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Oh, did you think an unprecedented global event was going to hold these high school kids back?
Quite the contrary in fact. This year, Unearthed High has gathered more entries than ever from high school kids across the country, covering every genre you can think of. Faced with the (many!) Obstacles they faced, the more than 1,400 participants proved how solid the future of Australian music is.
It also made it possible to choose five finalists very cunning. Not only are each in contention for the Unearthed High Award, but they also join a stacked roster of past finalists that includes The Kid Laroi, Genesis Owusu, Montaigne, and Hockey Dad, to name a few.
We’ve already named our Indigenous Initiative winner (whose name might reappear in this list …), so without further ado, meet your five finalists for this year’s Unearthed High!
Edith – Who cares
Bidjigal and Gadigal Country (Sydney, NSW)
The school: Brigidine Randwick College
Bringing some polished yet playful pop (and quite sure to put a smile on your dial) is edith. The 18-year-old charmed us from the very bar of her first “Who Cares”, displaying a catchy chorus served by the breathtaking voice of the Sydneysider. If you like BENEE, Kita Alexander or George Alice, Edith is one to watch.
Jacob Biermann – Red
Yugambeh Country (Gold Coast, QLD)
The school: JMC Academy
When the Gold Coast teenager first entered Unearthed High as a prodigious 14-year-old in 2019, he received praise from triple-j presenters and the industry – not to mention comparisons with voices like Ruel and KIAN. Back now with ‘Red’, Jacob made it official with a resounding emotional hub that can only be performed with such a good voice.
KAYPS – NUISANCES!
Country of Whadjuk Noongar (Perth, WA)
The school: Hélène College
” He is fifteen years old ?! is a phrase that will soon resonate across the country. By far the youngest finalist of the group, rapper Walmatjarri and Bunuba sports a bravado and bars beyond his years. With the Indigenous Initiative victory already under his belt, KAYPS’s turbo stream and clever pun could very well see him win two crowns.
Les Rions – Night light
Garigal Country (Sydney, NSW)
The school: Barrenjoey High School
Born out of a quest for talent in school, the boys from Sydney’s North Beaches worked hard and made it so easy. Fans of The Vanns and Ocean Alley, prepare to be struck by the iconic indie rock of The Rion and the rising voice of singer Noah, embodied in their latest offering “Night Light”.
TIA – Conversations
Country Wurundjeri Woi-Wurrung (Melbourne, VIC)
The school: Strathmore Secondary College
This year’s finalist is one of the greatest voices to ever land on triple j Unearthed. At just 17 years old, TIA’s timeless voice has already been compared to that of Dua Lipa, Bishop Briggs and Mia Wray. A member of the traveling choir of Tones & I, the Melbourne artist delivers power and balance over confident “conversations”.
A winner will be crowned next week, but in the meantime, why not take a look at their profiles and pull some reviews in their own way?
