Purple Sneakers Approved: Five Must-See Acts at Spilt Milk 2018

When Canberra's SPILT MILK festival announced their massive 2018 bill, naturally all eyes fell to one name. Childish Gambino/Donald Glover has undoubtedly dominated the entire entertainment industry this year, with an Emmy-winning television show and a #1 song under his belt in just six months. But, once you get past Gambino, you'll find that the rest of the lineup is jam-packed with talent, with particular focus on a few homegrown heroes.

With Australian music getting stronger and stronger each year, it's no wonder at all that festival bills are jam-packed with emerging talent from home turf. From sexual, self-assertive hip-hop to up-and-coming DJ/producer duos, soul queens to forward thinking rappers, and future superstars studded throughout, Spilt Milk is offering up one of this year's best line ups, so we've taken it upon ourselves to narrow down our top five, hands down must-see artists on the day. November can't come soon enough!

MISS BLANKS

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The best thing about MISS BLANKS is that she's always evolving. The way she can make any beat her own by delivering her signature fierce, sexually-charged and incredibly assertive art leaves any listener floored. She remains completely ahead of the game with each new release and never falls complacent. This means that every time you see Miss Blanks live, it's the best she's ever been. On a line-up of hip-hop Goliaths, Miss Blanks stands out and is simply not to be missed.

THANDI PHOENIX

Having just performed at our very own 12th birthday party, we know for a fact that missing a THANDI PHOENIX performance is a mistake you don't want to make. Recently linking up with drum and bass legends Rudimental, every Thandi Phoenix show is a masterclass in pop, soul, RnB and more. With her live band behind her, she's free to let her incredible voice soar which is packed with a power that stays with you long after she's left the stage. Put that powerful voice over some of the most finessed production in the game, and you have yourself a party.

KINDER

Seeing KINDER live is one of those "if you know, you know" things. The two sisters have made a name for themselves on the festival circuit for delivering some of the most unique yet fun DJ sets this country has ever seen. Not only that, but the duo - who never stop working - are about to release their first ever single which is sure to be a total blast. Their energy on stage is palpable, as they have total command of the crowd and completely electrify you with every moment.

KWAME

A name that will be everywhere by the end of the year, KWAME's 2018 has been completely flawless. From the release of 'WOW', the man's momentum has not slowed down or faltered even once. His refreshing approach to hip-hop is a much needed beam of optimism and fun. He's a man not afraid to dance, but not afraid to deliver some spitfire raps either. Like an Australian counterpart to Childish Gambino, Kwame can really do it all.

KIRA PURU

From the opening strums of last year's 'Tension', you can tell that KIRA PURU is a star. A seasoned performer with a larger-than-life voice, Kira Puru is a master at putting audiences under her spell. She's a once-in-a-blue-moon type artist, whose exciting brand of pop is one you're not bound to forget any time soon. Having just recently dropped another explosive single with 'Molotov', it's clear she's been working hard on new music, and judging from her most recent releases, we're all in for a real treat when she is ready to share more. An unstoppable force, Kira Puru is picking up steam and heading straight for the top.

General Admission tickets for Spilt Milk 2018 go on sale from 12pm Thursday, 5th July (buy here).

Peep the full lineup below.