Newcastle Next Puts the Future of Local Music on Stage

Stomp!

The next generation of Newcastle’s music scene is ready to turn up the volume.

On Wednesday 18 March from 5–9pm at The Exchange, Hamilton, the Newcastle Fringe Festival, presented in partnership with the National Music Academy, will shine a spotlight on school-aged musicians in Newcastle Next - an all-ages, alcohol-free showcase designed to give emerging artists a professional festival platform.

Across a series of high-impact 20-minute sets, audiences will experience everything from grunge and progressive metal to indie pop and classic rock-inspired performance - proof that the region’s young artists aren’t waiting their turn; they’re stepping up now.

Among them are JETLAG, loud, raw and relentless teen grunge rockers who took out Bandwidth 2025 and have spent the past year building serious momentum on local stages. Returning after performing at Newcastle Next last year, they’re now gearing up to release their debut single and music video - a clear sign their trajectory is only heading upward.

Brand new five-piece 5 Volts, formed in January, embody the spirit of discovery. Aged just 14 and 15, they switch instruments mid-set and draw influence from The Beatles to Green Day, blending old-school classics with contemporary edge.

From the Hunter School of Performing Arts comes Glycerine, a high-energy five-piece channelling the punch and polish of 90s rock icons, delivering guitar-driven sets with confidence and chemistry well beyond their years.

For those drawn to heavier sounds, progressive metal trio Dreamcore bring intricate riffs, tight rhythms and focused songwriting inspired by bands like Dream Theater and Tool - demonstrating technical precision rarely seen at such a young age.

Thirteen-year-old singer-songwriter Laila Michelini offers a different energy again. A multi-instrumentalist who has performed since the age of four, she was named a Triple J Unearthed Artist Pick in 2025 and is now mentored by renowned Australian music manager John Watson. Blending pop, R&B and indie influences, her songwriting reveals emotional depth and striking maturity.

Also taking the stage are high-energy four-piece Anunnaki, sibling band Indelible - known for their polished, crowd-pleasing performances and rock-driven five-piece STOMP, all contributing to a lineup that reflects both diversity of genre and strength of emerging talent.

“Newcastle Next is about creating real opportunities,” says the Fringe Chair Brooke Twyford. “With the support of the National Music Academy, we’re giving young artists the chance to perform in a professional festival environment, build confidence and connect with audiences. It’s inspiring to see the depth of talent coming through.”

Newcastle Next is inclusive, alcohol-free and open to audiences of all ages - an opportunity for families, friends and music lovers to experience together, the future of the region’s live music scene, right now.

Event Details:

Newcastle Next at Newcastle Fringe Festival

Wednesday 18 March, 5–9pm

The Exchange, Hamilton

All ages | Alcohol free

BOOK NOW: newcastlefringe.com.au