Adelaide, South Australia

Where Music, Community & Story Come Alive

Sounds of Adelaide is an entertainment and community platform bringing people together through live music, events, poetry, and the power of storytelling.

Our family

One brand. Many voices.

From headline concerts to intimate storytelling nights, everything we do is rooted in connection.

Core

Concerts & Corporate Events

Live entertainment and professionally produced events for audiences and clients across Adelaide.

Echo

Live Music Events

Adelaide's dedicated live music event series — curated, electric, unforgettable.

The Arts & Awakening

Poetry & Spoken Word

Connecting all sides of music and poetry — a platform where words and music collide.

Untold

Community Storytelling

A platform for people who don't always have one. Real stories. Real impact.

Soul Records

Artist Management

Building careers for emerging artists — one artist at a time.

Community

Community Events

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

Come as you are.

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

Our Story

Born from a love of music, art, and people — built to give Adelaide more.

Origin

Where it began

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

What drives us

"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

Our values

Community first

Everything we do is rooted in community. We exist to serve the people of Adelaide — as participants and voices, not just an audience.

Authentic voices

Every person has a story worth telling. Our platforms amplify those stories — especially the ones that don't often get heard.

Creative excellence

Whether it's a corporate event or a storytelling night, we hold ourselves to a high standard. Great experiences matter.

Inclusion

Our events and platforms are for everyone. We actively work to make our spaces welcoming, accessible, and representative.

Meet the founder

James Bannah

James Bannah

Multi-instrumentalist, composer, and entrepreneur. Founder & CEO of Sounds of Adelaide.

Our family

The brands under our umbrella

Each sub-brand has its own identity, audience, and purpose — all connected by the Sounds of Adelaide spirit.

Echo

Live Music Events

Raw energy, great artists, unforgettable nights.

The Arts & Awakening

Poetry & Spoken Word

Connecting all sides of music and poetry.

Untold

Community Storytelling

Real stories. Real community. Real impact.

Soul Records

Artist Management

Building careers for emerging talent.

"Everyone deserves a stage, a seat, and a voice."

Meet the founder

James Bannah

Musician. Composer. Entrepreneur. Community builder.

James Bannah
James Bannah Founder & CEO
🏆 SA Young Achiever Carclew Creative Awards 2023 🇦🇺 Australian of the Year Nominee 2023 🌟 Young Australian of the Year Nominee 2023

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

Career highlights

2007

Arrived in Australia

James and his family migrated from Liberia to Adelaide, beginning a new chapter rooted in community and music.

2015

Music career begins

Self-taught on drums, James quickly built a reputation as a virtuoso, performing across Adelaide's live music scene.

2019 – 2025

Major festival stages

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

Bachelor of Music — Tabor College

Began studying a Bachelor of Music majoring in Jazz Piano, deepening his craft across piano, guitar, and bass guitar.

2020 – 2021

Composed The Deep North

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

National recognition

Named SA Young Achiever (Carclew Creative Awards), nominated for Australian of the Year, and Young Australian of the Year. Founded Sounds of Adelaide.

2024

Musical Director — The Questions

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

Building what's next

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

What We Do

From sold-out concerts to intimate storytelling nights — the full spectrum of live entertainment and community engagement.

Core

Concerts

Adelaide's stage

Live concerts across Adelaide — from intimate shows to larger productions. Full end-to-end production, artist booking, venue sourcing, and ticketing.

  • Concert production & promotion
  • Venue sourcing & management
  • Artist booking & liaison
  • Ticketing & audience experience

Core

Corporate Events

Professionally produced

Events that leave a lasting impression — product launches, awards nights, client functions. Creativity, professionalism, and energy in every brief.

  • Full event production & management
  • Entertainment programming
  • Venue selection & coordination
  • AV, staging & logistics

Core

Community Events

Open to all

Free or low-cost, inclusive events designed around participation. The heartbeat of Sounds of Adelaide.

  • Open community gatherings
  • Cultural & creative events
  • Collaborative neighbourhood experiences
  • Community organisation partnerships
Echo

Live Music Events

Adelaide's live music experience

Dedicated live music event series — curated experiences, great artists, electric atmosphere.

  • Curated live music events
  • Local & touring artists
  • Intimate to large-scale shows
  • A home for Adelaide's music lovers
The Arts & Awakening

Poetry & Spoken Word

Connecting all sides of music and poetry

A space where words and music collide. Poetry nights, open mics, spoken word showcases, and collaborative events.

  • Poetry nights & open mics
  • Spoken word showcases
  • Music & poetry collaborations
  • Platform for emerging writers
Untold

Community Storytelling

Your story matters

A platform for people in the community who don't have a voice. Storytelling events and community engagement — everyone is welcome.

  • Community storytelling events
  • Facilitated story-sharing sessions
  • Engagement events for participation
  • Platform for unheard voices
Soul Records

Artist Management

Building careers. One artist at a time.

Artist management for emerging talent. Small roster, full commitment — career development, bookings, brand, and mentoring.

  • Artist management & career development
  • Booking & opportunity sourcing
  • Brand & image development
  • Industry guidance & mentoring

For artists

Artist Portal

Perform at Echo, apply to Soul Records, or connect with The Arts & Awakening. We read every application.

How it works

We're looking for the right fit

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.

Perform at Echo

Live music events across Adelaide. We're always looking for local and touring artists who fit the Echo vibe.

Soul Records — Management

Small roster, full commitment. We're selective — but if you're serious, we want to hear from you.

The Arts & Awakening

Poets, spoken word artists, and musicians — come perform at our poetry and spoken word events.

