2018 has marked a significant year in all industries of the creative arts. Punctuated by highs and lows – as each year usually is – 2018 has seen musicians reach new heights as audiences flicker in between going back to familiar, retro sounds and embracing contemporary styles. Music has always been a significantly cross-disciplinary medium, and this year has once again proved to us the utmost vitality in all areas. As the year comes to a close, we’ve rounded up a kind of Top 5 Australian music artist list (with no official order) to share with you artist we loved for varying reasons. Along with showcasing some of the teams that make it all possible.

EILISH GILLIGAN

The electronic and indie-pop vibes Gilligan is pumping out are incredible. Releasing ‘M.F.Y.’ and ‘Patterns’, this year has been impactful for the rising Melbourne artist. Both tracks really refine the sound Gilligan experiments with and nails a unique dream-pop feel. Her skills are finally being recognised more widely, being named a Triple J Unearthed feature artist in February of 2018 and a Listen Out 2018 winner. Eilish Gilligan is enhancing her craft and essential for anyone’s daily playlist.

BAKED BEANS

Garage psych is consistently being delivered from Victoria’s cities. Geelong’s five-piece export Baked Beans have properly broken out this year into popularity. Signing with Melbourne’s Flightless Records, crowds are growing all year at their wild shows and festival appearances. What they have going for them is a unique sound and easy-going demeanour in their music and personality – not to mention nearly hypnotic. Do yourself a favour and buy a ticket to their next show.

NICE BISCUIT

The “simple sextet of mates” from Queensland has really got something exceptional. If groovy psych-pop, rolling guitars, spellbinding bass riffs, and synchronising vocals aren’t your thing, then listen anyway. Nice Biscuit is both dreamy and exciting and somehow make some of the most original sounds of 2018. Their debut album Digital Mountain might have flown a little under the radar, yet their music is prevailing with their following increasing exponentially. Oh! They are also fronted by twins Billie and Grace. Can’t say many bands have that.

SAN MEI

Emily Hamilton has been working under the alias San Mei for a couple of years now. Although, she has really come to fruition in 2018 with the release of her single ‘Heaven’. The Gold Coast musician’s dream-pop and ethereal vocals are weaved with an unheard-of delicacy and talent. San Mei was one of May 2018’s feature artists on Triple J Unearthed. Her determination as a solo artist in such a saturated scene, and how outstanding her music is within it, is astonishing. Give her tracks a spin over the Summer.

ELECTRIC TOOTHBRUSH

This quirky Melbourne indie-rock outfit throws into the mix a bit of jazz, a bit of punk, and a whole lot of impressive. Annika Wagar, Daniel McAuthur, Lachlan “Curley” Stirling, and Daniel “Butch” Negro come together to keep your audio teeth hygiene as optimal as possible. Their debut EP City Sweeper released this year to cult acclaim and their shows, particularly at Peel Street Festival 2018, have been mesmerising. Bubbly, fun, and fascinating, this group is underrated and underlooked. Brush off the grime and try something new with Electric Toothbrush.

Words by Omi Koulas.

ARTIST – PARCELS

ALBUM – PARCELS

Self-described as a fusion of electro-pop and disco-soul, five-piece group Parcels are taking heaving odes from the 70’s disco era and dance music and fusing that together with a modern musical movement. Hailing from Byron Bay, Parcels are now based in Berlin and have the world in their sight. Releasing their debut self-titled album Parcels early this year, the group have gained a huge amount of momentum and it’s no wonder why.

Parcels as an album is a gem from start to finish, filled with infectious hooks and danceable rhythms. It starts off with the fresh and boogie-worthy ‘Comedown’, a song that’s vocal layering and smooth keyboard sound instantly hooks you in. As we go further the group presents us with more disco bangers straight out of the sleazy ’70s. ‘Lightenup’, ‘Withorwithout’ and ‘Tape’ show that Parcels have their certain sound on lockdown.

As a group Parcels do an excellent job of transcending elements of the history of pop with a remarkably fresh take on new music. It’s all about layered vocals, subtle changes and the steady rhythm section that bring the album together as a tight package. ‘Bemyself’ sees the album close out with a different kind of number, something relatable to the Velvet Underground. It’s a nice touch to an already great album. Stand out tracks include ‘Tieduprightnow’, ‘Lightenup’ and ‘IknowhowIfeel’.

