10 talented local artists will play at two West End venues next month to show off their sound for industry heavyweights and punters. Here’s who’s playing.

From folk singer-songwriters to feminine punk, a range of SA talent will be on show at Jive and Nexus Arts on Friday, August 2 as part of MusicSA’s Scouted program.

The Scouted program supports unsigned South Australian-based artists and bands that write original music, culminating in a showcase where they play for indie record labels and managers as well as punters. 

Fresh off the WOMAD stage earlier this year, folk band Bromham, NSS Academy graduate singer-songwriter Sofia Menguita and Pop R&B musician Lizzie Hosking will play Scouted.

Bjéar, an experimental artist who plays with genres from folk to electronic will also take the Scouted stage ahead of releasing his third LP later in 2024. 

Ngarrindjeri artist Jono Stier, known as Eskatology is featured on the lineup. Having released four albums, two EPs and a couple of mix tapes, his music addresses socio-political themes and has earned recognition among artists including American rapper Xzibit.

Carving her name in a genre of bubble grunge, dreamy pop singer effie isobel is on the lineup. You might recognise her debut single “Lip Balm” which features ethereal guitar synths and a gritty rhythm section that landed it on CityMag’s Best New Music column upon release last year.

My Chérie

My Chérie will use the Scouted stage to showcase a new sound and look from her upcoming debut album, with a full 6-piece band joining her to mix alternative and indie pop, RnB and rock. Her lyrics are emotive, covering topics like changing cultures as an Afrikaans artist, sexuality and ADHD diagnosis.

All female punk band known for tracks like “misogynistic prick” and other tales of patriarchy and mental health, Pest Control will take the stage. If grimy 90s nostalgia is more your thing, Placement has got you with their sound celebrating guitar through expansive storytelling.

Indie pop-rock trio The Mondays, helmed by Peter Spiniello, bassist Mia Neale, and Drummer Tavis O’Hazy Robertson, round out the 10th slot, who you may recognise from opening for Teenage Joans and Pinkish Blu. 

Placement. This picture: Nash Blight

In addition to playing in the Scouted showcase, these artists receive training in stagecraft, developing an electronic press kit and delegate passes to attend Indie-Con and the 2024 Australian Independent Record Awards. 

MusicSA CEO Christine Schloithe says because Scouted is connected to the national conference that takes place in Adelaide, it attracts prominent industry representatives like record labels and managers. 

“Scouted grows every year, and every year more delegates make the time to see our brilliant emerging talent,” she says. 

“It can be a vital launchpad for artists that are ready to break through and be noticed.” 

Scouted is playing at Jive and Nexus Arts on August 2, with tickets for the gig just $20 and available via Moshtix. Scouted is an 18+ event. 

Pirlta’s got tickets. Do you? Illustration by Angus Smith.