Five unmissable acts at Laneway's Block Party 2018

As if Laneway 2018 wasn't exciting enough, with a stellar lineup including Anderson .Paak and Billie Eilish, the recently announced I OH YOU BLOCK PARTY is set to take the party to a whole new level. Taking place within the broader festival in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane and Fremantle, the I Oh You Block Party will recreate the spontaneous, intimate vibe that pays tribute to the first Laneway parties that cropped up in Melbourne around 2004 and evolved into the juggernaut we know and love today.

Block Party will be hosted by Red Bull Music and I OH YOU and the line up varies for each city. However, every edition will include some of our favourite up-and-comers across electronic music and hip-hop, as well as memorable DJ sets. Here are our picks for what is sure to be one of the highlights of this year's festival season:

Haiku Hands

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During the months since the release of their debut single 'Not About You', electro-hip hop collective Haiku Hands have built a reputation as a killer live act. Their energetic performances, dynamic production and charming lyrics will make you fall in love with Haiku Hands, and the prospect of hearing unreleased material will no doubt draw a huge crowd at the Block Party.

Dameeeela

Currently making a name for herself as a DJ and host on Brisbane's 4ZZZ, Dameeeela played at Listen Out alongside Miss Blanks, and is set to turn the heat up on the inaugural Block Party. Dameeeela incorporates aspects of dance and EDM into her electronic sets, but her main area of expertise is hip-hop. With a retro feel and a whole lot of attitude, she's playing shows all over Brisbane including the regular Wavey nights, whipping crowds into a frenzy with her eclectic sets. We can't wait to see what she brings to the stage.

Jesswar

Having dropped a monster track last year in with 'Savage', Jesswar is tipped to have a big year in 2018, and what better way to kick off a massive twelve months than this?! We personally can't wait to see crowds screaming back at her the hook for her breakout single, "I'm a savage, I'm a cunt, so all the bad bitches please move to the front," and get another taste of her infectious energy. She's worked hard for years now, so it's truly exciting to see her finally getting the recognition she deserves in the music scene. If you haven't had the chance to see her yet, this is the perfect place to do it.

Basenji

Although he hasn't released new music in a minute, Sydney producer Basenji is beloved on the festival circuit thanks to his heaving live performances and catchy bangers. Classic tracks like 'Heirloom' demonstrate his innovative, memorable style, while his new releases in 2017 saw the young producer turn a new page in his sonic journey. Sure to be a rich and diverse set, Block Party is the perfect setting to show off all that's great about Basenji.

B Wise

Sydney's B Wise is the epitome of the new wave of Aussie hip hop, spitting smooth raps over slick production, as well as performing infectious live shows. B Wise's latest, 'Feel Something' is a banging statement of intent, and he will get the chance to show he means what he says on the Block Party stage.

MELBOURNE

Basenji – Haiku Hands – Jesswar – Lucy Cliche – Otologic – UV boi – Willaris. K

SYDNEY

Andy Garvey – Basenji – B Wise – Haiku Hands – Jesswar – Wiki – Willaris. K

BRISBANE

Basenji – Dameeeela – Haiku Hands – Jesswar – UV boi – Wiki – Willaris. K

FREMANTLE

CC:DISCO! – Feels – Jesswar – Kevin Parker (DJ set) – Reef Prince – Wiki

LANEWAY FESTIVAL 2018

Saturday 27 January - Singapore - The Meadow, Gardens by the Bay

Monday 29 January - Auckland - Albert Park Precint

Friday 2 February - Adelaide - Hart's Mill, Port Adelaide (16+)