Betty Taylor is the friend who holds your hand after your heart’s been broken. Fronted by Sophie Patrick, whose indie hooks and witty lyrics are beautifully complemented by Kayla Smart (AKA Dorah Jacson)’s harmonies and dreamy guitar riffs, the band is rounded out by Claire Chittick on bass and Katie Ishaque on drums.

From an open mic to a backyard show two years ago, Betty Taylor quickly became one of Australia’s most exciting indie acts. Signing with Hello Gardener in late 2022, their debut single Stallin’, produced by Aidan Hogg (G Flip, Holy Holy), premiered on triple J and has since amassed over half a million streams.

In 2023, the band joined global agency WME, leading to standout performances alongside girl in red, Beddy Rays, The Rubens, and festivals like Groovin the Moo and Big Pineapple Festival. Their second single, Glitter, received strong support from triple J, and appearances on Australian Made with Abbie Chatfield helped propel their national profile.

Breakthrough singles Can’t Get Enough and Young Dumb Immature solidified their place in triple J’s rotation, landing in the top ten most played tracks. They also gained major playlisting on Spotify, Apple, and YouTube, including Fresh Finds, Indie Arrivals, and New Music Friday.

The band’s momentum has extended to the US, with their debut EP Young Dumb Immature gaining airplay on college and alternative specialty radio. They were the 15th Most Added record on the NACC Top 30 Adds chart, with stations like WRSU, WUOG, and WXCI spinning their tracks. Stallin’ and Glitter also debuted on the SubModern Singles chart, earning early support from tastemaker stations.

Following their debut tour across Europe, the UK, and Ireland with The Grogans, Betty Taylor is set for a huge year of touring across the UK, Europe, the USA, and Australia. With a showcase at SXSW 2025 and growing international attention, they are fast becoming a global indie force.

Showcases:

Thursday March 13

Official Showcase
Seven Grand
12:15am (Thursday night)

Friday March 14

THE AUSSIE BBQ
Sounds Australia House @ The Creek & Cave (Outdoor Stage)
4:30pm

Saturday March 15

Official Showcase
Speakeasy Kabaret
11:00pm

Hailing from the rough streets of West Sydney, Mt Druitt – Manila-born, folk-soul artist Cap Carter is a raw, unapologetic singer/songwriter who is not afraid to bare his soul. Over the past few years, he’s been connecting with national and global audiences by sharing his story through music – documenting chaos and beauty in ballad-esque melody and emotionally charged narratives

With just a handful of singles and a debut EP 2021’s ‘Notes’ to his name, Cap has built a genuine relationship with his fans. They have resonated with his stories of addiction, heartbreak, and, personal growth as well as his dedication to communicating with them. The quick growth of his career is a testament to his ability to connect with a voice that demands to be heard. It’s powerful and textured with a lived-in experience that’s impossible to engineer.

In 2021, Cap Carter went to support internationally acclaimed soul artist, Teddy Swims on his debut Australia and New Zealand tour – which then saw Cap’s own headline shows across the country sold out shortly after. In 2022, following strong viral moments on TikTok and Instagram, Cap went on to sell out shows all over the USA in iconic venues such as Hotel Café, West Hollywood, Rockwood Music Hall Manhattan and The Continental Club, Austin.

In the same year Cap Carter joined forces with legendary music figure, Paul Boswell at Free Trade Agency to map out his debut UK & Ireland tour. Cap went to sell out London twice, Dublin twice and became an act to witness at the famed The Great Escape festival in Brighton, UK.

Amassing a fanbase of close to half a million online, and with an EU/UK/IRE tour planned for 2024 – the sky is the limit for Cap Carter.

Showcases:

Thursday March 13

THE AUSSIE BBQ
Sounds Australia House @ The Creek & Cave (Indoor Stage)
1:00pm

Official Showcase
The Crystal Room @ The Driskill
1:00am (Thursday night)

Chris Lanzon’s journey is marked by the duality of life in the spotlight and behind the screen. Starting in the structured world of television and a major-label pop career, he quickly learned the weight of external expectations and the necessity of creative autonomy. This early experience instilled a deep desire for control—a defining trait as he moved into the deeply personal, self-directed world of his solo artistry.

His pursuit of independence quickly resonated. A stripped-back cover of Goo Goo Dolls’ “Iris” unexpectedly went viral, amassing over 20 million streams and expanding his already dedicated global following. This moment reinforced the power of raw, intimate storytelling—a foundation for his work today.

His last EP, Angel Litany, was a milestone, featuring collaborations with Deb Never, Blake Rose, and Harmony Tividad of Girlpool—written during a transformative trip to LA in 2022. A shift toward organic, in-the-room recordings deepened his artistry, reflecting inspirations like Adrienne Lenker and Bon Iver.

Lanzon’s music is about connection and community, blending ambient textures, live instrumentation, and intricate vocal layers with introspective storytelling. His work has earned recognition from BBC Radio 1, and he was named a TikTok Emerging Artist. Now signed to LAB Records (UK/US) and Believe (Rest of World), he steps into a new era, embracing experimentation, collaboration, and the joy of music—focusing on ‘the best part.’

