Georgia Knight ProfileNext month, the Corner Hotel – an institution of Melbourne’s live music scene – is celebrating its 30th anniversary.
The celebrations include a six-week series of gigs and other events featuring artists who have helped write the Corner’s story, plus a new wave of acts making their own mark.
Bands and artists hitting the stage include Bodyjar – in a full-circle moment, having first performed at the venue in December 1995 – as well as Meg Washington, Underground Lovers, The Buoys, Harts, and more.
Plus, local labels I OH YOU, Good Music x UNIFIED, Love Police, and Cheersquad Records will be hosting parties and showcases, and Young Henrys are taking over the Front Bar across five consecutive Saturdays with acts including Kingswood, Lucky, and more.
In the lead-up to the Corner Hotel’s 30th anniversary celebrations, the venue’s team has come up with a list of emerging acts they can see hitting the stage sooner rather than later and lead stories that begin with the statement, “I saw them at The Corner.”
So, here it is: The Corner Hotel’s team tells The Music which emerging acts they’ve got their eyes on.
Dogworld
Chosen by: Acacia Coates, Assistant Venue Booker
Their songwriting and live shows are top tier. A hardworking and talented band whose sound is instantly classic. Long live Dogworld!
Double Date
Chosen by: Alan Newbury, Bartender
High-quality recordings for how young they are, plus a strong following. Recent triple j Unearthed competition winners.
Big Noter
Chosen by: Lara Whalley, Venue Manager
Briggs has been around, so not exactly emerging, but it’s a new project in a heavier direction/ just sounds epic and angry punk. Fitting energy for current times.
Georgia Knight
Chosen by: Chloe Virtue, Sales & Marketing Manager
Georgia Knight is one of those artists you see live and immediately want to know more about. She’s truly mesmerising on stage, and her music genuinely feels unlike anything else I’m hearing at the moment.
The Browns
Chosen by: Natasha Pinto, Venue Booker
They are one of the most unique groups to break into Australia’s hip-hop scene. Though all members have an array of experience in the music industry across their individual careers, together, their collective skill as The Browns cannot be denied.
It’s an uncommon thing for South Asian people to be given pride of place in the Australian arts sector. They are going to do massive things for representation and diversity of perspective within their music. They give everything to the audience during their live shows and crushed their BIGSOUND 2026 showcases. Keen for more music in 2027!
C.O.F.F.I.N
Chosen by: Belle Turner, Front of House
I’m not sure if they count as “emerging”, since they’ve been such a star in my listening for a while. They’re a rock band with a punk feel and a fast pace, but they’ve just started branching out with their sound a bit on their most recent album to encompass a slightly wider range. I specifically appreciate the activism that is the backbone of a lot of their songs, and I’d hope to see them as big as Amyl someday.
Julai
Chosen by: Toby McKinnon, Music Manager
If you find yourself at a Julai show, you can expect high energy, charisma, slick lyrics and great choreo that get the dancefloor going.
Romanie
Chosen by: Toby McKinnon, Music Manager
Listening to Romanie gives the same feeling as meeting your mates in Eddy Gardens for a picnic in spring and having a big group hug.
Garage Sale
Chosen by: Kaity Comben, Duty Manager
Not only incredible musicians themselves, but also advocates for the Melbourne music scene generally and bringing so much heart and DIY-soul back into every show they're involved in.
Milly Strange
Chosen by: Aaron Hoernlein, Marketing Coordinator
Powerful and honest songwriting, and one of the hardest-working people in the scene. No doubt in my mind that Milly will go places far and wide in music; get on board now!
Delivery
Chosen by: Lorraine Bright, Assistant Venue Manager
Great energy live, and every time I see them, I love them a bit more. If you like garage-rock/post-punk/sing (shout) along, this is for you. Get along to a show!
Horse
Chosen by: Kyle Knight, Assistant Venue Manager
Some really catchy post-punk songs on their debut EP Ask Me Again Next Year, released this year. Caught their show at The Evelyn in August; great stage presence and a captivating performance.
Tyne-James Organ
Chosen by: Hayley Williams-Cameron, Functions Manager
This man’s presence on stage is electric. His powerful vocals and honest songwriting make his songs feel incredibly personal yet relatable. All the while, you can still get lost having a dance to it.
Head to the Corner Hotel’s website for a full list of 30th anniversary celebration events.
