Sounds Better Together

On Monday, Mushroom Group and Visit Victoria turned the lights back on in the State of music, announcing 2021 SOUNDS BETTER TOGETHER, a concert series spanning eight days at some of Victoria’s most spectacular venues. 

Today, a further five gigs have been added to the program between Saturday 23 and Saturday 30 January, taking in iconic venues around the State from the stunning Forum Melbourne to Castlemaine’s Theatre Royal, Warrnambool’s The Whalers Hotel, San Remo’s Westernport Hotel and St Kilda’s famous Prince Bandroom and Esplanade Hotel.  

Kicking off in a matter of days, the just-announced shows will star a selection of Australia’s finest talent; Something for Kate with Hayley Mary, The Living End with Bakers Eddy, Ross Wilson with Fergus James, Pierce Brothers with Shannen James, Alex Lahey with Scott Darlow, and Didirri and Mia Wray. These great lineups join already announced artists Jimmy Barnes, Tones And I, Missy Higgins, The Teskey Brothers, James Reyne, Daryl Braithwaite, Vika & Linda, Deborah Conway, Gordi, D’Arcy Spiller and Darlinghurst. 

Michael Gudinski, Mushroom Group Founder & Chairman said: “We’re thrilled to be taking 2021 Sounds Better Together to even more venues and regions around this great state. Music lovers will be able to catch incredible performances from some of our country’s greatest artists, and with all tickets under $50, these shows really are going to be something special that I hope everyone can make it along to”.  

Victorian audiences showed exactly why they’ve been dubbed the State of music, with tickets to Something for Kate’s show at St Kilda’s Prince Bandroom this Sunday selling out within minutes of going on sale on Tuesday.  

Appearing at Monday’s press conference in Melbourne, Something for Kate’s frontman Paul Dempsey said, “We are overjoyed to be a part of this series, the opportunity to play an intimate club show in our hometown is something we have been dreaming of for a year now and it’s going to be very special to take the stage at the legendary Prince of Wales. We can’t wait!”  

One of the country’s most respected artists, Ross Wilson is a cornerstone of Australian rock music. With an illustrious career spanning over 50 years, Wilson has been twice inducted into the ARIA Hall of Fame; both as a solo artist and as a member of Daddy Cool. From his acclaimed solo work, to fronting Daddy Cool and Mondo Rock, Wilson’s work stands the test of time and with explosive on-stage charisma, he’s set to blow the roof off Castlemaine’s Theatre Royal on Wednesday 27 January. 

He’s toured with Ed Sheeran, hit the stage at Splendour In The Grass and sold out headline shows around the country; Fergus James is a star on the rise. With his latest single ‘Good Man’, James delivers a world class pop anthem, emerging as a multi-faceted artist ready to take on the world.  

Prior to his performance with Ross Wilson at the Theatre Royal on Wednesday evening, Fergus James will play a special pop-up show at Castlemaine’s Bridge Hotel. It will be first in, best dressed, so Castlemaine locals, get in quickly from 6pm!  

Alex Lahey is joined by Scott Darlow at The Espy on Monday. The singer-songwriter has a sardonic streak and flair for crafting relatable pop-punk anti-anthems, which has garnered her fans the world over. She broke through in 2016 with the guitar-based ‘You Don’t Think You Like People Like Me’, which serves up equal portions of hooks and attitude, and followed up with two acclaimed studio albums, 2017’s I Love You Like A Brother and 2019’s The Best Of Luck Club. 

Since entering the Australian music scene in 2003, Yorta Yorta descendent Scott Darlow has been a mainstay of Australia’s Indigenous and independent music industry. The versatile singer-songwriter, guitarist, and didgeridoo player, who signed to Mushroom’s Reclusive Records last year, has sold more than 50,000 albums worldwide and has toured extensively through Australia, Asia and the USA. His just-released single ‘Forgotten Australia’, is a reminder for Australians to embrace their togetherness and come together to celebrate the things that make our country and its people special.  

