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
Sudan Archives
Live Review: Sudan Archives @ Liberty Hall
The self-taught, avant-garde Ohio artist Sudan Archives treated us to a sumptuous feast to feed our selfish souls. 
Reviews / Live
Live Review: Little Simz @ Hordern Pavilion
Little Simz's show defies description and leaves your face hurt from smiling at her genius.
Reviews / Live
Loyle Carner
Live Review: Loyle Carner @ Enmore Theatre
Loyle Carner impressed upon his audience a love of life and a need to be thankful for what he said and rapped. 
Reviews / Live
Live Review: Thundercat @ Sydney Opera House
Despite the jet lag and the frenzy of his deft fingerwork, Thundercat showed no signs of fatigue. His passion and energy were infectious.
Reviews / Live
Photo of Cat Power
Live Review: Cat Power Sings Dylan: The 1966 Royal Albert Hall Concert @ Sydney Opera House
When sung by Chan Marshall, words like “Everyone’s either making love or else expecting rain” took on new life.
Reviews / Live
Live Review: Weyes Blood @ Joan Sutherland Theatre
Weyes Blood's genuine and relatable anecdotes create an intimate connection with the crowd, as if sharing secrets with old friends.
Reviews / Live
Live Review: Max Richter @ Sydney Opera House, Vivid LIVE
Vivid LIVE 2023 reached a crescendo on the weekend as Max Richter took to the stage alongside the Sydney Symphony Orchestra.
Reviews / Live
Live Review: José González @ Sydney Opera House, Vivid LIVE
“Yeah, so, the album’s only half an hour…but the show is supposed to be 90 minutes…so..."
Reviews / Live
Live Review: Andrew Bird @ Enmore Theatre
“Thank you for being a friend."
Reviews / Live
Pic by Andrea Adolphy
Live Review: Drugdealer @ Factory Theatre
"A show that left the audience buzzing with excitement."
Reviews / Live
Live Review: Marlon Williams @ The Enmore Theatre
“I know we’re in 2023 but it’s not that bad. I’d hate to be on the boat this song is written about.”
Reviews / Live
Live Review: Ty Segall & Freedom Band @ Metro Theatre, Sydney
"Popular face-melters 'Whisper', 'Harmonizer' and 'Finger' prompted revellers to rock their heads back and forth and the mosh came alive."