Matahara: A solo project from Jakarta-born and Melbourne-based indie artist Marissa Yudinar, Matahara creates forward-thinking bedroom pop. With a style that’s been hailed as genre-less, Matahara (the Indonesian word for sun) has injected her brand of electropop with warmth and honest lyricism. Think: if the ethereal sounds of Caroline Polacheck or Grimes fused with the playful joy of Maisie Peters.
Keli Holiday: No your eyes aren’t deceiving you, that is indeed Adam Hyde from the multi-ARIA award-winning duo Peking Duck. Keli Holiday marks the latest project from this Australian hit maker with a new solo act. Keli Holiday’s debut album balanced Adam’s signature high-energy style with nods to New Order, Joy Division and Talking Heads, resulting in a new dance-rock sound. Think: a modernised LCD Soundsystem of new-age disco and grungy alt-rock.
Miiesha: Woorabinda-born artist Miiesha has been spearheading Australian RnB and soul music since her first album, Nyaaringu, dropped in 2020. Since then, the songstress has garnered critical acclaim for her soul-stirring sounds coupled with Pitjantjatjara language and experiences. The ARIA-winning artist is not just worth hearing, but a needed addition to the culture. Think: the sounds of Jazmine Sullivan or Vanessa Monet with an intimately local inflection.
Mac The Knife: This five-membered rock’n’roll outfit has a sound that could only be born in a sweaty Sydney garage. With a refreshed take on gritty pub rock, Mac The Knife has gained a reputation for roaring songs of catharsis and carnage. Led by Spider from Heartbreak High, Mac The Knife has self-proclaimed itself as “written for the people, by the people.” Think: DZ Deathrays and SKEGGS with a healthy dose of Fontaines D.C. and The Strokes.
Jamaica Moana: This multidisciplinary artist is a rapper as well as a leader and resident commentator of the Australian vogueing/ballroom community, along with being the founder of The West Ball. The Sydney-based songwriter of Māori (Ngāpuhi/Tainui) and Samoan descent has carved a unique space for themself in Australian music of gender-and-genre-bending rap. Think: Megan Thee Stallion or Queen Herby with an edge of Ngaiire.
To peep the full line-up for the festival and to grab tickets, head to the BIGSOUND website. You can nab a ticket now with $25 tickets currently available for those aged 25 under. If you want to level up your music industry knowledge, we suggest grabbing a Delegate Pass, which gives you full access to conferences by day and showcases by night.