It’s getting to that time of the year where the lineup for arguably Australia’s biggest and best electronic and hip-hop festival, Listen Out, drops. Taking place in late September and early October across the country, last year’s line-up saw BROCKHAMPTON brought to Australia for their debut shows here, A$AP Rocky, Skrillex, Skepta and more all on the same bill. We had a ton of highlights and we're sure the folks behind it will top it this year.

The festival has already confirmed that American rapper Leikeli47 will be playing the festival, off the back off the success of last year’s album Acrylic. Do It Like This, from UK producer Biscits was the backing track for Listen Out’s 2019 announcement video, so it’s pretty damn likely that they’ll feature on the bill as well.

With the legends behind the festival announcing that the line-up will drop on the 21st of April, here’s a few acts that you should be seeing when the festival rolls around. 

Flume

Why not? Many were surprised when Flume wasn’t announced on the Splendour line-up earlier this year, but it makes sense if he was holding back for a headline spot on this year’s Listen Out bill. Sure to be a crowd-pleaser, giving Flume a headline spot would not only mark his return Down Under after some time overseas, but could possibly be the premiere of new music, with Flume having previously promised an album this year (saying “more music to come”). Flume actually played the festival back in 2014, so it’s about time that he returned (this time, a much bigger name – if that’s even possible). 

Alison Wonderland

Having just dropped her new single Peace, Alison Wonderland is exactly the kind of act that Listen Out needs. Having recently sold out a Red Rocks Amphitheatre performance (you know, no big deal), Alison Wonderland doesn’t have any shows booked past September 21st – and given the timing of when Listen Out is, there’s every chance that Listen Out will be the first chance Australian audiences get to hear the new single live.

Shlohmo

The California-based producer hasn’t been to Australia since coming for Splendour In The Grass back in 2015, but having released his album The End earlier this year, it would be a fitting and timely return to Australian shores. Shlohmo also has a big Australian fanbase (given the rave reviews he’s been given each time he’s come Down Under), so he’s sure to be a crowd favourite. Plus, he might bring along some of his collective, WEDIDIT, for the trip!

Janelle Monae

While this might seem a little bit left-field, fans have been clamouring for a tour for what seems like forever, and it might just be the inspired booking that Listen Out tends to make. We also predicted (incorrectly) that she would be on Splendour In The Grass but we're still waiting for some Cindi Mayweather action here. Seriously, one of these days it’ll happen – and off the back of last year’s Dirty Computer, there’s no time like the present.

ScHoolboy Q

Part of the TDE crew, LA-based rapper ScHoolboy Q just dropped his 5th album, CrasH Talk, the follow-up to 2016’s Blank Face. Having toured Australia off the back of that album, fans will be clamouring to see him perform cuts from the new LP. ScHoolboy Q is a veteran at this point, so hopefully he makes a stop here as part of his world tour! 

Rico Nasty

Having just dropped the Anger Management EP alongside Kenny Beats, Rico Nasty is coming off a potentially career-making Coachella performance – and would be a perfect fit for the line-up. Australian fans want a tour, and it’s about time they got one. Rico Nasty is being considered by many to be one of rap’s next superstars, and if past line-ups are anything to go by, Listen Out are good at providing fans with a bill full of their new favourite artists, even if they might not know it just yet.

JPEGMAFIA

JPEGMAFIA makes so much sense for the Listen Out line-up. Having gained a lot of popularity since releasing 2018’s Veteran, the rapper also known as Peggy is yet to come to Australia. Renowned for his live show - one of the most energetic in the game right now - JPEGMAFIA playing Listen Out would not only be a hit with his fanbase, but also would be sure to win over a lot of new fans. Plus, if Flume is announced alongside him, it’s almost guaranteed that they’d perform their song How To Build A Relationship live.

Travis Scott

Go on, this list wouldn’t be complete without mentioning it – Travis Scott would make a lot of sense on the Listen Out line-up. Travis Scott definitely has the potential to headline, and given Listen Out’s track record of booking rap superstars, he’s definitely not out of their reach. Having performed at the festival back in 2016, it’s about time that the songs from ASTROWORLD make their way down under. A whole crowd singing along to #3 in the Hottest 100, SICKO MODE – now that would be a moment for the ages.

Listen Out Festival's 2019 bill drops on May 21st.