Jinja Safari co-frontman and Central Coast musician, Pepa Knight has been receiving a fair amount of buzz since announcing his solo side project earlier this year,and with tracks like the tropical indie pop ‘Clams’ you can see why.

Listening to ‘Clams’ made us realise how many incredible local bands have equally incredible musical ventures on the side, so we asked Pepa to put together a list of his favourite Aussie side projects. If you like what you hear be sure to check out Pepa when he plays his two debut shows in Sydney and Melbourne this August.

#1 Dads

“In 2012 I got to spend some time with Tom and Jo from Big Scary when we toured together in India with my band Jinja Safari. They are both as nice as their music sounds and Tom Iansek is a machine at pumping out the tunes. He released an unreal raw folk album called ‘Man Of Leisure’ under his side project #1 Dads a few years back and now he has released this epic new track called Return To (feat. Tom Snowdon). It’s one of the best songs I have heard all year. So many feels.”

Tropical Strength

“I only recently discovered Tropical Strength, a rad psychedelic side project of Sydney band, Shining Bird. Get ready for this song to take you into another dimension. Make sure you listen to the whole the song because the ending is where all the magic happens.”

GL

“The Bamboos’ side project, GL, are a new cosmic funk band with some tight 80’s production. They are playing at the Northcote Social Club with me early August in Melbourne. Very pumped to see them live.”

Pond

“Everyone should know Tame Impala’s other band, Pond. They are incredible! Those Perth dudes can do nothing wrong. It’s like Pink Floyd turned up to 11.”

Tim Hart

“I have become mates with the guys from Boy and Bear from touring over the last few years with my band. The drummer Tim Hart and I hit it off because we shared the same love for Peter Gabriel. He is fantastic dude and his solo project is equally fantastic. It’s some of the nicest folk tunes going around.”

+TEES+

“This is a real cool side project of Sean from Virgo Rising and Liz from The Grease Arrestor. I really dig that lo-fi and 90’s production. It sounds fresh and nostalgic all at the same time.”

Pepa Knight’s Debut Shows

Fri Aug 1st | Goodgod Small Club
Thurs Aug 7th | Northcote Social Club
For more info on Pepa Knight, you can visit his Facebook and Soundcloud.

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