It’s an exciting time to be an electronic music fan in Australia. From festival-perfect anthems to minimal coldwave, there’s a new, diverse crop of rising artists making their voice heard. Here are some of the best up and coming electronic acts in the country right now – these are the ones to look out for this year.
MOZA
There’s no better way to describe Sydney electronic duo MOZA than passionate. Bringing a warm pop sensibility to modern dance music, they’ve been riding a steady wave of success since their 2016 formation that’s seen millions of Spotify plays and performances with the likes of Tove Stryke, Touch Sensitive and Running Touch.
Earlier this month, the band released stunning new single ‘Right Words’. Featuring sublime instrumentation, pounding drum machines and absolutely massive vocals, it’s a truly gorgeous track that manages to feel as anthemic as it does tender. To celebrate the track’s release, the pair are about to head out of a national tour with a full live band in tow – don’t miss out.
Retiree
Retiree make lush, reverb-soaked pop that’s dangerously easy to get lost in, an enticing mix of hazy synths and striking guitars. Recent singles ‘Pumice Stone’ and ‘Magic Eye’, the latter of which features Melbourne artist Sui Zhen, display a new level of confidence from the outfit in the lead-up to debut album House Or Home in September. They’ve continued to draw from the 80s-influenced aesthetic of earlier work while introducing a more edgy, contemporary sound – definitely one to keep an eye on this year.
HABITS
Since coming together back in 2013, Melbourne’s Habits have been making a name for themselves over the past few with self-described “sad goth party jams”. Their uniquely dark, industrial-tinged electronic began to take its stride on 2016 EP Ugly Cry, but they’ve truly come into their own with follow-up Salty earlier this year.
CLYPSO
Sydney producer and vocalist CLYPSO creates infectious, afropunk-influenced electronica that bursts with vibrant beats and grimey basslines. Following up a collaboration with Sydney rapper Kwame, recent single ‘Pop Roll Flow’ encapsulates that oft-repeated mantra of being impossible not to dance to – except in CLYPSO’s case, it’s actually true. She’ll play as part of this year’s BIGSOUND lineup in Brisbane in September.
GL
Melbourne duo GL blend glittery synths, enthralling vocals and 80s dance and funk beats to create their impossibly shiny electronic pop. While the band hasn’t released any new music since lat year’s stellar Destiny/Reflect doule single, they’ve been a welcome fixture on Australia’s festival scene – and we’re eagerly waiting for what comes next from the pair.
