We Saw Them Before You: ONES TO WATCH Sydney Backed By American Apparel®
Last night, American Apparel® stepped into the moment with Live Nation’s ONES TO WATCH — a night built around what’s next in Australian music, not what’s already known.
Hosted at Mary’s Underground, the space set the tone immediately. Dim lighting, low ceilings, and a packed floor created an intimate energy from the start. No distance between artist and audience. A room that felt alive and ready.
Three rising names took over the night — ERICA PADILLA, DRIZZ, and DEVAURA — each bringing a distinct sound and presence, shaping a lineup that felt both diverse and tightly curated.
DRIZZ opened the night with confidence, setting the pace early. Leaning into a melodic rap and R&B-infused sound, his set felt smooth but intentional, the kind that draws people in without forcing it. It was a strong start, grounding the room and pulling the crowd closer.
DEVAURA followed, shifting the energy completely. Known for her alternative, genre-blending style that moves between hip-hop, electronic and experimental sounds, she brought raw, unfiltered intensity to the stage. Her set was loud, physical and impossible to ignore, the kind that had the crowd fully locked in, moving, reacting, feeding off every beat.
Closing the night, ERICA PADILLA took things in a different direction. The headliner had a clear pop influence, backed by dancers, she brought a full performance that felt elevated, expressive and confident. It was a shift in tone that worked, giving the night a strong, high-energy finish while showing a different side of what the next wave can look like.
Together, the lineup showcased different sounds, different styles, all pointing to a music scene that isn’t confined to one lane.
That’s exactly what ONES TO WATCH is all about. It doesn’t follow culture, it backs it early.
American Apparel® showed up in that same space. On-site, we pulled up with event lineup T-shirts and limited-edition hoodies stamped with I SAW THEM BEFORE YOU. A small detail, but one that landed. Because that’s what the night was really about. Being present before the noise gets louder, before the rooms get bigger, before the names become unavoidable.
The response reflected that. Our tees and hoodies moved quickly, and the crowd stayed engaged from start to finish. The merch wasn’t just something for fans to take home — it became part of the moment. Something worn in real time, then carried out the door as proof you were there.
Even the artists joined in. Between sets, they moved through the space, connecting with people, and stopping by to grab tees and curated gift packs.
For decades, American Apparel® has been the unofficial uniform of the creative industry. Not just on stage, but behind it, as a trusted canvas for merch, identity and self-expression.
If last night was any sign of what’s ahead, the future of Australian music is looking loud.
And if you were there, you already know how it starts.
We saw them before you.
