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 UK pop starlet has announced her biggest run of Australian shows ever.
The German goth metal heroes land at Lion Arts Factory next month.
The UK pop star will be joined by fellow headliners Fatboy Slim and Kasabian.
The UK grime and bass MC returns to Australian shores next month.
The ‘80s synth-pop icons are playing all the hits when they hit Australia in 2027
‘In the Name of Your Love’ is the third single taken from Telenova’s highly anticipated second album, The Warning.
‘Anything or Anyone’ is the latest single taken from Romanie’s upcoming album, It’s Not That Funny.
The annual Melbourne festival returns with another ripping lineup.
Skate Daze is a youth-oriented event bringing music, murals and mayhem to City Skate Park.
Colonial Drift, William Crighton’s fourth studio album, is out March 20 via ABC Music.
The South Aussie ensemble return to Adelaide in October.
Full Circle is set for release Friday 27 March via Beyond The Groove / AWAL Recordings.
The tour celebrates the release of MAY-A’s new album, Goodbye (If You Call That Gone).
Blush are hitting the raod for a run of shows across Janaury and February.
The composer and multi-instrumentalist is performing at WOMADelaide in March.
Isle of Wight Festival runs from Thursday 18 June to Sunday 21 June 2026.
‘In Animation’ is the latest single taken from Karnivool’s upcoming album In Verses, out February 6 via Cymatic Records/Sony Music.
The duo will be celebrating the music of the iconic TV show this March.
The Dubliner returns to Australia for a run of shows across February and March.
This year’s festival features performances from Ocean Alley, Sophie Ellis-Bextor, The Veronicas, The Temper Trap, Mallrat and many more.
This is the third track taken from Bad//Dreems upcoming fifth studio album, ULTRA DUNDEE.
The dynamic UK electronicore marvels are touring with support from singer, songwriter and rapper Grandson.
Due to high demand there will be a second show in Adelaide.
Catch the post-hardcore icons performing are at The Jade.
This year’s inaugural edition of the three-day heavy metal extravaganza features Parkway Drive, Polaris, Northlane, The Butterfly Effect and more.
The indie quartet are performing five shows across June.
‘Opening Night’ appears on a forthcoming benefit album for the UK-based children's charity War Child.
The film was recorded the third night of a sold-out run at The Marrickville Bowling & Recreation Club in Sydney, Australia.
The track is taken from Blake’s upcoming album, Trying Times.
Catch Chet Faker performing live in Adelaide at A Day In The Gully next month.