Live Nation’s Ones To Watch program is heading back to Victoria next month, announcing a trio of artists who will be showcasing their raw talents before an eager audience.
Designed to help champion the next wave of Australian music, the Ones To Watch program is rooted in creative community as it transcends the link between artists and audiences, while continuing to support local developing talent on and off the stage.
Backed by American Apparel, the latest Melbourne edition will take place on Wednesday, August 5th, taking over the newly-launched Smith St Hotel.
It’s set to be one of the first events at the venue, which recently announced its opening following the closure of The Gasometer Hotel – or, affectionately dubbed The Gaso by locals – at the same address early last year.
Leading the line-up for Ones To Watch Melbourne is local act Miles Nautu, an Indigenous Australian/Fijian artist whose hip hop, jazz, and soul vibes have resulted in a prolific rise within the Australian space across the last year, thanks in part to the release of his debut EP, the front.
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Taking inspiration from Kendrick Lamar, Yasiin Bey, and Joey Bada$$, Nautu has managed to appear at the Sydney Opera House for VIVID Live this year, and will also show up at upcoming Move My Way Festival this October, appearing alongside genre trailblazers including Ezra Collective and Freddie Gibbs.
New South Wales also gets a look-in thanks to Sydney’s alt pop stylings of GAZAL. Boasting an emotionally charged and fearless style of performing, the Lebanese/Australian artist has already racked up collabs with Dan Gleyzer (SZA, Sabrina Carpenter), Aidan Hogg (G Flip), George Alice, Vera Blue, and more.
Add in more than 15 million views on TikTok and a global reach for her Gods Into Frauds EP, and it’s clear that GAZAL is looking to ensure 2026 is truly her year.
Last but not least, Lara Buchanan is another Melbourne local who will be appearing to a strong hometown crowd, with her sonic comparisons to Ethel Cain, Wolf Alice, and Lorde turning her into an impressive figure on the Australian scene.
Her deeply personal, observational lyrics have seen her curate a strong audience, with he likes of her Sugar Coated Fantasy being an undeniable winner amongst her growing fanbase.
“ONES TO WATCH exists to champion developing artists at pivotal moments in their careers,” said Paul Lynch & Emily Taylor, Promoters, ONES TO WATCH, Live Nation APAC.
“It’s been great to see our partnership with American Apparel® come to life, and we’re excited to build on that momentum in Melbourne—giving more emerging talent a platform to be seen, heard and discovered.”
“American Apparel® has long been the unofficial uniform of the local music scene, making it a natural fit for ONES TO WATCH and its mission to spotlight artists who are redefining the status quo,” adds David Hillen, Director, Gildan Brands APAC.
