Triple j’s Unearthed High has announced five finalists, after having its biggest year yet, with an enormous 1,400 entries.
In the face of many hurdles (even including an Unearthed website breakdown as the competition was closing!), teens from around the country submitted their original songs to Triple j Unearthed.
Spanning every genre you can think of, the entrants proved just how strong the future of Aussie music is. But the station was especially impressed by these five acts who have been selected as 2021 Unearthed High finalists!
Here’s what triple j Unearthed’s Dave Ruby Howe had to say about the five finalists.
Edith -Who Cares (Brigidine College Randwick, NSW)
Howe said: “Spotted in Unearthed High 2020 under a different artist name, Sydney teenager Abby Taylor a.k.a.
“Edith put the work in between competitions, writing new songs and developing the vision of this project.
“What she’s come up with sounds no less than stellar, with a charming lightness that feels readymade for a free-spirited summer playlist.”
Jacob Biermann- Red (JMC Academy, QLD)
Howe said: “When Gold Coast teen Jacob Biermann first entered Unearthed High as a prodigious 14-year-old in 2019. He drew praise from triple j presenters and industry alike, not to mention comparisons to powerful modern pop voices like Ruel and KIAN.
“Back now with ‘Red’ and Jacob’s made it official; this is slickly grand with a ringing emotional centre that can only be executed with a voice that good.”
KAYPS – NUISANCE! (Helena College, WA)
Howe said: “Young Walmatjarri and Bunuba artist KAYPS, originally from Broome and now living in Perth, has been in electrifying form over the last 12 months.
“Already making a name for himself on the underground 6K rap scene in WA the 16-year-old is on the eve of dropping his second mixtape of speedometer-breaking bars and on single ‘NUISANCE!’ his cadence and flow is simply electrifying.”
The Rions – Night Light (Barrenjoey High School, NSW)
Howe said: “What do you get when you mix the charismatic rock n roll sneer of the Arctic Monkeys with the steely guitar anthemics of Spacey Jane?
“A festival force in the making, better known as The Rions. A listen to key single ‘Night Light’ announces that they’re on the right path, with an assured indie strut to match the frontman-mode energy of vocalist Noah.”
TIA – Conversations (Strathmore Secondary College, VIC)
Howe said: “With a voice like Melbourne singer TIA when you sing people will take notice.
“The right people too, the 17- year-old joined Tones And I’s backing choir live earlier in 2021, unleashing her vocals to large crowds in even.”