This phase isn’t about proving anything—it’s about creating, sharing, and celebrating the good stuff that a life in music brings.

Showcases:

Thursday March 13

THE AUSSIE BBQ
Sounds Australia House @ The Creek & Cave (Indoor Stage)
2:00pm

Friday March 14

Official Showcase
St David’s Historic Sanctuary
10:00pm

Australian six-piece Coldwave is a frantic yet tightly controlled blend of jagged guitars, booming horns and uncompromising vocal delivery that captures the abstract in life’s most mundane moments.

Coldwave is Harry Evans (he/him) vocals, Kiran Memisoglou (he/him) guitar, Anthony Griffin (he/him) guitar/vocals, Jordan Maywald (he/him) drums, Sean McGowan (they/them) trumpet/synth/vocals, Lara Patzel (she/they) bass. Formed in 2020 from the ashes of two beloved Adelaide post-punk outfits, the band has evolved rapidly in just four years – welcoming new collaborators, exploring experimental instrumentation, and building a national audience.

The band was named Triple J Unearthed’s feature artist ahead of their performance at Adelaide’s 2023 Laneway Festival, seeing them share a bill with the likes of Fontaines D.C. and Turnstile. They showcased at BIGSOUND the same year to critical acclaim, with Dave Ruby Howe applauding the band for “delivering heavily to a big room which seemed to have caught wind that something was cooking… every member of the band vying for your eyes with intense noodling, rumbling rhythm section and demonic trumpet”.

Wielding a sound described as “post-punk pulse accelerant”, Coldwave’s EPs ‘Same Window, Different House’ and ‘No Conflict’ were met with glowing praise, the title track of the former touted as “precise in [its] chaos” (Dave McCarthy, Laundry Echo) and “like being plunged into an ice bath and set on fire” (Abby Butler, Triple J).

Off the back of a year supporting industry heavyweights including Citizen, Pond and RVG, Coldwave’s most recent release ‘The Ants / Italia ‘06’ sees the band exploring influences fresh and familiar. The two-track EP was produced and recorded by Bonnie Knight (2024 AIR Independent Producer of the Year – Amyl & The Sniffers, Angie McMahon, ENOLA) and mixed by James Trevascus (Nick Cave & Warren Ellis, Billy Nomates, RVG).

Showcases:

Wednesday March 12

Official Showcase
Valhalla
12:00am (Wednesday night)

Thursday March 13

THE AUSSIE BBQ
Sounds Australia House @ The Creek & Cave (Indoor Stage)
3:00pm

Bio coming soon

Showcases:

Thursday March 13

BMC x BBC Showcase
British Music Embassy @ Palm Door On 6th
12:00am (Thursday night)

Friday March 14

FLOOD Showcase
Mohawk
4:00pm

Brooklyn Vegan: Melbourne’s Delivery make the kind of caustic, mutant garage punk that their city has become known for in the last 15 years, sounding like the sun-baked desert vistas that populate George Miller’s Mad Max films. This band rip, mixing full-throttle propulsive drumming with slashing guitars and shout-along choruses.

If you like the entire Mikey Young diaspora of snarling “dolewave” (Eddy Current Suppression Ring, Total Control, Dick Diver, etc), Delivery do it better than almost anyone else at the moment.

Young actually mastered Force Majeure, their second album and first for UK indie label Heavenly, which is especially well-titled. Delivery sound like an unstoppable force on bashers like “Digging a Hole,” “Operating at a Loss,” “What For,” and “Exacto” which don’t skimp on the hooks, either. So you’re not totally battered by the end, they throw in a few Pavement-y numbers (“Focus, Right,” “The New Alphabet”) that hint at a poppy, brighter future for the band.

Showcases:

Tuesday March 11

[PIAS] Showcase
Palm Door On Sixth
9:20pm

Wednesday March 12

Monster Children
Mohawk Indoor
9:50pm

Thursday March 13

Planetary Group Showcase
Valhalla
10:00pm

Friday March 14

THE AUSSIE BBQ
Sounds Australia House @ The Creek and Cave (Indoor Stage)
5:20pm

Space Agency Showcase
Hotel Vegas
1:50am

Bio coming soon

Showcases:

Thursday March 13

BMG Showcase
Parish
1:00am (Thursday night)

Friday March 14

UTOPiA Sessions
Zilker Brewing
11:20pm

Dune Rats embody the carefree, rebellious spirit of Brisbane’s punk rock scene. Since forming over a decade ago, Danny Beus (vocals/guitar), BC Michaels (drums), and Brett Jansch (bass) have built a global reputation with their raucous, feel-good anthems and DIY ethos. Their 2017 album The Kids Will Know It’s Bullshit debuted at No. 1 on the ARIA charts, cementing them as Aussie punk icons with hits like “Scott Green” and “Bullshit.”

2022’s Real Rare Whale earned an ARIA nomination and fuelled a massive international tour across the US, Europe, and beyond. Back home, they rocked Splendour In The Grass with a viral Like A Version cover of The Angels’ “Am I Ever Gonna See Your Face Again.”

