Aussie music will make a welcome return to TV screens across the nation this weekend when the ABC premieres a new hour-long show dedicated to showcasing our best home-grown talent.
The Sound will kick off from 5.30pm on Sunday 19 July and aims to shine a light on some of this country’s finest musos and songwriters via pre-recorded live performances, collabs and artist interviews.
Produced by Mushroom Vision, The Show will also feature the welcome return of former Recovery legend Jane Gazzo who will take on hosting duties, while Double J Mornings host Zan Rowe will be laking all things music news.
Each week will also feature special guests who will co-host and the first cab off the rank is none other than acting legend and national treasure Bryan Brown.
It’s going to be a doozy of a premiere, too, with a literal who’s who of Oz music signing on for episode one.
Nick Cave will deliver an exclusive preview performance ahead of his anticipated global live streaming event Idiot Prayer: Nick Cave Alone at Alexandra Palace on 23 July.
Never one to do things by halves, Nick’s performance was filmed in the iconic London venue’s stunning West Hall by noted cinematographer Robbie Ryan (Marriage Story, American Honey) and edited by Nick Emerson (Lady Macbeth, Emma).
If that wasn’t enough the show will be rounded out by performances by DMA’S, Mark Seymour and The Undertow, Kate Ceberano, Steve Kilbey and Sean Sennett, Lime Cordiale, Eskimo Joe, NZ pop phenomenon Benee, and Jerome Farrah, who will be The Sounds first ‘Introducing’ artist.
“I’m incredibly excited to realise my dream to see a music show featuring contemporary Australian music in a prime spot on free-to-air television,” Mushroom Vision’s Michael Gudinski said.
“The Sound will feature artists from all walks of our incredible local industry, with more than two-thirds of each episode focused on showcasing new songs. I’m thrilled that ABC, the home of iconic programs like Countdown, Recovery and rage, have partnered with us to support local music in such difficult times.”
Iconic Countdown host Molly Meldrum was full of praise for the concept.
“This is a fantastic idea,” Molly said.
“I love that The Sound is getting the Countdown timeslot – it’s going to continue that history Countdown had of supporting Australian talent, which is something I’ve always been passionate about. I support this show all the way, and it’s great to see it get the support of the ABC, too.”
The Show will screen Sundays at 5.30pm on ABC and Saturdays at 12.30pm (encore). It will also be available on ABC iView and highlights will be posted to social media.
