SILVER SWANS - name born from comic books (the silver swans are from the wonder woman series, each has the ability to create powerful sound waves with her voice). san francisco collaboration between producer/musician jon waters and vocalist ann yu. really atmospheric music and yu's ethereal vocals give it some drama. 'secrets' is an epic, dreamy lullaby.
FFO (for fans of): the knife, the xx

THE NAKED AND FAMOUS - these guys from auckland are the business. if you haven't got their debut LP 'passive me, aggressive you' yet get it here. playing at the club house on november 6th. tickets here. check out this live session.
FFO: passion pit, ou est le swimming pool

ECSTATIC SUNSHINE - matt papich. i saw this guy open for wavves at cargo in london on my birthday back in july. such a good night. experimental/minimalist kind of stuff but its got such a cool vibe. very unique. you can get a digital copy of 'yesterdays work' here, or email him at ecstaticsunshine@gmail.com with your deets to get him to send the 12" + download card (something like $25-30 incl shipping).
FFO: blithe field, julian lynch

DARKSTAR - progressive/experimental dubstep from london. debut LP 'north' set for release in november with hyperdub.
FFO: deadboy, joy orbison

brisbane festival:
arts festival kicking off with riverfire on the 4th, and running till the 25th of september, with theatre, dance, music, visual displays and talks. first aid kit, oh mercy, old man river, paul dempsey, the gin club + many more will be performing.

big sound 2010:
this is such a great initiative. it's a music industry summit and showcase running from the 8th-10th of september. six venues (including two outdoor stages) hosting 60 great artists over two nights (wednesday 8th and thursday 9th). tickets for one night (30 acts) are only $27.50+bf with a two night pass costing $44+bf. Venues include the brisbane marketing stage bakery lane, ric's bar, the artisan gallery stage, the club house @ tempo hotel, the troubadour, and the zoo.

this is just some of the lineup;