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 film hits Australian cinemas on Thursday 7 May.
Catch Hermitude playing The Gov this April in support of their upcoming new album, EIGHT.
The track is taken from the Swedish artist’s upcoming final album, The Afterparty.
This is the band’s first new single since the release of their 2025 self-titled debut album.
The New Zealand rockers kick off their four date Australian tour next week.
The Northern Irish indie outfit will be joined on tour by UK rockers The Vaccines.
‘Life Is Long’ is Bromham’s first release since 2024’s ‘Adulthood’.
Also topping the bill are Tate McRae, Lorde, John Summit, Jennie and the xx.
The single follows a run of sold-out shows across Australia.
The track arrives ahead of POND’s upcoming American tour with Djo.
The track is taken from the Irish American’s upcoming album, Embers to Ashes.
The tour comes in support of his forthcoming album, REDSTAR WU & THE WORLDWIDE SCOURGE.
The iconic UK popstar is touring in support of his new album, BRITPOP.
The SA legends are hitting the road to celebrate their iconic single.
‘Gas Craic’ is The VANNS first release since their 2025 album All That’s In My Head.
Catch the emerging indie rockers artist performing in April.
Enjoy local food and drink producers while listening to soulful tunes from some of South Australia’s most exciting artists at this inclusive free event.
Hear all your favourite David Bowie songs performed by three incredible vocalists.
First Sounds is a vital partnership between the Community Broadcasting Association of Australia (CBAA) and Gadigal Information Service/Koori Radio that continues to amplify First Nations voices.
Plan your day ahead of this year’s Summer Sonic festival in Tokyo and Osaka.
The track is taken from the brotherly duo’s upcoming sixth studio album, Look For Your Mind!.
Catch the acclaimed singer-songwriter in Adelaide this September.
The postponement comes after Marriott’s flights were cancelled due to the current war in the Middle East.
This marks their first visit to Australian shores since 2013, and a return to New Zealand following a 22-year absence!
The new version of the track is dedicated to her young son.
The annual festival has been cancelled just weeks before it was set to commence over the Easter long weekend.
Catch 12 of the best Aussie heavy acts in one night at UniBar Adelaide.
Tom Misch’s Full Circle arrives Friday 27 March.
This is the first taste of new music from the Freo quartet since the release of their 2025 album, If That Makes Sense.