Photo by Dameeka Middleton

The Sunshine Coast has always had a quietly strong music scene. From coastal indie bands to singer-songwriters building audiences beyond the region, local artists continue to release new music, tour and grow their audiences across Australia.

While plenty of local musos are creating great work under the radar, a handful are starting to build momentum through new releases, live shows and expanding audiences. These are some of the artists currently shaping the local scene.

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Calan Mai

Few Sunshine Coast musicians have built an audience as steadily as Calan Mai. Blending indie folk with atmospheric pop production, his music has reached listeners well beyond the region through streaming, radio and touring.

Behind the project is singer-songwriter Jordan Lawrence, whose songs lean into emotional storytelling and cinematic arrangements that feel both intimate and expansive. With a growing catalogue of releases and an established live presence, Calan Mai continues to represent one of the more polished and internationally minded sounds emerging from the Sunshine Coast music scene.

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Drew Wilson

High-school teacher Drew Wilson brings a sharp sense of melody and lyricism to his music. His songs draw on classic storytelling traditions while remaining grounded in modern indie-folk production.

Whether performing solo or with a band, Wilson’s music connects through honest songwriting and strong hooks.

As new material continues to emerge, he’s part of a growing wave of Sunshine Coast musicians building audiences through both recordings and live shows.

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Billy Howler

Billy Howler leans into a more hypnotic side of the Sunshine Coast music scene, blending indie influences with tribal rhythms and atmospheric production.

His sound sits somewhere between alternative rock and moody, groove-driven songwriting.

But it’s at the shows where Howler’s presence really unfolds, with layered rhythms and immersive arrangements creating a slower, mesmerising pace.

Billy Howler performs across the Sunshine Coast, bringing his hypnotic, groove-driven sound to local stages.

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Beaudi Dwan

Beaudi Dwan brings stripped-back arrangements and a raw, expressive vocal style that lets the songwriting speak for itself.

When he’s not performing his own music, Dwan is often travelling Australia working as an electrician on major tours, supporting some of the biggest names in music including Pink and Metallica.

Back home on the Sunshine Coast, Beaudi Dwan continues to release new material and perform locally, carving out his own place in the region’s music landscape.

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Phil and The Blanks

Phil and The Blanks are known for their explosive live shows, bringing big energy and a genre-blending sound that pulls together hip hop, rock, pop and funk.

Fronted by Connor Hanson, this quartet brings a distinctive visual style to the stage: part fishing gear and part psychedelic chaos.

With a growing catalogue of music and regular appearances on local stages, Phil and The Blanks have built a reputation as one of the Sunshine Coast’s most entertaining live acts.

Looking to book Sunshine Coast musicians for a show, support slot or event?
Get in touch via the YELO artist bookings page

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Discover more Sunshine Coast artists on YELO playlists

Discover the musicians coming out of the Coast right now, from indie songwriters to rising local bands helping shape the region’s music scene.

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Check what’s on this month → Sunshine Coast Gig Guide