Launched in Australia September 2021, after originally beginning in America in 2017, this Wednesday the next instalment of Live Nation's Ones To Watch programme lands in Melbourne focused on PANIA, BOY SODA and Mitch Santiago.
With The Ones To Watch US alumni including Halsey, Olivia Rodrigo and Dua Lipa, the initiative is a vibrant platform for music lovers to discover their next favourite artist or band.Part of Australia's contemporary R&B surge PANIA has already been clocked by such tastemakers as Tyler, The Creator and Kehlani.
While Mitch Santiago is a self-taught multi-instrumentalist, writer and producer from Perth who released his first single of 2023 'Figure Me Out' earlier month; his 2020 single 'Falling' has been streamed almost 2 million times on Spotify.
BOY SODA has been building momentum with his R&B, hip hop hybrid style since opening for Dominic Fike in LA back in 2019.
"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," Live Nation Australia promoter Paul Lynch says.
"We cannot wait to welcome PANIA, Mitch Santiago and BOY SODA to the Ones To Watch programme, connecting them with new fans globally, and contributing to the development of their careers."
Adds PANIA: "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."
Mitch Santiago Answers
Biggest career highlight to date?The first time I ever heard people singing my lyrics back to me at a gig, and every time since when I hear my lyrics sung back to me in a live context is just always so bloody special to me.
Seeing a song of yours and lyrics you've written from your deepest emotions, thoughts and feelings resonate with a whole crowd of people is truly something else and is always truly, truly magical.
Also signing a management deal with Lemon Tree Music was a dream come true for me. I got home from busking a couple years ago and I said to my dad if I ever want to be managed by anyone, I want to be managed by them, and now here we are a couple years on.
What are you most looking forward to in 2023?
This year I've had the opportunity to take my music overseas to Europe and the UK. It's always been a dream of mine to tour the world, but to have it line-up for me in such early days really baffles me.
Ten-year-old me would have never even imagined it to be a possibility. I am just really excited to see how everything plays out this year, I'm keen to release more music, play more shows, etc.
Crunchy or smooth?
I'm a crunchy typa guy.
Boy Soda Answers
Biggest career highlight to date?To be honest, it always blows my mind that my music is the reason I get to visit different places. I went to London and New York last year, and started this year off in Auckland, all because I like to make MP3s haha. That alone is my highlight.
I love that travelling has become a part of my life and career, and it always ushers in inspiration, or space and peace for me.
What are you most looking forward to in 2023?
Right now, I'm working on something incredible with some of the best artists in the country. It's a project that I've wanted to do for a long time and is a real passion project for me, so I'm excited for that to live and breathe soon.
Who are you listening to right now?
I've been bumping Leon Thomas, Jordan Ward and I circled back to the Frank Endless album and have been listening to that quite religiously (I'm okay btw haha).
Fave TikTok channel?
Honestly it's just filled with vegetarian recipes, interior space ideas and other artists. I find that app exhausting and I hate catching myself dead scrolling, so I don't have a particular one off the top of my head but I love what it can provide to artists on a growth and audience level.
Crunchy or smooth?
Crunchy.
Live Nation's One To Watch 2023 showcase takes place at Live Nation's new Melbourne HQ in Collingwood on 29 March. It is an invite-only event.
