Live Nation's ONES TO WATCH launches in Melbourne w/ Pania, Mitch Santiago, Boy Soda

Capturing the spirited energy of new Australian music, Live Nation is bringing its next ONES TO WATCH showcase to Melbourne for the first time in March. 

Featuring a crop of Australian artists who have been producing some of the country’s most exciting new music, ONES TO WATCH proudly offers its stage and platform to PANIA, MITCH SANTIAGO and BOY SODA

ONES TO WATCH AUSTRALIA has been a huge success for Live Nation since its launch in September 2021 (and launched in the US in 2012). The online global artist discovery platform is the number one destination for local music fans to discover their new favourite artists. The platform showcases rising new talent within Australia, including musicians, bands, and producers, who will be provided with professional support to help kickstart their careers by leveraging Live Nation’s global network. 

The showcase will be held at the brand-new Live Nation HQ in Collingwood on Wednesday 29th March as part of Live Nation’s ongoing live event series. 

ONES TO WATCH first launched in North America in 2017, Ones To Watch grew exponentially in its early years, platforming artists who would go on to become worldwide superstars including Dua Lipa, Halsey, Olivia Rodrigo and more. Expanding into New Zealand, China and Australia by 2021, the project has extended its global reach – the Australian events, comprising the official Ones To Watch launch, their 2022 Sound West and BIGSOUND showcases reached a combined audience of over 4 million.

Paul Lynch, Promoter, Live Nation Australia said:

“Melbourne is one of the live music capitals of the world, and Live Nation looks forward to showcasing three of the most talented, up and coming artists in the country as part of Ones To Watch in Australia's cultural hub. We cannot wait to welcome Pania, Mitch Santiago and Boy Soda to the Ones To Watch program, connecting them with new fans globally, and contributing to the development of their careers,” said Lynch. 

With the inclusion of PANIA, Mitch Santiago, and BOY SODA, Ones To Watch highlights three incredibly unique artists who have been producing excellent music and high energy performances at shows throughout the last 12 months. 

PANIA has emerged as a leader of new Australian R&B, landing on the radars of cultural icons including Tyler, The Creator and Kehlani, while pushing her brand of innovative and empowered lyricism to wider prominence. 

"I'm so gassed to play Ones To Watch alongside Boy SODA and Mitch Santiago", to be a part of the event that's seen artists like Dua Lupa, Halsey and Olivia Rodrigo go before is sick" - PANIA

Perth’s Mitch Santiago, a described teen musical prodigy, has been capturing the attention of many throughout 2022. A talented self taught multi-instrumentalist, writer and producer, Santiago has been elevating indie-pop coming out of WA, landing himself on BIGSOUND’s list of “9 Standout Acts Ready To Explode”, and spreading the joy of his music around the country on his first national headline tour in July of 2022.

‘It’s an honour to be part of Live Nations Ones To Watch program which has supported so many great artists globally. Looking forward to the showcase in Naarm/Melbourne!’ - Mitch Santiago

BOY SODA has consistently been building a reputation for himself as not just a captivating live performer, but a dynamic and inspired young songwriter; blending forward-thinking threads of R&B and hip hop together in a way that has seen his own unique stamp permeate through each record his voice touches. The last two years have been incredibly fruitful for the Sydney-based artist, recently culminating with the release of 2022’s YC-TAPE: Vol 1 project and with 2023 looking to be another busy year for BOY SODA, Ones To Watch is the perfect platform for him to perform.

“Being able to perform live is always something you crave as an artist. You finally get to say what you've expressed in your art, face to face with an audience. There is that tactile element of seeing how the music is felt and received and that's really rewarding to witness. That feeling is forever unmatched and I'm excited to bring the crew to Naarm so that we can play the new mixtape!” - BOY SODA

Live Nation’s Ones To Watch program has seen a plethora of stunning Australian artists participate; showcases in Adelaide, Sydney, Brisbane and the Gold Coast demonstrating the talents of acts including Colourblind, East AV3, Teenage Joans, Hoodzy, Saint Lane, WIIGZ, ZPLUTO, Shanae and E-SHAAN.

Keep up to date with Ones to Watch via their Facebook and Instagram.