Australia has so many brilliant artists that do massive things everywhere. They’re packing out stadiums, their songs are all over radio, and they’re sitting pretty at the top of the charts. There’s nothing wrong with getting your weekly music dose from Video Hits, but if you stick to the mainstream a lot of great music will pass you by. Here I’ve selected ten of my favourite local musos for you to check out. You may not have heard of them before, but they’re making some of the coolest music around.
Claire Wyndham
Sydney’s Claire Wyndham is a brilliant singer/songwriter/guitarist/pianist. Her debut album Lazy Side of Crazy is packed with passionate melodic tunes which draw inspiration from the likes of Michelle Branch and Brooke Fraser. But Claire’s more than just a local secret. In January, Claire became the first Aussie to play America’s Rock Boat alongside Collective Soul, Josh Kelley, Sister Hazel and Tonic’s Emerson Hart, and she’s just returned from another successful US tour.
Websites: http://www.clairewyndham.com, http://www.myspace.com/clairewyndham
Must hear: “Lazy Side of Crazy”
You may have caught George Byrne supporting Tori Amos, Missy Higgins, or Lior. But it’s only a matter of time before this talented singer/songwriter/guitarist steps into the spotlight. With his mellow alt-country tunes, he reminds me a lot of Ryan Adams without the inconsistency.
Website: http://www.myspace.com/georgebyrne
Must hear: “On My Mind”
Sam Buckingham
I stumbled across Sam at Claire’s album launch, and what an impression she made. Her voice is super-sweet, and her lyrics delightfully quirky. Her music strays left of centre, blending jazz, pop, and soul. Think Frente, Feist, and The Cardigans.
Websites: http://www.sambuckingham.com/, http://www.myspace.com/sambuckinghammusic
Must hear: “Sweet Tooth”
Simon Bruce
Simon Bruce may be Australia’s answer to Bob Dylan. He takes his cues from classic artists, weaving fantastic lyrics around honest melodies. Simon’s worked with the likes of Tommy Emmanuel and Keith Urban, and is now mixing it with industry greats in Tennessee. Hopefully we’ll see him back in Oz soon!
Websites: http://www.simonbruce.com/, http://www.myspace.com/simonbruce
Must hear: “Too Late Now”
Kaya
They may have come close to taking out The X Factor, but Kaya still tend to fly under the radar. It’s probably not surprising considering the reality show’s rating, but it is unfortunate as these girls are the real deal. Their stunning harmonies are flawless, their lyrics are truly original, and they create a capella soundscapes that must be heard to be believed.
Website: http://www.myspace.com/thekayaladies
Must hear: “Move Me”
Kate Akhurst
Sydney teen Kate Akhurst takes her cues from modern piano goddesses Fiona Apple and Regina Spektor. Her tracks are pop laden and sweet without being too sugary. She’s currently based in Los Angeles, where her songs are creating plenty of buzz amongst record execs.
Websites: http://www.myspace.com/kateakhurst
Must hear: “Cause and Effect” – take a listen on her MySpace page!
Elana Stone Band
The Elana Stone Band blends the traditions of jazz, soul, and blues to create an oh-so-cool sound that will literally transport you. The quintet are regulars on the Sydney club circuit, but they’re clearly destined for bigger things. I just love Elana’s smoky, smouldering voice.
Website: http://www.myspace.com/elanastoneband
Must hear: “In The Dark”
Hitchcock’s Regret
I caught Hitchcock’s Regret for the first time as a support act several years ago. I can’t even remember who they supported, but I remember them. Unfortunately they still tend to be support acts rather than headliners – they’ve recently performed with Toni Collette and iOTA – they really deserve to shine in their own right. The Central Coast outfit deliver instantly accessible tunes filled with hooky melodies and great lyrics. And you can’t ask for more than that, can you?
Websites: http://www.hitchcocksregret.com, http://www.myspace.com/hitchcocksregret
Must hear: “She’s All That I Think About”
Orianthi
Orianthi’s more than just a pretty face. This stunner from Adelaide is a bona fide guitar prodigy who toured with Steve Vai when she was just 15. She’s also jammed with Carlos Santana. She stills calls Australia home, despite spending plenty of time touring in the US.
Websites: http://www.orianthi.com/, http://www.myspace.com/orianthi
Must Hear: “Now or Never”
The Kin
The Kin are Aussie brothers Isaac and Thorry Koren. Take a little of Coldplay’s atmospheric sounds, combine it with Jeff Buckley’s soaring vocals, and you’re somewhere in the ballpark. They grew up in Adelaide but left Oz for the bright lights of New York in 2001. They’re currently supporting the Pat McGee Band and Josh Kelley around the US, but they’ll be back in Australia for the Woodford Folk Festival at the end of the year.
Website: http://www.thekin.com, http://www.myspace.com/thekin
Must hear: “See”
But of course, our local bands are just the start of a whole world of musical discovery. Why not continue your journey by checking out some of the other bands featured on the blogs in our music channel today? Mike’s got a round-up of some of the bands you should discover and re-discover on Big Apple Music Scene, Jennifer’s got 10 albums that will add sunshine to your world at Hippie Sounds, Roberta steps out of the mainstream at Ear Sucker with 10 exciting indie bands, Dave’s got a roundup of 10 British bands you should discover before you die (or they do!) at Brit Music Scene, and Bruce continued the Brit love with five hot British downloads at Our Digital Music. That’s a lot of new music for your weekend!
Image source: Truque de Banana @ Flickr