Each year, Australia’s best young musical talents are found through triple j Unearthed’s Unearthed High competition.
From the likes of Japanese Wallpaper and Kian, to Hockey Dad and Gretta Ray, the best ones shine each year in this competition.
Now, we’re taking a look at some of our favourite entries for 2019 so far. From 17-year-old pop future-icons, to surf-rock party animals, we’ve got it all here!
10. Zion Garcia, Sydney NSW
This one really ticks all the hip-hop boxes! Zion’s soulful track ‘MONTH 12’ channels the darkness of J. Cole’s music, combining that with beautiful vocals, apparently belonging to Zion’s sister. So beautiful.
Listen to Zion Garcia’s track ‘MONTH 12’:
9. ok2222, Melbourne VIC
A pop banger by young gun ok2222 and a mate called NVTHVN [pronounced “Nathan”], dubbed ‘Fuck U’. It also features Zamir and Park Bird, killer musicians ok2222, real name, Oscar Kahans, has connected with via the internet. This one was actually so loved by triple j they chucked him on rotation. This 17-year-old is already killing it.
Listen to ok2222’s ‘Fuck U’:
8. Matilda Pearl, Melbourne VIC
One might think they were hearing a mix of Montaigne and Eilish Gilligan. But, don’t be fooled, what you’re hearing is the incredible artistry of Melbourne’s Matilda Pearl. How lucky are we?
Listen to Matilda Pearl’s daring pop banger ‘Dry Eyes’:
7. Phinehas, Woombye QLD
These kids are killing me with their talent, and Phinehas is no exception. The Sunshine-based young singer-songwriter is really getting amongst those Ed Sheeran and Tom Odell vibes – the haunting instrumentation behind Odell’s music, and the Sheeran harmonies – but making it his own.
Hear Phinehas’ new track ‘Losing My Doubts’:
6. Earth To Josh, Rockhampton QLD
Earth to Josh, you are a star. This Queensland soloist is channelling those woozy DMA’s and Tame Impala vibes. Drowned out synths and top-notch emotion-fuelled vocal work make for a stunning piece of music.
Hear ‘Alone’ by Earth to Josh:
5. boler mani, Melbourne VIC
The hip-hop contingent is at an all-time high in Unearthed High for 2019! And who better to represent that than young Melbourne rapper boler mani, and ‘doozy’. Oh, and what a doozy this one is! Can’t wait to hear more from boler mani.
Listen to ‘doozy’ by boler mani:
4. Sir Tilly, Hobart TAS
This Tasmanian beaut is the cream of the crop – such a heart-wrenching tune! Musically sounds a lot like Florence and the Machine. It’s a belter and a half. Let me go cry now.
Sir Tilly’s stunning ‘Get Out’ can be heard here:
3. Surf Trash, Newcastle NSW
This fun-loving Newcastle trio have already hit up a few laps around this great land, including their last sold out run! They’re totally on the way up and we can’t wait to hear what’s next for Surfies.
Hear this new tune ‘Peer Pressure’ from Surf Trash:
2. Ryan Schmidt, Melbourne VIC
This pocket rocket 17-year-old from Melbourne’s first single is quite the awakening affair. The “tongue in cheek” track hears Schmidt talking to all kinds of high school late morning wake-up issues. But, most importantly, ‘Big Roomy Beds’ is about the ideal scenario of being with the one you love.
Listen to Ryan Schmidt’s ‘Big Roomy Beds’:
1. Tulliah, Mornington Peninsula VIC
This amazing 17-year-old from Dromana unleashed this one just in time for Unearthed High, as her first ever single. Already lining up some massive support slot shows with Graace seems to be no biggie for this one, and we can’t get enough. The song? A heartbreaking, moving, love song. Such powerful lyricism from such a young, but poised writer and performer. A promising entry right here.
Listen to Tulliah’s incredible new track ‘Company’:
Hear more great Unearthed High entries on the triple j Unearthed webpage.
