The acts to watch in 2017, according to I OH YOU's Johann Ponniah

I OH YOU founder and all round good bloke, Johann Poniah, is a dude who knows what he's talking about when it comes to artists to watch. Just one glance at the I OH YOU roster and you'll find some of the country's most popular bands, ones that when he jumped on board, hardly anyone knew. Bands like Violent Soho, DMA's and City Calm Down are household names, and even recent signings like Jack River and Green Buzzard are already on the verge.

With that in mind, and with Red Bull's Sound Select monthly showcase returning in 2017 to Sydney's Paddington Church this January 27 (which is curated by Ponniah along with Laneway Festival's Travis Banko and FBi Radio), we figured why not get some inside info from one of the best in the biz on who to keep our ears on this year. Read on below, and catch one of them (Kelsey Lu, pictured above) along with fellow hot properties Jack Grace and Bec Sandridge this Friday for the measly sum of $3 (just make sure you RSVP).

WIKI:

Wiki is the fucking man! The lead MC from the NYC-based outfit Ratking, he’s preparing his first solo release via XL that will drop later this year. In my opinion, he’s one of the most exciting up-and-coming talents in hip hop.

DESSERT:

These guys are definitely getting a solid work out in our office, we’ve been absolutely rinsing their first single releases on our stereo. Fantastic and intelligent pop tunes, if this is the start… I can’t wait to see where they take their music in 2017.

KELSEY LU:

I’m slightly biased when it comes to Kelsey Lu because we tour her in Australia but she’s absolutely too good to pass up on this list. An incredibly talented cellist, whose vocal performance is equally as strong. The way she’s able to craft songs through looping her cello and vocal harmonies really puts her out in front of many. Without a doubt someone to keep an eye on this year.

FORTH WANDERERS:

My friend Jamie signed these guys to his label Marathon Artists (Courtney Barnett, Jagwar Ma etc) and sent me their tunes around mid last year. I’ve honestly not been able to stop listening to them since. Super chill, guitar driven indie tunes that kinda remind me of all the best parts of the music I grew up on.