Australian Music You Should Know

Hometown: Sydney

Genre: Electronic

Hayden James first stole the hearts and ears outside of Australia with breakout single “Permission to Love.” The producer works closely with and releases on homegrown tastemaking imprint Future Classic, which almost always deserves an automatic stamp of approval. His beats are extraordinarily soothing and sensual, exercising quality and originality with an uplifting flare.

Hometown: Brisbane

Genre: Electronic

Feki, a far cry from a typical Nike-sporting, snapback-wearing and pant-cropping (at a measurable three centimeters above ankle) producer, is unassuming in every way. Each release of his will keep you on your toes: listen as “Nothing Last Forever” stands the test of time and “You Make Me” brings you to tears. Feki encapsulates the lush electronic style that could be known as the “Australian sound.”

Hometown: Melbourne

Genre: Electronic pop

For now, Hopium is happy to keep information about themselves to minimum and let the music speak for itself, and so far so good. With two songs—"Cut" and "Dreamers"—they've introduced their clean, expansive sound. It's modern pop painted on an electronic canvas, and it's already proving to be addictive.

Hometown: Sydney

Genre: Rock

Spookyland are one of the lesser known acts of the bunch, producing music overflowing with emotions. They make music fit for a rainy day, spent drinking coffee indoors at a second-hand bookstore. It's an intimate affair, but they pull it off with a full-bodied execution that separates them from solo producers and electro-pop outfits. They're a full rock band, and they sound like it.

Hometown: Sydney

Genre: House

Golden Features is the icing on any festival lineup cake. The man, the mystery, and the enigma behind that gold-plated face mask made a huge impact with the release of his self titled EP. Leading single “Tell Me” featuring Nicole Millar went viral, as did “Guillotine” as people fell in love with the enchanting, dark, and dance-friendly introduction.

Hometown: Perth

Genre: Electronic, pop

Australian trio Savoir's official two-track debut release came out via the label Plastic World on November 27, and we can't wait to hear more from the band. The standout "Malala" has a lush, tropical feel, fueled by afrobeat influences and topped off by the delightfully catchy chanted hook. Savoir masterfully synthesize a wide range of influences into a cohesive and impressive package on "Malala," which was inspired by Malala Yousafzai.

Hometown: Melbourne

Genre: Hip-hop

Australian rap, for the most part, is dismal. Melbourne-based rapper and producer Remi delivers smooth and genuine rap Australians can be proud to call home grown.

Hometown: Sydney

Genre: Electronic

Indie dance trio Rufus (comprised of Tyrone, Jon, and James) have become an institution Down Under. Their album Atlas released late 2013 was truly ahead of its time and, even today, is an absolute must-hear. There’s a synergy between tracks, beautifully curated and engineered with dreamy percussion to get lost in.

Hometown: Sydney

Genre: Electronic

Kilter’s music caught the attention of the public in late 2013 with his track “Holdin On.” Increasing in popularity from his remix of London Grammar's "Hey Now" and the “They Say” remix competition, his rise to the top was almost Flume-like. Early experimentation with what is now known as future bass earned Kilter the respect he holds today.

Hometown: Adelaide

Genre: Rap, pop

Rapper and vocalist Tkay Maidza is making a name for herself in Australia and overseas. With co-signs from people like Ryan Hemsworth, and an ear for infectious hooks to pair with her quickfire raps, Tkay Maidza is a couple of big songs away from being a genuine pop star.

Hometown: Gold Coast

Genre: Pop, electronic

Brilliantly branded, Paces presents downtempo music driven by emotion. Make sure to peep his latest, “Nothing’s Forever,” as well as “Switch Lanes,” which combines Tkay Maidza with house synths for a dreamy track. His music is sure to assist with any relationship angst.

Hometown: Perth

Genre: Electronic, rap

Slumberjack (Morgan and Fletcher) are slowly but surely becoming a staple in any music junkie's diet. They’re one of the hottest things in Australia right now. Prepare to binge all night long to stand out single “Horus,” their most recent self-titled EP, and the courageous “Kung Pao.” Recently signed to Deckstar management, 2015 is going to be a big one, catapulting them from bedroom producers to the real deals.

Hometown: Sydney

Genre: Electronic, R&B

Zuri Akoko’s music is matched by her individual style, a mini Tinashe who produces and has seductive vocals to match. Drawing inspiration from the likes of PartyNextDoor and Ta-Ku, the vocalist/producer has already established a strong presence. We challenge you not to be mesmerized to her remix of “Stone.”

Hometown: Byron Bay

Genre: Indie electronic, pop

In only six months, this five-piece band have scored in excess of a million plays online, aided by placement on The Sound You Need’s YouTube channel. Their music, like a medium rare steak, is tasteful and delicate, yet provides the perfect amount of bite. Lucky locals have been inundated with show after show as Tora toured Australia in celebration of their brilliant Eat the Sun EP.

Hometown: Sydney

Genre: Electronic

The duo known as Hermitude are very dear to the hearts of the people Down Under. The two producers cross the boundary between dance music and hip-hop beats with ease. Thier success was propelled by Flume’s wildly popular remix of their track “Hyperparadise,” along with their set for Boiler Room alongside Seekae and Basenji. Their track “Ukiyo" serves as an appetizer to their delectable album.