Their latest album, If It Sucks, Turn It Up (2024), blends their signature energy with a polished sound, featuring tracks like “Cheapskate.” A sold-out national tour alongside FIDLAR showcased the band’s enduring charm. “We’ve been doing this for 13 years because we love it—and each other,” says Danny. With no plans of slowing down, Dune Rats keep turning it up!

Showcases:

Monday March 10

Official Showcase
The 13th Floor
TBA

Wednesday March 12

Monster Children Showcase
Mohawk Outdoor
11:00pm

Thursday March 13

THE AUSSIE BBQ
Sounds Australia House @ The Creek & Cave (Indoor Stage)
5:00pm

Greyline Presents
Sounds Australia House @ The Creek & Cave (Outdoor Stage)
1:20am (Thursday night)

Years into her career, Anika Ostendorf – the voice and producer behind Melbourne-via-Germany-via-Detroit indie-rock/alt-pop outfit HACHIKU – is embracing a new level of vulnerability on their second album, The Joys of Being Pure at Heart. The album’s marks a journey toward self-compassion, openness, and embracing life’s ups and downs featuring members of the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra and harpist Mary Lattimore.

Hachiku first entered the global scene via Courtney Barnett’s Australian queer-run label Milk! Records where Ostendorf found a home in its community-minded ethos and DIY values. Through the release of their self-recorded and self-mixed EPs Hachiku (2017) and 99 Dreams (2020) and critically acclaimed debut LP I’ll Probably Be Asleep (2020), Hachiku has steadily built a loyal global fan base hinged on catchy melodies, shimmering walls of sound, and their praised live performances. They have seen consistent support and acclaim from NPR’s All Songs Considered, Bandcamp, DIY Magazine, Clash Magazine and NME and are continuously invited to support household names around the UK, Europe, U.S. and Australia including Courtney Barnett, The Breeders, José González and Snail Mail.

Showcases:

Wednesday March 12

Omen Magazine Showcase
The 13th Floor
8:00pm

Thursday March 13

THE AUSSIE BBQ
The Creek & Cave (Indoor Stage)
6:00pm

Saturday March 15

Official Showcase
Speakeasy Cabaret
1:00am (Saturday night)

Bio coming soon

Showcases:

Tuesday March 11

Rolling Stone Future Of Music Showcase
Austin City Limits Live @ The Moody Theater
9:35pm

One of Naarm/Melbourne’s best hidden gems, Holly Hebe, is rapidly cementing her spot in the Australian music scene as a singer, songwriter, and budding producer. Taking influence from the likes of Maggie Rogers, Phoebe Bridgers and Clairo, Holly infuses her love for piano and poetry to create celestial, dreamy pop tracks. Galvanised by the sounds of her rural seaside upbringing, Holly’s sound showcases her knack for organic sampling and unique processing.

Showcases:

Thursday March 13

THE AUSSIE BBQ
Sounds Australia House @ The Creek & Cave (Indoor Stage)
12:00pm

J.Tajor is one of Australia’s fastest-rising R&B artists, making waves with his distinct sound and magnetic performances. In 2024 alone, he has amassed over 500 million streams across platforms and achieved the biggest viral success in Asia this year.
His breakthrough came with the viral sensation “Like I Do,” which exploded to over 10 billion views on TikTok and caught the attention of major K-Pop stars, including TWICE, Seventeen, BLACKPINK, and GOT7. The song’s impact extended globally, inspiring re-releases by renowned artists such as Jay Park, William Singe, and Sunkis.

Beyond his streaming success, J.Tajor has taken his music worldwide, selling out shows across Australia, touring Canada, and performing on international stages. His high-energy performances and undeniable stage presence continue to solidify his reputation as a global force in R&B.

Teaming up with ACTS Music Group (home to William Singe, Teo Glacier, and Keenan Te), J.Tajor is rapidly expanding his international fanbase. With a growing list of accolades and momentum on his side, he’s poised to leave a lasting imprint on the global music scene.

Showcases:

Tuesday March 11

Official Showcase
The Crystal Room @ The Driskill
1:00am (Tuesday night)

Thursday March 13

DistroDirect Selects
Sounds Australia House @ The Creek & Cave (Indoor Stage)
9:00pm

Friday March 14

THE AUSSIE BBQ
Sounds Australia House @ The Creek & Cave (Outdoor Stage)
12:30pm

Proving to be a must watch act in 2025, Western Australia’s indie pop-rock band Joan & The Giants took 2024 by storm when they supported global superstars P!NK and Tones & I at Optus Stadium, and have recently toured Australia supporting US pop icon Belinda Carlisle on her 10 show theatre tour. The four piece landed Triple J Unearthed feature artist after the release of their single ‘Born in the Wrong Time’ which also won them the Australia wide Happy Mag ‘Needle in the Hay’ comp and Best Rock Song / Runner Up Song of the Year at the 2024 WA Song of the Year Awards.

