Adelaide, South Australia
Sounds of Adelaide is an entertainment and community platform bringing people together through live music, events, poetry, and the power of storytelling.
Our family
From headline concerts to intimate storytelling nights, everything we do is rooted in connection.
Core
Live entertainment and professionally produced events for audiences and clients across Adelaide.
Echo
Adelaide's dedicated live music event series — curated, electric, unforgettable.
The Arts & Awakening
Connecting all sides of music and poetry — a platform where words and music collide.
Untold
A platform for people who don't always have one. Real stories. Real impact.
Soul Records
Building careers for emerging artists — one artist at a time.
Community
Open, inclusive events giving Adelaide a place to participate and connect.
"More than events. A movement."
We don't just run events — we build community. Every concert, every open mic, every storytelling circle is a chance for someone to feel seen, heard, and connected.
Community
Our community events are open to everyone. Whether you're an artist, a first-timer, or just looking for somewhere to belong — there's a place for you here.
Who we are
Born from a love of music, art, and people — built to give Adelaide more.
Origin
Sounds of Adelaide was born out of a simple idea: that Adelaide deserves more — more live music, more community connection, more platforms for the voices that often go unheard.
What started as a passion for bringing people together through events has grown into a family of brands and initiatives, each with its own identity but united by the same purpose.
To create space for music, art, and community in Adelaide.
Mission
"To connect people through music, art, events, and storytelling — and to give a platform to those who don't yet have one."
— Sounds of Adelaide
What we stand for
Everything we do is rooted in community. We exist to serve the people of Adelaide — as participants and voices, not just an audience.
Every person has a story worth telling. Our platforms amplify those stories — especially the ones that don't often get heard.
Whether it's a corporate event or a storytelling night, we hold ourselves to a high standard. Great experiences matter.
Our events and platforms are for everyone. We actively work to make our spaces welcoming, accessible, and representative.
Meet the founder
Multi-instrumentalist, composer, and entrepreneur. Founder & CEO of Sounds of Adelaide.
Our family
Each sub-brand has its own identity, audience, and purpose — all connected by the Sounds of Adelaide spirit.
Echo
Raw energy, great artists, unforgettable nights.
The Arts & Awakening
Connecting all sides of music and poetry.
Untold
Real stories. Real community. Real impact.
Soul Records
Building careers for emerging talent.
"Everyone deserves a stage, a seat, and a voice."
Meet the founder
Musician. Composer. Entrepreneur. Community builder.
James Bannah is a multi-instrumentalist, music producer, composer, public speaker, youth worker, and entrepreneur — and one of Adelaide's most compelling young creatives. As Founder and CEO of Sounds of Adelaide, he has built a platform that gives emerging artists and communities across South Australia a genuine stage.
Born in Liberia — Africa's oldest Republic — James and his family migrated to Australia in 2007, having spent their formative years across refugee camps in West Africa. Surrounded by hardship, the Bannah family turned to music as a source of joy, peace, and hope. That love of music never left James.
He began his music career in 2015 as a self-taught drummer, quickly earning a reputation as a virtuoso. A true multi-instrumentalist, James plays drums, piano, guitar, and bass guitar. He has performed at Laneway Festival, Groovin the Moo, Splendour In The Grass, Dark MOFO, WOMAD, Summer Sounds Festival, TEDxSydney, and Red Bull Unlocked — supporting artists including Sampa The Great and Adrian Eagle, and touring nationally with Elsy Wameyo across Adelaide, Melbourne, Darwin, and Sydney.
"Music is where I feel most free — where I can express myself no matter who is listening. For me, music is very spiritual. It has a deep connection with my mind, body and soul."
— James Bannah
Beginning in late 2020, James composed The Deep North — the first ever African Australian musical — completing the score in 2021 for its debut season that same year. Blending hip-hop, afrobeat, and R&B, the show tells the story of a young African Australian woman navigating identity, family, and ambition. A subsequent season followed in 2022 at Adelaide Festival Centre's Space Theatre, developed through the Centre's inSPACE Development Program alongside Adelaide artist Elsy Wameyo.
In 2024, James served as Musical Director and cast member in State Theatre Company South Australia's world premiere musical The Questions — a bold rom-com by playwright Van Badham, performed at Adelaide Festival Centre's Space Theatre from July to August 2024. The production starred Charles Wu and Chaya Ocampo, and received a standing ovation from audiences throughout its run.
James has also worked with Act Now Theatre and Country Arts SA, and runs an after-school mental health program for young people. He is currently writing a new play exploring mental health within an African home — another chapter in a career built entirely around community, storytelling, and purpose.
"The talent I have now isn't supposed to stop with me. I'm going to use it to help other people find their purpose and impact their talent."
— James Bannah
The journey
2007
James and his family migrated from Liberia to Adelaide, beginning a new chapter rooted in community and music.
2015
Self-taught on drums, James quickly built a reputation as a virtuoso, performing across Adelaide's live music scene.
