@locke_cant_keep_up is a Sydney/Eora-based artist, producer, and trumpet player whose sound occupies the vibrant space between songwriting and the spontaneity of improvised music.
We are excited to announce him as the winner of the @elevate.music.program Year 2, distinguished by a signature sonic palette - one that marries the soulful warmth of live brass with an energetic fusion of R&B & Hip-Hop pocket.
His delivery draws a direct line from his greatest influences; listeners will find hints of lush, multi-layered textures of Jordan Rakei and the melodicism of Tom Misch woven into his tracks.
His identity as a trumpet player further grounds his work, pulling his jazz foundations to the forefront.
As the second recipient of this program, he represents a rising generation of talent—deeply connected to his roots and dedicated to building and uplifting the underground emerging artist community in Sydney/Eora.
We had a lot of strong applications for Elevate 2026, so narrowing it down wasn’t easy. But we’re really happy to introduce the artists who have landed in our Top 10.
To everyone who applied, thank you for trusting us with your work — it genuinely means a lot.
The successful applicant will be announced next week.
Exciting day for the Elevate fam!..Looking back, when we launched Elevate, we wanted to address the barriers that keep artists from reaching their full potential. One year in, and the results are weaving new chapters of self expression and new pathways of growth to explore the power of discovery and what that means in the emerging music landscape.
From our 2025 recipient LULAY landing triple J & fbi support to landing Spotify Fresh Finds, to our finalist showcase at @thelansdowne ’s 100th birthday the journey has been a beautiful rewarding one.
We are thrilled to have our partners back on board for Year 2 to keep empowering NSW artists and building a more equitable industry together.
Applications are now open for round 2! Are you an independent artist who is release ready looking for some additional support to help the next stage of your career? Hit the link in bio to find out more & apply!
Super excited to be apart of the triple J’s new era and the first ever episode of CRUSH! The first episode airs today at 3-4pm where you can hear my new song SLEEP 💜🩵🤍
Also huge thankyou to all the lovely reviews, and @andygav_ and the @triple_j_unearthed team for putting this all together, I’m honoured to be apart of this ☺️
You can have a listen online or via the triple j app!
Rep: @elevate.music.program
Huge thanks to everyone who has followed along the journey! With a new 1,000 new friends following along & Sleep landing at #2 on fresh finds last month - our divine LULAY is building her universe brightly! Huge thanks to James & our elevate partner @communitymusicdistro
The evolution of an Elevate artist.
After a massive debut with ‘FOOL’ (shoutout to @fbiradio and @triple_j_unearthed !), LULAY is back with her second single ‘SLEEP’ dropping Jan 20!
SLEEP’ shows a smoother, more emotive side to her production blending pulsating pop with raw, soulful expression. It’s a glimpse into the world she’s building for her upcoming EP that we are so excited to support.
We are proudly presenting to the world “FOOL,” the first single from our inaugural recipient LULAY’s debut EP, “HYPA”! Thankyou to our partners @_bpmgmt_@wearesunshinepr@selectmusic@communitymusicdistro@golden_hour.me@creativelawyers@the_annex
Sydney artist and producer LULAY blends pulsating electronic pop/R&B, channeling the rhythms of Kaytranada and the soul of Labrinth to redefine Aus-pop.
‘FOOL’ is a high-energy, groove-driven anthem celebrating queerness and Black womanhood, featuring bouncy synths and empowering syncopated beats.
As the inaugural winner of our Elevate initiative, LULAY is one to watch. Go stream it!
🎧 LISTEN TO ‘FOOL’ HERE
/track/4097JYm6GXoCzR02Nietho?si=nIkU_759RKeyJW_n1PRunA&context=spotify%3Aalbum%3A7luwhQHBYuLfMArABNGpNB
Elevate was designed to support & amplify the voices of Sydney’s emerging artists who may lack access to industry resources. So to celebrate Aus music month this November we are taking a look back at the highlights of our year & the wonderful emerging local talent that performed at our first ever Elevate Showcase for The Lansdowne’s 100 year Birthday. Take a look at what these wonderful artists are doing today. Search - Listen - Defy & #ausify
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@beryls_peril@_ollie_beard_@chillcheney@athanasiamusic@ausifyau
We are Afew days away from welcoming our Beautiful Elevate finalists to the Lansdowne stage to celebrate 100 years of magic & music!
.au/v2/event/elevate-showcase-100-years-of-the-lansdowne/180156
As The Lansdowne marks its 100th year as a cornerstone of Sydney’s live music scene, we’re turning our eyes (and ears) to the future.
The ELEVATE Showcase brings together five of NSW’s most exciting emerging artists for one unmissable night of live performance. Selected from over 80 applicants across the state, these finalists represent the next wave of genre-defying, boundary-pushing talent set to shape the sound of tomorrow.
Featuring:
CHILLCHENEY – punchy, poetic, and impossible to ignore
Athanasia – delicate power meets alt-pop mysticism
Beryl – raw, genre-slipping songwriting straight from the gut
Oliver Beard – cinematic textures and intimate storytelling
LULAY – electronic R&B with soul, shimmer, and bite
Expect bold voices, fresh energy, and the first spark of artists destined for big things.
Join us in celebrating not just 100 years of The Lansdowne, but the countless futures it continues to inspire.
The past made this place iconic. The future will make it unforgettable.
One night. Five artists. Endless possibility.
Big Thanks to @thelansdowne & Team @goodintentmusic@athanasiamusic@chillcheney@beryls_peril@_ollie_beard_@cassielulay
.au/v2/event/elevate-showcase-100-years-of-the-lansdowne/180156
