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5 artists from Tasmania that we’re digging right now

It’s that time of year again. The time of year when we scour the depths of Australia and New Zealand to bring you some raw talent as part of our Needle In The Hay vinyl competition.

Tasmania often gets a bit of a bad wrap, but if Perth is anything to go by, remoteness can often lead to the creation of some seriously special sounds. Check out five acts we’re currently digging from the land down under the land down under.

To celebrate our Needle In The Hay comp, we’re been bringing you the best and brightest from each state in the country as well as New Zealand. Next up, Tasmania.

Kowl

Kowl is a Hobart based musician and producer named Cal Young. If his first single is anything to go by, he has a very promising future. The disco-tinged banger Who Am I has gained attention right across the nation, packed alongside a gorgeous film clip and earning a spin on triple j.

Over the years Cal has worked with some big names as a producer but has now made the decision to strike out on his own, crafting a gorgeous confluence of analogue synth and real instrumentation. Check out this gorgeous, shimmery gem below.

The Grinds

Sometimes the most precious gem is the smallest. The Grinds are just at the beginning of their music journey but we are sure it will be a bright one. Their debut single Sandal has been singing in our ears for past few days, due to the beautiful catchy vocals of Emma Forbes.

There is some serious indie-rock vibes here and the positivity is infectious. Indulge in the upbeat indie funk of The Grinds and don’t say we didn’t tell you so –  they may be underground now, but not for long!

Annia Baron

The soulful blues songstress that is Annia Baron has been garnering international attention due to her powerful pipes and talent for piano-driven songwriting. Baron was a finalist in the prestigious 2016 American Songwriter Awards after the release of her Coastal Ray EP.

Piano and soulful blues guitar make sweet love as Annia’s honeyed vocals melt down with impactful and thought provoking lyrics about female empowerment and emotional exploration. Baron incorporates elements of gospel from her preacher father and opera from her mother, with a healthy dose of vintage. Let Annia Baron capture your soul.

The Sleepyheads

The Sleepyheads are a punk rock outfit from Launceston and they pack a whole lot of energy and guts into their shows, taking cues from Courtney Barnett, Tired Lion and friends Luca Brasi. “Relationships always come up in my writing, which is super original hey?” said lead singer/writer Pat Broxton.

After a huge national tour in 2018, this year is sure to be even bigger, having already rocked out at Party In The Paddock. If you love a good punk rock show, these guys should definitely be on your hitlist.

Alex Vann

Hailing from Hobart, Alex Vann has defined a sound of his own with heady yet punchy chorus vocals and driving acoustic guitars. There are certainly splashes of Bon Iver and Day Wave here, with a definite dose of the new and daring.

Alex Vann is still no doubt a bedroom artist, although his recordings sound more than so. He provides such an honest and naked expression in his lyricism and instrumentation. It feels like a rare look into a heart living life in one of the most remote cities on earth, and that is something pretty special if you ask me.

 

Find out more about Needle In The Hay here.