Upcoming Brisbane Singers
Here are detailed profiles of some of the rising singers from Brisbane (and nearby QLD) who aren’t yet massive but are doing really interesting work — including Ben Beamish (aka sleepy benjamin), Kieran Stevenson, Jem Cassar Daley, Sara Berki, and a few others. I’ll cover what they’re doing, what makes them unique, what their strengths are, and where things seem to be heading.
1. Ben Beamish / “sleepy benjamin”
• Who is he / alias: Ben Beamish is behind the project sleepy benjamin, which is his creative outlet as a singer songwriter and producer.
• Style / sound:
Beamish is influenced by artists like FINNEAS, CXLOE, NoMBe, RY X, and Labrinth. His style tends toward vocal centric pop, with strong production that often includes organic or earthy textures, as well as emotionally weighty or intimate themes (mental health, kindness, self belief). His songs lean toward moody pop rather than maximal dance energy; part of the appeal is in contrast and subtlety.
• Notable works & achievements:
o Debut single “Tunnel Vision” got early support (for example, showing up in Spotify playlists in Asia, etc.).
o The song was also featured in NYC Times Square billboards. wisemusiccreative.com
o He’s done co writes with other artists (both within Australia and internationally), and sync placements (for example in video games).
• What makes him promising:
o Strong songwriting and emotional honesty. His themes are personal but also universal, which helps in connecting with listeners.
o Production capability: he’s not just a vocalist; he works on production, so has more control over the final sound. That tends to help in an environment where originality matters.
o Early international reach: even if not huge yet in mainstream, he’s already getting exposure beyond Australia (e.g. streaming, playlists, sync licensing). That suggests potential for broader growth.
2. Kieran Stevenson
• Who he is? Brisbane based pop / indie pop singer songwriter. Described often as “glittery pop” with nostalgic overtones.
• Sound & influences:
Kieran’s music draws from the 80s/pop nostalgia, 00s CD single era, and artists like Haim, Muna, Troye Sivan, Bleachers. The production is lush; there’s a “happy sad” lyrical approach, combining emotionally resonant subject matter with uplifting or bright sonic choices. Happy he also studied jazz voice and his songwriting is informed by broad listening histories.
• Key work:
o First debut single “Need Your Love” got attention.
o His debut album After The Call dropped in February 2025. The LP shows a more mature and vulnerable side, exploring his life, feelings, identity. The Music
o He has been active on platforms like triple j, ABC and Unearthed, where his music has been played.
• Strengths:
o Emotional vulnerability: his music doesn’t shy away from “sadness, ominousness” as the reviews say, which gives depth. The Music
o Blend of nostalgia and modernity: people who like pop with texture (retro synths, 80s tones, etc.) plus good lyrics often resonate.
o Artistic identity: the “glittery” style and sensitivity gives him a distinct persona in pop, which is useful.
• Weaknesses / risks:
o For pop artists, sometimes the gap between recording/streaming success and live success (touring, strong shows) can be big; translating the production richness live can be a challenge.
o The pop market is fast moving; sustaining attention post album means follow ups, visuals, live exposure, social media/engagement etc.
• What to expect:
o More touring / local live shows around Brisbane / QLD to build deeper fanbase.
o Possibly more singles, more visual/video work to strengthen identity.
o More mature thematic work as he grows, likely balancing personal voice with broad pop appeal.
3. Jem Cassar Daley
• Who she is: Jem Cassar Daley is an indie pop singer songwriter from Brisbane. Born in 2001. She’s Gumbaynggirr & Bundjalung ancestry. Daughter of country singer Troy Cassar Daley. Though she has musical lineage, she is clearly forging her own style.
• Style / Sound:
o Indie pop, with strong storytelling. Vocals are expressive; her lyrics often explore relationships, identity, growth.
o She doesn’t follow purely country even though of that heritage; her sound is more aligned to pop, singer songwriter, sometimes folk‐tinged.
o There’s emotional vulnerability: songs like “King of Disappointment” are praised for lyricism.
