The annual triple j Next Crop list of of emerging local bands and artists set to dominate the music scene in 2014 has been announced. On the list, the js have featured 20 acts, some familiar and some just cutting their teeth, who look set to make musical waves in the new year.
Featured on this years list are Sydney twin brother DJs Cosmo’s Midnight, Melburnian MC Remi and Wollongong rockers Born Lion. Past Next Crop featured acts include Boy & Bear, Flume and The Rubens, so we know the list is a pretty good barometer of who to watch in the new year.
Check the full list of this year’s artists and have a listen to their music below.
triple j Next Crop – The ones to watch in 2014
Bad Dreems (SA)
Powerful Adelaide garage-rockers Bad Dreems have toured relentlessly this year, with the likes of Children Collide and Wolf & Cub. They’ve also released their debut EP Badlands, described as drawing “from the Australian underground of the late 70s and 80s.” They’ve got a huge local following already and their inclusion on this year’s list should propel them into the big leagues.
The Bennies (VIC)
The Melbourne four-piece that make up The Bennies, flaunt a genre-blending sound. Mixing in some punk, ska, reggae and psychedelia all with fizzing synthesizers, a wicked sense of humour and more than enough stoner references. Their album Rainbows In Space was voted number 6 in the triple j Short Fast Loud listener’s top 40 poll for 2013 and have a devout Asian fan base. All the makings for 2014 domination
Born Lion (NSW)
Wollongong’s Born Lion kicked off the year by sharing the stage with Metallica at the Soundwave Festival. Their debut self-titled EP shows the boys crafting heavy, jagged rhythms laced with raw, powerful vocals.They brought this dangerous concoction into Music Feeds studio earlier this year.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MhcDLfCoQ4o&feature=share
Cosmo’s Midnight (NSW)
Since dropping their debut EP Surge in June, the twin brothers that are collectively known as Cosmo’s Midnight have been hitting stages country-wide this year. They also secured festival billings and a support slot with Florida gun XXYYXX. The duo will showcase their new tracks on Field Day 2014 stages for the New Year.
The Creases (QLD)
This year Queensland’s The Creases caught the ears of scouts at Rough Trade and songwriters Jarrod Mahon and Joe Agius were briskly flown over to the UK. The young Brisbanites were also asked by Alex Kapranos to support Franz Ferdinand at their Brisbane show in November last year. The dream run isn’t over for these kids, they’ll be touring with Drenge over summer.
http://youtu.be/wbhTHXad0pY
D.D Dumbo (VIC)
Known to his pals as Oliver Perry, D.D. Dumbo describes his music as “earthy blues that references ‘African dessert, Tanzanian ilimba and transcendental Tuvan melody.’” And people are totally loving it, with Perry closing out 2013 with an appearance at the Meredith Music Festival after being called up to replace Vance Joy a few days out from the event.
Dustin Tebbutt (NSW)
Country NSW singer Dustin Tebbutt earned himself a nomination for the triple j Unearthed artist of the year and has been following Boy & Bear around the country with his debut EP. The people love his dreamy, Bon Iver-esqe vocals and will continue to in the new year.
Eves (QLD)
This Queensland singer/ songwriter began 2013 as Hannah Karydas and finished it as Eves, a self-professed DIY musician with a soft spot for Joni Mitchell and Mazzy Star. Her latest released is the track Zen accompanied of course by a video she made herself.
Gang Of Youths (NSW)
Sydney outfit Gang Of Youths, said they formed in 2012 “out of necessity and escapism.” We got a taste of their first official single Evangelists, earlier this year which features big melodies and smoky vocals. The gang will be touring with Frightened Rabbit and Vampire Weekend in the new year, so we’ll definitely be hearing more in 2014.
http://youtu.be/ypy8Zgu9nGE
The Kite String Tangle (QLD)
Producer Danny Harley has captivated the country with his ambient, electronic pop songs, released under The Kite String Tangle moniker for over a year now. The talented Queenslander closed out 2013 with a sold-out Australian tour and will be opening up the Falls Festival in Byron Bay.
The Love Junkies (WA)
Western Australia’s The Love Junkies have spent 2013 honing their live skills, touring with the likes of British India and playing festivals like Big Day Out and Groovin The Moo. Their debut record Maybelene, gives a whole new meaning to the iconic make up brand.
Mathas (WA)
Perth MC Mathas gained national notoriety earlier this year when he released his track Nourishment, feturing Abbie May. The song puts all the MCs skills on the table from his lyrics, to story-telling chops, as well as his beatmaking skills. Definitely one to watch in 2014.
Meg Mac (VIC)
Melbourne’s Megan McInerney records her soulful releases under the name Meg Mac and you’ll probably know her from this year’s impressive track Every Lie. The song’s success helped the singer nab the Unearthed slot on the bill for Falls Festival in Lorne at the end of 2013. There’s sure to be more to come.
The Murlocs (VIC)
2013 saw Victoria’s The Murlocs play a heap of stages, including the Falls Festival in Lorne and they’ve been named on the lineup for the inaugural Port Royal Street Party in Melbourne. With another release imminent, we can expect more of their old school rock’n’roll branded music in 2014.
Remi (VIC)
Melbourne MC Remi is in no way a new name on the national music scene. The 2013 triple j Unearthed winner has scored more than 30,000 YouTube views for his track Sangria, has opened for artists like Danny Brown, De La Soul, and MED, and is set to make audiences go crazy at this year’s Falls Festival. 2014 will bring an even busier schedule.
SAFIA (ACT)
Canberra’s SAFIA took off in just a few months with the release of their track Listen To Soul, Listen To Blues filled with chopped-up samples and soulful vocals. Since then they’ve played alongside Disclosure and RUFUS and scored themselves a J Award nomination for Unearthed Artist of the Year. Expect more from the nation capital’s trio.
Statues (WA)
The West Coast’s chaotic hardcore unit Statues‘ live show earned them a spot on Northlane‘s Singularity tour last year. According to triple j the band are currently putting the touches to their debut album and hardcore fans around the country are anxiously waiting.
Tkay Maidza (SA)
Adelaide based Tkay Maidza has crossed the world over, moving from her Zimbabwean birthplace to settle on our fine shores. And we’re glad she did, realeasing the certifiable stomper of a tune Brontosaurus. Apparently she’s currently studying architecture at Adelaide Uni and putting the final touches to her debut EP. We can’t wait for more.
Wave Racer (NSW)
Tom Purcell aka. Wave Racer makes bright and bouncy electronic beats, perfect for summer dance floors. Capping off a massive 2013 with sets at Falls, Field Day and Southbound over New Year’s. This Sydney producer shows no signs of slowing things down.
Willow Beats (VIC)
Capping off this year’s list are ethereal electronic duo Willow Beats. They premiered their stunning video for Elemental, the lead single from their much-hyped Alchemy EP on Music Feeds earlier this year. We’ve been crazy about this uncle/niece duo for a while now, and will continue to be.
(via triple j)
