We love Adelaide, and we really love some of the amazing artists that call the city home. So when it came to dedicating a list to the best up and comers, who better to do the honours than some local mates? We asked Adelaide blog directors Brett Pike (The Bakehouse) and Courtney Duka (One & Three) for some of their top picks from the city of churches to keep tabs on:
There are clearly some obvious choices of who we could talk about when it comes to Adelaidean acts that are killing it. Big names such as Bad//Dreems, Queen Tee Tkay Maidza and Timberwolf are kicking goals nationally as well as gaining some international attention. Plus more familiar names, like Sparkspitter, Grenadiers, Oisima and plenty of others that we are loving and apparently a whole lot of other people too. Yeahhhhh Adelaide! But here are 8 bands from our fine city we think are going to get up to some good things and think you ought to have a cheeky Facebook/Soundcloud stalk of.
The city of churches has a music scene that is bursting with talent, so we had some experts pick out the best. Here are 8 Adelaide acts to keep an eye on.
Horror My Friend
Brett – HMF for obvious reasons of them being just, just great. I’ve seen this band more than any other. That raw, energetic punk/indie/whatever sound is entirely their own, and I know the nation will take notice when this debut LP finally drops.
Courtney – Horror My Friend could probably make it in the above list as an obvious choice. They continue to gain attention locally and interstate, and have had some loving from Triple J; but alas they are great and a favourite for both Brett and I. Hurry up and give us dat album!
The Hard Aches
Brett – Optimises the resurgence of punk rock in Adelaide. No fucks, no holds barred, serious partiers, the most genuine people you’re gonna meet. I can’t remember a Hard Aches show that didn’t sell out. That speaks for itself really. Ben David is a crazy talented guy whether he is fronting the punk band or playing an acoustic set.
Ollie English
Courtney – So much talent and potential in this young blues singer-song writer. LOADS. I’m really looking forward to watching him grow as an artist and seeing how far he can go.
West Thebarton Brothel Party
Brett: Seven guys (sometimes eight) wearing bucket hats, boots and flannos bashing out pub rock. Back to back sold out single launches, in Reverend Ray Dalfsen we believe. Huge.
Joy & Sparkes
Courtney: I have a giant lady crush on Joy Sparks. She seems to ooze creativity which is exciting. Tribal infused electronica that I think the rest of Australia might catch onto before all of Adelaide does. Plus, she shook things up and threw down a banger of a set at Futuresounds IV (love-heart-eyes cat emoji times five). Highly anticipated EP is on the way but for now, check out this sweeeeeet collab with Lonelyspeck.
Slick Arnold
Brett: Best live band I’ve ever seen, period. They played support at a show of ours this year and the headline band near refused to follow after Slick Arnold took the stage. At such a young age, the upside on this band is massive. This is their year.
Courtney: #adelaidebuzzband So much talk getting around about these guys, and rightly so. Just go see them.
The Chase
Brett: Got picked up to tour nationally a month after their debut show. Their following inside and out of the pop punk community is growing exponentially. It’s crazy to think what they’re possible of when a year ago they hadn’t even formed yet.
Banjo Jackson
Courtney: I think anyone that knows me well, knows I would rather be throwing limbs and getting sweaty to rock than perched comfortably for folk. However, the contrast between the two is something I’ve come to really appreciate with Banjo Jackson’s LP in my life – it’s such a pleasure to listen to. It’s been continually drawing me back, in particular Darkness and Western River Cove.