“I’m stoked to be playing with Alex Lahey at the Espy on January 25! The Espy was THE venue I wanted to play as a teenager coming up. To be playing there with an artist as amazing as Alex is unreal, and I can’t wait to get on stage next week! It’s gonna be rad!”, said Scott.  

Australian punk rock royalty, The Living End take on Melbourne’s stunning Forum next week, alongside Bakers Eddy. The trio has released eight studio albums, most recently 2018’s Wunderbar, have an APRA Award and multiple ARIA Awards under their belt, and have notched up multi-Gold and Platinum singles and chart-topping albums. Known for their infectious energy, they’ll bring the heat when they hit the stage on Wednesday 27 January.  

The Living End’s Chris Cheney said, “To say we are delighted at having an actual real life Victorian show booked is an understatement! This is going to be a very special gig for many reasons and we’re thankful to the ‘2021 Sounds Better Together’ folks who made this happen. See you at the gig next week and it will get loud!" 

Formed in Wellington, New Zealand, Bakers Eddy’s fun and fast sound quickly grew them a fanbase off-shore. Relocating to Melbourne in 2017, they’ve covered the festival circuit - NYE on the Hill, Festival Of The Sun, and Party In The Paddock to name a few - and shared stages with the likes of The Rubens, Gang of Youths, The Bennies and many more. Bakers Eddy are gearing up for the release of their highly anticipated debut album in 2021. 

Bakers Eddy said, “Proper excited to be supporting such an iconic Australian band, The Living End, at The Forum - a venue we have had on our goals list for a while now!” 

As well as appearing at the Mt Duneed Estate and Mallacoota shows respectively, exciting emerging Victorian artists Didirri and Mia Wray join forces to play at Warrnambool’s The Whalers Hotel on Thursday 28 January.  

Returning to his hometown for a special evening of music, Didirri captivates with his live performance. His ethereal vocals, and poetic, candid songwriting are garnering him global attention from fans and critics.  

In 2020, Mia Wray made a grand debut with her single ‘Work For Me’. Her soulful voice has drawn comparison to the likes of Lorde and Meg Mac, but Mia Wray is carving her own path. Released yesterday, Mia’s new single ‘Never Gonna Be The Same’ is a no-holds-barred ode to empowerment, reinforcing her as a talent to watch in 2021.  

For years now twin brothers Jack and Patrick Pierce’s high energy duo Pierce Brothers has been a staple of the Australian indie-folk/blues and roots scene, captivating festival goers and headlining sold out venues the world over. Exploding onto the world stage in 2014, the brothers started their journey as buskers before building audiences and touring the world. Their anticipated sophomore album Into The Great Unknown is due for release on March 5,2021. 

Pierce Brothers said, “We’re thrilled to be back on stage playing music after such a massive forced hiatus, and we’re so lucky that we’ve been given the opportunity to do so. It’s amazing that we’ve come together as a community so well to finally be able to put on CovidSAFE events safely and it’s something we don’t take for granted. We’ll also be able to finally play some of the new tunes from our upcoming album which is just so exciting!” 

Quickly establishing herself as one of the country’s most exciting new songwriters, Shannen James takes listeners on a dreamy pop journey through the sparkling emotions of youth. Her latest EP Arrows has been embraced by fans and industry alike with radio play across the likes of triple j, triple j unearthed and a combined 2 Million Spotify streams. 

Shannen said, "Really looking forward to being a part of the Sounds Better Together series along with the Pierce Brothers and playing live again! I’m sure I speak for everyone in saying we’ve all been hanging out for live music to start back up and think it’s going to make for a really special year of shows." 

For all 2021 SOUNDS BETTER TOGETHER events, a COVIDSafe event plan has been approved by the Victorian Public Health Advisory Panel, Chief Health Officer (CHO) and the Major Events Taskforce. 

