We’re thrilled to announce the 15 finalists of the Forbes Street Studio Grant – which offers one young artist a major leg-up to the value of $10,000.
Out of the hundreds of great applications we received, we’ve worked with Forbes Street Studios and Universal Music Australia to whittle the list down to 15 incredible artists who stood out above the rest.
The winning artist will have the opportunity to record a fully mixed and mastered single at the high-tech Forbes Street Studios, have it featured on one of the most popular local playlists on Spotify, as well as receive A&R, legal and accounting consultation with top names in the biz – as well as a $5,000 marketing campaign with Australia’s largest music media publisher, Seventh Street Media.
The winner of the Forbes Street Studio Grant will have the run of these brand new recording facilities
While Forbes Street Studios only opened its doors less than a year ago, some of Australia’s most beloved records bear the stamp of Forbes Street Studios, from Dean Lewis’ EP Same Kind of Different to Vera Blue’s Perennial.
The high-end, fully-commercial studio based in Sydney has been the envy of all others since its opening. Featuring brand new and vintage, state-of-the-art gear, FSS houses Australia’s only Barefoot MiniMain 12 speaker and a live room which accommodates 10+ musicians simultaneously.
Not a bad prize at all, so without further ado, here are the final 15 acts in the running to take out the inaugural Forbes Street Studios Grant.
Meet the Forbes Street Studios Grant finalists
Cooper
Melbourne rapper Cooper’s single ‘Counting the Days’ is a vibrant yet introspective tune that features a bloody catchy chorus to boot.
Mayah
A Queensland singer-songwriter making stunning music, Mayah‘s just as comfortable playing an acoustic set as she is laying her vox over a shuffled electronic beat, or completely transforming a Drake cover.
Samsaruh
Samsaruh’s captivating indie-pop recalls the likes of London Grammar, showcasing commanding vocals over lush, textured production.
Chymes
Electronic pop duo Chymes craft delicate yet danceable soundscapes paired with hauntingly intimate vocals – definitely one to watch.
LOVER
The tender R&B of LOVER feels as comfortable in the club as it does alone in one’s bedroom – single ‘Clumsy’ demands repeat listens.
Baker Boy
‘Marryuna’, the second single from Arnhem Land’s Baker Boy, means “to dance without shame” which is an apt description. Rapping in both English and his native Yolgnu Matha, the track is an absolute banger.
SŸDE
Youthful production duo SŸDE make sublimely chilled-out pop that feels like the perfect soundtrack to a warm, laid-back summer evening.
Eluera
The electronic indie of Eluera features stunning vocals over refreshingly warm, washed out production.
Two Can
Melbourne brothers Two Can produce infectiously dancey earworms that hit all the right notes – good vibes galore.
MANE
Adelaide songwriter MANE’s distinctive, powerful voice works a treat paired with the goth-pop production on single ‘What If the Love Dies’.
PLTS
The anthemic indie rock of PLTS shines through in its sincerity and heart-on-sleeve lyrics.
YEO
It’s easy to lose yourself in YEO’s smooth, ultra-catchy pop – in fact, we recommend it.
Haiku Hands
Huge beats and an attitude to match, Haiku Hands’ ‘Not About You’ is an EDM banger that’s impossible not to dance to.
Seavera
With raw lyrics, ethereal soundscapes and potent choruses, Melbourne duo Seavera make songs that feel like private diary entries in the best possible way.
Millie Tizzard
Millie Tizzard’s emotive indie-pop is the perfect soundscape to her tender reflections on love and loss.
