Shameem – Sounds of Oz

You might remember soulful Perth songstress Shameem from her single “Under One Sun” which I wrote about last year. I can barely believe how much time has gone by, because hearing that song is still so fresh in my mind. It was just that good.

So I was excited to hear she’s hitting the road again to promote her album The Second City, a collection of songs she either wrote or co-wrote and co-produced. Along with “Under One Sun,” the album features “Beautiful Soul,” another killer track with standout vocals and lyrics that really cut through. I could show you the album version, but in light of her upcoming tour I figured sharing this stripped back performance was probably more appropriate.

I know it can be difficult to rouse yourself when the weather’s dark and dreary, but Shameem’s gigs are all free or close to it, so please get out and support this talented independent Aussie act.

1 October 2015 – Since I Left You, Sydney (18+ FREE)
2 October 2015 – Lass O’Gowrie, Newcastle (18+ FREE)
3 October 2015 – The Thornbury Local, Melbourne (18+ FREE)
4 October 2015 – The Basement, Canberra (18+ $5)
7 October 2015 – The Menagerie, Brisbane (ALL AGES; FREE)
8 October 2015 – Treehouse, Byron Bay (ALL AGES; FREE)
9 October 2015 – The Loft, Gold Coast (18+ FREE)
10 October 2015 – The Upfront Club, Sunshine Coast (ALL AGES; ENTRY BY DONATION)
11 October 2015 – The Milk Factory, Brisbane (18+ $10)

I haven’t written in here about the Sydney siege. At the time it was all unfolding, I was a bit conflicted actually. This is a music blog, not a political or news outlet. Was it my place? And if I should write about it, what should I write?

I spent the day terrified for the people involved, while thanking my lucky stars that my husband no longer worked in the centre of the city. I remember hearing something about how Americans should keep a low profile during the ordeal, and begging him to stay in his office and come straight home when he was finished. I shed tears watching the terror on the faces of the escapees, and again the next day hearing the stories of those who lost their lives. When something happens so close to home, getting emotional is inevitable.

Still I stayed silent here, deciding this blog wasn’t the place to open up about it, until I heard “Under One Sun” from Perth soul songbird Shameem. It’s a beautiful song about seeing the similarities between us all rather than the differences. It’s so appropriate for this time when Australians from all backgrounds are coming together trying to make sense of it all.

“Under One Sun” comes from Shameem’s new album The Second City, which will hit stores on January 16. She’ll promote it with a national tour next year. I probably won’t get to the shows, but I’m so grateful that I stumbled on this song at a point in time when I really needed to hear it.

17 January 2015 – Subiaco Arts Centre, Subiaco (ALL AGES)
19 February 2015 – Paris Cat, Melbourne (18+)
20 February 2015 – The Basement, Canberra (18+)
21 February 2015 – Gingers, Sydney (18+)
22 February 2015 – Lass O’Gowrie, Newcastle (FREE 2PM SHOW; KIDS WELCOME)
23 February 2015 – Bar on the Hill @ University of Newcastle, Newcastle (FREE 12:30 PM SHOW; ALL AGES)
27 February 2015 – Ric’s Bar, Brisbane (FREE; 18+)
28 February 2015 – Treehouse, Byron Bay (FREE; ALL AGES)
1 March 2015 – Ukiyo @ The Royal Croquet Club, Adelaide (ALL AGES)

Tag: Shameem

Shameem Plays Plenty of Free Gigs

Shameem Sends Important Message with “Under One Sun”