Sounds Like Gold

WORDS: Glenn Tozer PHOTOGRAPHY Simone Gorman Clark

Gold Coast artists shine at HOTA with a stellar all-local festival line-up on the first day of winter

What better way to bring you Ocean Road’s music update than through the lens of a music festival entirely featuring Gold Coast talent? On the first official day of winter, HOTA’s Sounds Like Gold served up a warm, all-local line-up that was as diverse as it was impressive.

Electric Daisies set the scene with infectious energy — Jessie and Rachel blending decks and violin to deliver upbeat covers, delighting the many young families soaking up the sunshine. Soon after, audiences got their first taste of renowned beatboxer and MC Tom Thum. With over 70 million YouTube views to his name, his on-stage presence was nothing short of electric.

Electric Daises

Young rocker Parker kicked off the originals with ‘Local Paradise’, referencing Palm Beach’s 19th Ave and the 765 bus, earning a knowing nod from the local crowd. His nostalgic spin on A-ha’s ‘Take On Me’ had parents joyfully singing along.

Parker

Next came Emily Grace Taylor, formerly San Mei, now transformed into a rising alt-country star. Her rich vocals and easy charm had young girls dancing in boots and broad smiles. Beckah Amani followed with her signature blend of afro-folk and soul, offering heartfelt lyrics and irresistible rhythms. Her standout track, ‘I Don’t Know Why I Don’t Leave You’, left a deep impression on first-time listeners.

As evening fell, indie-rock outfit Girl and Girl lifted the tempo with their punk-tinged melodies and emotionally charged lyrics. Their single ‘Dance Now’ was a perfectly timed call to action as the temperature dropped, with the lead singer’s raw, vibrato-heavy vocals adding an edge that confirmed why they’re gaining international attention.

Girl and Girl

Border-town rapper JK-47 brought lyrical sharpness and a powerful message to the stage. While his style might’ve surprised some of the older crowd, his storytelling and poetic delivery were undeniable. A future performance backed by a live band could elevate the experience even further.

JK-47

Finally, headliners Hollow Coves took to the stage under a canopy of lights. Despite global success — billions of streams and sold-out shows across Europe and the US — the Currumbin-based duo still fly under the radar locally. Frontman Ryan joked, “If you haven’t heard of us, one of your friends has probably used our track ‘Coastline’ on an Instagram reel.” Between tour dates, the band has been quietly recording new material just beyond the Eco Village.

Hollow Coves

As the night came to a close, the crowd gathered for a heartfelt singalong to ‘Photographs’, followed by a short encore that wrapped the event in warm applause. Sounds Like Gold proved not only that the Gold Coast has world-class musical talent — but that winter, too, can shine bright.