2021 SOUNDS BETTER TOGETHER - outdoor venues: 

• To ensure a COVIDSafe event the following will be implemented:  

• Reduced capacity shows  

• Digital tickets - this ensures all contact details are recorded even when a ticket is forwarded or sold to another patron.  

• Regular touchpoint cleaning  

• Additional Bar, Food & Sanitary facilities - to minimise queuing  

• Additional Staffing – Security and Event staff to help manage social distancing onsite  

• COVIDSafe officer to ensure compliance  

• Hand Sanitiser stations  

• Increased communications to patrons and staff  

• Event staff health check and training  

• Additional medical facilities and staffing  

• “Buy together to stay together” - Shows will be reserved allocated seating only (we have increased the row widths to ensure social distancing between groups) 

2021 SOUNDS BETTER TOGETHER - indoor venues: 

• Events will be operating in a COVIDSafe environment. For full details please contact the individual venues directly. 
   

• Important COVID Information: Given the current locations of outbreaks in the NSW region, anyone coming into Victoria from the NSW border region should check the NSW Health website and follow the instructions listed. Individuals can not attend if they have been outside the NSW bubble region. 

Tickets to attend these special 2021 SOUNDS BETTER TOGETHER concerts are priced between an incredible $20 to $49.90* with the new shows on-sale from Thursday 21 January 12noon AEDT. 

For details head to soundsbettertogether.com.    

* transaction fees apply   

2020 saw our live music industry brought to its knees as COVID-19 turned the lights out on venues across the country.  But with the dawning of 2021 the Australian spirit shines bright as our nation unites together in hope of a better year ahead.  The roadcases are about to be packed, sound levels checked, and spotlights positioned.  Live music is ready to return…and in a most spectacular fashion. 

Mushroom Group and Visit Victoria are proud to announce their partnership for 2021 SOUNDS BETTER TOGETHER, an unprecedented series of COVIDSafe concerts across multiple metro and regional venues from Saturday 23 January to Saturday 30 January, featuring some of our finest home-grown talent in some of Australia’s most stunning locations. 

From fire recovering Mallacoota, to the rolling vines of Rutherglen and the Yarra Valley, to the sweeping Surf Coast, to the intimacy of Melbourne’s Prince Of Wales Bandroom ; live performances from some of Victoria’s most renowned venues and unique locations will kick off at two of the State’s finest wineries and culminate at Mallacoota Oval on Saturday 30 January. 

The first round of concerts to be announced feature Jimmy Barnes, Tones And I, Missy Higgins, The Teskey Brothers, James Reyne, Daryl Braithwaite, Vika & Linda, Deborah Conway, Gordi, Didirri and Mia Wray. Further concerts in established live music venues will be added this week, including an intimate show at Melbourne’s iconic Prince Bandroom with indie favourites Something for Kate, which was teased at today’s official launch of 2021 SOUNDS BETTER TOGETHER. 

Martin Pakula, Minister for Tourism, Sport and Major Events said: “The 2021 Sounds Better Together series will get musicians back on stage and help people enjoy a great night out, supporting communities across the state.  It’s another part of the extensive support we’ve provided to the tourism, creative and major events industries, which had a very challenging year last year.  Our music industry supports thousands of jobs and injects millions into our economy, and we’re helping the sector get back on track.” 

Michael Gudinski, Mushroom Group Founder & Chairman said: “Live music is integral to the heart and soul of Australia. These COVIDSafe concerts may be a little different to what we’re used to but the chance to finally experience live music again is incredibly exciting. This is the State of Music and the Victorian Government have been major music supporters.  Our partnership for this concert series is designed to both support our local industry, who did it tough in 2020, and deliver live concerts to music lovers – and with tickets for only $49.90*, and limited COVID Safe capacities, you’ll need to get in quick." 

