Sounds of summer: Turn up the volume with our favourite artists

Summer is calling, and so is the perfect playlist. Whether you're soaking up the sunshine at a family BBQ or staying inside with the aircon, we've got a song for you. 

Meet our UOW artists and press play on your 2025 summer soundtrack. 

Nick Moses

Local 29 year-old singer/songwriter Nick Moses brings a blend of upbeat, soulful and sombre songs. This year, Nick performed with his band at the Illawarra Folk Festival, and solo at Yard Sessions Bulli and Frank's Wild Years. As a rising name on triple j Unearthed, his songs are perfect for a feeling of warmth and an afternoon groove, a must to add to your summer sounds. 

Artist pick: 'Old Tricks'

Pacific Avenue

Photo Credit - Matt Sav.

Since 2017, Gerringong alternative indie rock group Pacific Avenue have cemented themselves as one of Australia's rising bands. The ultimate summer festival vibe, the band consists of UOW alumni Dom Littrich (drums) and Jack Kay (bass), as well as Harry O'Brien (vocals) and Ben Fryer (guitar).

With 354,626 monthly listeners, Pacific Avenue have embodied the sounds of an Australian summer in their music. Their debut album Flowers (2023) reached #1 on the ARIA Australian Albums Chart, and their success continues to grow with the band completing three international headline tours and performing as supporting acts for Louis Tomlinson, 5SOS and DMAs. 

Artist pick: New single 'Here We Go Again'

Felicity Dowd

UOW student and Youth Artist of the Year at the Australian Folk Music Awards Felicity Dowd is making waves throughout the Folk and Americana music scene. Her raw and authentic musicality is the perfect sound for a bomb fire night. Felicity's songwriting is intimate and diverse, and she was named a 2026 Golden Guitar Nominee, debuting at the AMERICANAFEST in America. 

New release: 'Rusty Nail'

Clare Bowen

Photo credit - Katie Kauss.

Surviving childhood cancer and rocking life on the Autism spectrum, Clare Bowen has always seen music as a universal thread connecting her to the rest of the world. Born storytellers, Clare and her husband, Brandon Robert Young met in Nashville, Tennessee, and make up two halves of critically acclaimed duo BOWEN YOUNG.

Releasing their debut record "Us" in 2024, BOWEN YOUNG have since shared stages with artists such as Billy Joel, Willie Nelson, Bob Dylan, Allison Krauss, Robert Plant, Mavis Staples and Maren Morris. Clare and Brandon will kick off 2026 with highly anticipated new music, as well as the "Nashville Encore Tour", in the US, UK & EU alongside Clare's beloved co-stars from the hit TV show "NASHVILLE."

Also in store for 2026 are several film projects that Clare is excited to announce soon.

New release: Album - 'Us'