Spotlight on the Youth
What really happens in the quiet youth side of South Australia’s Indie scene.
The scene is filled with bright and talented youth yearning for the chance to break it big. Through the stick of shoes on beer stained floors, to the smell of pits, the Adelaide music scene has been known to be a little dirty and grunge. However, if you look past the squelch there is a world of tiny bands aching for their songs to be heard. Barely any are on Bandcamp, even less of these artists are on Spotify, the only way you can access their hits is in person. They bring in the sole of the art; to perform for others. Youth in the industry are some of the most critical to continuing the festival state as it is known to be, with some of the best current musicians being under or around 18. They are the least recognised and supported in the Adelaide music scene and it’s time to put an end to their erasure.
The top space to watch has been and continues to be Northern Sound System, they provide low-cost introductory programmes for youth to be able to learn how to make music and perform, with multiple shows a year spanning from previously established bands, to bands created in one week, all the musicians coming out are inspired and active. Another space to watch is Carclew, with their space being a literal castle, there are sure to have some of the best up and coming in their field. With their multifaceted space providing a way for all kinds of young artists to connect.
Photos by @faultyrobotphotography
Some of the best recommendations for supporting local young artists is to go to gigs, finding out about them on social media is a great way to get started. Also looking around, bands plaster poles with upcoming gigs, which is often a great way of stepping out of your comfort zone. Besides following places gigs are held, its critical to follow the artists themselves, some of the best and worth a listen (in my opinion) are:
My Avenue (@my.avenue.adl): they started as a band at NSS, from there the original four piece band giged at several smaller venues before deciding to go in separate creative directions. With Elio and Lyric being the current members of My Avenue. They focus mainly on more soft rock, mixed with more pop-punk influences they are sure to become your new go-to scream-along band.
Pomegranates (@pomegranates.adl): a self described groovy and feral band, their origins also track back to NSS, for their first performance live. This lively four piece band takes a heavy hand in electric guitar and killer vocals, and is perfect for having a bumping night.
My last recommendation is Emerauld (@emerauld.official): She is a local solo artist who has been taking the scene by storm recently. Besides consistently inspiring smaller artists, and uplifting them through giging, this artist is a huge talent. Between vocals and guitar, Emerauld is able to bring all the feels to her music and your ears.
Words by Max-Cameron Hepburn (He/Him)