March 2025: Beats Round Up
Resident disco advisor Sam Lavers gets down with what’s happening in SA when it comes to hip hop, house and techno.
Image via observation-o.bandcamp.com
You Should Listen To
Observation – ‘Loops3’
Elusive SA-based soundscape architect Observation has created expansive beat tapes on Bandcamp for the last three years. These releases cover a lot of ground, from brutal crunchy works to the most ethereal mediative compositions. loops3 clearly demonstrates the artist's ability to evoke feeling through their production – a handy habit for a budding film scorer, perhaps? (Attn. SA Film Corp!). The album is a rewarding listen for those who dedicate themselves the time and space it deserves. Highlights include ‘breakking’, ‘089.3’ and ‘niteride’.
You Should See
Sanctuary
This illuminated playground on the Torrens continues through March, with plenty more international talent dropping in to grace the sound system. Sanctuary has reached capacity every night so far, so be sure to get down as early as possible. Find your way into hidden areas of the festival site; pay homage to the little Daihatsu that could; bliss out in the silent disco booth; and possibly even spot fragments of an infamous Glenelg landmark. And yes, you should go and discover this for yourself!
March 1–29 | Helen Mayo Park | Tickets
The Presets DJ Set
Stories of The Presets’ performances during Fringe over the last two decades are often paired with the overwhelming memory of huge parties. No doubt, the highly awarded duo will wrangle all those energies and mega-hits into their 2025 performance at The Fantail in Gluttony. Expect hits such as ‘My People’, ‘Talk Like That’, ‘Tools Down’ and ‘Martini’ to thump all night!
March 15 | The Fantail, Gluttony | Ticekts
Four More
Late Night Tuff Guy
The Godfather of Australian Techno – Adelaide’s own LNTG – is putting on a one-night Fringe special at The Fantail stage in Gluttony.
March 14 | Gluttony | Tickets
DJ Spinna (NYC)
Condesa & Inner Tribe Records invite world-renowned DJ Spinna to work the Sugar dancefloor! Prepare to get sweaty at this set that crosses hip-hop, R&B, soulful house, funk and electronica.
March 14 | Sugar | Tickets
Fatboy Slim
No introduction required. A massive party inbound for Peter Lehmann Wines in the Barossa! Be there.
March 21 | Peter Lehmann Wines | Tickets
Franky Wah & Sasha
The Front Room present a huge open-air party with two of the UK’s leading progressive house DJs – Franky Wah and Sasha – at The Cloisters. One for the history books.
March 21 | Cloisters at UniBar ADL | Tickets
The Limited Edition Deluxe Box Set includes 15 CDs and a deluxe 128-page book with never-before-seen photos and stories.
The album features the previously released singles ‘Tattoos’, ‘Bluffin’’, ‘Drive Her Home’ and ‘Dumb Shit’.
The album features the previously released singles ‘A Love That Could Kill’, ‘Promises of Everything’, ‘Happy Again’ and ‘I Love You Babe’.
This year’s edition is taking place on the Sunshine Coast, Newcastle and Ballarat.
The Irish crooner is touring in support of his latest album, The Weight of the Woods.
Will Oakeshott goes to the dark side to gather up all things metal in South Australia.
The track is the second release taken from Death Cab for Cutie’s upcoming eleventh studio album, I Built You A Tower.
Seven months since the release of their sophomore EP Look At Me Now, SA emo rockers TOWNHOUSE treat us with a music video for lead single ‘Avengers Level Threat’
The duo will perform two shows in South Australia this May.
The record includes the singles ‘Smart Casual’, ‘Woo Me’, ‘On The Sidelines’ and ‘Milky’.
The experimental rock outfit is playing Unsound as part of Illuminate Adelaide 2026.
Catch Australia’s favourite boyband performing at AEC Arena in November.
Editors have also announced a run of shows across the UK and Europe.
DMA’s announce a new album and East Coast tour, sharing fresh music and tour dates as the Aussie indie favourites return in 2026.
The tour comes in support of Citizen’s new album, Halcyon Blues.
Embers to Ashes is set for release Friday 28 August.
‘Break Bread’ follows the previously released singles ‘Suit Vibes’ and ‘Dreams’.
The annual two-day festival is being split between Wollongong foreshore and Wollongong city centre.
The ‘Dance Monkey’ singer will be joined by the likes of Lee Kernaghan, Tyler Braden, Sheppard and more.
The track arrives after Marlon supported Hilltop Hoods on their sold-out Australian tour earlier this year.
House of Cards includes the singles ‘Bleed’, ‘House of Cards’ and ‘Heaven Sent’.
The inaugural roster includes Slim Krusty, The Bennies, Young Offenders and more.
They will be joined by special guests Orthodox (USA) and Heavensgate.
‘Evian’ is the first taste of new music from Northlane in 2026.
Seven bands are set to take over Three Brothers Arms in Macclesfield for a day of awesome local music in June.
The duo will be joined by special guests Dingo (Brandon Dodd) and Ally Row.
The local music series features three incredible artists performing in a historic location in Adelaide’s CBD.
Strung Out are looking forward to celebrating their sophomore album with Aussie fans this September.
This is TOWNS’ first release since their 2024 album, sentimental slowdown.