1. Transit Inc

Brothers Anthony Cass (vocals and bass) and Mark Cass (vocals and drums) had kicked around in the Sydney music scene since the mid 90’s in a variety of musical projects, paying their dues and honing their skills, but lacking a sound to set them apart from the myriad of bands on the scene. Transit-Inc’s first incarnation came about in 2005, but it wasn’t until they discovered their musical soul mate in Rob Russ (guitar), who helped them re-define how the Cass brothers thought about and engaged with music. Transit-Inc’s current line up emerged and with it, a truly unique sound that is distinct and familiar at once. http://www.myspace.com/transitinc

2. Illicit Eve
Illicit Eve first started as a rock trio in late 2004. Emily Smart and Fliss Freeman are the female leads of the fashionable and enterprising pop-rock duo, whose dexterity on guitar provides a further string to their bow. Some of their achievements include being the State Winners of the 2004 Jim Beam Campus Band Comp, performing at the 2005 Big Day Out, SA Finalists in the 2007 MTV Kickstart your rock career competition, their song ‘Revolution’ swam on Triple J’s ‘Sink or Swim’ and featured in the unearthed show on ABC2. They’ve also supported the likes of Evermore, Betchadupa, Rhubarb&Diesel. http://www.myspace.com/illiciteve

3. Squeaker

First forming in 2002, Squeaker have been likened to acts such as Garbage and Rouge Traders, blending their hooky melodies with a solid rock rhythm section. Past achievements have included having pop song ‘In Your Love’ being a top 10 finalist in the 2006 Music Oz Awards, being chosen as hottest pick in the internet based Toohey’s Extra Dry Uncharted Band Competition 2007 and semi-finalists in the Pure Blonde Winter Rock Wars Band Battle in 2007. http://www.myspace.com/squeakerband

4. The Gronks

Having entered rock n roll with more than a passing glance to heroes like Velvet Underground and the Beatles, the Gronks: 'present a compelling vision of 60's pop - meets post-modern big muff' (NME). But more than vintage guitar pedals made of disposed Russian tank parts, more than recording to 2" tape, even more than a multitude of "duel-fuel" sessions with obscure keyboards, tasty expensive American guitars, wall of sound recording and stacks of energy. http://www.myspace.com/thegronks

5. Bear At The Door
http://www.myspace.com/bearatthedoor

6. Tenbillionyears
Tenbillionyears are a four-piece indie rock outfit based in Sydney. Building on their successful debut EP release in 2005, follow up single ‘Space’ and new radio single release ‘Black Cloak’. Tenbillionyears have received positive reviews in street press and community radio support with earlier release ‘Space’, and are set to continue that trend. http://www.myspace.com/tenbillionyearscom

7. Deadbeat Club

Hailing From Melbourne and evoking the infectious sounds of the sixties surf guitar, Deadbeat Club are ripping up stages in their hometown.
Although compared often to the B52’s, PJ Harvey and the Stooges, chief songwriter and guitarist Fe Porter along with co-conspiritor Jo Gardiner set out to do nothing more than play onstage and have some kicks while they’re at it. They are now complete with the new edition of keyboardist and backup singer Allison O’Callaghan. http://www.myspace.com/deadbeatclubmusic

8. Not Quite Velvet

Forming in 2000, drummer Sam and guitarist Ishan grew tired of formal jazz ensembles and decided it was time to shred. A short time later, in response to the short-notice offer of a paid gig at a large private function, they quickly found bassist Jon. One year, two singers, and numerous gigs later, Alana joined the band and everything fell into place. The band has since played numerous venues and functions, among them, The Metro Transit Lounge, Bar Broadway, The Gaelic Club, The Cat and Fiddle, The Hollywood Hotel and The Glasshouse Bar UTS. http://www.myspace.com/notquitevelvet

9. Reflector
Reflector have been making music together since 2004, impressing audiences with their unique and infectious sound. With a list of influences as varied as Fiona Apple and Kiss, Reflector combine to create an original sound, comprising a mix of melodic piano and guitar driven songs drawing your attention from start to finish.

