Sounds Better Together concerts to restart Victorian music industry

Callum Godde
Jan 18, 2021, updated Jan 18, 2021

Jimmy Barnes, pictured at the Music From The Home Front concert in April, will headline the Victorian concerts. Photo: AAP

Pop sensation Tones and I and legendary rocker Jimmy Barnes will headline a series of concerts across Victoria as the state seeks to revitalise its COVID-hit music scene.

The Victorian government, partnering with Michael Gudinski’s Mushroom Group, has signed up a host of local talent for a week of COVID-safe concerts from January 23 to 30.

The 2021 Sounds Better Together series will be held in reduced-capacity venues with zoned areas and other facilities to reduce crowding.

The shows will be held at wineries, a band room and a football oval with each to have a COVID-safe officer, hand sanitiser stations and extensive cleaning.

Announcing 📣 2021 SOUNDS BETTER TOGETHER
Full info: https://t.co/JJSXzvRjMr

An unprecedented series of COVIDSafe concerts featuring some of our finest home-grown talent in some of Australia's most stunning locations.

Tickets are $49.90 (+ fees). On sale tomorrow, 12noon AEDT. pic.twitter.com/poPbNcArv2

— Mushroom (@MushroomGroup) January 18, 2021

Melbourne, Mallacoota, Rutherglen, Yarra Valley and Geelong will host shows with more towns expected to be added.

Missy Higgins, Daryl Braithwaite, Something for Kate and Mia Wray are among the other acts to perform in the series.

Considered Australia’s live music capital with more venues per capita than any global city, the Melbourne scene is starting to come back to life after lockdown restrictions made gigs impossible for most of 2020.

Melbourne! Hometown show! This Sunday, 24th Jan! So excited to announce a very intimate @SFKband show at @princebandroom as part of the @MushroomGroup ‘2021 Sounds Better Together Concert Series’ Stay tuned for ticketing details.. very limited tix only for this one. pic.twitter.com/lCMC8DpR3c

— Something for Kate (@SFKband) January 18, 2021

Victoria’s Minister for Tourism, Sport and Major Events Martin Pakula said the concerts would help the music industry and Victorian communities to recover.

“(It) will get musicians back on stage and help people enjoy a great night out, supporting communities across the state,” he said in a statement on Monday.

“Our music industry supports thousands of jobs and injects millions into our economy, and we’re helping the sector get back on track.”

Tickets for the series go on sale online from noon on Tuesday.

-AAP