Declan’s Sydney and Melbourne dates accompany his festival appearances at Heaps Good over the festive season.
Trailblazing, platinum-selling British singer-songwriter, Declan McKenna is heading to Australia in 2024, for his debut headline shows.
He’s all set to captivate audiences at Sydney’s Enmore Theatre and Melbourne’s Forum in January 2024, not just featuring McKenna’s mesmerising tunes; but these shows will also serve as a sneak peek into his highly anticipated forthcoming album, “What Happened to the Beach?”—slated for release on Friday, 9 February.
Declan McKenna’s Australian Dates
- Tue 02 January 2024 – Heaps Good, Brisbane
- Wed 03 January 2024 – Enmore Theatre, Sydney (Lic AA)
- Fri 05 January 2024 – Forum, Melbourne (18+)
- Sat 06 January 2024 – Heaps Good, Adelaide
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Declan McKenna’s musical journey has been nothing short of extraordinary. From smash hits like “Brazil,” “British Bombs,” and “The Key to Life on Earth” to his upcoming third album, “What Happened to the Beach?” The album boasts recently released lead singles, “Sympathy” and “Nothing Works,” and it heralds McKenna’s most thrilling adventure yet. In support of his upcoming record, this sharp British singer-songwriter announced earlier this month that he’ll embark on a 14-date run of shows across the UK in 2024, following his debut performances down under. This includes a stop at London’s Alexandra Palace, which marks Declan’s biggest headline show to date.
Even in his early twenties, Declan is entering a new, more personal phase as a songwriter. “What Happened To The Beach?” is an album that’s wonderfully weird and full of tone and colour, embodying the joyful defiance of expectations. Unlike his previous tunes, which often raced at a hundred miles per hour, Declan has allowed his audience to bask in the ambience of his new creations. The album was produced in California last year by Gianluca Buccellati, known for his work with artists like Arlo Parks and Lana Del Rey. It’s an album that revels in space and atmosphere, echoing the sunshine that Declan soaked in during its creation before returning to the UK with a beautifully baked sound.
Naturally, an album crafted in response to the intensity of the past few years, both on a personal and global scale, has its moments of darkness. However, this time around, McKenna has set aside the demons he once targeted in his teenage years, like corrupt FIFA officials or the oppressive grip of the right-wing media. “If every song features a lyrical statement, then it loses some of its impact, too. I haven’t let go of that aspect of myself, but I don’t want to live out that style forever,” he remarks.
“Sympathy” marks the first offering from McKenna’s forthcoming album, a buoyant and bold leftfield pop song that exemplifies his effortless and uncomplicated style of writing. This was soon followed by the euphoric second single, “Nothing Works,” which emerged from the frustration of feeling constrained and tied to expectations. At its core, it’s a celebration of being true to oneself.
Declan McKenna has already made waves with an early evening slot on the main stage at Reading and Leeds Festival, following Billie Eilish, and extensive touring across the US this year. Now, he’s gearing up for his next adventure, this time down under in Australia. His Sydney and Melbourne dates coincide with his festival appearances at Heaps Good during the festive season.
Tickets can be purchased through Live Nation, with the presale available from 9 am local time on Thursday, 19 October. The general public can grab their tickets at 9 am local time on Friday, 20 October.
