Here at SMHQ we try to channel the vibe of an older, simpler time online – because before our current, deeply stupid age, the internet could actually be more about making friends than influencing people. In that spirit, here's Top 8: a MySpace-inspired tribute from Eora's music community to the bands and artists that make them (and the city) tick.

Isobel Knight has grown from playing street corners and cafes in her hometown on Dharug country in the Blue Mountains to playing shows and festivals across Australia and the US. You'll often see her name pop up on our gig guide performing at some secret, intimate house show she's curated with poetry and music (and sometimes even puppetry) — like this "spark (notes)" event she's hosting in a couple weeks time:

Self-described as writing music "where the Venn diagram circles of Julia Jacklin and Bruce Springsteen overlap", check out the friends, local acts, and all-time idols that made Isobel what she is today.

Act to see

Betty. Amy‘s songwriting whips, the band is killer, the vibe is always something special; intimate and groovy. Always evolving as a live act, and always worth leaving the house for.

Act to watch

Lindsey. New album on the way which is going to herald a whole new era for this band. Abbey, their frontperson, has this excellent chaotic/hilarious energy onstage and they write such good songs. Itʼs going to be a huge year for them.

Act you miss

Camp Cope. Hearing Georgia yell (at their farewell Opera House show) that more women need to be annoying really felt like being sent out on a mission. When I listened to their self-titled album for the first time I felt like I was entering a new era of my life!! Their live shows were this miraculous combination of pub hang with your funniest friends and heart-wrenching punk show. Will never forget seeing Kelly play their Enmore Theatre show incredibly pregnant and still sending it so hard. Still waiting on the release of the ten minute version of ‘The Openerʼ. Long live.

Act you copy

Lucy Dacus. Wearing suits. Singing devastating things sweetly. Making albums with really strong story threads throughout. Starting a band with your core people. Being tall. Storytelling music videos. Covering Bruce Springsteen. Funny and devastating stories from growing up in church. Making rock'n'roll and looking angelic. She really does it all and I wish to do the same. Loving Julien Baker is another thing we share but thatʼs neither here nor there.

Act you envy

Ruby Gill. To be able to write like Ruby does, with both a knife in your teeth and your sense of humour intact!!! The dream. I catch myself singing their line about “human male politicians” all the time and wishing Iʼd written it, both in melody and meaning.

Act you treasure

Andie. One of the best singers out there, writer extraordinaire, one of my dearest friends since we were five years old. Itʼs such a privilege to learn how to be a musician alongside someone who is so talented, funny and thoughtful. To be able to move so fluidly between jazz, folk, soul and trippy alternative on multiple instruments, as a producer as well as performer is such a skill, and to also be a good person with such strong principles is a gift to the industry and community alike. My beloved.

Act who raised you

The Waifs. I have a vivid memory of being a teenager and sitting in the big top tent of Blue Mountains Music Festival and hearing Vikki Thorn sing “Take Me Into Town” with her whole SELF, and the guitar solo feeling like it was duetting with her. I remember just feeling electric.

I think the bluesy-folky-ness of The Waifs and their ilk was this freeing thing for me as a young songwriter; there are so many tools in the toolbox, so many traditions of storytelling music that have these deep roots all over the world. Not to be corny about it, but in blues/folk world you really feel how the ritual of people feeling it all, together in space through music, is this ancient and universal thing. Itʼs a world Iʼm still in, and it flows into how I approach other music spaces Iʼm part of now too.

Act who are Sydney to you

Beryl. They are one of the hardest working bands around. If you go to gigs regularly here youʼve almost certainly seen them play, and every time it is a treat, truly. The loveliest people, world-class songs and arrangements, and the kind of onstage synergy that glows in any venue; from Petersham Bowlo to Phoenix Central Park. Sydney music at its best.

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Check out Isobel Knight

• Come to her intimate poetry and music night in a couple weeks:

• Or catch her tonight supporting Rupert Bullard at Bootleggers:

• Check out Isobel Knight on her friend Andie's "vandie" series:

• Listen to her music:

  • Bandcamp

  • Spotify

  • YouTube

  • Apple Music

  • Tidal

• Stalk her on Instagram