Joan & The Giants have been making big noise in the Australian music scene, showcasing at BIGSOUND and SXSW Sydney 2024, supporting Eskimo Joe around WA, landing seven nominations at the WA Music Awards where they secured awards for Best Alternative/Indie Act, Best Single, and Best Music Video. In 2024 the band have released four singles, ‘Good Time’; which was added to Spotify’s New Music Friday, Front Left, Alt Here, Fresh Finds, Local Noise and Indie Arrivals and ‘Born in the Wrong Time’; which landed a first play and interview on Triple J, Triple J Unearthed feature artist, multiple Spotify editorials and was number one on the Metro AMRAP community radio charts for multiple weeks. Their latest single ‘How Could You?’ had a feature on ABC Australia’s morning show, and Rolling Stone Australia’s best music of the week. The powerhouse four piece have shared stages with some prominent acts including P!NK, Tones & I, Belinda Carlisle, Everything Everything, The Vaccines, Weyes Blood, Teen Jesus and Jean Teasers, Sly Withers, Pacific Avenue, Coterie and many more.

The band was formed by Queer front-woman Grace Newton-Wordsworth in 2019, originally from an organic farm down South of Western Australia and now living in Perth with band members Riley Sutton and Liam Olsen.

Showcases:

Tuesday March 11

Penny Loafer PR Showcase
Zilker Brewing
8:40pm

Thursday March 13

THE AUSSIE BBQ
Sounds Australia House @ The Creek & Cave (Outdoor Stage)
12:30pm

Saturday March 15

Official Showcase
The Velveeta Room
10:00pm

Born in Broome, Western Australia, Kurrungaya Bieundurry, professionally known as Kayps, is a 19-year-old Indigenous Walmatjarri and Bunuba artist who is quickly making his mark on the Australian music scene. After spending his early years in Fitzroy Crossing, a remote town in the Kimberley region, Kayps relocated to Perth/Boorloo to pursue greater educational opportunities. A gifted writer and producer, Kayps is known for his dynamic approach to music, seamlessly blending lyrical storytelling with melodic vocal performances. His distinctive style combines infectious hooks with high-speed, intricate rap flows—an impressive skill set that many artists take years to develop. Drawing inspiration from his life experiences, Kayps’ music is a unique mix of introspection, clever wordplay, and memorable melodies.

Showcases:

Wednesday March 12

International Hip Hop Stage
Cuatro Gato
8:30pm

Thursday March 13

Greyline Presents
Sounds Australia House @ The Creek & Cave (Outdoor Stage)
8:20pm

Friday March 14

THE AUSSIE BBQ
Sounds Australia House @ The Creek & Cave (Indoor Stage)
1:00pm

KUČKA is the solo project of Laura Jane Lowther. A self-powered producer, songwriter and vocalist who has collaborated with artists as varied as Flume, SOPHIE, Kendrick Lamar, A$AP Rocky, Mount Kimbie, Vince Staples and Machinedrum.

KUČKA’s second album ‘Can You Hear Me Dreaming?’ was released earlier this year (following her debut ‘Wrestling’ in 2020) and has been acclaimed by Rolling Stone, The Guardian, SPIN and more for its “digital soul” (FACT magazine) and intimate investigations of queer identity. ‘Can You Hear Me Dreaming?’ breaks through the clouds of introspection into a zone of playful fantasy. The album also reveals the musical partnership between KUČKA and her wife and creative director Dillon Howl under ‘PESH’, a project which debuted in February via UK label and community radio station Foundation.fm.

Last year saw KUČKA supporting Flume at Coachella and across the US and UK as well as debuting an audio-visual experience in collaboration with Bootleg Comics at the Sydney Opera House as part of Vivid Live. This September, KUČKA embarked on a tour in Europe and the UK for her ‘Can You Hear Me Dreaming?’ album as well as performing at Ear To Ear Festival in Shanghai. 2024 was rounded out with shows in NYC and LA for the rest of her 2024 Album Tour.

Showcases:

Thursday March 13:

THE AUSSIE BBQ
Sounds Australia House @ The Creek & Cave (Outdoor Stage)
6:30pm

Friday March 14

Official Showcase
Speakeasy Kabaret
10:00pm

LO’99 is renowned for his own brand of house & techno music, his productions often delivering distinctive rave & garage sounds. Dance music’s elite are getting behind his vision with LO being called upon to remix the likes of Fatboy Slim, Royksopp, Kaskade, Moby, Pnau, Junior Jack, Peking Duk & Alunageorge.

When it comes to his own records, LO shows exactly why he’s up there alongside Australia’s best, with many singles out on coveted tastemaker labels around the globe and local imprint Medium Rare Recordings, His recent releases ‘OD1, ‘Big Dipper’, ‘Run to the Rhythm’ & latest release ‘And It Goes’ becoming staples in record boxes & playlists around the world.

Showcases:

Thursday March 13

THE AUSSIE BBQ
Sounds Australia House @ The Creek & Cave (Indoor Stage)
6:30pm (DJ Set)

Hailing from Canberra, Australia, Lucy Sugerman has a sixth-sense for storytelling. Coupled with a gift for crafting assured melodic hooks, it’s the perfect recipe for sweet folky alt-pop that still packs a punch. Possessing an impressive work ethic and dedication to staying true to herself, letting people into her world through tales of her struggles and triumphs in romance and growing up, Lucy’s quirky and genre-defying music is youthful yet poised.

