The talent never ends…

We’re coming to that pointy end of the year now, and bloody hell, we all deserve a pat on the back. We’ve all pulled through hard in 2020, and despite all of the hurdles and obstacles, we’ve come through just as, if not, stronger than we were before. The same goes for our music scene, with countless local artists spending 2020 away from the stage, grinding away in the studio. The tracks that have resulted from the year-long grind are gorgeously innovative and unique, laced with this beautiful air of aspiration, the air of artists just seeking to express themselves. And for that, they deserve all the love and shine in the world. Thus, here are five tracks by local artists we’re bumping on repeat.

Check it below.

Vetta Borne – ‘Beyonce’

Once-in-a-generation talent Vetta Borne continues to prove she’s a R&B powerhouse of epic proportions, jamming out an elixir-tinged bop with her latest tune ‘Beyonce’. The track sees her take it nice and easy atop a sensual beat, singing about her love for the homies whilst in Stage Four lockdown. That hook is so mellow as well, sucking you in with that gorgeous mix of harmonic honesty that the Melbourne songstress effortlessly exudes. She sings “Lucky I got you”, but I think we’re the lucky ones. Lucky we’ve got Vetta in all of her boundless talents (she’s a vocal & production prodigy and you better recognise) providing the most heartwarming of soundtracks to our lives.

blüsh – ‘Dont Lie’ ft. Alana Patmore

Sydney producer blüsh comes through hard with his debut single ‘Don’t Lie’, curating an atmospheric electro-bop that’s completely dynamic and electrifying. The young OG throws it back to the likes of Flume and Whatsonot as he crafts a glitchy but heartfelt sonic landscape, perfectly setting the stage for Sydney vocalist Alana Patmore to reach into our souls with those soothing AF vocals. The pair strike this perfect balance across the EDM, pop and R&B palletes, manifesting a genre-defying bop that refuses to be labelled or boxed in. It’s totally unique, nuanced and complex, and it’s absolutely gorgeous. Definitely check it out.

Genesis Owusu – ‘I Am’

If there’s anything we’ve learnt over the past couple of years, it’s that Genesis Owusu is one of the chosen ones to lead Aussie hip hop into the next realm, and ‘I Am’ just continues to prove that he’s incapable of releasing a bad tune. The track embodies the fire of the funkadelic as the Canberra MC raps with that gorgeously fluid flow, surrounded by some lush guitars, basslines and harmonies that together fill you with enough joy to light up the night sky. It just explodes with energy, somehow matching the crazy hype and ferocity he brings to his live shows. He’s a superstar in every sense of the word, and ‘I Am’ is a clear reaffirmation of his talents.

Hauskey – ‘Somewhere’

Grab yourself a Mojito and one of those nice little cocktail umbrellas, as Western Australia’s Hauskey is here to serenade you into the sunshine. The young muso just radiates positivity and good vibes, and his tune ‘Somewhere’ is a gorgeous little bop that’s impossible not to feel uplifted by. The tune features some super mellow piano lines that drive it forward with an inescapable swing, all the while juxtaposed with Hauskey’s trademark raspy vocals that just ooze the chillest of spirits. The tune as a whole just feels like the perfect song to wrap up a 2000s rom com (we’re huge fans of rom coms in the LWA office), and for that, we’re well & truly vibing it. Definitely check it out.

Maina Doe – ‘Delusion’

Sydney R&B powerhouse Maina Doe is absolutely on fire right now, her multi-genre creations enchanting the nation with vivid innovation and soul. Not to mention, she’s just cool as hell, and that comes through every lyric, vocal run, snare, hell, pretty much everything she does. ‘Delusion’ sees her craft the most celestial of vibes as she sings atop a sensual AF beat with some super sultry vocals, drawing us in until we’re stuck in the richest of trances. Once trapped however, you realise that aside from her beautiful voice and tone, she’s an absolute killer songwriter, demonstrating a lyrical prowess up there with the all-time greats. The tune just reeks of an artist that knows exactly who she is and what her creations need to be, and it’s totally inspiring. She’s definitely one of the ones to watch, and you should get on the train now folks.