As music lovers, there’s nothing we enjoy more than discovering exciting, fresh artists and providing them a platform to be heard.
This is a passion that we share with Triple J Unearthed, the ABC branch that is solely dedicated to fostering up-and-coming Aussie talent, broadcasting their sounds via their radio station as well as the expansive online profile space where artists can be seen and heard.
There’s such a wealth of talent popping-up on Triple J Unearthed that sends shivers down our spine, so much so that we felt it was high time we handpick some of the artists that are not receiving Triple J airtime (yet) but are making waves on Unearthed.
Join us as we share with you the musos that Triple J Unearthed listeners cannot get enough of, our own personal favourites we believe are set to blow-up, as well as some fresh faces that you definitely need to keep an eye on for the future.
Woodlock
Genre: Indie, Folk
You’ll Love ‘Em If You Dig: Ben Howard, Bon Iver, Boy & Bear
Why? It feels a little weird to say we’re introducing Woodlock as the alt-folk trio already have a sizeable following – which arrives as no surprise once one hears the sweeping, immersive tune, ‘The Garden’. Originally hailing from Yarrawonga, the three-piece produce lush instrumentation accompanied with honey-sweet vocal melodies that translates to a live setting beautifully. These dudes are getting plenty of Unearthed love, and it ain’t hard to tell why.
Profile: Facebook & Unearthed
Yoke
Genre: Synth-pop, R&B
You’ll Love ‘Em If You Dig: Cocteau Twins, Frank Ocean
Why? Okay, after checking out those similar artists you may be scratching your head in confusion, we get it – they’re two very different artists – however, therein lies the brilliance of Yoke. The Sydney three-piece create a smooth meld of brooding electronica with lush vocals that harkens the spirit of original ’80s dream-pop whilst somehow also venturing into the soulful, suave world of R&B.
Profile: Facebook & Unearthed
Tasker
Genre: Dance, Electronica
You’ll Love ‘Em If You Dig: Wave Racer
Why? This young producer is absolutely blowing up on Unearthed right now, courtesy of his heavily layered banger ‘Gravity’ that features the vocals of Phebe Starr. He’s received massive props from one of Australia’s biggest dancefloor acts right now, Alison Wonderland, who said the following of the beats-maestro, “I really think this kid’s got something special and I always include his stuff in my mixes. I really hope that one day he’ll be playing to thousands of people.”
Profile: Facebook & Unearthed
Reika
Genre: Indie rock, Garage, Blues
You’ll Love ‘Em If You Dig: The Black Keys, Kings of Leon, Gang of Youths
Why? One of our favourite tunes discovered via the Unearthed platform is ‘Coast’ by Melbourne outfit, Reika. The quartet’s hazy, indie pop tune is the perfect beat for a lazy Sunday, or a simple cruise to no where as the track calmly erupts into howling rock gem. If you’re really feeling this song, we suggest you race over to their profile and check out the rest of their stuff – we can guarantee you won’t be disappointed.
Profile: Facebook & Unearthed
King Colour
Genre: Psychedelic, Funk
You’ll Love ‘Em If You Dig: Pond, Unknown Mortal Orchestra, Tame Impala
Why? Calling all fans of funky psychedelica, we just found your new favourite band: King Colour. Hailing from Sydney, these four fellas mix a searing hot melting pot of funk and lo-fi psych, producing a booming, grooving sound that we simply cannot get enough of. Their influences are pretty obvious, after just one spin of ‘Blue Horizon’ you can hear Pond, but not just on an instrumentation level – you can tell these dudes are having fun with their music, just like the space-psych rockers. A band you need to keep an eye on.
Profile: Facebook & Unearthed
RaRa
Genre: Alt-Hiphop, Rap
You’ll Love ‘Em If You Dig: Ratking, Friendships, Milwaukee Banks
Why? Easily one of the most interesting hiphop troupes making waves in Australia right now, RaRa are gearing up for the release of their third release, The Pink And Teal EP, which, if it’s anything like the killer new track ‘0H5H1T_4L13N5‘, we’re in for a brilliant extended player. These guys hover over many different sonic grounds with their work, making them palatable to a vast range of rap, hiphop and even pop fans.
Profile: Facebook & Unearthed
Buffalo Boyfriend
Genre: Folk, Roots, Pop
You’ll Love ‘Em If You Dig: First Aid Kit, Laura Marling, Neko Case
Why? When the heads of Alana Jagt and Rachel Beinke come together they form the indie-folk duo, Buffalo Boyfriend. Drawing from a pool of influences from Tom Waits to Neil Finn, these two ladies create raw, emotive music. Their harmonious vocals are enchanting when sweet and angelic, and full of power when exposing their rusty, gritty side, akin to that of the aforementioned Waits.
Profile: Facebook & Unearthed
Kwasi
Genre: Hiphop, R&B
You’ll Love ‘Em If You Dig: Vic Mensa, Remi
Why? It’s so exciting to watch the incredible Aussie hiphop revolution taking place right now, and one artist that’s definitely pushing the boundaries is rural Victorian, Kwasi. Backed by his baby-smooth tune, ‘She’s Got The Cool’, Kwasi has received mass accolades, fans voicing that they’ve “never heard anything like Kwasi in Australia”. Having supported the likes of Grammy award winner M-Phazes as well as Yelawolf, 360 and Hopsin, we know Kwasi is a hiphop/R&B force on the path to stardom.
Profile: Facebook & Unearthed
White Bleaches
Genre: Garage, Surf Rock, Psychedelic
You’ll Love ‘Em If You Dig: King Gizzard & The Lizard Wizard, Ty Segall, Step-Panther
Why? Okay, this one is a no-brainer. If you love losing your self in the manic mind-fucks of a King Giz freak-out jam, can’t help but throw your body around like a hacky sack during an explosive Ty Segall tune or bliss the hell out to the beach-pop of Step-Panther – White Bleaches are very much your cup of tea. The four-piece have been booked on the inaugural Gizzfest lineup, which kicks-off this weekend, so take a listen below and dig their tunes before you experience them in the most fitting of live settings.
Profile: Facebook & Unearthed
