In the Green Room: Sounds Sick Sickest 100
SA’s own homegrown version of triple j’s ‘Hottest 100’ takes over the airwaves and Adelaide UniBar on January 17. Here, we chat to Ripley from the Sounds Sick crew for the rundown.
We’ve had yet another lap around the sun, and we’re back for this year’s Sickest 100! For those who aren’t familiar, could you explain what the event is?
The Sickest 100 is an annual publicly voted music countdown of exclusively South Australian music, released throughout the year. It spotlights local music and talent through the online livestream of the countdown, hosted by an array of SA musicians, and an in-person event at Unibar, with market stalls and bands. Starting as a DIY initiative, it has since grown to be a rather popular event on the South Australian music calendar.
Tell us about the history of the Sickest 100.
The countdown was started in 2021 by myself and some mates, who were disenfranchised with how neglected SA’s music scene was in similar countdowns. The initial concept was a house party with all of our mates, but it quickly snowballed into a publicly voted livestream with call-ins and skits. The team dissipated in late 2022, and Millah joined the team to help me keep it alive and level it up. From 2023 onwards, we have broadcast live from the Adelaide UniBar and added an afterparty with live performances from some favourite acts from the year. Last year, we expanded further with market stalls, connecting music fans with local artists and vendors.
The Sickest 100 Countdown and After Party falls on January 17. What will this year’s event look like?
We’re always looking to go bigger and better every year! We’re running our HOST FACTOR competition again to determine some of the hosts for this year. We’re going to have a bigger market this year too, and as always, a cracking after-party gig after the countdown concludes. Not only that, but we will also be giving a new prize to the winners this year. We’re really just trying to bring more experiences to the Sickest 100 this year, for both artists and music fans alike.
Voting opens December 1, and closes on December 31. How does the public vote for their favourite SA tracks of 2025?
Head to our website, soundssick.com.au, and follow the prompts. Once you’re in, you can add songs to your shortlist and narrow it down to your final 10 to submit. After voting, you’ll receive a voting card to share on socials. Don’t forget to tag us, we love seeing everyone's choices!
Last year, the lineup saw THE FUSS, TOWNHOUSE and LOLA tearing up the Unibar stage. Who’s on the cards for this year?
It’s quite early to say, but I think tons of bands have had a huge year of gigging. We always aim to have at least one hometown staple with a few up-and-coming acts who made a mark on the previous year. We really would like to get more diverse with the genres this time around.
Any predictions on what tracks will take it home for 2025?
So many people have had big years (as usual). aleksiah has really blown up nationally this year, so that’s a given. Oscar The Wild put out a great EP this year as well. The Tullamarines had a massive year putting out and touring their EP, as well as supporting a bunch of artists on tour. Previous winners, Looch, Molly Rocket, and LOLA have all had big releases this year as well, so I’m sure we’ll see them!
The Sickest 100 is all about championing and celebrating South Australian music and musicians. What does the local music community mean to you?
The local music scene really showed us the power of community spirit and DIY; the idea that you don’t need big backing to do something awesome. It’s empowered us to put on an event of this magnitude and we hope we can return the favour by shining a spotlight on the incredible amount of talent we have here in South Australia.
Why should people tune in, buy a ticket and rock up?
Everyone can tune in and stream the broadcast for free online and listen along at home or with friends, but by buying a ticket, you get to be right in the action. You can see the interviews and reactions live and in-person, and celebrate with your favourite artists directly.
Buying a ticket also gets you into our after-party gig which has consistently been touted as the best gig of the year! Follow our socials for updates on when the tickets go live! There will be a discounted early bird release so it’s best to get in early to guarantee your spot.
The 2025 Sounds Sick Sickest 100 + After Party takes place at Adelaide Unibar on January 17. Tickets on sale now via soundssick.com.au.
