Dua Lipa, Halsey, Olivia Rodrigo: what do they all have in common? They all participated in Ones to Watch, Live Nation’s music discovery platform, before they became truly global names.
Following their Ones to Watch performance, Rolling Stone AU/NZ caught up with all three artists to get to know them and their music better, which you can read below.
Blake Rose
Rolling Stone AU/NZ: How does a platform like Ones to Watch help emerging artists like yourself expand their presence?
I think platforms like Ones to Watch allow artists to share their music to the specific niche of people that are hyper-interested in discovering new music. It’s a place where actual music fans can be introduced to artists rather than just your everyday social media user.
Were you familiar with the other artists chosen for the series?
I wasn’t aware of Sophisticated Dingo or Little Green before the series, but I’m really thankful I got to play alongside them. They’re both amazing and I’m stoked to have been introduced to their music!
How does knowing you’re performing for a room of industry and potential newcomers to your music, alter your approach to the live show (if it does)?
It honestly doesn’t alter the setlist that much, but in this particular scenario I tend to play the songs that I feel best showcase my voice and/or writing whilst still retaining a variety of dynamics, lyrical content and tempo in the set.
Is there a particular artist you sthink should be included in Ones to Watch next?
I think Chris Lanzon! He’s incredible. His music is amazing!
What artist who’s previously taken part in Ones to Watch do you look at and go, ‘I want that kind of future success’?
Why not just shoot for the stars and say Olivia Rodrigo?!
What has it meant for you to be part of this event, and what is one thing you’re looking forward to next?
My ultimate dream in building my career is that my home country of Australia is supportive of me and included in my journey as an artist. I feel like being a part of this series has really helped to continue making me feel welcomed into the industry here at home, which I appreciate so much.
I feel honoured to be amongst so many talented artists who have taken part previously. Going forward, I’m really looking forward to staying on the road as much as possible. I love touring and it’s all I want to do. I’m also working on so much new music which I’m really excited for people to hear.
When it comes to new art and the direction you’re heading in, what’s exciting you the most about your future?
When I play with my band live, a lot of the songs tend to lean quite rock which I really dig. As a result, I’ve started exploring that feel on a deeper level and ending up with some music that is a little more heavy, but I really, really enjoy making it. I think when I start releasing that style of music I’m going to have so much fun playing it live !
Sophisticated Dingo
How does a platform like Ones to Watch help emerging artists like yourself expand their presence?
We see it as an opportunity to show who we are and how we have embraced our influences in shaping the sound of Sophisticated Dingo. We have grown up being heavily inspired by early 2010s Australian guitar music. To think we are the lucky ones who act as purveyors of this sound so special to us to the rest of the world on a global stage is amazing.
Were you familiar with the other artists chosen for the series?
No, not at all. It really is a diverse and eclectic mix of artists. It was great to be exposed to performances we otherwise would have been unlikely to stumble across.
How does knowing you’re performing for a room of industry and potential newcomers to your music alter your approach to the live show (if it does)?
We find it exciting to play to a new audience as it is our chance to offer them a first impression of Sophisticated Dingo. There is no change to any setlist as we strive to put our absolute all into every show on every stage that we are lucky enough to play.
Is there a particular artist you think should be included in Ones to Watch next?
The Tullamarines are a great band from Adelaide that I think would definitely suit. They are an indie rock quartet that are creating a diverse and inviting discography in the band’s infancy as all four members are fantastic songwriters. All this fails to mention that they are also downright great people too. They really are the complete package.
What artist who’s previously taken part in Ones to Watch do you look at and go, ‘I want that kind of future success’?
I saw Dua Lipa on the list of Ones to Watch alumni. I think that level of stadium-filling prowess would be a great look for Dingo.
What has it meant for you to be part of this event, and what is one thing you’re looking forward to next?
It means a lot. Being from Melbourne we know that everyone who is worth their crust is out there gigging across the city every night. It really is such a vibrant and strong scene that it is an honour to represent our hometown on a global stage. We owe a massive thank you to Live Nation and Vodafone for providing us this opportunity.
When it comes to new art and the direction you’re heading in, what’s exciting you the most about your future?
We are forever creating through embracing the world around us, how we fit into it and allowing that to flow through what we write, listen to and perform. The opportunity to document our evolving world and own lives through song and feeling is forever exciting.
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Little Green
How does a platform like Ones to Watch help emerging artists like yourself expand their presence?
Ones to Watch is is like your best friend/hype man. Being supported by the platform is the coolest way of being introduced to the music industry, meet new fans and say hey this is who I am.
Were you familiar with the other artists chosen for the series?
I wasn’t but I am glad I got to discover them through Ones to Watch.
How does knowing you’re performing for a room of industry and potential newcomers to your music alter your approach to the live show (if it does)?
Nothing changes too much but I guess it was a bit like going on a blind date… I just played what I felt were my best songs, opened up to the room and hoped to find some music soulmates.
Is there a particular artist you think should be included in Ones to Watch next?
Chloe Dadd is killing it right now.
What artist who’s previously taken part in Ones to Watch do you look at and go, ‘I want that kind of future success’?
Olivia Rodrigo.
What has it meant for you to be part of this event, and what is one thing you’re looking forward to next?
It felt really validating to be part of Ones to Watch. I am excited to start next year with new music and tour with the confidence buzz this experience has given me.
When it comes to new art and the direction you’re heading in, what’s exciting you the most about your future?
I’m excited to keep honing my craft as a songwriter/producer and connecting with new people that resonate with my music. I’ve just finished a bunch of the most honest and revealing songs I have ever made and I am curious to see what people think. Also super excited to go on tour again.
