Announcing The Five Upstarters Finalists

After evaluating hundreds of entries and a whole lot of very difficult deliberation, Up Banking and Monster Children are incredibly proud to announce our five 2026 finalists.

Drum roll, please…

In no particular order, taking the stage at the inaugural Upstarters Showcase are:Milly Strange, Local the Neighbour, Any Young Mechanic, Kate Moth, andStimpies.

A massive congratulations to all five. We can’t wait to see you rip it up in Brissy - and find out who’ll walk away with the $20,000 cash.

Massive congratulations to all of you. We can’t wait to see you rip it up in Brissy, and to every incredible band and artist who entered: Thank you. This was an almost impossible selection process. The sheer scope, ambition and talent coming out of Australian music right now is genuinely mind-blowing. Australian music is in very good hands. And who knows, maybe you’ll get another chance next year?

Join us next Wednesday and come see who walks away with the $20,000.
Upstarters Showcase
Wed 2nd September 4–7pm
The Beaumont, Fortitude Valley
@thebeaumontbrisbane

See you there.