• Achievements / recent momentum:
o Debut single “Letting Go” in 2021, followed by an EP I Don’t Know Who to Call in 2022.
o In 2024, her song “King of Disappointment” won Song of the Year at the Queensland Music Awards. Courier Mail+1
o She’s released other singles in 2025: “Tidal Wave” and “Kiss Me Like You’re Leaving”. Music Feeds+1
o She’s been touring / performing, including sold out shows, support slots, and “Like a Version” covers.
• What makes her special:
o Strong songcraft: the ability to write songs that are catchy but emotionally layered.
o Authentic voice: Her heritage and background come through in storytelling; even if she isn’t purely country, the roots are part of her identity.
o There’s an increasing consistency: more singles, more shows, more recognition (awards, attention). Not just a one song wonder.
• Challenges / things for growth:
o She’s still building a larger national / international fanbase; pop markets outside QLD can be tougher.
o Visual branding, live performance scale, and maybe cross genre collaborations could all help broaden her reach.
• What to keep an eye on:
o Her upcoming tours (e.g. Kiss Me Like You’re Leaving Tour) and how she markets them.
o New singles and how they evolve — whether she pushes more into pop, or leans into more acoustic/intimate territories.
4. Sara Berki
• Who she is: Though born in Bundaberg, raised in the Southern Highlands (NSW), Sara Berki has become one of the rising voices in Australian country music who frequently performs in and around Brisbane, and is strongly connected to the QLD scene.
• Style / Sound:
o Modern country / country Americana: storytelling, sincerity, emotional themes of relationships, life, etc.
o Voice that can move from delicate to strong, capturing both the quieter moments and more powerful ones. Her live performances are often praised. Qld Music Trails
o She also leans into covers / reinterpretations which help draw attention (e.g. her version of Take Me Home, Country Roads at big public events) and viral exposure.
• Achievements / recent momentum:
o In mid 2024, she signed with Warner Music Australia.
o Released several well received songs; has multiple millions of streams; strong video view counts.
o Did her first headline national tour in early 2025: the Fool Me Twice Tour, with shows including Brisbane.
o Recognised via awards: e.g. APRA Professional Development Award for Country/Americana in 2024.
• Strengths:
o Storytelling: strong lyrics, relatable themes. She connects with audiences who like narrative, authenticity.
o Stage presence and live performance ability: being able to both do quieter sets and full band arrangements.
o Good momentum & backing: getting signed, touring, streaming success, recognition.
• Potential challenges:
o Country music has both strong fans and well defined expectations; making sure her music appeals broadly without losing authenticity is always a balancing act.
o Maintaining visibility: although the streaming numbers are good, there’s a lot of competition in the country / Americana space.
• What to expect:
o More singles, and likely more crossovers (maybe more pop or Americana angle) to broaden reach.
o Bigger festival appearances, more national/international exposure.
o Further growth in touring (both bigger venues and more cities).
Other Names / Emerging Artists
While the above are some of the more visible names, there are others in or around Brisbane doing promising work. Two brief mentions:
1. The Beamish Brothers (Ben & Jeremy): they’re more on the acoustic/alt pop/acoustic duo type route. Though they began in Toowoomba, they have connections to Brisbane scene, especially early live spots, events, radio. They emphasise live performance, vocal harmonies, strong songwriting.
2. Hatchie (Harriette Pilbeam)
• Background: Hatchie is Brisbane‐born (Harriette Pilbeam). She started off playing in bands like Go Violets and Babaganouj before launching her solo project “Hatchie.”
• Style & Sound: Dream pop mixed with shoegaze, with ethereal vocals, glossy atmospheres of guitars & synths, sometimes leaning into more dance pop elements. Her voice often floats over layers of sound, with texture and mood being as important as lyric content.
