Blues and soul powerhouse Shawn James will make his Australian debut this October with three intimate shows.
The Chicago-born artist has built a devoted following through his genre-defying sound that fuses folk, blues, r&b, gospel, rock and metal with haunting intensity. Known for his raw, soul-stirring vocals, Shawn James delivers performances that are authentic, emotional and unforgettable whether performing solo with acoustic arrangements or backed by a full band.
His breakthrough moment came when his song Through the Valley gained global recognition after being featured in The Last of Us Part II video game trailer in 2016, introducing his music to millions of new fans. The haunting ballad became a defining part of the game’s emotional tone and re-emerged last month when it was featured in episode two of HBO’s acclaimed TV adaptation of The Last of Us, gaining an even larger following among fans of the show.
Shawn James’ Australian tour
- The Brightside, Brisbane – Wednesday 8 October
- Mary’s Underground, Sydney – Thursday 9 October
- Northcote Social Club, Melbourne – Friday 10 October
Check out our gig guide, our festival guide, our live music venue guide and our nightclub guide. Follow us on Instagram here.
Shawn James brings a unique perspective to his music, having grown up on the south side of Chicago where he attended a gospel church and was surrounded by heartfelt, soulful music and hardworking people. He has developed his distinctive sound while moving around different parts of the United States and absorbing various cultures.
“I play a wide range of music from folk to blues, r&b, gospel to rock, metal and a lot of things in between,” Shawn James explains. “The main constant amongst all the genres would be that it’s all done with emotion, feeling, heart and a lot of soul. I mean what I say and deeply feel what I play.”
The artist warns fans to expect diversity in his live performances, describing his shows as “a roller coaster of emotions, musical styles, intensity and energy.” He adds: “I get bored easily and love to mix things up. Be ready and bring your ear plugs just in case.”
Since beginning to release his own music in 2012, Shawn James has remained independent without the backing of major record labels or large marketing companies. His music captures themes of struggle, redemption and the human condition, delivered with an authenticity that resonates deeply with listeners across different genres and generations.
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