In Australia, we are fortunate to have an incredibly rich musical history and a diverse range of homegrown musicians covering all genres. Plus, watching live music is very popular – whether it’s an intimate acoustic set in a bar or a stadium packed with thousands of fans.
To make it easier for you to explore Australia’s modern music scene, we’ve put together a comprehensive guide to the country’s chart-topping musicians you need to listen to (and see live, if you can!).
Pop artists
Sia
Sia is a singer and songwriter born and raised in South Australia. Rolling Stone considers her one of the greatest Australian musicians of all time. Her iconic blonde wig, which conceals most of her face, has allowed her voice to shoot to fame while keeping her identity private. You’ve definitely heard Sia’s music before, but few may realise that this international superstar is from Adelaide!
Tones and I
Toni Watson – a.k.a. Tones and I – started her music career busking in the streets of Byron Bay, where she was soon discovered by her current manager. She quickly rose to fame when her breakout single ‘Dance Monkey’ topped the charts in 30 countries. Tones and I is known to still busk, performing free pop-up shows at random on streets around Australia. Maybe you’ll manage to see her!
The Kid LAROI
Charlton Howard (a.k.a. The Kid LAROI) gained international popularity with his hit single, ‘Stay’, featuring Justin Bieber. The Sydney-born artist can now be found touring the world and collaborating with artists such as Miley Cyrus and Charlie Puth – all at only 18 years of age!
Rock artists
Gang of Youths
Gang of Youths are an alternative rock band that formed in an evangelical church group in Sydney, New South Wales. Their music is heavily influenced by their relationship with religion, and their unique sound earned them four ARIA Awards (one of Australia’s biggest music awards, recognising musicians who have made history with their songs) in 2017.
King Stingray
King Stingray is an Australian rock band from Arnhem Land in the Northern Territory. With their sound self-described as “Yolŋu surf rock”, the band perform songs with lyrics in both English and Yolŋu Matha, the collective name for the languages of the First Nations Yolŋu people.
Spacey Jane
Spacey Jane is a young four-piece rock band from Perth, Western Australia, that has established itself as one of the most-loved bands in Australia. Their songs’ coming-of-age themes, paired with catchy melodies, make Spacey Jane a must-see live band for young adults.
Camp Cope
Camp Cope is an Australian alternative rock trio formed in 2015 in Melbourne, Victoria, that produces music with a punk edge. The group are also known for their advocacy for equal representation of female artists in the Australian music industry.
Hip Hop/R&B artists
Baker Boy
Danzal Baker OAM, a.k.a. ‘Baker Boy’, is a Yolŋu rapper, dancer, artist, and actor. Baker Boy is known for performing original hip-hop songs incorporating both English and Yolŋu Matha lyrics, and is one of the most prominent Australian rappers.
Tkay Maidza
Takudzwa Victoria Rosa (a.k.a. Tkay Maidza) is a Zimbabwean-born Australian singer and rapper. Her family moved to Australia in 2001, and she has lived in Perth and Kalgoorlie in Western Australia and Whyalla and Adelaide in South Australia. She studied architecture at the University of South Australia before becoming a full-time musician. Her music ranges from hip-hop dance music to heartfelt R&B.
Genesis Owusu
Kofi Owusu-Ansah (a.k.a. Genesis Owusu) is a Ghanaian-Australian singer who grew up in Canberra. His magnetic stage presence and powerful political lyrics will stay with you long after you see him live (and you have to see him live, his performances are incredible).
Indie artists
Tame Impala
Tame Impala are a psychedelic rock band from Perth that has consistently topped the charts in Australia since forming in 2007. Their song, ‘The Less I Know The Better’, was crowned number one in triple j’s Hottest 100 of the Decade – a music listener poll voted on by the public.
Matt Corby
Matt Corby was born and raised in Oyster Bay, NSW. He rose to fame when he placed runner-up in Australian Idol in 2007 and has been captivating audiences since with his soulful voice and deeply personal songs.
Thelma Plum
Thelma Plum is an Aboriginal singer, songwriter and guitarist from Delungra, NSW. In 2020, Plum became the highest ranking Indigenous artist ever in the triple j Hottest 100, for her song ‘Better in Blak’, which, like many of her songs, explores the themes of love and identity.
Angus & Julia Stone
Angus & Julia Stone are a beloved brother and sister duo, who have released some of the most iconic folk tunes in the world. While they now have their own separate musical projects, the siblings regularly unite to headline festivals and tour the world.
Dance/electronic artists
The Avalanches
Even if you haven’t heard of The Avalanches by name, you will probably recognise their music. This electronic music group was formed in Melbourne in 1997. Their most recent album, We Will Always Love You, features international artists such as Denzel Curry, Neneh Cherry and Karen O from the Yeah Yeah Yeahs.
Rüfüs Du Sol
Rüfüs Du Sol is a three-piece group from Sydney, NSW. They’re known for their hypnotic electronic music and performances, as well as the powerfully emotive voice of lead singer, Tyrone Lindqvist, which sounds even more amazing live. If you haven’t had the pleasure of listening to their music, check out their biggest hits on Spotify.
Confidence Man
Confidence Man are an Australian four-piece electro-pop group, led by brother and sister, Janet Planet and Sugar Bones. The group’s music features funny, catchy lyrics and they always go above and beyond to make their live performances a memorable experience.
