Island Records Launches Inaugural NOW & NEXT Showcase [Video]

Peach PRC, Baker Boy and Vera Blue were among the homegrown stars on hand for the inaugural NOW & NEXT showcase, presented ahead by Island Records Australia in the lead-in to ARIA Week.

All told, 10 artists showcased for the industry gathering at Market Canopy at the Entertainment Quarter, Moore Park last Friday, November 15th, an initiative dedicated to “discovering, signing, and developing the country’s brightest musical talent,” reps say.

Also taking the mic for the day-long event were recent signings Bella Mackenzie, Ben Swissa, Hellcat Speedracer, Jack Gray, Luca George, REDD, plus Charlie Collins.

There’s no argument: Australia’s music community is struggling. Breaking an artist in a streaming landscape with 100 million competing songs, a figure that’s growing exponentially, has never been tougher — or riskier.

During the 2024 AAM Awards, Maggie Collins, executive director of the trade body, unveiled “Michael’s Rule,” one potential solution to the discoverability problem …