Ears On Spotlight: 5 Brisbane Electronica Artists You Need To Hear

After our first “Ears On” article became what could only be called the success story of the century, and while we oversee in a bidding war between Disney and Paramount Pictures over the rags to riches inspiration tale, we decided to see if lightning might continue to strike. That’s why you’re here again! This week we get a little more specific than just Brisbane, we’re delving into the Brisbane indie-electronica scene to get some of the finest synthetically-created sounds into your earholes.

Capre

Duo Capre are the first cab(re) off our rank this week. The pairing of Patrick Costello and Patrick Hameon have been gaining steam in recent months with the release of their EP ‘Cassette Mixte’ last year, and a spot on the upcoming Red Deer Festival lineup.

Citing influences are broad and wide-ranging as Danny Brown, Kurt Cobain, Jamie XX, and The Vines, you can sense that there is a lot going on in the instrumentation. For a strong example of their sound, check out their single Give. There are many elements of chill to Capre, with smooth synthesised bass lines pairing with just-audible guitar and vocal harmonies. These are complimented by ambient sounds and some trippy effects in many parts to come across like Boo Seeka on acid.

Quintessential Doll

Quintessential Doll (aka Steph Linsdell) has been laying down some insanely trippy sounds for a few years now, and has been recognised for her talent for just as long. Picking up a gong at the Queensland Music Awards back in 2015 for her single Live Like I’m Dying, hitting the stage for shows like The Triffid’s Young Blood, and Brisbanes, Linsdell has been sharing her strange but beautiful tunes all over.

There is so much packed into a Quintessential Doll track, from the synth, to the violin, and the crazy and trippy loops and effects, but for a solid jumping off point, check out Beautiful Violence. You’ll be left with a slight brain melt, but at the same time, you’ll feel like you have gotten to experience something on a whole new emotional level!

MKO Sun

Hannah Macklin (who you may know better as MKO Sun) has been compared to a whole stack of other artists with her pumping style, noting influences like M.I.A, Bjork, and Michael Jackson all together. So you know you won’t quite know what to expect when you get your ears round her music!

She’s seen support slots for artists like Hiatus Kaiyote, Ecca Vandal, and Katie Noonan, and her visual work is just as recognised as her music, having picked up “Best Music Video” at the QMAs. Her track Boom Pow! is as energetic as it is eclectic, with middle eastern inspired melodies in choruses that meld perfectly into smooth crooner-esque harmonies in the breakdown and back again.

Omegachild

Just before he jumps onto the stage at Manifest, Omegachild (Daniel Newstead) is getting the honour of jumping onto our Ears On Spotlight. Describing himself as an “ambidextorous one-man-machine”, this Brisbane producer covers just about every genre under the sun in his music.

He’s slated to appear at the Jungle Love Festival as well, so for all you alt music lovers get ready to explore a stack of electronic sounds. Even though he’s currently in the studio, Omegachild still has quite the back catalogue of tracks, with the very danceable Kufri or the more ambiently surreal Everything is Ok just a couple we recommend you check out!

Lastlings

Continuing our tradition of sneaking not-quite-Brisbane artists into our Brisbane lists, Gold Coast duo Lastlings are the final place on our list. Combining electronica with guitars and more soaring vocals, like many on this list, Lastlings are in many ways more ambient than dropping just booming beats.

Take, for example, their track Another Way. While never quite picking up to a huge pace, the song manages to swim around your head like some beautiful electronic liquid. Their debut EP ‘Unreality’ flows continuously to create an unending feeling of surrealism. These Gold Coasters are currently on the road with AAA favourites Vera Blue and LANKS, showing they have some quality electronic chops!