The charming songwriter first graced airwaves with a collaboration with platinum-certified Australian and Brooklyn-based artist LANKS ‘I’d Do It All Again’. In the past year, the multi-instrumentalist has triumphantly played major festivals like Yours & Owls, and toured in her home country supporting acts like Ben Lee, Gretta Ray and Odette, plus showcased at Australia’s premier music conference BIGSOUND – all while balancing her various side quests (including a bit of radio presenting, music academic research and music advocacy). Currently in the studio writing and creating her next chapter of songs with collaborators like Joe Faris (NZ) and Drew Pearson (US), 2025 promises to be a defining year for Lucy as she continues to capture the hearts of listeners far beyond her home country.

Showcases:

Tuesday March 11

Penny Loafer PR Showcase
Zilber Brewing
7:00pm

Thursday March 13

DistroDirect Selects
Sounds Australia House @ The Creek & Cave (Indoor Stage)
10:00pm

Friday March 14

THE AUSSIE BBQ
Sounds Australia House @ The Creek & Cave (Indoor Stage)
12:00pm

Official Showcase
The Crystal Room @ The Driskill
12:00am (Friday night)

Born in Canada and raised in South Africa, the now Perth/Boorloo based artist began recording music in 2020 amidst the start of COVID-19, inspired by the likes of Young Thug, Nujabes, Alicia Keys and Lime Cordiale. Oshua leverages the power of internet collaboration with releases underpinned by introspective lyrics, Hip-Hop rooted drums, confident vocal deliveries, and handpicked instrumentals which are used to reflect a genre-bending sound.

Spending more time on the internet in his home studio, his ear for a wider range of sounds pricked which now forms the assortment of soundscapes we hear in his current work. “Over the past three years I haven’t really been taking inspiration from singular artists, it’s more sub-genres and specific singles and specific songs”. A true by-product of this age of streaming – living in a world with greater accessibility to music – Oshua is a prime example of how creatives have adapted to a takeover in technology. “I started focusing on every internet community [in music] I could find (reddit, Instagram, discord) that’s where I met everyone I work with to this day.’’

Following Oshua’s debut, his Sophomore EP “Float Music 1” released in June of 2024, which saw frequented collaborators and a feature from rising Atlanta star Destin Laurel, this EP brought with it yet another jump in quality, improvement in sound and even more tasteful visuals to accompany the music. The release led to him earning a spot on one of Australia’s biggest music festivals – Listen Out, where Oshua will be performing alongside global acts such as Tyla, 21 Savage, Lil Tjay, Teezo Touchdown and more.

The rising artist is set to release his debut album “Angel Heights” later this year.

Showcases:

Wednesday March 12

International Hip Hop Stage
Cuatro Gato
9:50pm

Thursday March 13

THE AUSSIE BBQ
Sounds Australia House @ The Creek & Cave (Outdoor Stage)
3:30pm

Since their 2017 inception, Gerringong-based indie-rock quartet Pacific Avenue have seen a meteoric rise. From their debut EP ‘Strawberry Skies’, which yielded the instant hit ‘Something Good’, to their 2021 masterstroke single ‘Easy Love’ which garnered critical acclaim, to now with new single ‘Lucy’ spending 6 consecutive days on triple j’s Most Played chart.

The band showed no signs of slowing down in 2022, coming off UK support tours with DMA’s and Jamie Webster along with Aussie tours with Louis Tomlinson and 5SOS and a sold out national headline tour – the band also add festival spots such as Lost Paradise and Yours & Owls to their ever-growing resume.

The band’s debut album ‘Flowers’, released in 2023, debuted at #1 on ARIA Australian album chart, #3 ARIA album chart, #4 ARIA vinyl album chart and #1 AIR Independent album chart. ‘Flowers’ also scored the coveted triple j feature album (all 5x singles reaching triple j Top 10 Most Played), strong DSP support including an Amazon Music billboard and 5 playlist covers, plus 2 x 2023 ARIA Award nominations (Breakthrough Artist + Best Rock Album) and 2x 2024 AIR Award nominations (Breakthrough Independent Artist + Best Independent Rock Album). Add in international synchs from the likes of CBS Mornings (US), ITV Cycling Paris, BBC One FA Cup (UK), BT Sport (UK), a Jac Utes ad and 3x Neighbours TV placements, and you have a remarkable suite of achievements made even more impressive given it marks their debut album!

Showcases:

Wednesday March 12:

Official Showcase
Mohawk Indoor
10:50pm

Thursday March 13:

THE AUSSIE BBQ
Sounds Australia House @ The Creek & Cave (Outdoor Stage)
5:30pm

BMG Showcase
Parish
8:00pm

“I can’t eat you, I can’t fuck you, so why the fuck would I come?”

Those were the parting words of Brian Jonestown Massacre frontman Anton Newcombe to Radio Free Alice’s band members. Hobbling over to the band tequila in hand as the band finished the early set of their Sydney residency at Newtown’s The Duke, the wiry icon offered words of praise. BJM were playing at the venue the next block down, and enjoying the natural rapport between them, the band invited Newcombe back to watch Radio Free Alice’s late set that night after BJM’s show. The invitation only to be rejected in the dry wit typical of the BJM founder, “I can’t eat you, I can’t fuck you, so why the fuck would I come?!”