2019 – 2025
Performed at Laneway Festival, Groovin the Moo, Splendour In The Grass, Dark MOFO, WOMAD, Summer Sounds Festival, TEDxSydney, and Red Bull Unlocked. Supported Sampa The Great and Adrian Eagle, and toured nationally with Elsy Wameyo across Adelaide, Melbourne, Darwin, and Sydney.
2019
Began studying a Bachelor of Music majoring in Jazz Piano, deepening his craft across piano, guitar, and bass guitar.
2020 – 2021
Composed the score for the first ever African Australian musical. Debut season performed in 2021, followed by a subsequent season at Adelaide Festival Centre's Space Theatre in 2022.
2023
Named SA Young Achiever (Carclew Creative Awards), nominated for Australian of the Year, and Young Australian of the Year. Founded Sounds of Adelaide.
2024
Served as Musical Director and cast member in State Theatre Company SA's world premiere musical at Adelaide Festival Centre. Standing ovations throughout the run.
Now
Growing Sounds of Adelaide, writing a new play, and running an after-school mental health program for young people across South Australia.
"Everyone deserves a stage, a seat, and a voice."
Our offerings
From sold-out concerts to intimate storytelling nights — the full spectrum of live entertainment and community engagement.
Adelaide's stage
Live concerts across Adelaide — from intimate shows to larger productions. Full end-to-end production, artist booking, venue sourcing, and ticketing.
Professionally produced
Events that leave a lasting impression — product launches, awards nights, client functions. Creativity, professionalism, and energy in every brief.
Open to all
Free or low-cost, inclusive events designed around participation. The heartbeat of Sounds of Adelaide.
Adelaide's live music experience
Dedicated live music event series — curated experiences, great artists, electric atmosphere.
Connecting all sides of music and poetry
A space where words and music collide. Poetry nights, open mics, spoken word showcases, and collaborative events.
Your story matters
A platform for people in the community who don't have a voice. Storytelling events and community engagement — everyone is welcome.
Building careers. One artist at a time.
Artist management for emerging talent. Small roster, full commitment — career development, bookings, brand, and mentoring.
For artists
Perform at Echo, apply to Soul Records, or connect with The Arts & Awakening. We read every application.
How it works
Whether you want to perform at one of our events or take the next step in your career with Soul Records — start here. Fill in the form and we'll be in touch.
Live music events across Adelaide. We're always looking for local and touring artists who fit the Echo vibe.
Small roster, full commitment. We're selective — but if you're serious, we want to hear from you.
Poets, spoken word artists, and musicians — come perform at our poetry and spoken word events.
Apply now
Learn with James Bannah
One-on-one tuition in drums, piano, guitar, bass guitar, and music production — taught by a professional multi-instrumentalist with over a decade of performance experience.
Instruments & skills
🥁
James started as a self-taught drummer in 2015 and quickly built a reputation as a virtuoso. Learn technique, groove, timing, and musicality across genres — from afrobeats and jazz to hip-hop and rock.
🎹
James studied Jazz Piano at Tabor College. Piano lessons spanning classical foundations, jazz theory, chord voicings, and contemporary styles. Great for beginners and those looking to take their playing further.
🎸
Acoustic and electric guitar tuition covering chords, strumming patterns, fingerpicking, scales, and lead playing. Lessons are tailored to your goals — whether you want to play songs, jam, or understand the fretboard deeply.
🎵
The backbone of any band. Learn bass lines, groove, tone, and how to lock in with a drummer. Ideal for those wanting to play in a band or understand how rhythm and harmony intersect.
🎛️
Learn to produce your own music from scratch. Covering DAW basics, beat-making, arrangement, mixing fundamentals, and how to develop your own sound. Great for aspiring producers, songwriters, and artists who want to be self-sufficient in the studio.
Session rates
All instruments. All levels. No hidden fees.
Intro Session
Full Session
Payment accepted after your first session. Get in touch to find a time that works.
Get started
Fill in the form and James will get back to you to confirm a time, location, and first session details.
Lessons available in-person across Adelaide, or online via video call.
30-minute and 60-minute sessions available. Chat to James about what works for you.
Send an enquiry
Sounds of Adelaide core
Live entertainment and professionally produced events for Adelaide audiences and corporate clients.
Live concerts
We produce and promote live concerts across Adelaide — intimate shows to large productions. We handle everything: artist booking, venue, promotion, and show-night management.
From local talent to touring artists, every concert is crafted to give audiences an experience they'll remember.
End-to-end concert production — artist booking, venue, promotion, and show-night management.
We know Adelaide's venues and find the right space for every show.
Local Adelaide artists to interstate touring acts — all liaison and contracts handled.
Seamless ticketing managed directly through Sounds of Adelaide.
Concept to delivery — every detail managed so your event runs flawlessly.
Live music, performers, MCs — curated to fit your brand and audience.
We source and coordinate venues that match the scale and style of your event.
Lighting, sound, staging — all technical production handled professionally.