ARTIST – COURTNEY BARNETT

ALBUM – TELL ME HOW YOU REALLY FEEL

Courtney Barnett’s latest album Tell Me How You Really Feel is an insight into the life of a gifted singer and songwriter. It grants a mature and seasoned approach than her previous full-lengths. Although introverted at points it presents an honest performer who admits to not always having the right words to properly express the way she feels. Combining personal lyrics with some heavy guitar riffage on ‘Crippling self-doubt and general lack of confidence’ Barnett puts forward her emotions and confusion with being on this planet. “I don’t know, I don’t know anything” she wails. ‘Walking on eggshells’ presents elements of a softer side, the lyrics “Walking on eggshells, gets tiring, pulling teeth white knuckling” allow Barnett to show the listener an inkling into how her brain operates at times.

Tell Me How You Really Feel feels like Barnett is opening up a book a letting it all out for the listener to enjoy. There are punky riffs (I’m not your mother, I’m Not your bitch) and obtuse guitar solos (Help yourself) but also emotionally driven lyrics, granting the album to have something for everyone. Refreshingly honest and complicated at points, Tell me how you really Feel is an album that will leave you pondering.

ARTIST – DMA’S

ALBUM – FOR NOW

Being their second full-length release, the boys from the DMA’S have brought their ever-growing audience and already noble fans a polished and sonically advanced album compared to their first album, Hills End. For Now, presents songs sounding like straight down the line pop ‘Do I need you now’ and ‘The End’, to Madchester singalongs reminiscent of the Stone Roses and The Charlatans, shown on the title track ‘For Now’ and the bass-heavy ‘Break me’.

For Now, has your classic indie rock which the boys do well. The personal and subtle ‘In the Air’ sounds like Mac de Marco has travelled to 90’s UK in a time machine and decide to hold up residence in a dingy flat. ‘Lazy love’ wouldn’t sound out of place on a mid-2000’s skate video. ‘Tape deck slick’ is jumpy and unexpected and splits the album up nicely with a surfy riff and airy vocals. For Now, saw the DMA’S record everything in a full-time studio setting with the help of The Presets Kim Moyes. Quite different from the bedroom environment they were used to for the recording of Hills End. The songs definitely show a more polished and slick sound and without a doubt, For Now, presents an impressive and developing body of work which will advance even further with a third album. The lyrics seem personal and the music provides the perfect canvas for Tommy Odell (singer) to flaunt his voice all over. For Now is a great album that will have you humming along but also tearing into your head and thinking of past triumphs and tragedies.

ARTIST – CONFIDENCE MAN

ALBUM – CONFIDENT MUSIC FOR CONFIDENT PEOPLE

Confidence Man’s, Confident Music for Confident People is the group’s first full-length release. It brings forward an exciting and stimulating bounty of songs that contain elements of everything from electro-pop, techno, straight up dance music and 90’s pop. Confident Music for Confident People is an album with a certain distinctive sound and feel to it. ‘Out the Window’ sounds like Groove Armada and ‘Down by the River’ smashed together with modern dance music. This track stands out on the album and details the want of the sun not having to come up and it being night forever. A perfect fit for the group’s general vibe. Janet Planet’s vocals are upfront through the album and there is always a distinguishable and hard backbeat bumping on every track. Confidence Man seem like their about fun and this album definitely shows that. ‘Boyfriend (repeat)’, ‘Better sit down’ and the first track on the album ‘Try your Luck’ are all songs that will have you bopping your head and wanting to hit the club on a Friday night. This album is something fun and a little bit different.

ARTIST – THE BABE RAINBOW

ALBUM – DOUBLE RAINBOW

Double Rainbow is a tight psychedelic/pop package with breezy and happy gatherings on offer from Byron Bay Hippies, The Babe Rainbow. The songs are lush, with multi-instrumentation and the fusing of elements of old and new psychedelic sounds. ‘The Magician’ starts the album off humming with a sunny and Beatle-esque Sgt Pepper era vibe. ‘Darby and Joan’, ‘Eureka’ and ‘Cool cat vibe’ move the album along and present neat little psychedelic pop packets that make you feel a little fuzzy. As a group, The Babe Rainbow present happiness and a general vibe of loving to be alive on this album. ‘Alan Chadwick’s Garden’ shows the group experiment with the sitar in an ultra-groovy way, while the moody ‘Bella Luna’ begs for “just a little bit of your love” over and over.