Ahead of her sold out Sidney Myer Music Bowl performance on 27 January, beloved Melbourne artist Missy Higgins performs at Mt Duneed Estate for 2021 SOUNDS BETTER TOGETHER. Appearing at today’s official launch, Missy said, “Live music has always been an essential part of life in Victoria so it’s exciting to finally be getting back to playing gigs here again. Hopefully these special shows can be a bit of a thank you to everyone for all the sacrifices they made last year.” 

The five-time chart topper and nine-time ARIA Award winner will perform songs from her extensive catalogue – with iconic tracks like ‘Scar’, ‘The Special Two’, ‘Steer’ – along with new music including her latest single ‘When The Machine Starts’, which reflects her experience during Melbourne’s 2020 lockdowns. With more than two million albums sold globally, Missy is truly one of Australia’s greatest musicians, her live performance sure to captivate audiences this weekend. 

Global powerhouse Tones And I joins Missy Higgins in co-headlining 2021 SOUNDS BETTER TOGETHER at Mt Duneed Estate on Saturday. Hailing from Victoria’s Mornington Peninsula, Tones is Australia’s biggest international success story, a multi-platinum singer-songwriter amassing a record number of global streams of her hit single ‘Dance Monkey’, along with follow up singles ‘Never Seen The Rain’, new single ‘Fly Away’, which is climbing charts globally and more (‘Dance Monkey’ has also taken the crown for the Most Shazamed song of all time!). 

With a “remarkable voice that can go from hushed to hurricane” (Sydney Morning Herald), Tones And I is without doubt one of the most exciting artists to emerge from Australia in years. “It’s great to be a part of Sounds Better Together and bring live music back to Victoria”, says Tones.  

It’s going to be an epic night of music, when these legendary ladies join forces for Victorian audiences in a matter of days! 

Sydney-via-Canowindra artist Gordi joins a huge line-up at Mt Duneed on the weekend. Alongside working her day job as a doctor, a particularly remarkable feat during COVID, the acclaimed singer-songwriter released her second studio album, Our Two Skins in June last year, garnering critical praise, two J Award nominations (Australian Album of the Year and Artist of the Year).  Gordi said, “I’m thrilled to be coming together to bring live music back to Victoria, it’s going to be really special.” 

Rounding out Mt Duneed’s sensational program is Warrnambool singer-songwriter Didirri. Known for his ethereal vocals, poetic, candid songwriting, and captivating on-stage presence, Didirri’s performance will stay with music lovers long after his set has finished.   

Music legend Jimmy Barnes needs no introduction. The master singer-songwriter-performer will deliver headline performances with his band at the Yarra Valley’s Rochford Wines on 23 January and Rutherglen’s All Saints on 25 January.  

Jimmy Barnes is the heart and soul of Australian rock’n’roll. He has been inducted into the ARIA Hall of Fame twice, sold over 13 million albums, scored 17 #1 albums on the ARIA Charts, a feat that not even The Beatles have achieved. For more than 40 years, Barnesy has delivered some of our most intense and iconic live performances, with anthems like ‘Working Class Man’, ‘Flame Trees’, and ‘No Second Prize’ rocking pubs, arenas and stadiums across the globe. His bestselling memoirs have sold more than 500,000 copies and won the ABIA Biography Book of the Year Award in 2017 and 2018 – the only Australian author to do so twice. Jimmy’s latest book, Killing Time, short stories from the long road home, was released in late 2019 and went to #1 on the Non-Fiction book chart. 

Released in 2019, Jimmy’s latest album, My Criminal Record, picked up on many of the themes in his books and spawned the hit singles, Shutting Down Our Town and I Won’t Let You Down. 

Jimmy said, “It’s so great to be a part of these shows. I get to take the stage with The Teskey Brothers, Daryl Braithwaite, Vika & Linda and more. I love playing music and it always sounds so much better playing live in front of a Victorian audience. Bring it on!” 

