Underground Playlists: New Music From Emerging Talent Ainsley Farrell, King Ivy & More

11 April 2023 | 2:06 pm | Emma Whines

Underground Playlists are back and better than ever, thanks to the legends at Mountain Goat Beer. In fact, we’ve decided to pick out our favourite tracks each week and share them with you, so you can get to know the best of the bunch and keep your finger on the pulse. Here are this week's top picks for our Underground Playlists...

JUNO (QLD)

come thru

Meanjin/Brissy duo JUNO are barrelling into 2023 with their new single, come thru, boasting spicy beats and funky production that makes you want to listen again and again. Don’t mistake the carefree vibe for simplicity, as this track hides massive amounts of technicality, talent and careful songwriting prowess. Come thru is a modern love story on a tale as old as time. The scary leap of love, secretly hoping the other will do the same. Singer Kahlia Ferguson carries this sentiment perfectly while oozing buttery tones. She’s a vocal talent you don’t want to miss. 

Franjapan (VIC)

Lucy

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Indie rockers Franjapan are back with a new infectious dance anthem that will have you tapping along at every gig. Lucy is one of the band's best tracks so far, grabbing you and not letting go until it’s got you up dancing along. Pulsating drums, shimmering guitars and catchy lyrics feed the fire in this song, keeping the party alive. Fans of Sam Fender will fall in love with this one immediately. 

Ainsley Farrell (NSW)

Fireworks

Beloved indie folk/rock artist Ainsley Farrell has released the interesting, complex and utterly beautiful Fireworks, which sends you on a journey you didn’t know you needed. Melodic guitar riffs, classic drum patterns, and of course, Farrell’s unique voice creates the perfect storm as the track waxes and wanes around different dynamics that keep the listener constantly invested. Its simplicity makes the song a bit of a slow burn, but stay invested, and you’ll collect your reward. 

King Ivy (QLD)

Paranoid

R&B legend King Ivy has released his beautiful E.P Brown and on it some classic singles, such as Paranoid, that are always worth shining a light on. Paranoid sets a chill and groove-heavy vibe right from the start, as Ivy dips and sways around edited drum beats, woozy guitars and smooth synths. Cruisy and filled with funk, this is one to get down low to on the dancefloor. The lyrics in this track add to the slow jam feel as King Ivy lays down the law and claims a better love despite his paranoia. 

BIRDEE 王煒 (NSW)

Keeping Love

BIRDEE 王煒 has popped back into the scene for 2023 after a massive 2022. Channelling her lineage of Chinese, Greek and Russian origins to craft her sound and stories, BIRDEE 王煒 brings something unique and fresh to the indie-pop genre. Her 2022 EP release, Can’t Be Loved, showcased an immense talent, and her newest release Keeping Love, further supports that claim. Boppy pop mixed with unique indie elements creates the ultimate feel-good track while keeping the listener guessing. BIRDEE 王煒 has cracked the formula for fun pop music, and we can’t wait to see what she brings out next. 

You can listen to all of our Underground Playlists here.