Festivals are, of course, the perfect opportunity to see some of the world’s biggest artists perform live, and this year’s Splendour in the Grass is no exception, with some of our favourite headline acts performing. However, there’s nothing better than discovering an act that you haven’t heard of before, so here are a few of our top tips on the best artists that you need to make time for out at the North Byron Parklands this July 21st – 23rd.
AUSTRALIAN ARTISTS
WILLOW BEATS
On Friday, to get you into full festival mode, we suggest checking out Melbourne electronic duo Narayana Johnston and Kalyani Mumtaz. More commonly known as Willow Beats, the uncle-niece partnership combines bass-heavy beats with heavenly vocals that create ethereal dance tracks that can leave you feeling transported to another world. Their hit “Merewif” is unmissable from their Water EP, along with their most recent single “Dvaraka Pt. II”.
KILTER
Having spent much of 2017 on the road already internationally, while debut album Through The Distortion also enjoyed its release this month, Sydneysider Ned East aka Kilter, is one to watch. His energetic sounds on songs including “Count On Me”, featuring Melbourne singer-songwriter Lanks, will have you clapping your hands in any crowd. He takes his production skills to another level when performing live, generating a fast pace when switching between electronic drums and those sweet, sweet synths.
Kilter performs on Splendour Sunday.
HOCKEY DAD
Childhood friends turned bandmates Billy Fleming and Zach Stephenson are Hockey Dad and since breaking out a few years ago, have become favourites on the Australian touring circuit. Using their surf-pop/grunge infused guitar and percussion-driven sounds, the duo instantly evokes vibes of skating, surfing and drinking beer – all the good things. Hockey Dad performs on Splendour Saturday.
MALLRAT
Trying to describe Brisbane based Mallrat can be difficult but what you need to know is she is only a teenager and already killing the game. She has this lovely indie tone to her voice when she sings then changes it up while rapping lyrics with meaning over funky electronic/pop beats that will make you want to dance. Her EP Uninvited is full of catchy tracks including one of the same name.
Mallrat performs on Splendour Saturday.
THE MURLOCS
Who doesn’t love a bunch of boys from Melbourne who are a garage R&B band. The Murlocs’ latest LP Young Blindness is full of tracks like “Happy Face” and “Rolling On” that give major 70’s nostalgia especially with the lead singer’s distinct voice. Perfect set to rock out to and enjoy the true live music that Splendour has to offer.
The Murlocs perform on Splendour Sunday.
INTERNATIONAL ARTISTS
JULIEN BAKER
If you need some time to chill out on Saturday then Julien Baker’s folk, indie set might be for you. The singer-songwriter from Memphis, Tennessee strips it down sharing tales from her life through melodic lyrics. Teamed with her guitar playing which is so raw and emotional you feel that you connect with her experiences and the music. “Everybody Does” is from her LP Sprained Ankle which you should definitely give a listen to.
TOPAZ JONES
Topaz Jones is as cool as his name sounds. The American rapper’s is only young but a rising star already proving himself on stage with performers like Big Sean and Future. Songs like “Motion Sickness” from his album Arcade are getting us keen for what he will bring to SITG. The way he mixes rap with funk will let you get your groove on and guarantee a good time at his set.
Topaz Jones performs on Splendour Sunday.
BISHOP BRIGGS
The British indie pop musician who is based in LA is fairly new to the music scene but is certainly making an impression. Her self-titled EP Bishop Briggs contains singles such as “River” and “Wild Horses” which have climbed the charts. Bishop Briggs doesn’t like speak too much in between singing and playing piano during her sets but would rather you focus on the gritty, folk sounds she provides.
Bishop Briggs performs on Splendour Sunday.
MAGGIE ROGERS
Maggie Rogers has certainly burst onto the music scene since being noticed by Pharrell Williams. The American singer-songwriter, musician and producer does it all with her folk sounds mixed in with hints of electronic music. This combination has made her tracks “Alaska” and “On and Off” hits off her debut EP Now That the Light is Fading. Great things still to come for her and she would be a joy to listen to live.
Maggie Rogers performs on Splendour Friday.
ÁSGEIR
Icelandic musician Ásgeir was the 2012 Winner of Album of the Year at the Icelandic Music Awards and has just released his new album Afterglow just in time for his Splendour shows. His new songs like his single “Unbound” have a new daring electronic sound along with the soul and folk that he does so well with his hauntingly beautiful voice. You definitely want to be there to see his comeback to our shores.
Ásgeir performs on Splendour Saturday.
Splendour in the Grass is sold out. For more information on what is happening out at the North Byron Parklands, as well as official Splendour sideshows, visit www.splendourinthegrass.com.
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