Despite wandering off into the night, never to be seen again, that interaction is emblematic of the allure of the Melbourne 5 piece, whose frenetic live shows have captured imaginations throughout this year.

At the vanguard of a new wave of high energy guitar rock and fast emerging as one of Australia’s most exciting young bands, Melbourne 5-piece Radio Free Alice released their first two EPs Radio Free Alice and Polyester.

With an operatic swagger angular guitar driven sound, the Melbourne group emerged with an art school musical palette, painted from a suburban Australian canvas.

Following 2023 singles “Paris Is Gone” and “Look What You’ve Done”, which have received support from triple j, FBi and 3RRR, the band have opened for The Killers, Royel Otis, Sorry, Django Django, High School, The Snuts and a sold out four week residency at inner Melbourne’s Nighthawk. The band’s captivating live show saw them emerge from Brisbane’s BIGSOUND showcase and SXSW Sydney as one of the breakout artists for 2024, and backed up by NME who included them in their NME 100 list for 2025.

Having recently played festivals around Australia, a two month stint of club shows and festivals in UK/Europe and a sold out headline tour at home in Oz, expect more music from this frenetic young band in 2025.

Showcases:

Wednesday March 12

Monster Children Showcase
Mohawk Outdoor
10:00pm

Thursday March 13

Greyline Presents
Sounds Australia House @ The Creek & Cave (Outdoor Stage)
12:20am – 1:00am (Thursday night)

Friday March 14

THE AUSSIE BBQ
Sounds Australia House @ The Creek & Cave (Outdoor Stage)
4:00pm

Described by CLASH as “carefully etched indie folk”, Rowena Wise delivers songs that have a newfound sense of honesty, holding space for all of life’s beauty and mess. Her storytelling is like a close friend, offering heady ruminations on love, loss, and alienation while giving gentle choes of courage and empowerment. Now based in Melbourne with a burgeoning reputation s a live performer, her songs captivate in the mould of Aldous Harding, Julia Jacklin and Waxahatchee, hailing her as a “lyrical assassin” by the Australian triple j community.

Growing up in the small surf town of Margaret River, Western Australia, Rowena was surrounded by music from an early age. Her father, a luthier, built her custom acoustic and electric guitars, while her mother, a folk musician from Chicago, instilled in her a love of music that would shape her career. Rowena travelled and performed from a young age as part of a family band, before moving to Melbourne at the age of 18 to pursue her own music.

As a performer, Rowena has the gift to connect with depth and relatability. A seasoned performer since childhood, she is quick to draw in the listener, capturing hearts with her candid, vulnerable storytelling. While Rowena’s music has elements of pop, alt-rock and garage, woven through are the 1960’s folk influences that shaped her musical upbringing. Her soaring melodies are combined with “breezy guitar with incredible lyrical poetry, showcasing her storytelling side while also cementing her status as a kick-ass musician on the rise” – Pilerats.

Off the back of a UK tour, Rowena recently released her highly anticipated debut album “Senseless Acts of Beauty”, which has been hailed as a “masterful and endearing collection of musings on perspective” (Tonedeaf). An artistic hallmark for Rowena, the songs are a coming-of-age journey, exploring themes of loss, alienation and self-empowerment.

Showcases:

Thursday March 13

Greyline Presents
Sounds Australia House @ The Creek & Cave (Outdoor Stage)
10:20pm

Friday March 14

THE AUSSIE BBQ
Sounds Australia House @ The Creek & Cave (Indoor Stage)
2:00pm

Official Showcase
Las Perlas
8:00pm

Catholic witch meets Berlin basement.

London-based, Sir Jude is a singer-songwriter and artist from Melbourne, Australia, who embodies love, sexuality and underground culture. Sir Jude’s music is a modern time warp – a discovery of raw emotion through sensuality and imagination which is explored on her debut EP, ‘Dreamlands’ (2020), and debut album, ‘Revelations’ (2022).

What the Hell Have You Done’ and ‘Because You’re Mine’ were spotted in Netflix UK’s Series, ‘The A List’ and her contemporary cover of the infamous 60s tune, ‘Hurdy Gurdy Man’ – by Donovan- is featured on the new Disney + series, ‘Willow’.

‘Preach’, featuring Maxim of The Prodigy and ‘Madonna’ were also showered in praise by the likes of The Independent, EARMILK, and Wonderland who have pegged Sir Jude as one to watch for her “ethereal vocals and experimental edge”.

Inspired by the theatrics of Lady Gaga and St Vincent, Sir Jude’s independent album, Revelations is a body of work that represents the unravelling internalised misogyny and discovery of the self. A distinct love for cinematic soundscapes can be heard throughout which “inspired a creative spirit” and lead her to embark on a singular artistic course for visual and diverse cinematic art. Her upcoming project, ‘Venus Hotel’ flirts with Sir Jude’s Italian roots, dramatised electronica and celebrates female agency.