Hometown: Sydney

Genre: House

LO’99, pronounced low-ninety-nine, has been doing a stellar job at reviving house music in Australia. Releasing mainly on Sydney-based label “Medium Rare Records,” LO’99 swooped out of nowhere into the music scene. Track by track, he's leaving remarkable impressions in his path, and Lo’99’s sound could rival even the snootiest of European house music elitists.

Hometown: Fremantle

Genre: Electronic

Leon Osborn typifies the current Australian musical climate—this being future bass orientated—fueled by laid back melodies and a mix of hip-hop/trap beats. Six months ago, he decided to spend a whole month releasing a track each week. This month the media took note, and he has been enjoying Triple J radio air time ever since.

Hometown: Sydney

Genre: Electronic, pop

Contrary to popular belief, Flight Facilities are Australians, through and through. This duo (Hugo and Jimmy), often booked locally as an “International performance,” are one of the greater success stories. With the help of Future Classic, their first single, “Crave You" ft. Giselle amassed over 5 million plays on YouTube, and “Foreign Language” found themselves in the Triple J Hottest 100 list in 2011. If you’re feeling down and out, be sure to pop on a mix from Flight Facilities for a nu-disco injection, or purchase their debut album Down to Earth, which they’re currently on tour for.

Hometown: Melbourne

Genre: Indie, electronic

Ever since Japanese Wallpaper won Triple J’s 2014 Unearthed High competition, he has become one hell of a highly sought after 17-year-old. Reflecting the easygoing attitude of Australians, Japanese Wallpaper takes a note out of Chet Faker's book. His music subconsciously casts visuals of beachside roadtrips and camping festivals.

Hometown: Perth

Genre: Electronic

Prolific producer Jia Lih (formerly known as JL) has graced indie tastemaker labels such as Die High records, Rooftops Horizon, Syzygy, and the Hebinomichi collective. To add another feather to his cap, last year he was nominated for an ARIA Producer Of The Year award. This year, he continues to serenade fans with tracks like “Rock You.”

Hometown: Sydney

Genre: Electronic

Abstract Youth is the co-founder of Flow-Fi records, and his electronic sound has taken America by storm, maybe faster than it has in his own country. Successes include an official GoldLlink remix, his edit of Maxwell's "Ascension" with Sh?m, and, beautiful beyond comprehension, his original song, “Voyeur.”

If Abstract Youth makes it to the US in 2015, he is definitely an Australian producer you should not just know, but also pay to see.

Hometown: Sydney

Genre: Electronic, pop, remixes

Hatch recently delivered a very handsome track titled “New Direction, “ and a batch of remixes to match. He delivers downtempo and dance elements in equal parts, landing in the middle with a refined electronic pop sound. He also spends his time working on remixes for his ReHatched project, which is awesome in its own right.

Hometown: Australian Central Territory

Genre: Electronic, pop

Although SAFIA's songs all have elements of electronic production (especially on the stunning, surprising "Listen To Soul, Listen To Blues"), they manage to keep that organic, human element intact. The always interesting, varied production is certainly impressive, but the moments when the synths drop away and the soulful vocals ring clear hit hardest.

Hometown: Melbourne

Genre: Rap

Seventeen-year-old self-confessed “king of the sandpit,” rapper and producer Baro is on the brink of breaking. His music has a youthful energy tinged with a slacker vibe, while the production is impressive and varied. Baro also sings as PONCHO, and if he keeps improving all elements of his craft in the coming months and years, he could be a problem.

Hometown: Melbourne

Genre: Electronic

Fossa Beats is part of the Melbourne based collective/management company, Grey Marle Music. He produces what can only be described as silky and seductive electronic music laced with hip-hop influenced beat work. Consider Fossa Beats one to watch for 2015.

Hometown: Sydney

Genre: Rock

DMA's, consisting of Tommy, Mason and Jonny, are like a grittier, angstier, modern day Hanson. Their two latest singles, “Laced” and “So We Know,” highlight their talent for well-written hooks that give a timeless feel over the guitars and drums.

Hometown: Born in Sweden, raised in Australia

Genre: Pop

Twin sisters Elektra and Miranda Kilbey are technically as Swedish as they are Australian, having spent their entire lives hopping back and forth between the two countries thanks to their parents, but we couldn't not include them. The Kilbey twins have been frequenting blogs ever since their debut, "Maybe You." Their lush, dreamy voices paired with cinematic production makes for an emotive and memorable indie pop sound.

Hometown: Melbourne

Genre: Electronic

Chiefs’ music is based around his bright electronic production, whether that ends up encouraging you on to the dancefloor or not. His latest EP I Could Be Gone, released on prolific Australian label Die High and Vitalic Noise Records, is as smooth as butter. Standout single, “Inside Out,” boasts Chiefs electronic work together with Nick Acquroff’s rugged and full-bodied vocals.

Hometown: Sydney/Adelaide

Genre: Electronic, indie, pop

The enchanting duo known as Collarbones (March and Travis) returned at the end of last year with their third album, the simply titled Return. “Only Water” is a stellar track from the album, demonstrating their lusciously dynamic music. If you’re a Glass Animals fan, you’ll fall in love with Collarbones’ material instantly.