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

Joe Dolan, Journalist

Joe Dolan

In 2016, I was studying professional writing when an email dropped into my inbox with an opportunity to intern with a budding street press magazine (those were a thing back then). By the end of the eight-or-so-week course I was hooked - and for some bizarre reason,The Musicdecided to keep me around.

Since then I’ve gone on to review countless live gigs, albums, standup sets, theatre shows and gotten to interview some bone fide legends along the way too. Nowadays, I even perform and work on the occasional show myself, but I still like to find time to get out amongst the action whenever I can.

If it weren’t forThe Music, I can genuinely say my life would be totally different. Definitely more boring, to say the least.

Features / Arts
Seeing Her Work Next To 'Total Legends' Boosts US Comedian's Beth Stelling's Self-confidence
If you’re a fan of American comedy, chances are Beth Stelling has worked on something you love. She tells Joe Dolan about writing for Judd Apatow and gaining the self-confidence to see herself as a “real” comic.
Features / Arts
Nina Conti Says That Working With Puppets In Her Comedy Makes Her Feel Safe
Ventriloquist comedian Nina Conti usually lets a primate puppet do all the talking. But ahead of her upcoming Australian tour, she chats to Joe Dolan about finding her own voice through the cheeky chimp.
Reviews / Live
Live Review: L-FRESH The LION, Dexter Seamus, Nicole Tania
"[E]veryone is here to have a damn good time."
Reviews / Arts
Geraldine Hickey: Things Are Going Well
"Watching Hickey do what she does best is a pure joy."
Features / Arts
Dara O Briain Can't Wait To Tell You What Happened When He Toured To Perth In 2017
Dara O Briain talks to Joe Dolan about trying to scale back his touring schedule but not being able to turn down international offers.
Features / Music
No, Your Phone Isn't Listening: BIGSOUND's Paige X Cho Lifts The Veil On Digital Marketing
Paige X Cho - Senior Music Strategist at digital and creative agency Bolster - knows that digital marketing can seem inscrutable, if not outright nefarious. She gives Joe Dolan a sneak peek at her BIGSOUND talk about the industry's inner workings, and how ethical advertising should be "tailored for the optimum user experience".
Reviews / Live
Live Review: Full Flower Moon Band, Hydra Fashion Week, Sunfruits
"[Kate Dillon] perfectly melds the confident swagger of ‘70s-era Robert Plant with the straightforward professionalism of Angel Olsen."
Reviews / Arts
The Big HOO-HAA! Ninth Birthday Show
"The show provides plenty of laughs for newcomers and improv veterans alike." Pic by Mark Gambino.
Reviews / Arts
Alice Tovey – Garbage Monster
"Tovey is at the forefront of a new age of comedy excellence."
Reviews / Live
Live Review: Jeff Tweedy, Jen Cloher
"Tweedy has well and truly cemented himself as a legend of modern Americana."
Reviews / Live
Live Review: Hatchie, Pool Shop, Culte
"Hatchie is the real deal."
Reviews / Arts
Guy Montgomery – I Was Part Of The Problem Before We Were Talking About It
"[I]t feels as if Montgomery is kickstarting some introspection for many in the room."