The Veronicas launch TikTok docuseries Undscvrd to find Australia’s next big indie artists

There will be no dodgy editing and the artists will own their masters in new TikTok docuseries helmed by The Veronicas to find five emerging Australian songwriters.

The Veronicas promise no dodgy edits or scripted drama on the innovative new talent search they are launching on TikTok.

And the artists unearthed by UNDSCVRD will retain ownership of the songs they write and record during the TikTok docu-series unlike The Voice, Australian Idol or similar television talent quests.

The five aspiring artists selected to star in the contest are able to release their songs and videos independently because UNDSCVRD is backed by Samsung rather than a television production company or major record label.

The Veronicas will conduct a national talent search and mentor five new artists via a TikTok docuseries. Picture:: Supplied.

The winner will be given a budget to make their debut five-track EP.

The Veronicas are currently independent artists themselves, becoming free agents after completing their seven-year deal with Sony Music with the recent release of their Godzilla and Human records.

UNDSCVRD episodes will show pop twins Jess and Lisa Origliasso mentoring the artists through the songwriting and recording process with their producer.

The sisters are confident the docu-series will be a more realistic representation of them and their musical charges than their recent experience on Celebrity Apprentice.

Jess and Lisa are looking for “alternative” artists for the Samsung-backed talent search. Picture: Supplied.

“We are talking about integrity and not an agenda that’s just about trying to get as many viewers as you can to buy into drama,” Jess said.

“This is almost like discovering true artistry for the first time and being able to be along for the ride from the beginning with that artist.”

After 16 years in the pop industry – and having starred as mentors themselves on The Voice – the Veronicas are acutely aware the television talent system benefits the coaches or guests artists more than the contestants.

“We couldn’t have seen ourselves doing a show like The Voice or X Factor or Idol when we started,” Jess said.

The pop sisters will also be helping artists to work out what not to do in the series. Picture: Supplied.

“But this is an avenue, had we been in this generation of artists, I could see us wanting to be involved in because it is about empowering the artist by arming them with the resources and guidance to be creative, to work on their songwriting.

Lisa added: “With UNDSCVRD, we’re not here to try to do anything other than give them our perspective and amplify their voices and their creativity.”

With the chart-topping pop duo finding a new audience among younger indie music fans over the past few years and working with a host of up and coming Australian songwriters including Allday, Muki and Mallrat, The Veronicas will be looking for a different kind of artist.

“We’re generally drawn to a more alternative perspective, whether that is in the songwriting, the voice or the aesthetic,” Jess said.

With the Australian music industry recently forced to address its toxic workplace culture and the predatory behaviour suffered by many young female artists, The Veronicas said their mentoring will also cover what not to do.

Jess said she was proud of their reputation as “strong women” despite facing social media backlash when they have stood up for themselves.

“When we started 16 years ago, we were told the music industry is brutal and you’ve got to toughen up to play the game,” Jess said.

“This business hardens you and you have to be able to take that on board and not let people weaponise that as though you’re a bitch.

“And I’m so proud of us for having a reputation as strong women, who fought hard to continue to be here and be respected.

“We will be honest with the artists about standing up for themselves, for what they deserve, for equality because this is part of a bigger conversation and moment across all industries.”

TikTok has become the leading tastemaker in the global music industry in the past three years, launching the careers of Lizzo, Lil Nas X and Australian rap superstar Masked Wolf.

Aspiring pop stars can enter UNDSCVRD by tagging @UNDSCVRD_artist and #UNDSCVRD in a video on TikTok. Entries may include newly uploaded content or by simply adding these tags to existing videos of a performance.

Originally published as The Veronicas launch TikTok docuseries Undscvrd to find Australia’s next big indie artists