Recently Sir Jude supported Kele Okereke of Bloc Party on his solo tour through the UK. Sir Jude has also performed at Glastonbury (2024), The Great Escape (2024) and is amongst the first round of artists announced to play SXSW in Austin Texas 2025.

Showcases:

Wednesday March 12

Omen Magazine Showcase
The 13th Floor
12:00am

Thursday March 13

THE AUSSIE BBQ
The Creek & Cave (Outdoor Stage)
1:30pm

Audiofemme Showcase
Central Presbyterian Church
9:00pm

Saturday March 15

British Music Embassy
Palm Door On Sixth
4:30pm

Sly Withers are an emotive alt-rock band swinging for the fences. With over 20 million Spotify streams, 2 ARIA Top 10 albums, multiple triple j Hottest 100 entries, and a string of sell-out Australian tours, they’re a force to be reckoned with. Known for their heartfelt lyricism and huge live energy, they’ve supported acts like Amy Shark and Tones & I and headlined massive theatre shows of their own. With a new album on the horizon, Sly Withers are setting their sights on taking their big-swinging sound from Australia to the global stage.

Showcases:

Tuesday March 11

Live at Leeds Showcase
Seven Grand
9:20pm

Thursday March 13

Greyline Presents
Sounds Australia House @ The Creek & Cave (Outdoor Stage)
11:20pm

Friday March 14

THE AUSSIE BBQ
Sounds Australia House @ The Creek & Cave (Outdoor Stage)
2:30pm

Searching for the next breakout talent from South-East Naarm/Melbourne? Meet Squid the Kid, an artist who’s redefining boundaries with his infectious grooves and undeniable charisma. Blending hip-hop, R&B, funk, electronic, and a dash of jazz, Squid crafts tracks that feel both familiar and refreshingly unique—perfect for fans of genre-bending innovators.

Showcases:

Tuesday March 11

Official Showcase
The Crystal Room @ The Driskill
10:00pm

Wednesday March 12

Official Showcase
Saxon Pub
TBA

Thursday March 13

DistroDirect Selects
Sounds Australia House @ The Creek & Cave (Indoor Stage)
1:00am (Friday Morning)

Friday March 14

THE AUSSIE BBQ
Sounds Australia House @ The Creek & Cave (Indoor Stage)
3:00pm

Stella Bridie is a 25-year-old Melbourne-based songwriter-vocalist. A potent musician and creative across forms, she writes for the long walk home from the party where mind games dance. Balancing the catharsis of indie rock with etchings of pop-impulses – think the lyricism of boygenius, the emotional grip of Ethel Cain, and the edge of Olivia Rodrigo – she conceptualises disillusionment with gripping imagery with her seemingly simplistic turn of phrase sung with captivating, stop-in-your-tracks delivery.

With the release of her independent debut EP, Stella Bridie has seen support from triple j, triple j unearthed (Feature Artist), VOGUE Australia, SiriusXM’s AltNation, KEXP, Rolling Stone Australia, Ones To Watch, NME, Stereogum and more, with playlisting support across New Music Friday ANZ, Indie Arrivals, Fresh Finds ANZ (Cover), Fresh Finds US, New Music Daily, The Matt Wilkinson Show, New In Indie, New In Rock, New In Alternative, Breaking Rock, Heaps Indie, Antidote, and more.

Showcases:

Thursday March 13

THE AUSSIE BBQ
Sounds Australia House @ The Creek & Cave (Outdoor Stage)
2:30pm

Official Showcase
The Crystal Room @ The Driskill
10:00pm

Hailing from the picturesque South Coast of New South Wales, Australia, Surely Shirley is a musical duo that is as refreshing as a cool ocean breeze. Comprising twin sisters Jenaya and Anisha, the duo is a harmonious blend of nostalgia and coastal vibes.

Surely Shirley’s music is a delightful fusion of tropical doo-wop and 60s ballads, infused with pop and indie elements. Their sound is characterised by enchanting harmonies, feel-good rhythms, and a touch of nostalgia that transports listeners to a different era.

Surely Shirley made their debut in 2023 with their single “Honeymoon Island”, a dreamy concoction that captures the essence of the honeymoon phase in a relationship. Since then, they have grown a dedicated fanbase and released their debut EP ‘Sailors and Clowns’ in August 2024 – accumulating over 1M streams.

Transcending the stage, Surely Shirley have just graced Party In The Paddock Tasmania, Lost Paradise Festival 2024 and went on their debut national support slot for US band Infinity Song (800K followers). This is alongside Yours and Owls Festival 2023 and other key support slots for Pacific Avenue, Meg Mac, Old Mervs and The Vanns.

Showcases:

Wednesday March 12

Monster Children Showcase
Mohawk Outdoor
9:00pm

Thursday March 13

DistroDirect Selects
Sounds Australia House @ The Creek & Cave (Indoor Stage)
11:00pm

Friday March 14

THE AUSSIE BBQ
Sounds Australia House @ The Creek & Cave (Outdoor Stage)
3:30pm

Hailing from Adelaide, Australia, Takara is an ethereal alternative R&B artist whose music, style, and presence evoke a dreamy and eclectic charm that captivates audiences worldwide. With a sound that blends silky smooth vocals, emotive storytelling, and the rhythmic pulse of global dance and R&B influences, she has carved out a distinct lane in the contemporary music landscape. Her authenticity, natural magnetism, and genre-defying artistry have not only solidified her as a modern-day pop star but also as an Aussie voice for a global audience that resonates deeply with her music, style, and lifestyle.

