18 artists to watch in 2018

Some of the industry’s big names handpick the singers and songwriters they think will make it big in 2018.

Billie Eilish

“She’s only 16, but she performs like she’s been doing it forever. Massive triple j airplay and sold-out Australian dates earlier this year. She’s back for Laneway and sideshows in Jan-Feb. 2018 is going to be BIG for her.” – Michael Chugg, executive chairman at Chugg Entertainment

Bebe Rexha

“She’s an excellent songwriter with an incredibly infectious voice, who has been on the cusp of full-blown pop fame for a couple of years. Her collaboration with Florida Georgia Line on ‘Meant To Be’ looks to be the springboard to greater solo success in 2018.” – Brad McNicol, music director at KIIS Sydney and Melbourne

Robinson

“One of the best singer-songwriters I’ve ever come across, this young New Zealander is going to take the world by storm in 2018. I’m a sucker for a great melody and lyric and every single song she writes is perfection. We listen to her every day in the office and the only thing that frustrates us is that nobody else can enjoy these songs yet! One to watch for sure.” – Arwen Curson, VP Creative at Universal Music Publishing

Winterbourne

“The central coast duo are currently recording their debut album with producer Andy Mak (Vera Blue) at a studio in Byron Bay owned by Grammy producer/mixer Nick Didia and Bernard Fanning. It’s next level and going to knock a lot of socks off!” – Michael Taylor, managing director at UMA

Alexander Biggs

“His signature evocative and ethereal songwriting is seeping into consciousness with radio spins around the world. New music in the early new year will see him touring locally and abroad throughout 2018.” – Matt Tanner, head of creative services at Native Tongue

Morgan Bain

“He’s a 22-year-old singer songwriter from Perth, who was introduced to me by Drapht. I think he’s got one of the most incredible voices in the country at the moment, and his songwriting is heart-wrenching.” – Paul Harris, Sony Music A&R executive

Lucy Rose

“Lucy has been around for a little while, but is one of those artists that just keeps getting better & better. She’s sublime, I think really interested to watch her progression in 2018.” – Michael Chugg, executive chairman at Chugg Entertainment

MUKI

“Super talented pop artist and songwriter who is fast becoming an in-demand collaborator, having recently worked with Japanese Wallpaper, Tigerilla, Paces, DNA, and Styalz Fuego. Look out for her debut EP next year and all its Day-Glo brilliance.” – Craig Hawker, Head of A&R / Creative at Sony/ATV

Julia Michaels

“Her song issues was big this year.. 2018 will be the year she becomes a household name. Having written some of the biggest pop bangers of the last two years.. 2018 will be the year she sets herself up!” – Nova Network’s Kent ‘Smallzy’ Small

Ruel

“I am so excited about this young man. At just 15, Ruel has the potential to be one of Australia’s biggest exports. We’ve been working with him for a while now so it’s been a thrill to see the reaction since his debut single, ‘Don’t Tell Me’ was unleashed on the world. The track has already been picked up by Apple and Beats By Dre for a global ad campaign, and there is so much more to come. 2018 is going to be massive for Ruel!” – Arwen Curson, VP Creative at Universal Music Publishing

Tank and the Bangas

“These guys are a collective from New Orleans, and are one of the most high-energy hip-hop/soul acts around. They’ve won a bunch of awards, their live show is off the chain and they’re going to be out here in March.” – Michael Chugg, executive chairman at Chugg Entertainment

Fossa Beats

“This young Melbourne producer already has runs on the board with spins in BBC1 and Beats 1, a release on Mad Decent, and recent collabs with Atlanta’s FKi 1st, Tigerilla and Nicole Millar. Expect some big production credits in 2018.” – Matt Tanner, head of creative services at Native Tongue

Dynamic local trio of Kita Alexander, E^ST and Jordie Ireland

“Locally it’s exciting to see emerging artists like these starting to break through. All three have come through with the musical goods right at the back-end of this year, so 2018 is shaping up to be a strong one for this young Aussie trio.” – Brad McNicol, music director at KIIS Sydney and Melbourne

Eliott

“This 21-year-old young woman from country Victoria is leaving everyone stunned by her raw lyrics and haunting melody. Jack Grace is producing, adding the electronic elements driving the beats and sonics. This one is going to be a special one!” – Michael Taylor, managing director at UMA

Haiku Hands

“They’re like Beastie Boys meets The Spice Girls. Brilliant, attitude laden, feisty girl-pop. They played the most fun live shows I saw in 2017” – Paul Harris, Sony Music A&R executive

Superorganism

“London-based and made up of with members from Australia, New Zealand, the UK and Japan, they are going to be huge 2018. Try and get their track ‘Something For Your M.I.N.D.’ out of your head.” – Matt Tanner, head of creative services at Native Tongue

Lime Cordiale

“A Chugg Music artist, their debut album Permanent Vacation debuted #1 on the AIR 100% Indie Album charts, they sold out shows in Brisbane, Sydney Metro Theatre and Melbourne on recent national tour, and Spotify listeners are currently 100,000 per month (double that of three months ago!)” – Michael Chugg, executive chairman at Chugg Entertainment

Odette

“Odette recently hit the ground running with her debut single, ‘Watch Me Read You.’ The album (due 2018) is exquisite, her voice is inimitable and every performance is flawless. She gives me goosebumps every time she performs.” – Arwen Curson, VP Creative at Universal Music Publishing