Apply now

Tell us about yourself

Learn with James Bannah

Music Lessons

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

What you can learn

🥁

Drums

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.

Beginner Intermediate Advanced

🎹

Piano

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.

Beginner Intermediate Jazz focus

🎸

Guitar

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.

Acoustic Electric All levels

🎵

Bass Guitar

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.

Beginner Intermediate Rhythm & groove

🎛️

Music Production

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.

Beat-making Mixing Arrangement All levels

Session rates

Simple, honest pricing

All instruments. All levels. No hidden fees.

Intro Session

$30
per 30-minute lesson
  • ✓  Any instrument or skill
  • ✓  In-person or online
  • ✓  All levels welcome
  • ✓  No lock-in commitment
Most Popular

Full Session

$60
per 60-minute lesson
  • ✓  Any instrument or skill
  • ✓  In-person or online
  • ✓  All levels welcome
  • ✓  More time, deeper learning

Payment accepted after your first session. Get in touch to find a time that works.

Get started

Book a lesson or enquire

Lesson enquiries

Fill in the form and James will get back to you to confirm a time, location, and first session details.

Location

Lessons available in-person across Adelaide, or online via video call.

Session length

30-minute and 60-minute sessions available. Chat to James about what works for you.

Send an enquiry

Sounds of Adelaide core

Concerts & Corporate Events

Live entertainment and professionally produced events for Adelaide audiences and corporate clients.

Live concerts

Adelaide's stage

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.

Concert production & promotion

End-to-end concert production — artist booking, venue, promotion, and show-night management.

Venue sourcing

We know Adelaide's venues and find the right space for every show.

Artist booking

Local Adelaide artists to interstate touring acts — all liaison and contracts handled.

Ticketing

Seamless ticketing managed directly through Sounds of Adelaide.

Full event production

Concept to delivery — every detail managed so your event runs flawlessly.

Entertainment programming

Live music, performers, MCs — curated to fit your brand and audience.

Venue selection

We source and coordinate venues that match the scale and style of your event.

AV, staging & logistics

Lighting, sound, staging — all technical production handled professionally.

Corporate events

Events that make an impression

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

Echo

Adelaide's live music experience

Raw energy. Great artists. Unforgettable nights.

About Echo

Adelaide's stage for live music

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.

Curated lineups

Every artist is hand-picked. No filler, just great music that fits the Echo vibe.

Intimate atmosphere

We choose venues that put you close to the music — not watching from a distance.

Local & touring artists

The best of Adelaide's homegrown talent alongside exciting interstate acts.

All genres welcome

Echo isn't one genre — it's great live music, whatever form that takes.

Don't miss the next Echo

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

The Arts & Awakening

Connecting all sides of music and poetry

A space where words and music collide — a home for every voice.

About

A home for every voice

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

Poetry nights

Regular events bringing together Adelaide's poets — from the established to first-timers.

Open mics

An open stage for anyone with something to say. Just show up and share.

Spoken word showcases

Curated shows featuring Adelaide's best spoken word artists performing alongside musicians.

Music & poetry collaborations

Events where poets and musicians create together in the space where the two art forms meet.

Want to perform or get involved?

We welcome poets, spoken word artists, musicians, and collaborators at all levels.

A Sounds of Adelaide sub-brand

Untold

Everyone has a story. This is where those stories live.

Our purpose

A voice for those who don't have one

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.

Storytelling events

Live community events where people come together to share their stories in a supported, inclusive environment.

Community engagement

Facilitated sessions designed around participation — everyone is welcome, no experience required.

Platform for unheard voices

We actively reach out to people whose stories rarely get space in mainstream settings.

Safe and inclusive

Every Untold event is a safe space — respectful, supportive, and free from judgment.

"The stories that go untold are often the ones that matter most."

Want to share your story, attend an event, or bring Untold to your community?

A Sounds of Adelaide sub-brand

Soul Records

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

Management with purpose

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.

Career development

Long-term strategy for building a sustainable, growing career in music.

Booking & opportunities

Sourcing and securing gigs, deals, and opportunities that move your career forward.

Brand & image

Helping you develop a strong, authentic identity that resonates with your audience.

Industry guidance & mentoring

Navigating the music industry is complex. We have the knowledge and connections to help.

Small roster. Full commitment.

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

Community Events

Open to all. Built for everyone. Grassroots events bringing Adelaide together.

About

Come as you are

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."

Open gatherings

Free events open to all.

Cultural events

Celebrating Adelaide's diversity.

Creative events

Arts and expression for all levels.

Partnerships

Working with local orgs and councils.

Neighbourhood

Collaborative, local, community-rooted.

Inclusive by design

Accessible and participatory.

Get involved

Want to bring a community event to your area?

We partner with community organisations, local councils, schools, and neighbourhood groups to bring events to more people across Adelaide.

Book your spot

Get Your Tickets

Browse upcoming events and secure your spot. We handle ticketing directly — simple, secure, no third-party platforms.

How it works

1

Choose your event

Browse upcoming events and select the one you want to attend.

2

Pay securely

Pay by card. All payments processed securely via Stripe.

3

Get your ticket

Your ticket arrives by email with a unique QR code. Just show it at the door.

Upcoming events

What's on

Loading events...

Reach out

Get in Touch

Booking an event, collaborating, getting your music heard, or just finding out more — we'd love to hear from you.

Contact options

How can we help?

General Enquiries

Anything about Sounds of Adelaide, events, or community programs.

admin@soundsofadelaide.com

Location

Adelaide, South Australia

Operating across the Adelaide metropolitan area and beyond.

Send a message

We'll get back to you

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