Showcases:

Thursday March 13

THE AUSSIE BBQ
Sounds Australia House @ The Creek & Cave (Indoor Stage)
4:00pm

Captivated by Neil Young’s Harvest and the timeless voice of Joan Baez, at the age of 11 she taught herself guitar, spending countless hours mastering chords and learning as many songs as possible. But simply playing wasn’t enough—music unlocked something deeper, and soon she began writing her own songs, pouring her heart into lyrics and melodies.

Growing up in the Cotswolds, Toria honed her craft performing in pubs, where she developed her signature storytelling style. It was during this time she met Ross, the love of her life, and together they built a family. Seeking a new adventure, they made the life-changing decision to move to Sydney, Australia—a place that would become both home and the setting for a pivotal chapter in her musical journey.

Following the unexpected loss of her mother, Ross gifted Toria time in a recording studio, hoping music would help her heal. That session led to the creation of her first EP and marked the beginning of her career in country music. Since then, she has carved out a space in the industry, earning accolades and recognition for her deeply heartfelt songwriting.

A lover of words and melodies, Toria continues to craft songs that resonate with authenticity and emotion. With each release, she invites listeners to join her journey—one built on passion, resilience, and the power of music to tell life’s most meaningful stories. Stay tuned—Toria’s story is still unfolding.

Not many Australian bands have had the type of ascent as The VANNS have.

Cutting their teeth on the live circuit since 2015, The VANNS have proven themselves early as leaders of the pack in modern Australia rock music.

The release of The VANNS’ debut album Through The Walls in 2019 marked an arrival of something fresh and new in Australian music with Jimmy Vann (lead vocals, rhythm guitar), Cameron Little (lead guitar, vocals, keys), Tom Switlek (bass) and Andrew Banovich’s (drums) partnership.

The album struck a chord with fans and industry alike, scoring The VANNS a lucrative triple j Feature Album placement, as well as the delivery of an impactful Like A Version cover of Bon Iver’s ‘Hey Ma’, which now has over 7 million streams, and went on to land at #32 on the Hottest 100 Like A Version countdown.

Sold out shows at home and overseas followed, tours with the likes of The Kooks, The Wombats, and Inhaler and more, and their second album, ‘Last Of Your Kind’, which debuted at #8 on the Australian charts and would again see the band claim another Feature Album spot and play to an overflowing Splendour In The Grass tent.

The VANNS are due to release their third album in 2025.

Showcases:

Tuesday March 1

Penny Loafer PR showcase
Zilker Brewing
9:30pm

Thursday March 13

DistroDirect Selects
Sounds Australia House @ The Creek & Cave (Indoor Stage)
12:00am (Friday morning)

Friday March 14

THE AUSSIE BBQ
Sounds Australia House @ The Creek & Cave (Outdoor Stage)
2:30pm

Without exaggeration – Vv Pete is the future. Over the past 3 years Vv Pete defined her place as a one-of-a-kind, infectious, and vital face of Australia’s new wave of rap via global club music.

The Sudanese-Australian artist has made waves with her singles Bussit, Frauds, Jordan1s & Bacardi Papi solidifying themselves as instant classics, played across family cultural events and fashion week alike. Her Frauds remix EP Frauds (Reworked) (Trackwork, 2023) featured remixes from a diverse selection of club music heavy-hitters including Strict Face, DJ Plead, with Mall Grab’s contribution charting on Shazam & iTunes in Germany. The follow up remix EP of her 2024 single Mashallah includes collaborations with the likes of DJ/producer Clementaum from Brazil and left-field rap producer Brodinski (FR), whilst releasing heartbeat with prominent Berlin-based club music producer/DJ Logic1000, and UK electronic producer Effy’s Jordan1s remix featuring in multiple Boiler Room sets globally.

Vv Pete has already begun drafting her “Varvie Army”, while hyping crowds supporting Jay1 (UK) and Denzel Curry (US) on their national AU tours, presenting her very own headline show for Vivid Live at Sydney Opera House, playing Mardi Gras parties, Phoenix Central Park, Listen Out Festival across all four cities sharing lineups with Ice Spice & Coi Leray, and being featured on a billboard in Times Square NY for Spotify’s EQUAL. With recent performances at Promiseland, Mode Festival and Beyond the Valley as well as her debut mixtape on the horizon Vv Pete isn’t running, she’s sprinting.

Showcases:

Wednesday March 12

Hip Hop International Showcase
Curato Gato
12:30am (Wednesday night)

Thursday March 13

THE AUSSIE BBQ
Sounds Australia House @ The Creek & Cave (Outdoor Stage)
4:30pm

Future Classic Showcase
Mohawk Indoor
1:00am (Thursday night)