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.
Queensland has been bringing the goods lately, and this list only just scratches the surface. But we’ve been working hard to narrow it down to some of the best. So, here’s five of our favourite artists coming out of that sunny northern state.
We’re looking all over Australia and New Zealand, giving one artist the chance to press their single to vinyl. Here are 5 artists from Queensland we’re digging.
glasshouse
If you’ve ever wished you were around/could relive when some of the best grunge was pumping out of Seattle, then you need to hear glasshouse. The four-piece from the Sunshine Coast combine all the best bits of 90s grunge, modern punk, and just the right sprinkle of indie rock.
Their latest single, hello, is a little smoother than some of their earlier stuff. It lifts you up and tears you down all at the same time. Check it out below.
Asha Jefferies
This singer-songwriter from Brissy mixes indie rock, pop, and roots, and bakes it into one hell of a tasty tune cake. Once you get a taste of Asha Jefferies, you won’t be able to stop. She writes that she likes turning her “thoughts, feelings and memories into noise” and the emotional and heartfelt lyrics she pumps out is a testament to that.
I’ve had If You Were My Hero on repeat for approximately 3 weeks. Give it a listen below.
San Mei
San Mei is the one woman wonder blasting out of the Gold Coast with lush, guitar-driven indie pop. Her tunes seem to crackle with electricity and layered, cascading vocals produce tracks that feel both full and light. Work that one out, because I’m at a loss. But I can tell that it’s pretty bloody good.
Fresh off the back of her Falls Fest spot after winning the unearthed comp last year, there’s no doubt she’s got some good stuff in the works. You can hear her track Wonder below.
Ivey
Ivey is just about the most joyful band I’ve listened to in a while. They make you feel like you’re at the beach on a summer afternoon, even if it’s miserable and cold outside. Hailing from the Gold Coast, Ivey have mastered the art of writing youthfully, but with the maturity of musical veterans.
They just won The Drop Fest ’19 unearthed comp. If their live gigs are as fun as their music, you’re gonna want to see them yourself. Give their track Out Of Time a listen below.
Yù Yī
Yù Yī is smooth as all hell. When their funky electro, pop, dance tracks come on, you can’t help but move. With only two tracks released, and already receiving airtime on triple j and unearthed, they’re set to do some bloody brilliant things already.
They won last years Listen Out unearthed comp, and rightfully so. You can hear their track PEACHES below. I dare you not to bop.
Needle In The Hay is a vinyl competition targeting the next generation of exciting musical talent across Australia. Find out all the details and enter here.
