A brand-new destination for live music and performing arts in Melbourne has arrived. The Round is kicking May off with a flurry, celebrating the unveiling of its doors with a month of music.
Presented by On The Road Again and Music Victoria, Round Sound is set to host a breath of talent ranging between acclaimed, local and emerging, including intimate musical performances as well as network-focused events for those looking to stay connected in the industry.
“Round Sound is an incredibly exciting initiative that will shine a spotlight on this beautiful new venue and the vibrant contemporary music community,” says Josh Sanders, The Round’s programming team leader.
“As Melbourne’s newest performing arts centre, we’re thrilled to welcome the music community through our doors to discover a full month of amazing Sounds at The Round.”
Keep up with the latest music news, features, festivals, interviews and reviews here.
With a significant investment by Whitehorse City Council, the venue is no less than state-of-the-art, boasting a beautiful foyer bar with reasonable price points and free parking to boot.
It’s a great alternative to a night out in the city (and highly accessible – all of its spaces can be accessed via wheelchair).
The Round’s inaugural event begins May 3 and runs all throughout the month until May 31.
Ben Lee
- When: Friday, 3 May – 7:30pm
Ben Lee is set to kickstart the month with a night of acoustically performed romantic anthems, clever wordplay and indie pop classics.
“I’m thrilled to be one of the first performers at The Round next month. Of course, the arts in Australia has taken a beating. Down? Yep. Out? Not even close.”
Fresh off the announcement of his new solo album This One’s For The Old Headz, Ben’s gigs are as intimate an experience as they are a solidly fun time.
Peppy Smears
- When: Friday, 10 May – 8pm
Provocateur and drag queer Peppy Smears bring Underground Cabaret to the stage. A regular on the independent theatre circuit, they’ve collaged together a sass-fuelled storm of opera, musicals and theatre that may just make your dad second-guess himself.
Round Sound Industry Day
When: Saturday, 11 May – 12pm
A huge opportunity for the musicians of Melbourne’s East to connect with each other, Round Sound Industry Day is filled with must-see showcases and workshops, from live music marketing and releasing classes to a performance from acclaimed songwriter Eliza Hull.
Kate Miller-Heidke
- When: Saturday, 11 May – 7:30pm
Capping off Round Sound Industry Day (but ticketed separately, so don’t miss out) is folk-pop superstar Kate Miller-Heidke. Having graced stages such as the Eurovision Song Contest and the Sydney Opera House, Kate brings her Catching Diamonds tour to The Round with long-time collaborator Keir Nuttall. She’ll be showcasing new material in a stripped-back setting alongside the hits, unexpected covers, crowd requests and beloved tracks from her original musicals.
Kay Proudlove’s Dear Diary
- When: Saturday, 18 May – 2pm, 8pm
South Coast singer-songwriter Kay Proudlove takes the audience on a journey through her teenage years with Dear Diary. Ranging from first kisses to fanfiction, it’s an intimate and vulnerable collection of stories and songs that finds hilarity in the nostalgia of growing up and figuring yourself out.
Over Our Dead Body with Maple Glider and more
- When: Friday, 31 May – 7:30pm
Founded by acclaimed industry musicians Alex Lahey and Gordi, Over Our Dead Body is a showcase of emerging talent and performance, curated by and for artists. The first artist announced is the incredible Maple Glider.
“You shouldn’t have to live in the middle of a city to hear good live music. We’re stoked to team up with Music Victoria and The Round to bring some of the very best songwriters going around to Nunawading,” Sophie Payten (Gordi) said.
The pair have previously curated the Over My Dead Body showcase at Shotkickers, which featured the likes of June Jones, with support from Katie Dey and The Vovos. Pisco Sour, with support from Obscura Hail and Leo, and The Belair Lip Bombs with support from Eaglemont and Harris.
What else is on?
Round Sound are in collaboration with Box Hill Institute, with student ensembles set to bring the foyer to life on several days throughout the festival.
Other events over the month further showcase a level of variety The Round is soon becoming synonymous with.
Get Rhythm delivers for old-time country fans, seeing Mark and Joanne Caligiuri play a solidly sincere Johnny Cash and June Carter on May 4. The Briefs boys air Dirty Laundry in gob-smacking fashion on May 8. Things I Know To Be True sees working-class family the Prices fight to keep themselves together in the face of towering change and tragedy from May 24-25.
It’s no secret that Melbourne’s music scene has been battling it out the past few months, but amongst festival cancellations and venue shutdowns, Round Sound is a celebration of success with a diverse, creatively charged line-up containing some of the best May has to offer.
Find out more about Round Sound at The Round’s official website.
This article was made in partnership with The Round.
