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. 

Reviews / Live
Live Review: Wet Lips, The Nah, Dalmacia, Space Boys
"Their exasperated 'over it' tone rang honestly as Wet Lips lost themselves in the music."
Reviews / Live
Live Review: Catfish & The Bottlemen, Bishop Briggs, Bec Sandridge, The Vanns
"A huge mosh pit opened up during 'Cocoon' - though not before a wall of people were erected on each other's shoulders for 'Postpone'."
Reviews / Live
Live Review: All Our Exes Live In Texas, Ports
"This relatively new group played the type of holistic show most bands require whole careers to reach."
Reviews / Live
Live Review: Big Scary, Cub Sport
"Equal parts light show, art show and live music extravaganza."
Reviews / Live
Live Review: Laura Marling
"Her complete control of both the microphone and guitar left no room for error."
Reviews / Live
Live Review: San Cisco, Thelma Plum
"San Cisco worked very hard to ensure this euphoric atmosphere lasted the entire night and it paid off spectacularly."
Reviews / Live
Live Review: Northeast Party House, Mosquito Coast, Tashka
"The young crowd had no problem whipping themselves into a frenzy."
Reviews / Live
Live Review: Against Me!, Camp Cope, The Nuclear Family
"A supreme set that built on its own momentum as the night rolled on."
Reviews / Live
Live Review: Oliver Tank, Batts, Giverny
"You never knew whether you'd be closing your eyes and spacing out or head bopping along to a surprisingly danceable track."
Reviews / Live
Live Review: Strawberry Boogie
"A splendid night of eclectic acts."
Reviews / Live
Live Review: ILUKA, Sun Sap, Stockley
"ILUKA won over her audience again and again."
Reviews / Live
Live Review: The Waifs, Jordie Lane
"The chemistry this band shares, 25 years on, couldn't be more authentic."
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