• What’s new / exciting:
1. Her album Liquorice is on the horizon (announced recently as of Sept 2025), which suggests she’s pushing further in her sound, refining her artistic voice.
2. She combines commercial appeal (catchy hooks, strong melodies) with more experimental atmospheres, which allows her to reach both indie/dream pop fans and perhaps broader audiences.
3. Her earlier work already earned critical praise; the emotional depth and texture of her songs make her not just a “nice pop voice” but someone with staying potential.
• Why to watch: Hatchie is further along than “just starting” — she already has momentum and an audience, but this next phase (new album etc.) could broaden her reach a lot. Also, for listeners who like mood + atmosphere in their pop / indie music, she is one of the best coming out of Brisbane.
3. Jet Walker
• Background: Jet Walker is from a regional area (Gympie, QLD), so while not exactly Brisbane, he’s part of the broader Queensland emerging scene. He’s relatively new, making singles in 2024 25.
• Style & Sound: There’s a country / acoustic / folk influence, but with touches of modern production, moodiness, and emotional/her reflective lyrics. Songs like One Last Kiss and City Lights show melancholic tones, smooth vocals over atmospheric/soft arrangements.
• What’s standing out:
1. Blend of genres: He’s taking influences from country, folk, maybe even hip hop or contemporary pop, and mixing them in ways that feel personal. He seems less interested in fitting into one genre.
2. Authenticity: His songs convey personal feeling, rather than just chasing trends. The “quiet melancholy” of City Lights is a good example.
3. Building profile: Being selected for showcases, releasing singles, getting local and streaming exposure. It’s early, but he’s got some traction.
• Why to watch: For people who like emotionally honest, somewhat intimate songwriting, Jet Walker could become more prominent. If he continues releasing, building live experience, the blend of rural & urban sensibilities in his music could give him a distinct niche.
Comparative Takeaways & Patterns
Looking across these artists, some recurring themes emerge:
1. Strong songwriting + authenticity seems to be a marker. Listeners seem to respond well when lyrics feel real, when the artist appears genuine rather than just aiming for commercial polish.
2. Blending genres or not being rigid about style. For example, artists with country roots doing pop; indie pop artists borrowing from ambient, folk, Americana; pop artists borrowing from nostalgic / retro production. This mixing helps differentiate.
3. Importance of live performance + grassroots growth. Songs and streaming help, but many of these artists are building via live shows — small clubs, support slots, festivals, sometimes covers (or big events) to get exposure.
4. Visual and branding identity matter. From their cover artistry, stage presence, social media, photos/videos, touring, choice of singles. Kieran Stevenson’s nostalgic/glittery aesthetic; Sara Berki’s storytelling + performance; Ben Beamish’s multi faceted identity.
5. Recognition & institutions help: Awards (Queensland Music Awards, APRA, etc.), radio (triple j / triple j Unearthed), streaming playlists, touring circuits. These are giving rising artists platforms.
What to Look / Listen For
If you want to get a sense of what the next few years might bring for these artists, here are some suggestions:
• For Ben Beamish / sleepy benjamin: Listen to Tunnel Vision, Spiraling, Absurd, etc., to understand how he is balancing production, lyricism, mood. Check out whether he releases EP/album next, and watch live versions (how much the texture translates live).
• For Kieran Stevenson: Need Your Love, the album After The Call, and live sets. Also watch how the emotionally darker songs are received vs more upbeat ones.
• For Jem Cassar Daley: Check out King of Disappointment, Tidal Wave, Kiss Me Like You’re Leaving. Also her covers (Like a Version) and live appearances. Listening to her earlier EP I Don’t Know Who to Call helps see how she has developed her voice and style.
• For Sara Berki: Her early single Fallin’ Off the Heartline, then newer ones like twice. Also her cover of Take Me Home, Country Roads at big event (the Gabba) is a strong moment. Watching her upcoming tour may give clues as to how big she can become.
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