A taste of Western Sydney’s music scene By Dania Roumieh & Jostina Basta SYDNEY, AND PARTICULARLY ITS WEST-END IS BECOMING A THRIVING AND EVOLVING HUB OF TALENTED MUSICIANS, FULFILLING MUSICAL APPETITES WITH A DIVERSITY OF GENRES THAT MATCHES ITS DIVERSITY OF PEOPLE. Don’t sleep on our Western Sydney and local Sydney artists, otherwise, you’ll be missing out on some great tracks that’ll keep you through the dreadful shuttle bus rides to your classes, or even better - finding parking at Parramatta South campus. Allow editors Dania Roumieh and Jostina Basta to take you on a melodic journey through Western Sydney’s music scene, giving you a unique taste of some of their artists. Get your iTunes or Spotify app ready to download some fresh new tracks, infused with some sweet and soulful R&B, and a mix of energetic and lively hip-hop, rap and afro-beats.
THANDIWE GUDU (MS. THANDI) 22/ ZIMBABWEAN & SOUTH AFRICAN @THQNDI
Have a listen to: 1. HUNNY 2. DEMONS 3. On The Table
What got you into the music scene? “My dad’s a musician, so music has always been a huge part of my life, and it’s been only natural for me to continue making music into adulthood. I’ve honestly been writing music, singing and performing since I was a kid. So when I finished high school I jumped right into any opportunity that came my way and in 2019 I decided to pursue a career as a solo artist.” How would you best describe your music style? “My music style is hugely influenced by Old School Soul, R&B and Hip-Hop genres. I like to take elements of Old School composition and put my own spin on it, and some electronic elements.” What are the top 3 artists that you get your inspiration from? “Today, I’d say Erykah Badu, Alicia Keys and Anderson Paak.” What do you hope to see in the Western Sydney music scene in the next 5 years? “I’d like to see a thriving R&B and Hip-Hop scene that celebrates the diversity and real talent of what’s on offer - not just tokenistic diversity. I’d also like to see more opportunities for the many artists on the come up. There’s so much amazing underground music yet to be embraced by the wider community. I feel like so many people aren’t aware of all the damn good sh*t coming out of this country!”
LAANI JANSEN 21 / SRI LANKAN & DUTCH @LAANIJ
What got you into the music scene? “My Dad was a big musician in Sri Lanka and continued music when he came to Australia, so I’ve been immersed in music from a young age and I’ve just loved it as long as I can remember.”
Have a listen to: 1. SURRENDER
How would you best describe your music style? “I find it hard to describe my music style because I like so many styles but I’d say I mostly sing soul/R&B music as well as pop/punk.”
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