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triple j
announces this year’s cohort of
Unearthed High
finalists
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For the past two months, triple j Unearthed have been searching for the country’s most talented high schoolers as part of triple j’s annual Unearthed High competition.
After receiving a record breaking 1700 entries, triple j Unearthed are excited to introduce you to this year’s Unearthed High finalists!
triple j Unearthed Music Director Dave Ruby Howe says: “In this year’s cohort we’ve seen the continued rise of self-reliant solo artists and the influence of modern giants such as Rex Orange County, Billie Eilish, as well as alumni like The Kid LAROI and Hockey Dad. But the thing that’s struck me most this year is the creativity and resolve of young Australian musicians.”
“They’ve braved the many challenges of 2020 – a health crisis, remote learning and being isolated from friends – and turned to making great music as a way through it. While 2020 has been tough for everyone, this year’s Unearthed High class have shown that there’s plenty to look forward to.”
Please meet triple j Unearthed’s 2020 Unearthed High finalists below, along with this year’s Indigenous Initiative winner who will receive ongoing mentorship from the Association of Artist Managers (AAM), as well as a songwriting workshop for their school by the APRA AMCOS Songmakers program.
A round of applause for…
Aodhan
‘Twelve Again’ (Albion Park High School / Albion Park, NSW)
The glow up continues for Aodhan! The recipient of our Indigenous Initiative in 2019, this young Dharawal artist has been notching up milestones over the last 12 months including industry attention and success on music streaming services. Having just turned 16 Aodhan’s showing us thoughtful songwriting to match his prodigious talent.
ok2222
‘Demons’ (Eltham College / Melbourne, VIC)
Melbourne producer and vocalist Oscar Kahans aka ok2222 has quickly earned a reputation as one of Unearthed’s most noteworthy quiet achievers thanks to recent collabs with artists he’s connected with online. Taking the reins solo on ‘Demons’, ok2222 delivers moody, modern bedroom rnb that’s full of angst and isolation that hits close to home in 2020.
Raymondouu
‘Taxi Driver’ (Mundaring Christian College / Perth, WA)
Under his sad boy musical pseudonym Raymondouu, WA Year 12 student Raymond Zhang writes charming lo-fi pop tracks that channel inspo like Rex Orange County, Clairo and Billie Eilish. Though understated on the surface, Raymondouu’s work carries a real emotional punch as he gets introspective about friends, energy drinks and his Uber rating.
Sam Windley
‘Neighbours In The Morning’ (Brisbane Water Secondary College / Woy Woy, NSW)
It makes sense to see Sam Windley name check artists like Middle Kids and Courtney Barnett on her Unearthed page – the Woy Woy teenager has inherited that same gift for keen observational songwriting and warm hooks from those Aussie heroes. Add her name to your list of favourite indie yarn spinners and thank us later.
Teenage Joans
‘Three Leaf Clover’ (Gleeson College / Adelaide, SA)
Prepare to meet the coolest kids in Adelaide. Teenage Joans aka Tahlia Borg (17) and Cahli Blakers (19) have wasted no time in making a name for themselves in just under a year together – already playing shows with local legends like Ruby Fields and The Hard Aches. Teenage Joans make snappy, rough and tumble garage rock and they sound like they’re having the best time doing it.
Indigenous Initiative winner
Rudeboy E
‘Cold’ (Palmerston Senior College / Palmerston, NT)
Growing up in a family surrounded by art and creativity, young Larrakia man Rudeboy E has made the transition to music and performance with pure finesse. On his debut track ‘Cold’ the 17-year-old brings plenty of confidence as he shouts out his area “0830”. A product of the Territory, he’s been connecting with local institution Skinnyfish Music not to mention fellow First Nations artist, Bowraville’s Tasman Keith, to sharpen his natural abilities.
Listen to triple j Breakfast with Sally & Erica next week as we announce 2020’s Unearthed High winner!
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triple j Unearthed – discovering new Australian music
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