Created in partnership with Mentos
The future of Australian R&B continues to take shape through artists like silkyedgez.
Raised in Sydney’s southwest and shaped by her Vietnamese heritage, the emerging singer-songwriter makes after-hours R&B that feels honest, intimate, and emotionally unfiltered.
Her latest two-track project brings together “Cold Shoulder” and “Time Ain’t On Our Side”, two songs exploring different sides of romantic uncertainty.
It is within those emotional grey areas that silkyedgez feels most at home, transforming complicated relationships and unresolved feelings into music that sounds personal without losing its universality.
With her debut EP now on the way, silkyedgez is preparing to offer her clearest introduction yet, while continuing to play live and build the world around her music.
The Mentos Fresh Sounds Class of ’26, curated by Rolling Stone AU/NZ, has officially been unveiled — and now we’re turning the spotlight to even more artists making serious noise. As part of our Up-And-Coming Australian Artists series, we caught up with silkyedgez to discuss her latest releases, the value of vulnerability, and why Australia needs to make more room for different voices and stories.
Rolling Stone AU/NZ: Where are you from?
I’m from Punchbowl in South West Sydney and come from a Vietnamese background. Growing up in such a diverse community exposed me to so many different cultures, stories and sounds, which naturally shaped the way I see the world, approach music and use music and navigate life through it. “silkyedgez” is really a reflection of those experiences, creating honest, emotionally driven music that connects with people regardless of where they’re from.
Describe your ‘Fresh Sound’ in three words.
After-hours. Honest. Unfiltered.
Name three of your biggest musical influences.
Thuy, Jorja Smith and Jessie Reyez.
They all have very different sounds, but what connects them is their honesty. Their music feels lived-in and emotionally real, and they’ve shown me that vulnerability can be one of an artist’s greatest strengths. They’ve inspired me to write songs that feel like real conversations, capturing emotions and moments people don’t always know how to put into words.
Tell us about your latest release.
My latest release is a two-track project featuring “Cold Shoulder” and “Time Ain’t On Our Side”. I see them as two chapters of the same story. One is about knowing it’s time to leave but staying anyway, and the other is about meeting the right person at the wrong time. I’ve always been drawn to the emotional grey areas because that’s where life feels most honest. I write the conversations people replay in their head long after they’ve happened, and these songs are exactly that.
If you could collaborate with any artist, who would it be?
Jorja Smith. I’ve always admired how effortlessly she blends vulnerability with confidence. Her music feels timeless, and she has this ability to make even the simplest moments feel deeply emotional. I’d love to create something that feels honest, understated and leaves a lasting impression.
What’s your dream venue to play?
On the steps of the Sydney Opera House, overlooking Sydney Harbour. Growing up in Sydney, it always felt like one of those places that represented what was possible. My parents immigrated to Australia from Vietnam to build a better life for our family, so being able to perform there one day would feel like a full-circle moment—not just for me, but for them too.
What’s one thing do you think the Australian music industry needs right now and why?
I’d love to see more room for different voices and stories. Australia is made up of so many different cultures and communities, but I don’t think we’ve heard every story yet. When artists are encouraged and supported to tell stories that are true to who they are, we don’t just get better representation, we get better music.
What’s coming up for you in 2026 and beyond?
I’m working towards releasing my debut EP, which I’m really excited about. It’s the most personal music I’ve written so far and feels like the clearest introduction to who I am as an artist. Alongside that, I’m looking forward to playing more live shows, connecting with new audiences and continuing to build the world of silkyedgez, one release at a time.
A Rolling Stone AU/NZ-backed music launchpad, the inaugural Mentos Fresh Sounds Class of ’26 was created to support the next generation of talent. Head to the Mentos Fresh Sounds Hub to learn more about our official Class of ’26.