Corporate events
Product launches, awards nights, client functions, staff celebrations — we bring creativity, professionalism, and energy to every brief.
"Every event is a story. Let's make yours worth telling."
A Sounds of Adelaide sub-brand
Adelaide's live music experience
Raw energy. Great artists. Unforgettable nights.
About Echo
Echo is the dedicated live music event series under the Sounds of Adelaide umbrella. Every Echo event is carefully curated — great artists, great atmosphere, electric from the moment you walk in.
Whether you're a lifelong music fan or discovering live music for the first time, Echo is your event. We believe in the power of live music to bring people together.
Based in Adelaide, proud of it — Echo showcases the best of local talent alongside exciting touring artists.
Every artist is hand-picked. No filler, just great music that fits the Echo vibe.
We choose venues that put you close to the music — not watching from a distance.
The best of Adelaide's homegrown talent alongside exciting interstate acts.
Echo isn't one genre — it's great live music, whatever form that takes.
New events drop regularly. Check the tickets page for what's coming up, or get in touch to perform.
A Sounds of Adelaide sub-brand
Connecting all sides of music and poetry
A space where words and music collide — a home for every voice.
About
The Arts & Awakening is our poetry and spoken word platform — built on the belief that music and poetry are two sides of the same coin. Both move people. Both tell the truth. Both deserve space.
From intimate poetry nights to larger showcases, The Arts & Awakening creates events where language comes alive.
Whether you're a seasoned poet, a first-time open mic performer, or simply someone who loves the power of words — this is your place.
"To connect all sides of music and poetry."
— The Arts & Awakening motto
Regular events bringing together Adelaide's poets — from the established to first-timers.
An open stage for anyone with something to say. Just show up and share.
Curated shows featuring Adelaide's best spoken word artists performing alongside musicians.
Events where poets and musicians create together in the space where the two art forms meet.
We welcome poets, spoken word artists, musicians, and collaborators at all levels.
A Sounds of Adelaide sub-brand
Everyone has a story. This is where those stories live.
Our purpose
Untold exists for one reason: too many people in our community have stories worth telling but no platform to tell them. Untold changes that.
Through community engagement events and storytelling sessions, Untold gives a voice to people who don't always have one — creating a space that is safe, welcoming, and powerful.
This is about human connection. About being heard. About the stories that shape who we are — finally getting the space they deserve.
Live community events where people come together to share their stories in a supported, inclusive environment.
Facilitated sessions designed around participation — everyone is welcome, no experience required.
We actively reach out to people whose stories rarely get space in mainstream settings.
Every Untold event is a safe space — respectful, supportive, and free from judgment.
Want to share your story, attend an event, or bring Untold to your community?
A Sounds of Adelaide sub-brand
Building careers. One artist at a time.
Artist management for emerging talent. We develop careers, open doors, and stand in your corner every step of the way.
What we do
Soul Records works with a small, focused roster of emerging artists because we believe in giving each artist the time and attention they deserve.
We're not just managers — we're advocates, strategists, and supporters. We care about your career as much as you do.
Currently managing one artist and mentoring another. Soul Records is growing — and open to conversations with the right talent.
Long-term strategy for building a sustainable, growing career in music.
Sourcing and securing gigs, deals, and opportunities that move your career forward.
Helping you develop a strong, authentic identity that resonates with your audience.
Navigating the music industry is complex. We have the knowledge and connections to help.
We deliberately work with a small number of artists so every artist on our roster gets our full attention — not a slice of it.
100%
Committed to every artist on our roster
Adelaide
Based in Adelaide, working nationally
Sounds of Adelaide core
Open to all. Built for everyone. Grassroots events bringing Adelaide together.
About
Community events are the heartbeat of Sounds of Adelaide. Free or low-cost, inclusive, and designed around people first.
We believe the Adelaide community deserves events that don't require a big ticket price to participate in. Our events create space for creativity, connection, and conversation for everyone.
Whether you're an artist, a neighbour, a newcomer, or a community organisation — there's a place for you.
"Everyone deserves a stage, a seat, and a voice."
Free events open to all.
Celebrating Adelaide's diversity.
Arts and expression for all levels.
Working with local orgs and councils.
Collaborative, local, community-rooted.
Accessible and participatory.
Get involved
We partner with community organisations, local councils, schools, and neighbourhood groups to bring events to more people across Adelaide.
Book your spot
Browse upcoming events and secure your spot. We handle ticketing directly — simple, secure, no third-party platforms.
How it works
1
Browse upcoming events and select the one you want to attend.
2
Pay by card. All payments processed securely via Stripe.
3
Your ticket arrives by email with a unique QR code. Just show it at the door.
Upcoming events
Reach out
Booking an event, collaborating, getting your music heard, or just finding out more — we'd love to hear from you.
Contact options
Anything about Sounds of Adelaide, events, or community programs.
Location
Adelaide, South Australia
Operating across the Adelaide metropolitan area and beyond.
Send a message
Overview
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Stay in the loop
New events, announcements, and things worth hearing.