There’s nothing quite like claiming bragging rights over having witnessed an artist before they conquered the world.
Whether it’s your dad continually yapping on about that time he saw Nirvana at Sydney’s Venetian Club on the brink of Nevermind changing the world, or that cool older cousin who caught Flume at Goodgod Small Bar well before Coachella knew his name, there’s a certain magic in catching a phenomenon before the rest of the world jumps on the bandwagon.
Groovin the Moo is basically notorious for serving up these experiences. If you made your way to a thriving regional centre in 2011, you would’ve managed to catch Nina Las Vegas before she became one of the country’s most coveted DJs.
2015 saw Charli XCX take to the stage before her PC Music collabs exploded. And in 2009, Tame Impala were just indie up-and-comers who graced the stage with their neo-psychedelic pop take on modern rock.
We can assure you a retrospective look back on Groovin the Moo 2019 is going to fare similarly. Aside from the likes of hip hop icons like Coolio and Spinderella, and established indie trailblazers like DMA’s and Nick Murphy, the festival is delivering a whole slew of incredible up-and-comers.
From the confessionary songwriting of Angie McMahon, to the eclectic trip-pop choreography of Haiku Hands, here are the indie artists of tomorrow you can catch this year at Groovin.
Angie McMahon
The last few years have proven incredibly fruitful for indie-rock singer-songwriters – artists like Phoebe Bridgers, Julian Baker, Soccer Mommy are ushering in a new era of vulnerable and honest lyricism, accompanied by subtle instrumentals that showcase a deep appreciation for folk stylings and alternative angst.
With a few killer singles up her sleeve, Angie McMahon has stunned crowds with her exceptional ability to cut to the heart of human emotion.
Angie McMahon – ‘Pasta’
Haiku Hands
We’re not sure many people can claim to have seen the Spice Girls at a festival prior to their world domination (although that’d be incredible), so Haiku Hands may be the closest we get to that.
The electro-rave-pop trio put on a live show that rivals those of most modern pop artists, with a charming quirk that’ll have punters dancing in no time. There really isn’t anyone in the country quite like them.
Haiku Hands – ‘Not About You’
G Flip
No artist took the reins of 2018 quite like G Flip. By now we’re all well aware of her Unearthed fairy tale story – her debut single ‘About You’ saw the drum wielding pop-timist take to the stages of SXSW, Splendour In The Grass and more, amassing a ridiculous number of streams and landing her the number 38 spot on the Hottest 100.
Her live show is the utmost display of the Melbourne native’s upbeat personality – she rotates between holding down the groove behind the kit and getting up close and personal with punters as they belt the choruses to her hook-laden tunes.
With a full-length on the way, G Flip is poised to be our next pure pop export.
G Flip – ‘About You’
Wafia
Slinging her retro-pop stylings with a groovy, sultry RnB edge, Wafia is one of the country’s A-grade indie exports.
Future Classic always have an eye for the coolest up and comers (ever heard of…Flume?), so when the seminal electronic label signed Wafia way back in 2015, they clearly knew a star was on the rise.
Her excellent bop, ‘I’m Good’ came in at number 14 on Triple J’s Hottest 100 of 2018 so expect the utmost rapturous applause when she throws the banger during her set.
With three EPs and a slew of incredible singles under her belt, Wafia’s rise is only gaining more steam.
Wafia – ‘I’m Good’
Rejjie Snow
Hailing from Ireland, Rejjie Snow is one of the most exciting voices in modern RnB.
He released his debut LP, Dear Annie in 2018 to huge acclaim from fans and critics alike, showcasing his highly skilled songcraft and incredible aptitude for penning emotional, yet universal lyrics.
Rejjie Snow – ‘Egyptian Luvr’
Groovin the Moo 2019
Friday, 26th April
Adelaide Showground, Wayville
Tickets: Official Website
Saturday, 27th April
Maitland Showground, Maitland
SOLD OUT
Sunday, 28th April
Exhibition Park, Canberra
SOLD OUT
Saturday, 4th May
Prince of Wales Showground, Bendigo
SOLD OUT
Sunday, 5th May
Murray Sports Complex, Townsville
Tickets: Official Website
Saturday, 11th May
Hay Park, Bunbury
Tickets: Official Website
Groovin the Moo 2019 Lineup
A$AP Twelvyy (USA)
Angie McMahon
Aurora (Norway)
Billie Eilish (USA)
Carmouflage Rose
Coolio (USA)
Crooked Colours
DMA’S
Duckwrth (USA)
Fisher
Flosstradamus (USA)
G Flip
Haiku Hands
Hermitude
Hilltop Hoods
Holy Holy
Jack River
Jimothy (UK)
Just A Gent
MØ (Denmark)
Nick Murphy
Nicole Millar
Regurgitator
Rejjie Snow (Ireland)
Sofi Tukker (USA)
Spinderella (USA)
Thelma Plum
Trophy Eyes
Wafia
