Category: MUSIC

Drum TAO’s debut of The Dream: must-see fusion of tradition and spectacle

Brace yourselves, London—the internationally acclaimed Japanese drumming powerhouse, Drum TAO, is finally making its grand entrance into the West End, and trust us, this is not your standard night out at the theatre. Their jaw-dropping production, The Dream, is set to crash onto the stage of the iconic Peacock Theatre at Sadler’s Wells from Tuesday 11 to Saturday 15 March 2025. After smashing it across Japan, Singapore, and Europe, they’ve decided it’s about time London got in on the action—and really, we couldn’t agree more. What makes The Dream such a show-stopper, you ask? Oh, just a cheeky combo of mind-blowing taiko drumming, intricate choreography, and enough high-energy athleticism to make even elite athletes feel lazy. Add to that contemporary costumes and a visual spectacle to rival anything Vegas can throw at you, and you’re in for a wild ride. This isn’t just a performance; it’s an all-encompassing experience that will make your jaw hit the floor—a few times. Originating from Oita, Japan, and going strong since their 1993 debut, Drum TAO is all about pairing the traditional with a contemporary twist. Their weapons of choice? Massive Wadaiko drums (basically, the heartbeat of Japanese percussion) paired with hauntingly beautiful melodies from instruments like the Shinobue (a lightweight flute), Koto (a dreamy harp), and Syamisen (a guitar-like masterpiece). Combine that with their intense physicality and modern musical interpretations, and it’s no wonder they’ve racked up millions of YouTube views, sold-out runs Off-Broadway, and legions of fans across the globe. Ten million spectators worldwide can’t be wrong,… Read More

Labyrinth in Concert comes to London’s Royal Festival Hall

Prepare to be whisked away to the mystical realm of Goblin City with a legendary twist, as “Jim Henson’s Labyrinth: In Concert” makes its grand debut at London’s Royal Festival Hall. On Friday, 28th November 2025, fans of this beloved musical fantasy film will experience a spectacular fusion of cinema and live music that promises to be nothing short of magical. For the first time ever, Jim Henson’s original masterpiece, starring the one and only David Bowie, will come alive on stage with a captivating live band performance. Audiences will be treated to the enchanting melodies of Bowie’s original vocals, accompanied by the band in perfect harmony, all set against the backdrop of the movie projected on a large HD cinema screen. It’s a chance to relive the unforgettable music and adventure that has captured hearts for nearly 40 years since the film’s release in 1986. Produced by Black Ink Presents, a division of Sony Music Entertainment, this unique concert experience is set to enthral long-time fans and newcomers alike. Known for breathing new life into iconic films with live orchestras and bands, Black Ink Presents has previously dazzled audiences with events like Batman, Ghostbusters, and The Nightmare Before Christmas. CEO John Kinsner shares his excitement, stating, “I have always been a huge fan of the groundbreaking collaboration of Jim Henson, George Lucas, David Bowie, and Trevor Jones on this film, and bringing it to fans in a live concert screening experience is a dream come true. Getting to hear Bowie’s vocals with a live… Read More

New music to know: fresh fusion of Turkish & Egyptian indie sounds by Selin Sümbültepe

MDLBEAST Records, renowned for championing innovative talent across the MENA region, proudly unveils the “Hemhal” EP—a mesmerising blend of Turkish and Egyptian indie music. This five-track release underscores the label’s devotion to the alternative music scene, boldly traversing cultural and musical boundaries with a sound that defies convention. “Hemhal” is a tapestry of sounds and styles, weaving indie pop with the rich traditions of Turkey and Egypt. At the forefront are the evocative vocals of Selin Sümbültepe and Maii Waleed, whose voices soar over the meticulously crafted soundscapes by producer Zeid Hamdan. The EP delves into themes of love, identity, and the universal human experience, inviting listeners to embark on an emotive journey. Selin Sümbültepe, celebrated for her albums “C?zgan” (2017) and “Ben Estim Sen Esme” (2021), brings her multi-instrumentalist prowess and storytelling flair to this collaboration. Her Turkish roots and the vibrant culture of her hometown, Hatay, infuse her sound with authenticity and depth. As she works on her third studio album, Sümbültepe continues to push boundaries, with “Hemhal” showcasing her adeptness at genre-blending. Egyptian indie sensation Maii Waleed adds a complementary layer to the EP with her hauntingly beautiful lyrics that explore love, disappointment, and identity. Known for her influential “Moga” EP (2013), Waleed solidifies her place as a leading voice in the Egyptian indie scene with this latest project, adding emotional richness to the collective work. At the core of “Hemhal” is the visionary Zeid Hamdan, a luminary in the Middle East’s indie music circuit. Dubbed one of Lebanon’s cultural icons by… Read More