One of Melbourne’s greatest success stories, The Teskey Brothers are a rare musical gem. A raw combination of soul and blues, the four-piece have wowed audiences around the world with their undeniable live show. They join Jimmy Barnes for an evening of blues and rock in the stunning Yarra Valley this weekend. “We’re very excited to be playing this surprise show,” says bassist Brendan Love, “but especially because our first show of 2021 is with the legendary Jimmy Barnes. We can’t wait.” 

Responsible for some of Australia’s best-loved songs, from the undeniable ‘The Horses’ to HOWZAT’, ‘One Summer’ and more, Daryl Braithwaite is a local music titan. An ARIA Hall of fame inductee, his latest single ‘Love Songs’ saw the music icon return to the ARIA Singles chart in 2020. Daryl has launched a brand-new chapter in his unparalleled career and will enthrall audiences in Rutherglen and Mallacoota this month. 

Lauded songstress Deborah Conway has been a staple of the Australian music scene since the 80’s, when she made waves fronting pop rock outfit Do-Re-Mi. She’s a multi-ARIA Award winner, has multiple Gold albums under her belt, and was inducted into the Live Legends Hall of Fame at the 2019 National Live Music Awards. 

James Reyne’s songs have provided the soundtrack to endless Australian summers, and they’ll continue to do so at Mallacoota Oval on the eve of 30 January. With 19 x Top 40 hits across his celebrated career, Reyne is an ARIA Hall of Famer that has sold out shows around the world both solo and out front of the legendary Australian Crawl. His twelfth studio album Toon Town Lullaby was released last year, and sees Reyne focused firmly on the future. 

Together with Daryl Braithwaite, Vika & Linda and Mia Wray, local audiences will be treated to a night of Australia’s finest talent in Mallacoota later this month.  

Vika and Linda Bull are Australia’s most revered singing sisters, known for their rich vocal harmonies and stylistic breadth. After three classic albums with The Black Sorrows, Vika & Linda have released six studio albums, two live albums and a chart-topping anthology. They have also sung on number one albums by Paul Kelly, Kasey Chambers and John Farnham, done gigs for the Dalai Lama, Nelson Mandela and the King of Tonga, and been nominated for four ARIA Awards. 

And recently, whilst still celebrating the recent release of their first ever best-of collection (and first ARIA #1) ‘Akilotoa (Anthology 1996-2004), Vika & Linda have wasted no time in following up with an inspired album of gospel songs titled Sunday (The Gospel According To Iso), out now (ARIA #2).  

Last year, Melbourne artist Mia Wray made a grand debut with her single ‘Work For Me’, which captured the attention of tastemakers around the country. Her soulful voice has drawn comparison to the likes of Lorde and Meg Mac, but Mia Wray is carving her own path and is a talent to watch in 2021.   

For all 2021 SOUNDS BETTER TOGETHER events, a COVIDSafe event plan has been approved by the Victorian Public Health Advisory Panel, Chief Health Officer (CHO) and the Major Events Taskforce. 

To ensure a COVIDSafe event the following will be implemented: 

• Reduced capacity shows  

• Digital tickets - this ensures all contact details are recorded even when a ticket is forwarded or sold to another patron.  

• “Buy together to stay together” - Shows will be reserved allocated seating only (we have increased the row widths to ensure social distancing between groups)  

• Regular touchpoint cleaning  

• Additional Bar, Food & Sanitary facilities - to minimise queuing  

• Additional Staffing – Security and Event staff to help manage social distancing onsite 

• COVIDSafe officer to ensure compliance  

• Hand Sanitiser stations  

• Increased communications to patrons and staff  

• Event staff health check and training  

• Additional medical facilities and staffing 

Tickets to attend these special 2021 SOUNDS BETTER TOGETHER concerts are priced at an incredible $49.90* and are on-sale from noon AEDT tomorrow (Tuesday 19 January).  For details head to soundsbettertogether.com.    

An exciting second round of artists and shows will be announced later this week - stay tuned! 

* transaction fees apply