Curated by Music SA, Scouted showcases some of the best local talent Adelaide has to offer, and last Friday's event was overflowing with buzzing acts.
With the AIR Awards and Indie-Con taking place at the same time and plenty of industry executives prowling between the Scouted stages, you can expect to hear a lot more from the Scouted 2018 line-up.
Here's what went down at Scouted 2018.
Dhungala Baarka are an endearing duo with charming songs driven by double bass. With a quaint, but not twee vibe about them, they definitely have a lot of appeal for a wide demographic who like softer tones. Their onstage presence is captivating and they sing about important issues in an engaging manner.
Following in the vein of Timberwolf and Wanderers, Ollie English is one of the most promising singer-songwriters in Adelaide. Backed by a full rhythm section and three awesome backup soul singers, his live sound was full and rich and his own guitar and vocals sublime.
Argus & The Liar are one of the most promising and serious R&B and hip hop groups in town with a style reminiscent of a modern Fugees. The brother and sister duo deserve a far bigger profile for their talent. The flautist and keys player brought a great layer to the sound over the rumbling bass drones.
Donnaruma has such a rich, beautiful voice and a natural rock presence that makes for a very captivating watch. The falsetto over the hard bass was an unintended nod to Muse. He covered Grace by Jeff Buckley and sounded like he took notes from the same vocal coach!
Grungy rockers Siamese have a harder edge to them, with a bit of '90s darker alt-rock sensibility. The wailing feedback and abrasive drums gave the act a crunchy sort of sound.
For those who like their music a bit smoother, electronic act Hartway have a sound that draws upon early 2000s lounge-y house music. Starting with three brass instruments, they reverted back to their standard live production and single sax, before frequent collaborator, singer Lesley Williams joined them on stage. Definitely an easy on the ears act to fill dancefloors in any good club.
By now, one of Adelaide's best bands, Blush Response, have developed a live sound that is simultaneously lush, epic, whilst at no point sacrificing the understated lo-fi aesthetic or sound that is definitive of quality shoegaze.
Understated indie act Fair Maiden have been kicking around Adelaide's music underground scene for a few years. The act has a somewhat revolving line-up, usually comprised of familiar figures from the city's garage/lo-fi music scene. There's a sort of lackadaisical, carefree swagger about the act that appeals to the certain select crowd.
Over the past few years, Naomi Keyte has generated a great buzz in the state for her semi-ethereal and tranquil live show. Her pure clean vocals rest on an exquisite bed of ribbons of violin from Tom Capogreco and restless, but calculated, drums from Rohan Goldsmith. Mary Webb provides backing and counter melody vocals that enrich the sound without interfering with the gorgeous flow of accumulated sounds.
Young emo-pop rockers Runaway Weekend are one of the surprise packets at Scouted. With well-constructed arrangements that will appeal to a range of younger audiences, they have a presence and an energy that will catch the ear of fans of Fall Out Boy and semi-commercial guitar pop. Their MGMT Electric Feel cover was impressive.
Highly talented pop band Neon Tetra were able to generate a great dancefloor at the West Oak stage. The groovy baselines and high pitch vocals were punctuated by some decent sax and '80s synth vibes. With great '70s soul and early '80s vibes, these kids are perfect for driving a pub crowd to a dancefloor.
Polished country act Hana & Jessie-Lee's Bad Habits sound like they should be the house band at the Wheatsheaf. With three-part harmonies and a near flawless live sound, these guys are not only an ideal choice for fans of country but simply good musicianship.
Already on Nina Las Vegas' label, Strict Face is a go-to support for club bookers in Adelaide with his intelligent, well-constructed, grimey electronica productions. Jon Santos seems to find a home between more thoughtful, challenging arrangements and hypnotic floor fillers. That's not a bad space to inhabit.
With a fantastic selection of talented Adelaide acts setting a very high standard, Scouted is a must-attend for live music lovers in the state. Two years in and Scouted is already one of the best events for local music in the country.
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