There's no denying that Australian music is operating at levels we've never before seen. More artists than ever are kicking huge goals, and with greater and more diverse methods for discovery, an increasingly large amount of artists are reaching the sort of heights they would never have thought possible.
It's against this backdrop that events such as Spotify's Turn Up Aus celebrations are held. Described by the streamer as a “love letter to the Aussie music industry and the fans behind it," it offers the chance for diehard fans of local music to get up close and personal with their favourite acts.
Last year, the inaugural edition of Turn Up Aus saw the likes of Spacey Jane, ONEFOUR, and Alison Wonderland taking part in a series of acclaimed events across Melbourne and Sydney.
This year, it's back once more, and it's launching with none other than Hooligan Hefs. Born Simeona Silapa, Hefs has been described as a rising star for years now, and with millions upon millions of streams on Spotify, he's managed to affect more lives than he ever probably thought.
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Needless to say, for Hooligan Hefs, his musical journey has been an impressive one. But well before he became one of the most in-demand names on the local scene, he kept his goals humble.
"When I look back at it, if I'm being completely honest, I didn’t really have a goal with music," he explains. "But my lifetime goal was to buy a house, so when I started doing my music and realised I could be making all this happen that’s when I took it seriously."
It didn't take long for people to really start listening either. While a batch of singles preceded the release of his 2020 EP, Living In Sin, it was in 2023 that he launched his second EP, Sinning Winning Living. Just months earlier, he made a debut at Splendour In The Grass, which he describes as "one for the books," and the moment where he knew his "music resonated with people."
In 2026, Hefs is a decade into his career, a revelation that admittedly makes him "feel old" when it's brought up. But with his debut album, Sixth Sense, arriving on June 26th, he's eager to keep partaking in the industry he feels lucky to be in.
"Nah I’m just grateful to be able to still put out music after being here for so many years," he admits. "Album this month? GTM."
"This year has been my busiest yet so it’s definitely brought new listeners."
Of course, while most artists would likely find themselves aiming to simply tick off a bucket list item like releasing an album, playing a big festival like Splendour, or simply just releasing some music, Hefs remains humble about what he's already done, but ambitious about what is next.
"Well one goal was to do Rolling Loud but we did that," he reflects, before teasing, "Maybe I'll get into my DJ era and do Tomorrowland."
As part of his involvement in Spotify's Turn Up Aus celebrations, Hefs will be performing at The Bat & Ball in Sydney on Wednesday, June 24th, launching the series before the likes of Genesis Owusu and more take to that same stage the following month.
His top fans on Spotify are in with a chance to be invited to attend this once-in-a-lifetime, intimate show in just a few weeks.
If fans miss out on an invite, however, all is not lost, being given the opportunity to enter to win one of four double passes to the show, along with one major prize for two lucky winners who will be flown cross-state for the gig of their life.
For him, it's a special moment that underlines the fact that he's properly 'made it' as an Australian artist.
"As an Aus artist, to be part of Spotify Turn Up celebrations just feels official!" he gushes. "You know you’re now too legit to quit."
It's also something of a full-circle moment, as well. After all, with so many of his fans coming from a platform such as Spotify, the ability to take part in an event such as this allows Hefs to give back to those who supported him, and to spotlight the fact that Australian music is as strong as ever – a sentiment he shares when it comes to local talent.
"I love Australian music 'cause it’s unique," he states. "Accents like no other. A lot of talent over here."
Hooligan Hefs will perform at The Bat & Ball in Sydney on Wednesday, June 24th, with a competition to win tickets running now. His debut album, Sixth Sense, drops two days later on Friday, June 26th, with pre-orders available now.
