Following on from a hugely successful event in Naarm/Melbourne Live Nation brought its live music discovery series, ONES TO WATCH, to New South Wales for a winter edition on Gadigal land at the Oxford Art Factory tonight. ONES TO WATCH is a project presented by Live Nation to support emerging artists, originally launching in the US in 2012, alumni include global superstars Halsey, Olivia Rodrigo, Dua Lipa, Lewis Capaldi and others. Along with tonight’s showcase, the artists participating in the event will each receive a $10,000 grant towards touring.
Tonight’s featured artists were Stumps (late replacements for Bella Amor who had to withdraw due to illness,) Lola Scott and Sam McGovern.
Stumps, the Indie-rock Sydney stalwarts kicked off proceedings with a vibrant set that showcased their songs that range from introspective and poetic to catchy and energetic.
Lola Scott has been active in the Australian pop landscape since 2018, breaking through with her debut EP, ‘¼ Life Crisis’, which she followed up with 2022’s ‘Breakfast For Dinner’ EP. She got the crowd moving tonight with her fabulous blend of rock and pop, which is reminiscent of Alanis Morissette and Wet Leg.
Last up was twenty two year old Sam McGovern who is originally from Western Australia, but now resides (and you might finding him busking,) in Sydney. McGovern was a WAM (Western Australian Music) Song Of The Year nominee for his debut track ‘Grow’. McGovern made his name with the release of his single ‘Memory’ – a song that has amassed over 20 million views across social media platforms. Tonight he charmed the crowd with some candid insights into the origin of his songs.
