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

Ben Nicol, Journalist

Ben Nicol

Ben Nicol is a Wollongong-based writer with nine years experience covering gigs across Sydney, the Illawarra and beyond. His love for live music began as a starving and dehydrated fourteen-year-old attending the 2010 Big Day Out music festival, camping in the mosh pit all day to see his favourite band, Muse. Some say he has been chasing this high his whole life, some say his favourite food is pizza. 

Features / Music
The Music 2020 Writers' Poll: Ben Nicol
Here's what The Music's writers rated in 2020…
Reviews / Live
Live Review: Farmer & The Owl Festival
"The love and effort that is wholeheartedly injected into this day is unrivalled."
Features / Music
The Music 2019 Writers' Poll: Ben Nicol
Here's what The Music's writers rated in 2019…
Reviews / Live
Live Review: Yours & Owls
"The early main stage slot always does a great job of putting a spotlight on up-and-coming young acts and this year was no different."
Reviews / Live
Tones & I @ Wollongong UniBar. Photos by Ben Nicol
Live Review: Tones & I, Adrian Eagle
"Tones & I has no problem living up to the hype."
Reviews / Live
Live Review: Bakers Eddy, Nelipot, San Mei, Droves
"A feelgood afternoon of young musicians showcasing their skills and engaging personalities."
Reviews / Live
Live Review: Farmer & The Owl Festival
"Introduced some great up-and-coming bands to a whole lot of new faces."
Reviews / Live
Live Review: Joyride, Heaps Good Friends, Approachable Members Of Your Local Community
"Joyride’s show was the result of one man refusing to be pigeonholed into a singular genre and unafraid to explore the depths of his immense songwriting talent."
Features / Music
The Music 2018 Writers' Poll: Ben Nicol
Here's what The Music's writers rated in 2018...
Reviews / Live
Live Review: Yours & Owls North Wollongong
"Moving on to day two and the grass looked as beaten and worn as some attendees felt..."
Reviews / Live
Live Review: Angie McMahon, Leif Vollebekk, Hannah Blackburn
"Her debut album can’t come soon enough."
Reviews / Live
Live Review: Angus & Julia Stone, Angie McMahon
"They barely finished the song before embracing as rapturous applause filled the room."
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