Double Rainbow closes out with the soft and mesmerizing instrumental track ‘2nd of April’ and the beautiful and warm ‘New Attitude’. The lyrics and music are a reflection of the band members surroundings and the lifestyles they partake in. Everything is about love and warmth. Double Rainbow presents listeners a place where the sun always shines, vegetables and fruit are plentiful, and the water is always crystal blue. It’s a great album and if you’re a first-time listener an even better one to start with.

Words by Daniel Davis-Goff.

OCEAN ALLEY – CHIAROSCURO

CHIAROSCURO – the manipulation of light and dark contrasts to mimic volume and dimension in art. Originates from the Renaissance period. Also the title of Sydney-based band Ocean Alley’s sophomore album.

Hailing from the Northern Beaches, the six-membered band are making waves in the indie scene this year, coming in at #2 on triple j listener’s Top 10 Albums of 2018 and a Best Album nomination for the J Awards. Their sound combines rock, reggae, and blues influences – creating a satisfyingly smooth sound that embodies Chiaroscuro depth through both upbeat and mellow tunes.

Designed by Jojo Lee – whom the band has partnered up with for their album art since the release of first EP, Yellow Mellow – Chiaroscuro’s cover is a unique expression of the term. Vibrant colours pleasantly transition between lighter and darker shades; the complementary shades are harmonious and calming to observe. A depiction of what perhaps may be inspired by the band’s own coastal home base, the scenery alludes to Ocean Alley’s warm vocals and summery beats. With the band’s name and album title imprinted over the artwork in a circular form, attention is immediately brought to the middle of the album like a bullseye. Layers upon layers build up a modular yet complex that landscape that’s hard to take your eyes off. It’s the kind of album cover you want to buy a vinyl of just to hang up. There’s a surrealist element to it leaves room for the observer to realise new interpretations of the cover the more you look at it. Are the crimson, pink and orange shapes clouds or cliffs? Is it a waterfall or a lake? The ambiguity is reflective of Ocean Alley’s own musicality, whose lyricism is entirely dependant on how the listener interprets it.

Art, like music, extends beyond the medium that it is. As subjective as the both of them are, and as hard as it is to pick an objective Number One, Chiaroscuro stands out for the experience. It’s like those lenticular cards that change images depending on the light, and the fascination of watching art move before your eyes. That’s the beauty of chiaroscuro.

HIGH TENSION – PURGE

The detailed oil painting of a snake shedding its skin is not only artistically beautiful but also deeply symbolic of the matters heavy metal band – High Tension – explore in their third album, Purge. Based in Melbourne, the quartet commissioned artist, Loretta Lizzio, to design their album’s cover.

Prior to their release, High Tension gained two new members in 2015 – songwriter Mike Deslandes and drummer Lauren Hammel. Purge introduces the band’s new 2018 sound, including a track that showcases frontwoman Karina Utomo’s vocal versatility as she diverts from her usual heavy metal sound to a softer, quieter tone. Death metal has always played an important role in Utomo’s life, and the themes explored in the band’s latest album are reflective of her experiences as an Indonesian-born migrant. Purge is Utomo’s personal response to the intergenerational trauma of Indonesia’s 1965-1966 Anti-Communist purges under the order of General Suharto. It is estimated that between 200 000 to 800 000 people were killed, however, numbers are still unknown and reconciliation rarely discussed.

Lizzio’s commissioned oil painting highlight both the pain and relief of shedding old identities. The snake’s mouth, positioned wide open, alludes to the heavy metal band’s ‘screamo’ sound. The snake is depicted shedding its gold scales and deep magenta scales for a bland, navy blue skin, a process that is often associated with growth and new beginnings. Complex coils and painstaking details highlight Lizzio’s technicality. Though an unintentional artistic coincidence by Lizzio, the years of Indonesia’s Anti-Communist purges also occurred on the year of the snake. Layered in front of a distressed, black background, the album cover is a manifestation of High Tension’s unique sound and the rage they sing of in Purge.

TROYE SIVAN – BLOOM

Not quite a self-portrait, but Troye Sivan’s gaze away from the camera is as provocative as head-on eye contact. Now twenty-three years old and settling into the highs and lows of his impressive career, the photograph highlights confidence that, despite the angle, is distinctly clear. Taken by the acclaimed Hedi Slimane, current creative director at Celine after four years with Yves Saint Laurent, the monochrome image is an eye-catching album cover despite the lack of text or colour.

