Our Pick For Triple J's Unearthed High

1 August 2022 | 10:32 am | Parry Tritsiniotis
Originally Appeared In

Last year, a surf rock band won the competition, this year we hope that the tides will turn to a more progressive sound that reflects the changing nature of Australia's music landscape.

Triple J's high school talent quest, Unearthed High has today revealed its 5 finalists, jam packed full of potential talent and stardom.

The competition has found some of the most incredible talent in Australia, including The Kid LAROI, George Alice, Genesis Owusu, Hockey Dad, Montaigne, Arno Faraji and more.

Last year, a surf rock band won the competition, this year we hope that the tides will turn to a more progressive sound that reflects the changing nature of Australia's music landscape.

"As well as budding artists with potential that's plain to see, this year's crop of acts has included ready-made stars that we'll no doubt see on festival stages and hear on the radio in the very near future. They’ve all got the ambition, abilities and - most importantly - the great songs to make that happen," said Unearthed's Music Director Dave Ruby Howe.

While this year, KAYPS and Theo Landish make for great picks, the standout of the bunch is Melbourne based, Star of the Sea College student JACOTÉNE. Her track I Need Therapy (Demo) was submitted just before the competition closing and leaves a stunning impression on what is set to be a long and illustrious career.

Her debut effort, the track glides in UKG gloss, while channelling distinct soulfulness, charisma and maturity. If Amy Winehouse and Kali Uchis combined to write over a PinkPantheress type beat, it would manifest similarly to I Need Therapy. 

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You can check out a snippet of the track below, or hear it in full via her Unearthed profile HERE.

You can check out the full list of finalists HERE.