We’ve got one seriously stacked music program for next January. It runs the gamut from Malian blues to Estonian Gregorian chant, next-level cosmic jazz, Tunisian protest music, heart-breaking folk, futuristic footwork, Aussie indie classics and more.

Feeling a touch lost? Our music programmer Stuart Rogers has put together a Spotify playlist for you with a track each from artists on (or represented on) next year’s music program – along with some notes on why you should be excited about each of them.

Hit play on Spotify below and read as you listen, for inspiration. You can check out the full 2018 music program here.

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1. HORIZON - ALDOUS HARDING

“We had Aldous and an accompanist open for Anna Von Hausswolff at Town Hall in 2015 and her performance completely blew me away. Since then, I can’t recall an artist taking such a huge artistic leap between albums. This is my favourite track of the year. I can’t wait to see her playing with a full six-piece band.”

2. NATURAL BLUE – JULIE BYRNE

“Julie’s crystalline voice floors me. Her recorded material is deluxe but for me, it’s the live sphere where she really shines. Check this out.”

3. JOYOUS – SHABAKA AND THE ANCESTORS

“Shabaka is arguably the most prolific musician in London at present and in my opinion is making some of the most forward-looking music out there. Shabaka’s collaboration with South African jazz group The Ancestors is as glorious as it is unique, and will make for a great return after his unforgettable show with The Comet Is Coming at Sydney Festival this past January.”

4. MY GOODNESS – EMMA DONOVAN AND THE PUTBACKS

“We’re stoked to have Emma performing a couple of times in January – with The Putbacks in a tribute to Ruby Hunter, and as part of the Mission Songs Project. Since both are new projects without recorded material I’ve selected my favourite track of Emma’s.”

5. E.V.A. – JEAN-JACQUES PERREY

“Like the man he’s performing a tribute to, Gotye is a scientist of sound. Since topping the charts internationally he’s focused on becoming the world’s leading exponent of a rare vintage synthesizer, the Ondioline. This Perrey track was popularised by a Fatboy Slim remix 20 years ago but the original is still the best. I’m very much looking to hearing Gotye and his Ondioline orchestra’s take on Perrey’s canon.”

6. SIRAN FEN – BASSEKOU KOUYATE AND NGONI BA

“Bassekou’s upcoming Australian debut shows have been years in the making. Nothing like fourth time lucky. A true innovator and a damn funky one at that.”

7. ENSEN DHIAF – EMEL MATHLOUTHI

“Emel’s seamless movement between Western and Arabic modes reminds me of Natasha Atlas, a singer whose work I loved in the 1990s. I’m all about voices - particularly female voices - and Emel’s is the most compelling I’ve heard in a good long time. Her music is direct with a strong, emotional core.”

8. BLACK ORIGAMI – JLIN

“JLIN has been making the most progressive and downright intriguing electronic music out there for a few years now. A thorough original. Her new live AV show is a must see/hear/do in January.”

9. MAD GOOSE – MORRICONE YOUTH (FROM THEIR MAD MAX SOUNDTRACK RE-SCORE)

“I used to love seeing Morricone Youth play when I lived in NYC and dug their East Village Radio show which has now jumped to WFMU. Their driving live score is the only way to see the original and best Mad Max flick. Watch the ride!”

10. OP13 – END - DAVÍÐ ÞÓR JÓNSSON

“This Icelandic bloke is the most charismatic performer I’ve ever seen. Not to mention his chops on the piano and any other instrument you might throw at him.”

11. FLY AWAY – RAHIM ALHAJ

“I’ve always loved the sound of the oud (the 5000-year old precursor to the lute) and Rahim AlHaj’s compositions and playing are exquisite. His live collaboration with his countryman, cellist Karim Wasfi, is brand new and I, for one, can’t wait to experience it in both the intimate Seidler Penthouse and with Emel Mathlouthi at City Recital Hall.”

12. STREETS OF YOUR TOWN – THE GO-BETWEENS

“16 Lovers Lane was my introduction to The Go-Betweens and to hear a trio of the band’s classic era members re-imagine it along with a cast of special guest vocalists will be a Festival highlight. Who knew that the exquisite acoustic guitar solo in this track was performed by the band’s bassist, John Willsteed?”

13. BUEN VIAJE – FÉMINA

“Who’s going to question Iggy Pop’s music taste? The man loves this Patagonian trio and I can’t fault his reasoning. Beautiful, precise, powerful and earnest, he says. Lovely stuff.”

14. HOBUSEMÄNG – MAARJA NUUT

“Maarja’s music is starkly original and her voice is stunning. She’s in the process of recording a new album with Howie B (Björk, U2) producing. So I’d suggest catching her in intimate mode at one of her Seidler Salon Series shows.”

15. TRIO IN B MINOR, TWV 42:H4:1. LARGO – GEORG PHILIP TELEMANN (AS PERFORMED BY GENEVIEVE LACEY, DANIEL YEADON AND NEAL PERES DA COSTA)

“The harpsichord is my favourite instrument and when combined with Genevieve Lacey’s recorders and a chamber organ playing an all-Australian classical repertoire I reckon we’re in for a winner.”

16. MAGISTER PEROTINUS – BEATA VISCERA – VOX CLAMANTIS

“Estonia has a long tradition of both amazing choirs and startling classical composers. 2019 is the 150^th anniversary of the Estonian Song Festival in Tallinn, where a joint choir of more than 30,000 singers will perform. Before that, why not have this Grammy Award-winning vocal ensemble will knock your socks off?”

17. REAL DEATH – MOUNT EERIE

“Devastatingly beautiful. Words fail.”

18. PART 3 – RHYS CHATHAM (FROM A CRIMSON GRAIL, VERSION FOR 200 GUITARS)

“Music of monumental beauty. When you’re done listening to this track go ahead and try on Parts 1 and 2. This is a must see show at Carriageworks in January and if you’re a guitarist yourself, get involved!”

19. ANOTHER ONE FOR THE FIRE (END TITLE) – MORRICONE YOUTH (FROM THEIR NIGHT OF THE LIVING DEAD RE-SCORE)

“Love the Youth. Cue the credits.”

Check out the full 2018 music program here.