The search for Australia’s best high school–aged music act is back, with triple j‘s Unearthed High 2026 applications now open.
Announced on triple j Breakfast with Concetta & Luka, Unearthed High is opening a little earlier this year. That means more time for artists to write, upload and get their music out into the world, and into the ears of triple j listeners.
Since launching nearly 20 years ago, Unearthed High has introduces us to artists including Ninajirachi (who cracked the Hottest 100 in 2025), The Kid LAROI, Genesis Owusu and more.
The Unearthed High 2026 Winner and Indigenous Initiative Winner will walk away with songwriting session with one of Australia’s leading artists, flights and accommodation included, plus hands‑on industry support designed to help kickstart their career.
The winner of the Indigenous Initiative will have their next single mixed by Grammy Award-winning engineer Eric J Dubowski, whose credits include Dua Lipa, Flume, Tame Impala, and receive a mentorship with Nooky (3%, host of triple j’s Blak Out), plus triple j radio play.
Returning this year is Unearthed High Frequency, hosted by REDD. Since reaching Unearthed High finalist status, REDD has gone on to sign major record deals and collaborate with some huge names, all while building toward their next body of work. They’ll handpick the best new entries each week and play them Thursdays from 4pm on Unearthed Radio which you can listen to via the triple j app or DAB+.
The Unearthed team have additionally teamed with Australian youth music organisation, The Push to launch this year’s competition on site in schools across Australia. They’ll be bringing workshops and live performances from Teen Jesus and The Jean Teasers and Baker Boy as well as checking out what music really means to young people from on the ground.
Conchetta Caristo, Drizz and Luka Muller after his victory in 2025
Last year’s Unearthed High winner Drizz here has been busy. You can find out more here.
To enter Unearthed High, uploading your song/s to triple j Unearthed and make sure to tick the box confirming you’re an Unearthed High artist.