no further than the list of finalists that triple j have announced as part of their Unearthed High competition.
For over a decade now, triple j have pointed their Unearthed initiative towards Australia’s high schools, looking to scope out some of the best and brightest members of the music scene in hopes of shining a light on their stunning talent.
In every single case, they’ve discovered an absolutely astounding musician, with the likes of Gretta Ray, Japanese Wallpaper, Arno Faraji, KIAN, and much more all winning the comp.
Heck, even those that don’t win have gone on to wild careers with Hockey Dad, Ninajirachi, and Vancouver Sleep Clinic all ticking that box.
Back in June, the doors to this year’s event were swung open, leading to over 1,500 entrants vying for the title of triple j Unearthed High winner. Now, after looking at some of the best entries on offer, the station has unveiled its list of talented finalists for 2019.
Check out ‘When Your Eyes Speak’ by Aodhan:
“In a year that more young artists than ever entered Unearthed High it makes sense that selecting five finalists from a huge pool of talent would be harder than ever,” explains Unearthed Music Director Dave Ruby Howe.
“But this quintet of artists from all corners of Australia stood out with songs that show personality, talent and the kind of forward-thinking approach to making music that assures us that the next wave of Australian music is going to be special.”
This year’s finalists sees the likes of Jervis Bay duo Debbies, solo artist George Alice from Tanunda, South Australia, and WA-based rapper MALi JO$E all strutting their stuff with hopes of being named this year’s winner.
However the good news doesn’t stop there, with with Aodhan being announced as this year’s Indigenous Initiative winner.
A folks musician from the NSW South Coast, Aodhan’s self-written, recorded, and produced tracks are in the same vein as the likes of Hein Cooper and Angus & Julia Stone, and see him receiving ongoing mentoring from the Association of Artist Managers (AAM), as well as a song writing workshop at his school with the APRA AMCOS Songmakers program.
Ben & Liam are set to announce the winner of this year’s competition next week, so be sure to tune in to triple j to latch onto these amazing artists before they hit the big time.
Check out the 2019 Unearthed High finalists:
Debbies – ‘What Do I Know’ (St. John The Evangelist Catholic High School, NSW)
“Thundering into Unearthed High with a trio of high-quality uploads to their name, this Jervis Bay duo is barrel rolling between the surf and the garage and doing so with exhilarating recklessness.”
George Alice – ‘Circles’ (Faith Lutheran College, SA)
“Although ‘Circles’ is the debut release for solo artist George Alice, it shows the impressive depth and talent that the 16 year old has developed performing and busking since the age of ten, sharing stripped back covers of artists like Stella Donnelly, Billie Eilish and Matt Corby.”
MALi JO$E – ‘Mistakes’ (John Curtin College Of The Arts, WA)
“Working closely with his schoolmate and producer OJC43, 17 year old rapper/songwriter MALi JO$E has the kind of dexterous flow and laidback charisma that comes from a heavy intake of influences both old school and new.”
Nick Ward – ‘Skin’ (The Scots College, NSW)
“Proving himself to be a legit quadruple-threat, year 12 student Nick Ward writes, produces, mixes and masters all his own work from his bedroom setup. He’s brought a sense of intimacy to the remarkable ‘Skin’ – a track that balances crushingly relatable lyrics about identity with dreamy electronic layers.”
Tulliah – ‘Company’ (Dromana College, VIC)
“Since falling in love with song writing at age 15, Tulliah has been working ambitiously towards a career in music from her family’s farm on the Mornington Peninsula. Debut track ‘Company’ introduces us to this powerful new voice that is full of heart and soul.”
