Class A - So Bad

As someone whose taste is pretty deeply rooted in indie music, I cop a lot of flak from friends with similar indie leanings for my love of hip-hop, and in particular Australian hip-hop. But despite some people's hesitation to embrace the genre, it's hard not to enjoy the upbeat sounds of up and coming rapper Class A.

There aren't a lot of female lyricists in the hip-hop scene, and Class A has established herself as one of the best. From her debut EP Class In Session to last year's full-length album Me, Me, Me & Him, she has been turning a lot of heads. In particular this song So Bad, produced by hip-hop heavyweight M-Phazes, not only showcases her skills as an MC, but it's an incredibly catchy track that just makes you want to dance. Give it a listen, and check her out on Triple J Unearthed here.

So Bad by Class A MC

Aurora and Daisy - Winter Time

I first discovered Queensland twins Aurora and Daisy last year in Triple J's Unearthed High competition, and instantly fell in love with their track Winter Time. It's a very stripped back, mellow tune but the power of these girls voices gives it a spacious, transcendental quality that's kept me listening to it again and again. Right now it's the only track they have available, but you can head on over to their Unearthed page and download it, or give it a listen below.

As a pair of harmonising, acoustic-guitar-playing twins, the Tegan and Sara comparisons are inevitable, but these girls already have such a developed, unique sound of their own. I'm definitely keen to see where they go from here.

Aurora and Daisy - Winter Time by thenewsound

Joel Fenton and the Runaways debut EP

I must admit, I am a big sucker for looking at bands influences and letting that decide whether or not I will listen to them. This probably isn’t a very good habit, but it’s got me this far. New indie rock band, Joel Fenton and the Runaways are an interesting group, in this regard. They cite their influences as Red Hot Chili Peppers, Jamie T and Kanye West. Interested now?

Lead singer Joel Fenton and fellow band members Ash Woodward and Harley Pascoe have just finished their debut EP. They have four songs on offer from this EP at the moment, and they’re all pretty catchy songs. While I would say that they sound a lot more similar to rock legends Red Hot Chili Peppers then any of their other influences, they definitely do not mimic their idols. All of the songs have a funky edge to them, crafted around great guitar hooks, these guys don’t seem like strangers to the music scene at all.

My personal favourite from their debut EP is the acoustic track Home. I’m a big fan of the acoustic guitar, and I really think this song lets listeners hear the great talent on offer from this band. Misty is another great track that features loads of rockin’ guitar, its a nice combination to that solid drum beat, and it absolutely makes this song. You can check these guys out here, make sure you do, because I can see these guys going pretty far in a couple years!

Adam George delivers a spectacular EP

Brand spankin' new Aussie artist, Adam George is already a master of indie folk jams, recently releasing an EP full of soothing tracks, featuring absolutely stunning vocals. I can definitely hear the Angus & Julia Stone influences in his songs, that's not to say his music is unoriginal, he's just got a similar sound.

The first track I listened to, Lost In You is a very slow, mellow song centering around his beautiful melodious vocals. This is the trend in all of his songs, with simple chord progressions and minimal instruments really highlighting his great voice. Towards the end of Lost In You, the song takes off, a wonderful finishing touch.

If you prefer your songs a little more upbeat, then you should take a listen to Smoke & Mirrors, which is probably the standout of the EP for me. I love the careful combination of guitar and drums on this track, with Adam's voice making the song one you will have on repeat for days. Feel free to stream this song below and tell me what you think.

You can listen to every one of the songs off this EP at Adam's myspace, which is quite a generous offer from such a showcase of talent. Adam George appears to be a new musician on the block, but he definitely has the goods to go a long way, I will definitely be keeping my ears out for more form this gifted lad.

Smoke and Mirrors by Adam George

National Campus Band Comp

The National Campus Band Comp has seen university bands going head-to-head in Australia for 21 years, and with past winners including the likes of Eskimo Joe, Jebediah, Grinspoon, The Vines, Augie March, and The Vasco Era, it's a pretty big deal. The 2011 competition is getting close to the finish line, with state finals already well under way.

In the ACT, chilled out folksters Sidney Creswick took out the prize in late August. You can check out some of their music here on their facebook page.
At the SA final in Adelaide, newcomers MISM stole the show.
The winners in Queensland were the funky five-piece The H Gang, who you can listen to here.

The rest of the state finals are yet to take place.
The Victorian final kicks off this Wednesday the 7th of September at 6.30pm at The Espy - Gershwin Room.
Here at home in WA it all goes down at 8pm on Saturday the 10th at the Rosemount Hotel, with finalists The Shallows, Cult of Addiction, The Runner, Tusk, Three of Life, The Cabarets, and Ermine Coat.
And last but not least, the New South Wales final will be held on Friday the 16th at the Gaelic Hotel.

I'm definitely keen to see who comes out on top in each of the state finals, and the national final in October, and to discover some of the freshest young talent on offer in Australia.