As we approach Australia Day (and thus the annual Triple J Hottest 100), many are turning their minds to who’s done well in Australian music, and who’s expected to do well in the coming year.
Well, so is YouTube, and today the Google brand has unveiled its first ‘Artists to Watch’ list in Australia and New Zealand.
There’s 10 artists from across both sides of the Tasman to keep an eye on, including some who’ve already built an impressive reputation, and others who have the talent to make it big on their own.
In alphabetical order, the 10 Artists To Watch from Australia and New Zealand in 2019 are:
- Bene (Auckland, New Zealand)
- Didirri (Melbourne, Australia)
- G Flip (Melbourne, Australia) – pictured above
- JessB (Auckland, New Zealand)
- Kaiit (Melbourne, Australia)
- Kian (Castlemaine, Australia)
- Kwame (Sydney, Australia, via Auckland, New Zealand)
- The Kid Laroi (Sydney, Australia)
- Triple One (Sydney, Australia)
- Tyne-James Organ (Melbourne via Sydney, Australia)
What’s more interesting is how YouTube compiles this list. Using a number of metrics including YouTube views, engagement from music fans and Music Analytics, YouTube has its finger on the pulse. As you’d imagine, those named are pretty happy about their inclusion:
Melbourne’s all-singing, all-drumming indie firecracker G Flip, real name Georgia Flipo, says she is “stoked” to be one of YouTube Music’s Artists To Watch.
“I think it’s so cool they are championing breaking artists and I’m honoured to be chosen as one of them,” she said.
Her fellow Melburnian, sunny troubadour Didirri, describes his inclusion as “an absolute honour”:
“I think it’s time we bring some positivity back into the limelight this year,” Didirri adds. “Hoping to bring a bunch of us together and share the music.”
That would include Sydney hip-hop trio Triple One, as they brace themselves for a huge 12 months, saying
“We’ve come into the new year with something to prove. 2019 will be our biggest year yet and our biggest evolution as a group.”
Head to YouTube Music to further explore these Artists to Watch and enjoy a brand-new YouTube Music playlist featuring our top 10 artists and the longlist, as well as an in-app spotlight, featuring audio and video content.
