Alex the Astronaut
Alex Lynn writes folk tunes about the minutiae of the world around her, caught somewhere between naivety and experience. Her stream of consciousness pop vignettes are charming, captured on her two-punch debut EPs To Whom it May Concern and See You Soon. The 23-year-old’s pseudonym feels appropriate, considering she’s also currently on a soccer scholarship at Long Island University, studying maths and physics.
Cable Ties
Melbourne trio Cable Ties are an unstoppable punk powerhouse with a world class live show. The rhythm section channels a kind of Pixies alien-surf-punk, while vocalist Jennie McKechnie bellows out rallying cries of frustration, anxiety and fear. The band have recently announced they will again host their annual Cable Ties Ball, fostering a local scene of like-minded blustering punks.
The Presets
The Presets are responsible for some of Australia’s most quintessential dance hits over their 15 year career. The Sydney duo’s thundering electroclash has earned them a formidable live reputation too, immortalised in their 2009 Sound Relief performance. Their fourth and latest record Hi-Viz is very literally built for the stage, colliding raw pub rock energy with their signature techno.
Vera Blue
Few Australian musicians have a voice with the malleable pop power of Vera Blue. The former Voice contestant has been riding a constant tide of success since her electro-pop rebrand on Perennial. Her fifth and final single from the career-upending record ‘Lady Powers’ is a breathy burst of bliss and has driven her deserved run to the top.
