The annual winter pilgrimage to one of Australia’s biggest festival is nearly upon us.

Splendour In The Grass takes place from 18 July – 21 July this year, and it’s looking like it’ll be a huge one. Headliners include James Blake, SZA, Chance The Rapper and even our own Tame Impala. There’s also a host of local acts, along with a wide range of talks, cultural events and even some art and craft. Whether you’re looking to see an old favourite or wanting to discover something new, here’s a list of must-see acts that will be sure to impress.

Childish Gambino

Obviously! The ultimate slashie, Donald Glover is known for his acting, rapping, producing, directing, writing and DJing. He announced early last year that he plans to retire the Childish Gambino moniker, and although he confirmed he was working on other musical projects this may be one of our last chances to see Childish Gambino tracks live. Expect a packed out Ampitheatre for his set on Saturday night.

Top Track: This Is America

Maribou State

British duo Maribou State specialise in chill electronic beats that can only be described as ‘lush’. Their 2018 album ‘Kingdoms In Colour’ is full of wandering, layered musical landscapes that are super easy to get lost in. If you’re looking for a good way to warm up on Saturday night, they play the Mix Up stage at sunset.

Top Track: Glasshouses

Hayden James

Having just released his debut album, Hayden James is at the top of his game right now. With extensive touring history and a well-curated discography, he’ll be sure to impress with his new songs. Here’s hoping he brings his new lighting set up with him to Byron as well. You can catch Hayden James on Friday evening in the Ampitheatre.

Top Track: Remember You (ft Elderbrook)

Santigold

Santigold is one of the best acts to come out of the 2000-2010 electronic pop phase. The American singer and producer has collaborated with everyone from Diplo and Drake to Karen O of the Yeah Yeah Yeahs. You would have heard her music in loads of 2000s TV shows and movies, such as The Hills and 90210. Don’t miss her set on Friday night in the Ampitheatre, straight after Hayden James.

Top Track: Disparate Youth

Hatchie

Brisbane artist Hatchie has been on the rise since 2017, when she released her debut single Try. She’s no stranger to the stage, however, having been the vocalist for indie rock band Babaganoüj since 2011. Splendour will be one of her first shows since her debut album under the Hatchie moniker, ‘Keepsake’, was released. With rave reviews from publications all over the world, it will be worth making it to her early Friday afternoon slot in the GW McLennan tent.

Top Track: Obsessed

KIAN

Last year’s Triple J Unearthed High winner KIAN has been working hard since his win. At just 16, his tracks have taken him to the top of Spotify playlists and the ARIA charts. His debut EP ‘BLISS’ was released in May, and has rightfully drawn comparisons to acts like Khalid and Ruel. See him in action early on Sunday afternoon on the Mix Up stage.

Top Track: Waiting

Kwame

Last year’s Triple J Unearthed Splendour slot winner is back again, and if his set is anything even close to what we saw last year we’re in for a treat. Hailing from Western Sydney, Kwame found his feet in the rap game after being pulled up on stage by A$AP Ferg in 2016. In 2018 he put Wow up on Triple J Unearthed, and came out as their Artist Of The Year. Make your way into the pit for his mid-Saturday-arvo set at the Mix Up stage.

Top Track: Wow

Moaning Lisa

Moaning Lisa are hotly tipped to be the ‘next big thing’ in Australia’s rock scene, and it’s easy to see why. The Canberra band are full of angst-driven grunge tracks straight out of the early 90s. After a big year of touring, they’ve come close to perfecting their raucous rock set. Loosen up with them on Saturday at their lunchtime set in the GW McLennan tent.

Top Track: Carrie (I Want A Girl)

Georgia is the Managing Editor of Blitz. She is a Journalism/Law student with a passion for all things music and culture. When she’s not at a gig, you can find her watching NCIS and tagging her housemates in memes. Her go-to coffee is a skim mocha. Follow her on Twitter and Instagram.