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After forming in 2019 and drip-feeding music into the world ever since, Royel Otis continue their rise to the top. Recently, they were nominated as Breakthrough Artist for the 2023 ARIA Awards, the recognition following a sold-out multiple-date national tour, a debut performance at Splendour in the Grass, and a rapturous sold out UK and European tour, including performances at Leeds and Reading Festival, Electric Picnic, Pukkelpop, End of the Road and more, all achieved in the first half of 2023 - and in support of their third EP, Sofa Kings. From cleaning up ‘Ones to Watch’ lists by the likes of Matt Wilkinson at Apple Music 1, NME, and the Daily Telegraph, breaking into the US Alternative radio chart top 40, to earning Spotify’s RADAR Artist recognition, and being featured in Vogue and GQ, Royel Otis only continue their ascending trajectory. 

 

Sofa King’s singles “Kool Aid”, “Sofa King”, “Going Kokomo” and “I Wanna Dance With You” were quick to receive international and local press adoration from Paper Mag, Purple Sneakers, NME, consistent airplay from BBC Radio 1, Apple Music 1 and the status of Triple J’s #1 Most Played track. Produced by Chris Collins and Royel Otis, the EP delivered visceral stories and quick wit atop blissful guitar-fuzzed haze, landing in major playlists such as Ultimate Indie, All New Indie, DOPAMINE and Today’s Indie Rock (including featuring on the cover). The record followed the band’s sophomore EP Bar ‘N Grill in 2022, which saw the pair grace the covers of global playlists including Indie Arrivals and Supersound, Apple Music’s Heaps Indie and more, amassing over 10 million streams, and garnered widespread playlisting support across Australian community radio, US college radio and BBC Radio 6. The band earned a slot in this year’s triple j’s Hottest 200 for “Oysters In My Pocket”. Meanwhile, earlier this year, they joined Groovin the Moo’s 2023 touring lineup and as supports on alt-j's Australian tour. 

 

They are ready to end 2023 in sizzling style, as they sling “Fried Rice” ahead of their debut album, PRATTS & PAIN arriving early next year.

Sub Pop’s latest signing is Girl and Girl: lead singer/songwriter Kai James and his Aunty Liss (Melissa James) on drums, supported by Jayden Williams on guitar and Fraser Bell on bass. The four-piece garage rock outfit from Queensland has a kinship that shines through in their music and in their electric live shows - Kai’s magnetism backed by Liss’ 37 years of drumming experience. With infectious hooks and surprising emotional intensity, Girl and Girl is an undeniably good time.

Named as one of the TheMusic.com.au's 'Top 25 Rising Acts of 2021', Girl and Girl won the inaugural Gold Coast Music Prize in 2022. The band supported Dry Cleaning on a national tour of Australia before embarking on a debut European Tour including showcase performances at The Great Escape, support dates with Blondshell and an appearance at London’s uber hip Wide Awake Festival.

In 2023, the band announced their signing to Sub Pop and reissued their Divorce EP, making their debut in their Top 100 of the US College Radio Charts and winning early fans at Brooklyn Vegan, DIY Magazine and BBC6 Music. At home in Australia, the Divorce EP was 4ZZZ’s Album of the Week and made the RRR Soundscape, receiving heavy airplay from community radio stations across Australia. Following appearances at Wave Rock, Yours and Owls Festival and SXSW Sydney, Girl and Girl returned to Europe late in 2023 for appearances at Pitchfork Paris, Rolling Stone Beach, London Calling, and support slots with Water From Your Eyes, and announced their US debut at SXSW 2024.

Girl and Girl’s first album, recorded in Melbourne with Burke Reid (Courtney Barnett, Julia Jacklin, The Drones) is coming very soon.

Louse originated from the mid pandemic precariousness in Cincinnati, Ohio. With influences indicative of early to mid 80s Post Punk/ Cold Wave and early Alternative Rock. After recording and releasing a short EP in 2022 titled 'Dressed in Skin', they are now looking forward to releasing their debut album.