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
Live Review: Cloud Control, Julia Jacklin, Body Type
"I might have a sacrificial burning of this outfit in the carpark."
Reviews / Live
Live Review: Mac DeMarco, Kirin J Callinan
"DeMarco demonstrated his larrikin spirit with some handstands and a good old-fashioned shoey."
Reviews / Live
Live Review: Nai Palm, Jaala
"The group's cover of Jimi Hendrix's 'Have You Ever Been To (Electric Ladyland)' was a revelation, spiritual and soulful with a stripped-back guitar and ambrosial harmonies."
Reviews / Live
Live Review: Nai Palm, Jaala
"A smorgasbord of '90s covers, interlaced with old Hiatus Kaiyote song."
Reviews / Live
Live Review: Todd Terje & The Olsens, Roland Tings, Andy Garvey
"The Norwegian monarch of summer jams ignited a boisterous celebration in the audience."
Reviews / Live
Live Review: Noname, Billy Davis & The Good Lords
"Amid a calamitous crash of cries from the crowd the queen herself, Fatima Warner, aka Noname, bounced onto the stage."
Reviews / Live
Live Review: Jon Cleary & The Absolute Monster Gentlemen
"The groove was right and the towels were flying, transporting us away to a sultry Sunday afternoon on the other side of the world."
Reviews / Live
Live Review: Winston Surfshirt, Polographia, Crooked Letter
"[Winston] cavorted about the audience, a provocative pied piper, as the band bounced up and down back on stage."
Reviews / Live
Live Review: The Black Seeds, Mar Haze
"Dub reggae vibes with downtempo rhythms and a smooth as hell lyrical hook."
Reviews / Live
Live Review: CW Stoneking, William Crighton
"His warmth and infectious candour felt like no time had passed since we last met."
Reviews / Live
Live Review: George Clinton & Parliament Funkadelic
"This treat felt more like a trick; a P-Funk cover band posing as the real deal."
Reviews / Live
Live Review: Red Bull Music Academy Weekender: Sky High
"Multi-instrumentalist Peven Everett took to the stage and had us hook, line and sinker."