Sivan’s sophomore album, Bloom, is a deeply self-reflective release. Marking three years since his Blue Neighbourhood era, Sivan’s maturity shines through not only in his music but also through his album cover. It has long been said that photographs speak a thousand words – and Bloom’s cover art is a testimony to the adage. Positioned in front of a plain, black background, the image isolates Sivan, symbolising independence and the personal growth Bloom lyricises. It captures the album’s more sombre songs – including personal favourites ‘Postcard’ and ‘Animal’. Bloom’s album cover is an artistically strong composition that reflects Slimane’s trademark style and expertise, and Sivan’s own connection to the Yves Saint Laurent brand (whom he had catwalked for during 2015’s Paris Fashion Week).

Nominated for four ARIA awards this year, Bloom has been sweeping the charts, peaking at #3 domestically this year. Though Sivan’s successful year is coming to a close, he starts 2019 with his first Golden Globe nomination alongside Jónsi and Leland for ‘Revelation’ from the Boy Erased soundtrack.

COURTNEY BARNETT – TELL ME HOW YOU REALLY FEEL

Polaroids have always been recognised as a sort of emblematic icon throughout music history. Ever since its development in 1947, the instant camera aesthetic has been traditionally associated with the band and indie music scene. The small, instant prints classically symbolise spontaneity – and Courtney Barnett’s exploration with the medium shows exactly that.

Photographed by the musician herself, Barnett took a Polaroid of herself every day whilst writing the album to document her creative process. “I liked how it was awkwardly cropped and a little bit too close,’ Barnett explained in an article for the Polaroid Originals Magazine by Maree Hamilton. The series was part of a larger project that accompanied her 2018 album, Tell Me How You Really Feel, aiming to visualise both themes from the new release and a special interactive-based collaboration. Showcased at her album release party in Chelsea, the exhibition included a selection of responses from her open call-out asking for visitors of her website to Tell Me How You Really Feel? Exhibiting works by Caitlin McCann, Kholood Eid, Edie Sunday, Amy Lombard, Kisha Bari, Jessica Lehrman, KA•MA and Ebru Yildiz, Barnett challenged each artist to capture her album and its themes through the lens of a Polaroid OneStep 2 camera and film.

Raw and unrefined, the album cover is a reflection of Barnett’s emotionally honest lyricism. The red overlay adds depth to the photograph; the close-up demands its audience to be seen. Titled in thick, marker font, Barnett’s cover art pays homage to her retro rock past. Though the Polaroid aesthetic has long been a common cover art template, Barnett has uniquely turned the tradition into her own, personal journey.

BALL PARK MUSIC – GOOD MOOD

2018 has certainly been a year for Brisbane band, Ball Park Music. And the five-member group aren’t only hitting sweet notes with their music. Guitarist, Dean Hanson, photographed the cover art for Good Mood himself, visualising the unassuming yet powerful strength of their February release. In an interview with Triple J, the band explained how “we thought it’d be an amazing album cover if we could get someone to rear their horse in front of the garage door of our studio” after front-man, Sam Cromack proposed the initial idea. Nominated for Best Cover Art at the ARIAs this year (alongside nominations for both Producer and Engineer Of The Year), Good Mood is definitely getting it right in all aspects of their 2018 album release.

Hanson’s well-timed shot captures a tamed fearlessness between both horse, Teddy, and her rider, Mindy. Photographed in a perfect split second, the composition exudes an almost regal grace. The rearing horse appears unfamiliar, even out of place, in front of Good Mood’s garage studio, which Cromack himself describes as “an industrial shit-hole”. Despite the contrast, it is an aesthetic combination. Strong natural light exaggerates decorative highlights over the subjects, bringing out crisp colours and an authentically ‘summer’ feel to the shot. It is a sentiment reflected in tracks like ‘I Am So In Love With You’ and ‘So Nice’ – translating images of long, tranquil journeys on horseback in drawling lyrics and smooth drum lines. An ode to both the album’s title – Good Mood – and the vision Ball Park Music aims to achieve through their songs, Ball Park Music’s Good Mood album art deserves a mention in our Top 5 this year.

Words by Cindy Mititelu.

