Shawn James To Make Australian debut - Tour Dates Announced For October 2025

MELBOURNE, AU (May 28, 2025) – Blues & soul powerhouse, Shawn James is set to make his Australian debut with three very special shows this October!

Known for his raw, soul-stirring vocals, the Chicago-born artist has created a name for himself through a genre-defying sound that fuses everything from folk to blues, r&b, Gospel to rock and metal with haunting intensity. Whether performing solo with his signature acoustic grit or backed by a full band, James’ live shows are a force of nature - authentic, emotional, and unforgettable. With a growing catalog of original music and captivating covers, he continues to push boundaries while staying true to his roots, delivering songs that speak directly to the soul with his music capturing the themes of struggle, redemption, and the human condition.

His song “Through the Valley” gained global recognition after being featured in the The Last of Us Part II (2016) video game trailer, introducing his music to millions of new fans. The haunting ballad became a defining part of the game’s emotional tone, earning widespread acclaim and cementing James’ place in the hearts of gamers and music lovers alike. The song re-emerged last month, when it was featured in episode two of HBO’s acclaimed TV adaptation of the game, The Last of Us (2025), reaffirming its emotional weight and gaining an even larger following among fans of the show.

The Australian tour kicks off on Wednesday 8 October in Brisbane, before continuing south to Sydney on Thursday 9 October, and wrapping up in Melbourne on Fri 10 October.

Tickets go on sale Friday 30 May, 12pm local time.

My Live Nation members can secure tickets during the presale which commences at 11am (local) on Thursday 29 May and concludes at 11am (local) Friday 29 May. Fans can register for access at livenation.com.au.

SHAWN JAMES
AUSTRALIA TOUR 2025

THE BRIGHTSIDE, BRISBANE
WED 8 OCTOBER

MARY’S UNDERGROUND, SYDNEY
THURSDAY 9 OCTOBER

NORTHCOTE SOCIAL CLUB, MELBOURNE
FRIDAY 10 OCTOBER

TICKETS ON SALE FRIDAY 30 MAY, 12PM
Live Nation Presale: Thu 29 May, 11am – Fri 30 May, 11am (Local)

For complete tour & ticket information, visit: livenation.com.au

 

A NOTE FROM SHAWN:

Hey there, this is Shawn James. I’ve had way too many writers think they could sum me up & relay what I’m about from an hour long conversation so they could write my “bio” but I’ve had it. Screw that. I’ll tell it in my own words.

I was born & raised In Chicago, Illinois. I grew up on the south side of the city where I attended a gospel church. I was always around a lot of heartfelt soulful music & hardworking, real, down to earth people. Although I no longer abide by any religion, I value the times I had and how they shaped me to be what I am now.

I’ve moved around quite a bit living in all different parts of the US. While absorbing all sorts of different cultures from here & around the world, I’ve developed my own sound. I started releasing my own music in 2012 and haven’t stopped since. I play a wide range of music from folk to blues, r&b, Gospel to rock, metal & alotta things in between. The main constant amongst all the genres would be that it’s all done with emotion, feeling, heart & a lotta soul. I mean what I say & deeply feel what I play.

I play covers of songs I dig sometimes and although some people may only know me because of those, I’m hardly just a cover artist.

If you come see me play live and expect just one style or aspect of what I do, you may be disappointed to learn that our shows are a roller coaster of emotions, musical styles, intensity & energy. I get bored easily & love to mix things up. Be ready & bring your ear plugs just in case..

I’ve always been the underdog so to speak since I’ve never had the backing of a large record label, big marketing firm or massive PR company & I truly like it that way. I feel as though I’ve earned what I have through hard work, determination, a good bit of luck & the great relationships with people I’ve made along the way. I’ve learned a lot of lessons the hard way being in this “music business industry” and that’s alright by me. I’ve seen that with your support (the listeners out there) I can make my wildest dreams come true.

If you want to listen to an artist that’s authentic, genuine & original then you’ve come to the right place.

I hope you enjoy the music & will join me on this journey that I’m so extremely grateful to be on.

Thank you all so very much.

Love,
Shawn James

FOLLOW SHAWN JAMES
WEBSITE | FACEBOOK | INSTAGRAM | YOUTUBE | TIKTOK | SPOTIFY