Underground Playlists: New Music From Emerging Talent Medhanit, Charlie Hanrahan & More

23 May 2023 | 2:39 pm | Emma Whines

Underground Playlists are back and better than ever, thanks to the legends at Mountain Goat Beer. In fact, we’ve decided to pick out our favourite tracks each week and share them with you, so you can get to know the best of the bunch and keep your finger on the pulse. Here are this week's top picks for our Underground Playlists...

LtoR: Joan & The Giant, Charlie Hanrahan, Seph Cove, Medhanit, Down and Out

LtoR: Joan & The Giant, Charlie Hanrahan, Seph Cove, Medhanit, Down and Out (Supplied)

More Down And Out More Down And Out

Charlie Hanrahan (VIC)

I’m Good, I’m Rich

A complete newcomer to the scene, Charlie Hanrahan has blown us away with his unique and inspiring number, I’m Good, I’m Rich, inspired by the likes of Little Simz, Goldlink, Kendrick and more. Exotic beats lay the bed for Hanrahan’s cheeky vocals and interesting lyrics to come out, front and centre. Well-produced and thought-out, Hanrahan has mastered the art of making the track just weird enough that it keeps you coming back for seconds and thirds but never pushes you so far off the edge that you’re lost. Cyclical, catchy and complex, I’m Good, I’m Rich is definitely one to show your friends and then act like a gatekeeper when the track inevitably blows up. 

Down and Out (SA)

Paper Skin

Don't miss a beat with our FREE daily newsletter

Adelaide’s Down And Out has dropped a new rager, Paper Skin, to cure our ferocious appetite for Aus pop-punk. The track kicks off with the fiery vocals of Luke Ganeo before creating an eclectic soundscape that fuses distinctive guitars with fluctuating synth leads. Lyrically, the song dissects the importance of communication and how the lack thereof can be a disaster that ends in a lot of pain. This is definitely a song that can be added to your emo/pop-punk playlists alongside Fall Out Boy, Panic! At The Disco, and Yours Truly.

Medhanit (QLD)

Cold

After teaming up with Holy Holy to cover Post Malone's Sunflowers for triple j’s Like A Version, Medhanit is back on her own wave with Cold, a fun and exciting bop that dips a toe in a club dance scene. Previously sticking to a slower, more subdued version of indie pop, Medhanit has flipped the switch as Cold wiggles its way onto the dancefloor, where a sassier, more outspoken version of the singer shines. It’s a refreshing take that really suits her, and it’s always fun to see up-and-coming talent spread their wings and tackle a new speed - although not everyone’s first attempt works out as sweet as Medhanit’s.

Seph Cove (VIC)

Give Me A Reason

Angelic singer/songwriter Seph Cove is back with new single Give Me A Reason, which is sonically stunning, to put it bluntly. Reaching deep into the soul, Cove has written a song that is as relatable as it is tragic. Using vocal editing that mimics the iconic song Hide and Seek by Imogen Heap, Cove has given his track this extra melancholy oomph that truly tugs at the heartstrings. Staying close to his acoustic/folk background, Cover also adds small other pop elements that make all the difference and bring the song together, creating a true masterpiece.

Joan & The Giant (WA)

Cool Kid

Indie-pop outfit Joan & The Giants have released their exciting new single, Cool Kid, off the back of their super successful debut EP, Me & You. The track is super fun with smashing drums and classic indie rock riffs, but the true highlight is frontwoman Grace Newton-Wordsworth, whose emotion-filled vocal delivery sets this song apart from the rest. While the track was created off the pain and confusion that Newton-Wordsworth felt when she revealed that she was Bisexual, it's an anthem for anyone who has ever felt a little bit different in their life - and who can’t relate to that? 

You can listen to all of our Underground Playlists here.