The artists who'll be filling festival stages and Hottest 100s in years to come.
It's been three years since BIGSOUND, known affectionately as Australian music Xmas, has been able to show off some of the best up and coming artists in the country. So, you always knew the 2022 edition was going to be extra large, with a hive of exciting talent ready to take Australia and the world by storm.
Armed and ready with a few pairs of thick socks and sturdy shoes, Declan Byrne from Home & Hosed legged it around Brisbane's Fortitude Valley to suss the best new artists in the land.
With over 180 acts playing, it's impossible to reflect all the amazing music on display, but here's nine of the best highlights.
JACOTÉNE
The 2022 Unearthed High champion is the real deal. With only a (damn good) demo under her belt and one performance in front of her school assembly, JACOTÉNE proved at BIGSOUND that she's ready for the big time. Across two performances to sardine-packed rooms, her soulful voice in real life is just as good, if not better than on record. Look out world!
Forest Claudette
If there was one artist everyone was clambering to see, it was this dude. Forest Claudette's charisma on stage captures you and the songs are clearly there to back it up. He has you dancing, giggling and singing along and just generally getting lost in his sonic web and you get the feeling this is the start of big things. Fans of Frank Ocean, get on board now.
Molly Millington
Molly's got star quality, plain and simple. Having only released a handful of songs but with plenty of gig experience, she's a primo songwriter and was one of the most engaging performers of the week. Her brand of indie pop is endearingly honest and undeniably catchy and shouldn't be underestimated from here on out.
Agung Mango
Agung Mango has always had a strong vision and creative drive, now it's clear he's ready to turn that into a killer live show. Joined on the triple j Unearthed stage by a full band, including two stellar backup singers, his energy is electric, his presence magnetic and the appeal feels really international. Calling Agung Mango simply a hip hop artist doesn't do it justice.
South Summit
Festival ready is the easiest way to sum up this young Perth band. Right at home on the big stage and bright lights at the Unearthed venue, South Summit are primed to take the leap to festival faves any minute now. With indie rock anthems to boot, this band are sure to have fans leaning over the barrier just to get a bit closer to their idols.
Hallie
It's time for everyone to get on the Hallie express. Since appearing at the triple j Unearthed stage a few years ago as a local winner, Hallie continues to level up. With a helluva voice, infectious songwriting and a mad aesthetic to go with it, her new songs exploded on stage with some added bite and had her hometown crowd going bananas. All aboard!
Big Skeez
There was so much to love about Big Skeez's high energy performances, proving that he's a crucial part of an exciting and growing scene in Australia. Put simply, his mix of Afrobeat, dance and rap tracks went off! And just like other shows from Mali Jo$e and Gold Fang (who jumped up for 'Where Yuh From'), the hip hop community turned out in force to dance along, which is always a very good sign.
Mitch Santiago
It seemed like half the West Aus music scene were in Brisbane and ready to impress and teenager Mitch Santiago was up there with the best of the lot. Looping like a pro, Mitch was alone up on stage but had the power, grace and the songs to fill the room and grab plenty of new fans. Equally skilful in delivering emphatic rock as more rootsy stuff, this kid could go anywhere.
Memphis LK
Bringing the rave to BIGSOUND, Memphis LK served up big beats to transport the crowd to the club. Her voice has always been a huge weapon and she lets it float, soar and entwine with a clear love of drum n bass, rave, and UK Garage. After a few years honing this new sound, Memphis is ready to launch. Do not miss her upcoming slot at Listen Out festival.