30 October 2019

10 Canberra acts the world seriously needs to keep their eyes on

| CBR DIG

Photo by Claire Warren

1. Teen Jesus and the Jean Teasers

Teen Jesus and the Jean Teasers have had an outstanding year! Emerging out of high school as a 4 piece, they’re already smashing big career goals. Recently being announced to tour with Falls Festival, they have a slew festivals on the horizon including Lost Paradise, Spilt Milk, Stonefest and Stonecutters. Before all this had a successful singles tour for ‘See You in a Bit (I Still Care)’, seeing a sold out, OVER CAPACITY show at Bigsound 2019.

You should stay on your toes for this band because 2020 is going to be their year!

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Photo sourced from Facebook

2. Genesis Owusu

Genesis Owusu is the soul and funk of this nation’s capital. If you haven’t caught a live show from Genesis Owusu and his goons, you’re totally missing out! Genesis Owusu will have the room wild and jumping 3 seconds into a set.

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Photo by Jack Gruber

3. Sputnik Sweetheart

Out of nowhere came Sputnik Sweetheart! This ambitious 4 piece indie-rock band has been selling out local headline shows left, right and centre; first the Polo and then Transit Bar hitting 240 in a room. Now that’s a dedicated audience! Could almost say they’reon the verge of rockstardom.

Since their debut in August 2018, the band has played a slew of local and interstate gigs alongside artists such as British India, Joyce Manor (USA), Radiator Hospital (USA) and The Babe Rainbow.

Riding off the back of their recently released single ‘Us Girls’, Sputnik Sweetheart are gearing up for a massive later half of 2019, set to play returning festival Stonefest in October, and Spilt Milk in November.

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Photo by Adam Siataga

4. Kirklandd

Now everybody bounce bounce bounce BOUNCE. Much like Genesis Owusu, Kirklandd knows how to get a crowd hyped. Winner of triple j unearthed’s Canberra Groovin the Moo comp and swiping a slot at Spilt Milk, Kirklandd is hitting the bigger stages.

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Photo sourced from Facebook

5. Signs & Symbols

This underrated Canberra punk-rock band is one of my favorites in town! If you’re fans of DZ Deathrays, Dear Seattle and was just a little bit of an emo as a teenager, then you’ll absolutely love Signs & Symbols.

Now don’t be mistaken, this band has been around for a long time and have finally risen from the ashes after a little break! They’ve performed with the likes of British India and are set for main support on the Hands like Houses hometown show at The Polo. Do NOT underestimate the power of this band.

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Photo by Harry Chalker

6. Groovy Daughter

Groovy Daughter has blessed the hearts of Canberra this year and she isn’t slowing down. Her unique dreamy pop sound and breathtaking storytelling gained the attention of Australian rapper Citizen Kay, landing her on his homegrown curated line up at Groovin The Moo. During Groovy Daughters’ set, just creates a passage into her soul and takes you on a story of her mental health.

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Photo sourced from Facebook

7. Liv Li

Liv Li is a POPSTAR, emphasise on the star. She is an synth-electronic pop artist with a devastatingly haunting vocal. Her debut track Silhouette is a unique brand of dark pop, bringing together her love of synths, beats and layered, lush vocals. I’ve had the pleasure of being able to attend her mesmerising intimate performances and each time I am dragged away into the colour of her music.

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8. Endrey

A canberra icon. Endrey has gone a different route and style with his latest releases ‘Lusitania ft Citizen Kay’ and ‘Insane’. I say this politely, Endrey is HOT SH*T live. Endrey has toured the world at the front of legendary sexpop band Fun Machine, and ethereal indie trio PAINTonPAINT.

He has supported legends including Client Liaison, Darkness and the Cat Empire, enjoyed global radio play and played innumerable festivals – including GTM, Woodford, BIGSOUND, Secret Garden and even a Cabbage Festival in Transylvania.

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Photo by Claire Warren

9. Slow Dial

Slow Dial is by far Canberra’s favourite indie-rock band. Shoutout to Mark Wilson who is quite possibly the best guitarist I’ve ever seen perform. Slow Dial have stuck out the hard yards in the Canberra music scene for over 2 years now. In that time they have built a fan base around their high energy shows and memorable rock sound.

Bringing together elements of all the members’ favourite bands, Slow Dial will capture you with their guitar riffs, shake you around with their soaring vocals, and get you moving with their driving beats.

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Photo by Izaak Binks

10. Neko Pink

Neko Pink are proof that pop music doesn’t have to be tame, combining sunset 80’s style new-wave with contemporary dance music, the duo have their sights set on national success. With a current following of 33,000+ monthly listeners on Spotify right now, brand new single ‘With You’ and a spot on the lineup of Spilt Milk festival this duo is certainly going to hit a market.

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A big shoutout to Charlotte & The Harlots, Hope Wilkins, Helena Pop, The Narcissists, The Tipsy Scholars, Flash Anthem and Lost Coast! Definitely room for another list don’t you think… Let us know who you wanna see make the cut!

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