The Rions from Sydney’s Northern Beaches have been named this year’s Unearthed High champs, taking out the competition with their single Night Light.
The four-piece from Barrenjoey High School make guitar-driven indie rock, which has quickly drawn them comparisons to the likes of Australian heavy hitters like Ocean Alley and Lime Cordiale.
The Rions are made up of schoolmates Noah, Harley, Asher and Tom. Together they’re a festival force in the making, exuding charismatic rock n roll energy.
Rock out to Night Light below.
triple j Unearthed music director Dave Ruby Howe said, “as difficult as it is to turn more than 1400 entries into just five finalists, it’s a desperately hard decision to pick a winner to top the class of 2021.”
“ In the end, Sydney’s The Rions edged ahead of the competition by presenting an undeniable all-round package that impressed all of us at triple j Unearthed – not to mention the triple j textline which popped off with every play of their roaring single ‘Night Light’. With their mainstage-ready confidence and urgent indie hooks, this foursome is ready to launch and we reckon that the Unearthed High crown will be the rocket fuel to send them flying.”
Due to the current travel restrictions, triple j Unearthed couldn’t give The Rions the good news in person. Instead, triple j Breakfast hosts Bryce and Ebony gate-crashed the band’s zoom meeting this morning and brought along special guests Lime Cordiale, Tones and I and Spacey Jane to surprise them with the news!
When everything is back up and running, The Rions will be heading to the triple j studios to record, mix or master their next big hit. As part of their Unearthed High prize, they’ll also receive professional industry advice from a senior music manager and will be linked up with Lime Cordiale for a mentoring session.
Plus, 2019 Unearthed High winner George Alice has offered The Rions a support slot on her national tour next year!
In addition to the major prize, WA rapper KAYPS is this year’s Unearthed High Indigenous Initiative winner! He’ll receive ongoing mentorship from the Association of Artist Managers, as well as a songwriting workshop at his school run by the APRA AMCOS Songmakers program.