http://www.myspace.com/reflectormusic

10. Very Unique Existence (VUE)

This rock/power pop four piece from Byron Bay N.S.W are hot right now, with one track ‘Looking Down’ from their just released debut EP already scoring airplay on Triple J. The Very Unique Existence (V.U.E) are Chris Boniface (Drums), Rich Latimer (Guitar/Vox), Mick Harris (Bass), and Wes Seewald (Keys). http://www.myspace.com/thevuerock

11. Cross-Eyed Mary

This Melbourne band first formed in 2001 under the guise of 'Salad Monkey'. The band consists of Troy Denny (guitar), Justin Parker (drums), Shea Denny (bass) and Timothy Hocking (vocals/guitar). After changing their name in 2004, 2007 saw the group gigging around Melbourne supporting Killing Heidi, The Black Sorrows, The Drones and finishing the year off with a three week east coast tour with Melbourne band 'The Basics'.

http://www.myspace.com/crosseyedmarytheband

12. Roymackonkey

ROYMACKONKEY are one of the longest-running, best-loved original groups in the Darwin scene - indeed, 2007 marks their 10th anniversary as a band. Their music is art, it's heavy, it's math, it's prog, it's confronting, it's hard, it's primal, it's big - it's rock. From the emotionally-charged lyrics and imposing vocals of frontman John Coulehan, to the volcanic power of guitarist Darryl Barba, with the rolling thunder of Fletcher Bowman's dynamic drumming and Brian McLeod's articulate, multi-dimensional bass playing - there is no mistaking their sound. http://www.myspace.com/roymackonkey

13. Zenith ASP

Zenith ASP meld influences that range from the John Butler Trio and Ben Harper to Silverchair, into a high-energy & roots driven sound that never fails to keep an audience on their feet. They’ve already had a recent Triple J AWOL win and a support slot with the Hilltop Hoods under their belts before finishing high school.

http://www.myspace.com/zzenith

14. The Conspiracy Plan

Independent Wollongong-based band ’The Conspiracy Plan’, are a new pop-punk/rock group who burst into the local scene 18 months ago.
With tracks such as their rocking crowd favourite ‘Lately’ and pop-punk sing-a-long ‘Roid Rage’, The Conspiracy Plan deliver an energetic, up-beat rock sound that is set to delight. http://www.myspace.com/theconspiracyplan

15. Stellas Kitchen
Stellas Kitchen is energetic original rock with driving beats, raw chunky riffs and a diverse mix of melodies. 4 Romeo brothers are behind the Stellas Kitchen sound and this unique brotherhood connection is instantly felt in their music. With an age span of 15 years, many bands have influenced each brother creating a wide range of styles and genre's to draw upon.

http://www.myspace.com/stellaskitchen

16. A.J. Steel
A.J’s music is predominately a blend of David Bowie and U2 with a heavy Pop influence that is growing a strong following. Where some of the previous tracks have been quite dark, and this emotion is still plays a big part of his styles, this new sound and style is more uplifting.

17 The Estate
Braden and Brendan have been playing music together for over 5 years.
From early acoustic jams at the local park to fronting rock band Pyrite in 2007, they have combined their varied influences to create the delicious slice of pop-rock that is theEstate. With Pyrite currently on hiatus, Brendan and Braden are currently developing the live band version in their purpose built studio at theEstate. http://www.myspace.com/welcometotheestate

18. Ethix
ETHIX is an Alternative/Punk/Rock band formed in mid 2006 from Sydney.Dom(Guitar/MainVocals), Darren(Guitar/Vocals),Anthony(Drums)and Jayson(Bass/ Vocals) are always trying to create songs that reflect their experiences and drawing on influences from different styles of musical background to create a sound that is uniquely ETHIX.
http://www.myspace.com/ethixxx

19. Firehouse
Firehouse has been a band since the beginning of 2007 when Paris (17 yrs old) added his beats to the already existing riffs of Micky (16 yrs old) and Tom (16 yrs old) at the Bondi Wave Music Project. They came second in the Arncliffe Aces Battle Of The Bands competition and were impressive enough to be invited to do a show for Foxtel Television. http://www.myspace.com/sydneyfirehouse