JULIA JACKLIN – BODY

‘Body’ was Julia Jacklin’s first release of 2018, ahead of her upcoming sophomore album Crushing due for release on February 22nd, 2019. Arguably the saddest song in this list, it combines a steady drumbeat, a heavy bassline and piano for a real melancholic feel. What makes this one so captivating is the emotional response it triggers, from both the instrumentation and the lyrics. Jacklin described the song as being “just a very long and exaggerated sigh – born from feelings of powerlessness when it comes to the impossible task of representing yourself the way you think is right; personally and professionally”. ‘Body’ is arguably one of her best tracks to date, with her fragile voice and emotionally striking lyrics making for a great track to listen to on a rainy day.

RUBY FIELDS – DINOSAUR

Ruby Fields dropped her latest track ‘Dinosaurs’ back in September this year and it was a real change from her previous material. ‘Dinosaurs’ showcased a raw vulnerability from Fields that we haven’t quite seen yet, with only just Field’s playing the guitar and singing, up until about the three-minute mark where her band kicks in and the track becomes a bit heavier. ‘Dinosaurs’ really showed Field’s growing as an artist and we can’t wait to see more from her in 2019.

SKEGGS – UP IN THE CLOUDS

Surf/garage rock trio Skegss dropped ‘Up In The Clouds’ back in April, but it’s a track that’s really stuck with us all year. Starting off as a slower track, in the beginning, it quickly picks up the pace to hype you up. Combining distorted guitar riffs and thrashing drums with lead singer Ben Reed’s drawling vocals, it’s an incredibly catchy song. Releasing their debut album My Own Mess later this year, we can’t wait to see what’s in store for Skegss in 2019.

CONFIDENCE MAN – TRY YOUR LUCK

Electronica four-piece band Confidence Man dropped the track ‘Try Your Luck’ in their debut album Confident Music for Confident People earlier this year and again as a separate single release in August. The band described this track as “if Confidence Man was a country, ‘Try Your Luck’ would be the national anthem. So hats off, hands on hearts and asses on the dancefloor”. Confidence Man always comes out with tracks that are just so fun, with a great beat and immensely catchy lyrics, and ‘Try Your Luck’ is no different.

ARNO FARAJI – THINGS CHANGE

The latest track by Perth rapper and 2017 Triple J Unearthed High winner Arno Faraji, ‘things change’ is our final top single for 2018. The self-produced track is filled with synths and strong drum beats, with the odd guitar riff thrown in the mix. The song itself is more emotional than Arno’s previous tracks, meditating on the idea that nothing is immune to change, not even good relationships. An immensely catchy track, it’s the perfect song to listen to on a summer road trip with the windows down.

Words by Alice Schaberau.

HABIT MUSIC

Caitlin and the Habit Music team championing some of Australia’s best talent Habit giving a voice to many up and coming artists along with getting the word out for international touring artists before they hit Australian shores. From music heavyweights like The Strokes or The Kooks to a host of Australia’s best and brightest musical talent, it’s all about the music.

INERTIA

Inertia is a group of companies – an independent music family would be the best way to describe them. From live music tours, a boutique booking agency, add an artist management company and the annual Fairgrounds Festival. Bree and the team collaborate with some of the finest independent artists and labels within Australia and around the world.

GOOD INTENT

Good Intent is a Sydney-based PR and Label Services agency, run by two local music enthusiast’s (Rob Carroll and Nick Moran) who are passionate about taking music they love to the world. After cutting his teeth at Chugg Entertainment Rob built their indie label – Rare Finds from the ground up. Helping unearth a plethora of Australian talent that includes the likes of Mookhi, The Dune Rats, Jinja Safari, Lime Cordiale, RAAVE TAPES and the list goes on.

POSITIVE FEEDBACK

Another Sydney based agency, Positive Feedback is a boutique agency running tailored and highly successful international and local PR campaigns. Founded in 2009 by Monique Rothstein, Postive Feedback is heading into its 10th birthday with no plans of slowing down. Introducing international artists to the Australia people as well as shining a light on some of Australia’s best new artists will see 2019 being just as big as 2018.

COLLECTED

Collected PR is an off-shoot from the team behind music management agency SUM Management, After years of successfully running in-house PR campaigns for their own artists and more across touring and all stages of the release cycle, and the team recognised the demand for more reliable and thorough music PR options in Australia. Since 2017 Collected’s head publicist, Jess has put together campaigns for some of the worlds biggest acts in the world while not forgetting the new local bands.

BEEHIVE

With offices in Sydney and Melbourne, the Beehive team have been able to work closely alongside some of the country’s best talent with a commitment to get results in spades. Sammie and the team represent musicians from across a variety of genres which each campaign retaining the same dedicated approach, regardless of the client’s musical style.