Kaiit’s Top Three Rising Australian R&B Stars

Singer-songwriter Kaiit has shouted out three up-and-coming R&B Australian artists she thinks people should keep an eye out.

Kaiit will bring her honeyed vocals, magnetic spirit, and blend of neo-soul, hip-hop and R&B to BIGSOUND next month with two performances across the three-day schedule.

While acknowledging Australia is “so deeply abundant and filled with world class musicians and creatives”, ahead of the showcase, she has shared the artists she would most love to see on a future lineup.

Emma Volard

Melbourne-based singer-songwriter Emma Volard’s debut album “Diety” (released in 2022) is a record of tensions, caught in the push-pull between light and shade, joy and sorrow, chaos and order. She has described it as a “revolt against oppressors, particularly those in the music industry — an f-you to anyone who tries to tear us down”.

It’s a statement of profound artistic intent: a 12-part journey of self-expression and hard-won self-determination that combines the classic and the cutting edge to build something sleek and new.

In 2024, Volard released “Alibi”, which sees them confidently step into their own sonic world.

Kaiit said: “Looove Emma! Such a soul-filled voice and spirit. There’s a super colourful & playful energy I get when I listen, and very distinctive voice, I’ll always be able to tell when she’s singing. AND the LYRICS!!! Chefs kiss.”

Jamaica Moana

Maori/Samoan arists Jamaica Moana is a trailblazer. She is intensely proud of where she comes from, reflected in her new track released this year, “LIVIN’ OUT WEST”, which pays homage to the community in Sydney’s West, while also showcasing her fierce talents as a rapper.

“I’m extremely proud to be from The West. It’s a beautifully diverse melting pot of cultures, with a plethora of connections to home as diasporic people,” she has said of the single.

The track features on the recently released album Bud & Deni, which speaks to the unique tapestry woven together by multiple aspects of her life, elements of navigating identity, and finding a place in the world.

Kaiit said: “Talk about ancestral powerhouse. Jamaica is one of the first rappers I saw in this country, and has a presence that demands your attention both on and off stage.”

Jordan Dennis

Also Melbourne-based, Jordan Dennis’ reputation grew quickly within his hometown. He made a name for himself last year as the frontman for fellow R&B/neo-soul artist Billy Davis.

From his debut solo release in 2018, “Crumbs” feat. Blasko, harder-hitting follow-ups in “Glide Freestyle”, “Doc Marty” and “The Link”, he has evolved with fierce lyrics. Dotted between, Dennis has also appeared on tracks by POLOSHIRT, 3K, ThatKidMaz, Dugong Jr, Tentendo, and ongoing works with Billy Davis.

Kaiit said: “Bars for WEEKS, produces, he’s starting to get into his singing bag more which I’m hype for, but one thing that always stands out to me about Jordan is his word articulation with the beat tempos he be sitting on, crystal clear enunciation! Smooooth with it.”

BIGSOUND 2025 will feature over 130 bands, 100 industry speakers, 70 conference sessions and workshops, and 18 stages in Brisbane’s Fortitude Valley at the start of the month.

Other artists on the lineup include emerging talent from Australia and Aotearoa, including Hatchie, Heyzuko!, Flamingo Pier, Ringlets, and George Alice.

Meanwhile, former triple j Music Director Richard Kingsmill; DJ, producer and NLV Records owner Nina Las Vegas; Vinyl Group CEO Josh Simons; and Goldenvoice’s Rene Contreras, curator of the Sonora Tent at Coachella, are among the industry heavyweights confirmed to speak.

The full program is available here.