Sophie Ellis-Bextor’s UK tour in 2025

Sophie Ellis-Bextor is set to light up the UK music scene with her biggest headline tour yet, bringing disco fever to fans across the country in May and June 2025. Known for her captivating live performances and a career that’s as glittering as a disco ball, Sophie will kick off her tour in Glasgow on 24th May, making stops in 15 cities, including Manchester, Newcastle, Cardiff, and Bristol. The tour will conclude with a grand finale at the iconic Royal Albert Hall in London on 12th June. Sophie is bubbling with excitement about the upcoming shows, saying, “This year has been full of amazing tour dates around the world, and it has been so much fun. I absolutely love performing live, but it’s always an extra treat to be able to tour at home and I can’t wait to play my biggest dates in the UK yet next May and June. It will be wonderful to bring the disco fun to everyone! Headlining The Royal Albert Hall in London is a bit of a dream and it’s going to be very special.” Adding to the buzz, Sophie’s new single, ‘Freedom of the Night’, is set to premiere its dazzling video at 6pm tomorrow. This disco-pop anthem marks a confident return to her iconic sound and has fans tapping their feet in anticipation. The video, filmed at the legendary Rivoli Ballroom, promises a nostalgic yet refreshing vibe under the direction of her long-time collaborator, Sophie Muller. Tickets for this must-see tour will be available through artist… Read More

Sugababes are touring Australia

Get ready Australia, because UK pop sensations Sugababes are set to hit the stage Down Under this January! Presented by Untitled Group, this tour is a must-see for anyone who has ever found themselves belting out the lyrics to “Push The Button” or “Round Round.” With shows scheduled in Melbourne, Sydney, and Brisbane, the iconic trio is ready to bring their chart-topping hits and incredible harmonies to eager fans. Formed in 1998, Sugababes quickly ascended to pop stardom with their debut single “Overload,” capturing the hearts of fans worldwide. Their journey through the modern pop era has been nothing short of spectacular, with a slew of hits like “About You Now” and “Too Lost In You” cementing their place in music history. After two decades, the original lineup—Mutya Buena, Keisha Buchanan, and Siobhan Donaghy—has returned, captivating a new generation and proving that their music is as timeless as ever. 2023 has seen Sugababes at the forefront of the music scene, making history with a standout performance at Boiler Room’s Colour Factory in East London, which racked up over a million YouTube views. Their recent collaboration with DJ Heartstring and the homage paid by UK producers Two Shell to their classic “Round Round” further highlight their lasting impact on the music landscape. Their electrifying presence at Glastonbury, where fan demand was so high it led to a stage closure, underscores their enduring appeal. With six UK Number One singles, millions of global sales, and multiple multi-platinum albums, Sugababes’ legacy in pop music is undeniable. As one… Read More

