Laneway 2026 just got bigger: meet this year's triple j Unearthed winners

Laneway Festival is thrilled to welcome five emerging artists handpicked by triple j Unearthed, joining the lineup across Australia this February. Each year, the Unearthed comp spotlights the country’s most exciting new voices — artists primed to become future Laneway Festival favourites.

The winners will join the Laneway Festival 2026 lineup in the Gold Coast, Sydney, Melbourne, Adelaide and Perth, performing alongsideChappell Roan,Role Model,Wolf Alice,PinkPantheress,Alex G,Lucy Dacus,Yung Lean & Bladee, and more of the most exciting local and international artists of the moment.

Laneway FestivalHead of Programming,Travis Banko, says “Laneway and triple j Unearthed share a genuine love of supporting artists at early, pivotal moments in their careers. This year’s winners each bring something new to the 2026 lineup, and we’re incredibly proud to help spotlight them.”

INTRODUCING...

QLD – Mid Drift
Sun-bleached, indie surf rock with hooks you can’t shake. Mid Drift deliver warm, jangly guitar lines and nostalgia-kissed melodies built for summer festival sets. One listen and it’s clear that  they’re Queensland’s next big thing.

NSW – Charli Lucas
A magnetic storyteller with diaristic pop instincts and a voice that feels both intimate and expansive. Charli Lucas has been steadily building buzz with her confessional songwriting and dynamic live presence — a rising force in Australia’s alt-pop landscape.

VIC – sleepazoid
sleepazoid are an alt-rock quintet blending the raw energy of grunge, the haze of shoegaze and the pulse of post-punk. Their self-recorded 2024 debut running with the dogs is a striking statement of intent — equally heavy and hypnotic. Catch them at Laneway Melbourne in 2026.

SA – PASH
A punchy pop-rock four-piece blending sharp hooks, bright guitars and easy, electric chemistry. PASH will bring a fresh, carefree edge to the Laneway stage — big choruses, big energy, big feelings, and zero pretence.

WA – Ullah
A magnetic Perth artist blending soul, R&B and alt-pop with stunning emotional depth. Ullah’s vocal tone is instantly arresting, and her songwriting sits at the intersection of vulnerability and strength. A breakout moment is incoming.

The 2026 lineup includes Chappell Roan’s highly anticipated 90-minute set, Mercury Prize-winners Wolf Alice, PinkPantheress, Wet Leg, Role Model, Yung Lean & bladee, Lucy Dacus, Alex G, BENEE, Cavetown, Mt. Joy, The Dare, and a wave of rising international voices and Australian favourites.

Since its humble beginnings as a Melbourne street party in 2004, Laneway Festival has evolved into one of the most beloved touring festivals in the Southern Hemisphere — recognised worldwide as a launchpad for breakthrough artists and a marker of essential music.

For more information, head to lanewayfestival.com or Laneway Festival’s Instagram page.

LANEWAY FESTIVAL 2026

Presented by triple j

AUCKLAND / Tāmaki Makaurau (18+) — SELLING FAST
Thursday 5 February 2026 – Western Springs

GOLD COAST (16+) — SELLING FAST
Kombumerri Jagun
Saturday 7 February 2026 — Southport Sharks

SYDNEY (16+) — SOLD OUT
Gadigal & Bidjigal
Sunday 8 February 2026 — Centennial Park

MELBOURNE (16+) — SOLD OUT
Wurundjeri Biik 
Friday 13 February 2026 — Flemington Park

ADELAIDE (16+) — SELLING FAST
Kaurna Yerta
Saturday 14 February 2026 — Adelaide Showgrounds

PERTH (16+) — SELLING FAST
Whadjuk Boodjar
Sunday 15 February 2026 — Arena Joondalup

---