Fresh Finds: Class Of 2025 – Aussie Acts To Add To Your Playlist

Shaun Colnan, Journalist

Shaun Colnan

Shaun's been writing with The Music since 2015 and in that time has written on everything from high art to hip hop, from spectacular jazz in grand arenas to burgeoning bands in back rooms at pubs. He's mapped the rise of such acts as Winston Surfshirt and Noname, reviewed musicals, theatre shows and a tonne of music including the reunions of Wu-Tang Clan and TLC.

His one claim to fame is a short-lived time as singer in a band that Julia Jacklin opened for before she was famous. He's interviewed the Tibetan Prime Minister and a radio comedian he can't remember the name of. Outside of reviewing for The Music, he is a full-time English teacher, part-time poet and avid music and literature aficionado/desperado.

Reviews / Live
Elvis Costello
Live Review: Elvis Costello And The Imposters @ Sydney Opera House Concert Hall
It felt like vintage Costello. It could’ve been the late 70s...
Reviews / Live
Thee Sacred Souls
Live Review: Thee Sacred Souls, Setwun & La Foxy Fuzz @ City Recital Hall, Sydney
Singer Josh Lane possesses the character of a minister, speaking to the 1200 fans as if addressing each and every one of them.
Reviews / Live
The Streets
Live Review: The Streets and Skeleten @ Hordern Pavilion, Sydney
Skinner’s style – laidback and chaotic, bardic and belligerent – makes him a jocular provocateur.
Reviews / Live
Yussef Dayes
Live Review: Yussef Dayes @ Sydney Opera House
Yussef Dayes impresses in each arrangement with his dexterity, his versatility and his improvisational brilliance.
Reviews / Live
Sampha
Live Review: Sampha, Ngaiire @ Hordern Pavilion
Was Sampha's first Australian show in seven years worth the wait?
Reviews / Live
Jack Ladder & The Dreamlanders
Live Review: Jack Ladder & The Dreamlanders @ Mary’s Underground, Sydney
To say Jack Ladder & The Dreamlanders arrived onto the Mary’s Underground stage with swagger and clout would be an understatement.
Reviews / Live
Hemlocke Springs
Live Review: Hemlocke Springs, Chloe Dadd @ Oxford Art Factory
The lyric “I realised I am just the piece of sh*t I was before” sounded like a rendezvous between Prince and Peaches.
Reviews / Live
Paris Texas
Live Review: Paris Texas @ Oxford Art Factory
The entire night was a rousing, spirited show driven by Paris Texas, who showed versatility and vivacity despite the jet lag and the “sore neck”.
Reviews / Live
Unknown Mortal Orchestra
Live Review: Unknown Mortal Orchestra @ Sydney Opera House
Unknown Mortal Orchestra provided a smorgasbord at their Sydney Opera House concert, sampling their five dynamic and genre-defying albums.
Reviews / Live
Live Review: Off The Rails Festival, Marrickville
Off The Rails shows what can be achieved in our streets when we take cars away and let people congregate with a shared purpose: to enjoy life and one of its most essential elements: music.
Reviews / Live
Live Review: Kevin Morby @ The Factory Theatre, Sydney
While some soulful intimacy was lost from Kevin Morby's gig at the Factory Theatre, the LA-based artist still kept the Sydney audience happy.
Reviews / Live
Live Review: Angie McMahon @ The Metro Theatre, Sydney
Angie McMahon’s talent is undeniable and must be seen if you get the chance.