Western Australian Artists That Have Blurred The Line Between Genres

Today’s music scene doesn’t have boundaries, and in WA, artists aren’t chasing trends, they’re chasing a feeling, where music isn’t boxed into one category.

Blending these sounds has lead to a genreless generation where music reflects the complexity of these artists as individuals and what truly influences them. Although Western Australia champions its beachy, psych rock sound, it is a creative stronghold of genre-defying music that has built itself in plain sight.

In fact, that is one of the myriad reasons why Australia – and Western Australia – has managed to carve out a niche on the global music stage. It’s not just one sound that defines these acts, but a mesmerising blend of countless influences that coalesce into something truly unique.

It’s hard to think of just one specific sound to describe the many names who have been carving up the WA music scene of late, so with that in mind, here are nine acts from Western Australia who break the boundaries of music genres.

1. Grievous Bodily Calm

The six-piece uniquely fuses Intelligent Dance Music (IDM), beat music, and jazz with modern electronic production techniques. This eclectic blend is even more impactful with in their live improvisations, supporting the likes of Tame Impala, Black Midi, The Avalanches, Hiatus Kaiyote and Pond. 

Blend of: BADBADNOTGOOD, Hiatus Kaiyote, Floating Points

2. Gia Como

Creative project lead by Jack Arbuckle, better known as Gia Como, glamorously fuses gritty pop with a lush new wave element. Their live performances are recognised for its theatricality, featuring two vocalists, a lead guitarist, two dancers, and a DJ, creating a fever-dream like orchestra. 

Gia Como’s debut single Madeleine featuring Pool Boy explores their gender non-conformity, bending genre and personal embodiment boundaries alike. 

Blend of: Slow Dive, Massive Attack, LA Priest

3. Vissac

Vissac is an experimental four-piece who seamlessly blend polished jazz and the raw energy of progressive rock. Their sound is intellectually engaging – complex compositions meets controlled chaos, creating an exciting experience whether you are listening live or through your headphones. 

Blend of: Jaga Jazzist, Mammal Hands, BADBADNOTGOOD

4. Easy Jean

A cinematic dream pop collaboration between Cherry Dobra (Bayou), Drew Wootton (The Panics) and Andy Hill (Ambidexter), Easy Jean released their debut EP Hard Feelings & Real Tears in 2021 which explores genres from shoegaze to indie rock, with an ambient haunting sound. 

Blend of: Thom Yorke, The Panics, Norma Jean

5. Hector Morlet

Hector Morlet creates lo-fi, jazzy rhythms – often from his bedroom. Morlet’s 2023 album The Variety Show engages in different themes and sounds with each track, his dreamy vocals and quirky textures are ever changing but addictive to listen to. 

Blend of: Unknown Mortal Orchestra, Mac DeMarco, LEISURE

6. No Nomad

This six-piece mixes soul, jazz and a hint of indie seamlessly. No Nomad experiments with their dreamy textures while still staying grounded, their lyrics looking introspectively into themes of love and loss.

Their latest album Handstand showcases their ability to melt styles together into a cohesive, signature sound.

Blend of: Crumb, Men I Trust, Eddie Chacon

7. Mali Jo$e

Influenced by multicultural sounds, Mali Jo$e pushes genre boundaries effortlessly. Jo$e creates a base of a hip hop, subtle jazz and soul for his sharp, precise lyricism to flow over with ease. 

Blend of: Joey Bada$$, Saba, A$AP Twelvyy

8. Paperback Fort

With a smooth lo-fi charm and ethereal vocals, Paperback Fort weaves ambient indie vibes with jazz that late night jazz club mood. An ambient, warm atmosphere is promised for those who enter the fort.

Blend of: Mac DeMarco, Chet Faker, Still Woozy

9. Dopamine Slot Machine

Psychedelic synth- pop outfit Dopamine Slot Machine layers obscure robotic vocals with danceable rhythms. The smooth elements of digital aesthetics unexpectedly compliment the DMS’ overall sci-fi vibe. 

Blend of: MGMT, Daft Punk, Beach House, The Klaxons