We've picked out the nine artists who we think are gonna rule 2018 and to celebrate, we've teamed up with our buddies The Lord Gladstone to throw a huge summer party RIPE in Sydney tonight (Thursday 25th January, 9pm-3am). You can check out the event on Facebook here and RSVP here to win some goodies on the night. DJ sets from FlexMami, Nic Kelly & The Interns, as well as themed cocktails for $12, will make sure it's gonna be a good night. More details below.
The Club Soundtrack
Yaeji
If, by the end of 2018, you haven’t heard Raingurl on a night out then you haven’t had a night out. Yaeji is bringing something completely fresh to club music pulling from both Korean and American culture to make something that distinctly sounds like her. Her EP2 is a triumph and she’s going to be a gamechanger this year.
The Chart Stormer
Cardi B
At this point you’re hearing Cardi B’s name multiple times a day. She won the game with Bodak Yellow and has followed it up successfully with Bartier Cardi but this NYC rapper can literally do everything. She’s got pop features, Latin features and rap features showing she’s diverse but always distinctly Cardi.
The Aussie Hip-Hop Newcomer
Turquoise Prince
Turquoise Prince is the fresh name in Aussie hip-hop, delivering us fresh melodies with honest, autobiographical raps. His latest cut Sunday Sesh is surely relatable for most Aussie teens and twenty-somethings and that sort of relatability is going to take him a long way.
The Anti-Pop Queen
E^ST
We always knew E^ST was brilliant but her most recent track Life Goes On shows she’s transformed into a popstar. She’s your quintessential ‘90s-born popstar. The kind that grew up in a time of Britney but also went through the necessary emo phase with My Chemical Romance’s The Black Parade in hand. She’s bringing us escapist pop with a dark twist and it’s so exciting.
The Vibe Maker
Mahalia
Mahalia is a new British voice who is creating major vibes with her soulful, careful tracks. She’s made danceable, rhythmic tunes like Hold On but her intimate, direct songs like No Pressure are the ones likely to get you all up in your feelings.
The Bottle Popper
Midas.Gold
Midas.Gold is the most celebratory rapper we’ve got in the country right now. He’s got a touch of Chance The Rapper’s soulful side with a hint of Stormzy’s hunger, creating an aesthetic that’s likely to catapult him out of this country. His latest track Poppin is the first song for every good party you’re at this year.
The Divisive Fave
Bhad Bhabie
The ‘Cash Me Ousside’ girl is way past her 15 minutes of fame and she’s not about to go anywhere soon. At just 14 years-old she’s proved that she can really rap and even the haters are starting to recite Hi Bich. She’s going to be everywhere this year. How long are you going to stay on the losing team?
The Timeless Singer/Songwriter
Rex Orange County
Rex Orange County may have caught people’s ears with his features on Tyler The Creator’s Flower Boy but he’s got his own stuff to flaunt. Last year’s Apricot Princess showed the beginning of a masterful songwriter while Loving Is Easy, released at the tail end of last year, proves he can transcend all audiences.
The Ones To Get You On The Floor And In Your Feelings
Openside
NZ four-piece Openside are making big, glorious pop/rock songs. They are anthemic, euphoric and bound to take over arenas all over the world. Their latest cut 'I Feel Nothing' sounds like the love child of Paramore and Robyn. Believe us, that's a very good thing.
