Everyone needs a bit of musical inspiration from time to time – aspiring musicians possibly most of all – and sometimes the best source of inspiration can be fellow artists.
Paper Giants, Gordon Koang Duoth and Andre T McMilan are three up-and-coming Aussie acts who are currently taking part in the GRID Series 2016 artist development program, which has selected eight acts from Melbourne’s South East to play a series of showcases running from August 18 – 27 at The Village Green and The Pelly Bar.
We’ve had a chat with these artists about other emerging acts that have inspired them in their own musical pursuits.
Paper Giants
“Paper Giants have been turning heads in the local scene for the best part of two years.
With a monster sound tailor-made for the big stage, Paper Giants’ anthemic and personal songs consistently resonate with their ever-growing following. These turn it on live in a big way so their shows are not to be missed!“
Above Kings
A band that has a really unique explosive and funky sound that always leaves us in awe. Their music has real depth and range across the board, from their upbeat hits to their slow mesmerising ballads. One of our favourites from their EP Get Away.
Zandata
With high energy, driving rock riffs and a loud sound, Zandata’s music is right up our alley.
This is one of their songs they performed at the grand finals of the Espy Artist Showdown 2015, which they were crowned champions.
Gordon Koang Duoth
“Gordon Koang is a singer/songwriter originally from South Sudan. Singing his songs in Nuer language, Gordon addresses a large array of topics which include human rights abuses, oppression and marginalisation.
Born blind, but having not let that stop him from spreading his message, Gordon is a self-appointed ambassador for peace and reconciliation, Gordon communicates his message through his soaring vocals and prodigal playing of the Thom and is a proud member of the Asylum Seeker Resource Center.“
The South Sudanese Musical Community
Gordon has curated a YouTube playlist of the most inspirational music from his community in South Sudan.
AT McMillan
“Having called countless cities and town home, AT McMillan is an acoustic singer song/writing.
With a super distinct sound and incredible vocal range and AT has a reputation of captivating audiences wherever she plays. “
Taylah Carroll
She has the most angelic voice and her song writing is crazy good! I really loved her original track ‘Blue’.
Ben Jansz & Lions Eye
This guy is soulful, up-lifting and entertaining as heck! He engages crowds so well – everyone is up and dancing at a Ben Jansz performance. ‘Divine’ can be caught on his upcoming EP, but for now I’ve got a live snippet.
Facades
This band is so tight! They’ve got their own distinctive sound but I really like it how they’re not afraid to branch out into stranger places with their songs. I remember buying their CD and playing it in my car for an entire summer. Brilliant Disguise stood out for me.
