Live Nation’s ‘Ones To Watch’ Returns to Tuning Fork this September

Live Nation’s Ones To Watch returns to Auckland’s Tuning Fork on Wednesday 23 September, bringing together a fresh lineup of some of Aotearoa’s most exciting rising artists for the latest instalment of the emerging artist showcase.

The latest Ones To Watch lineup shines a light on Heidi Simpson, Dawson and Fables, three exciting emerging acts bringing fresh energy and distinct sounds to the stage.

Heidi Simpson writes dream-pop soundtracks for a life you’re already nostalgic for, pairing earworm hooks and dreamy textures with heartfelt, cinematic songwriting. After going solo in 2023, Simpson has built momentum through a string of releases, with her first three singles landing on major Spotify and Apple Music editorial playlists. Her debut 11-track album is set for release later this year, with single Letting Love Die surpassing 120,000 streams.

Dawson is the Jazz House project of New Zealand producer Ethan Jupe, blending slick, organic house production with the soulful romance of soft jazz. Inspired by artists including berlioz, Dublon, Tour-Maubourg and St. Germain, Dawson has amassed more than 15 million global streams and is now expanding his project with Need To Feel, a new club night bringing house music DJs to dancefloors across Aotearoa and Australia.

Fables is the project of Tāmaki Makaurau songwriter Jessica Bailey, whose intimate folk songwriting meets the expansive sounds of alt-country and Americana. Drawing inspiration from artists including Gillian Welch, Laura Marling and Adrianne Lenker, Fables transforms the highs, lows and everyday details of life into economical, arresting narratives with a surreal edge.

Dylan Cherry, Live Nation’s Ones To Watch Booker, said: “Aotearoa has such a vibrant and diverse music scene, and Ones To Watch allows us to celebrate artists who are building real momentum and are ready to connect with new audiences. Heidi Simpson, Dawson and Fables each have a distinctive sound and a strong sense of who they are as artists, and bringing them together at The Tuning Fork allows us to continue creating meaningful opportunities for developing local talent.”

Following a standout showcase at Wellington’s San Fran earlier this year featuring Debt Club, First Reserve and Dillon Jo, Ones To Watch heads north to Auckland’s Tuning Fork with another round of fresh Kiwi talent. The showcase continues to champion Aotearoa’s thriving music scene, shining a spotlight on the next generation of artists making waves across the country. Since its inception, the programme has showcased an impressive range of musicians across genres spanning pop, indie, rock, electronic and hip hop, celebrating the very best of local music.

Launched in 2017 in the United States, Ones To Watch has helped boost the careers of artists now reaching global stages, including international superstars Olivia Rodrigo, Dua Lipa and Gracie Abrams, as well as kiwi trailblazers Borderline, Frankie Venter and Ella Monnery.

Past artists are added to the Ones To Watch platform, where fans can discover new music and follow artists as their careers continue to unfold. Through editorial content, interviews and live performance opportunities, the programme helps connect emerging artists with audiences around the world.