RÜFÜS DU SOL to perform on Sydney Harbour

Get ready for a night of music magic, folks! The Grammy-winning maestros of live electronic music, RÜFÜS DU SOL, are set to grace us with an intimate performance that promises to be as iconic as the Sydney Harbour itself. Mark your calendars for October 10th, because this is one sunset performance you won’t want to miss. Imagine this: the sun dipping below the horizon, casting its golden glow over the Harbour, as RÜFÜS DU SOL unleash their hypnotic blend of live instrumentation and electronic beats. It’s the perfect setting for unveiling their highly anticipated fifth album, giving Aussie fans the first peek at their new tunes. It’s not just a concert—it’s an experience, one that promises to be as exclusive as your secret Tim Tam stash. Now, before you start packing your picnic rug, remember that tickets go on sale Friday, October 4, at 10 AM AEST. You’ll want to be quicker than a kangaroo on a hot tin roof, so head over to rufusdusol.com/sydney to snag your passes to this once-in-a-lifetime event. But wait, there’s more! The band’s website has launched a mysterious countdown, teasing more live performance announcements. Could they be planning to take their groundbreaking soundscapes to a city near you? Only time will tell, but it’s safe to say fans around the world are on the edge of their seats. RÜFÜS DU SOL aren’t just a band; they’re a global phenomenon. Since dropping their last album, ‘Surrender,’ they’ve nabbed a Grammy for Best Dance/Electronic Recording, earned two Grammy nods in 2023,… Read More

Listen to Beethoven live in Sydney

In a celebration of musical revolution and historical milestones, the Sydney Opera House Concert Hall will play host to a landmark event on 26 October 2024—an extraordinary concert commemorating the 200th anniversary of Beethoven’s Ninth Symphony. This monumental piece, renowned for its powerful ‘Ode to Joy’ choral finale, redefined the symphonic form by integrating human voices, and has since become a resounding anthem for equality, freedom, and unity across the globe. Presented for one inspirational concert only, “Ode to Joy – Beethoven & Smyth” promises an evening steeped in musical brilliance and historical significance. Under the baton of the inimitable Elizabeth Scott, the Sydney Philharmonia Choirs’ 400-strong Festival Chorus, alongside special guest soloists Bronwyn Douglass, Helen Sherman, Bradley Daley, and Michael Honeyman, will bring this masterpiece to life. Adding another layer of youthful exuberance to the performance, the Sydney Youth Orchestra will join forces in this magnificent collaboration. Not content with merely celebrating Beethoven’s legacy, the program also shines a spotlight on another trailblazing composer, Dame Ethel Smyth. Known for her fervent activism and defiance of societal norms, Smyth’s contributions to music and the suffragette movement remain inspiring. Her grand Mass in D, hailed as a masterpiece upon its premiere in 1893, will be performed, echoing the sentiments of George Bernard Shaw, who praised her work for dispelling the notion that women could not accomplish great feats in art. Smyth, a formidable figure in the male-dominated world of classical music, used her platform to champion equality. Her anthem, “The March of the Women,” composed during… Read More

Bridgerton candlelight concert comes to Sydney

Sydney is about to be swept off its feet as Netflix, Shondaland, and Fever join forces to present the exclusive Bridgerton Candlelight Concert. This enchanting event is set to transform St Stephen’s Uniting Church into a Regency-era wonderland on October 24th, 2024, with performances at 6:30pm and 8:30pm. Imagine stepping into a world lit by thousands of flickering candles, where the air is filled with the familiar tunes of Bridgerton hits performed by a local string quartet. This multi-sensory musical experience promises to be a night to remember, featuring an eclectic setlist that includes Billie Eilish’s “Bad Guy,” Ariana Grande’s “thank u, next,” and “Give Me Everything” by Pitbull, Afrojack, Ne-Yo, and Nayer, among others. With Bridgerton’s three seasons captivating audiences globally, this Candlelight Concert is a chance for Sydney-siders to immerse themselves in the magic of the series in a truly unique setting. To secure your spot at this highly anticipated event, sign up for the waitlist on Fever’s app or website. Doing so grants you exclusive pre-sale access to tickets, up to 24 hours before they become available to the public. Fever’s Candlelight Concert series is renowned for democratizing access to classical music, offering a fresh twist that appeals to a broad audience. Each concert is a celebration of music, performed in iconic venues worldwide, and this Bridgerton special will be no different, with limited tickets available for this fashionable event of the season. Don’t miss your chance to be part of this dazzling evening. Tickets for the Candlelight: Best of Bridgerton on… Read More