The Sounds of Adelaide

In partnership with City of Adelaide

Celebrating Adelaide’s status as Australia’s only UNESCO City of Music this Good Music Month, City of Adelaide invites you to explore the new Adelaide Live Music Circuit pocket guide and UNESCO City of Music Vinyl Collection, designed to connect you with the tunes that make our city sound so good.

Exploring Australia's First and Only City of Music

Adelaide has just celebrated 10 years of being Australia’s only UNESCO City of Music. It's a designation that speaks not only to the importance music holds in South Australia, but also to the contribution our music scene brings to Australia and the world. The title reflects our rich musical history, prominence on the festival circuit, arts and culture woven into everyday life, and our longstanding love of having a beer in the band room.

Two new City of Adelaide initiatives are opening up fresh ways to discover the sounds of Adelaide, connecting music lovers with the artists, history and resources that put Adelaide on the musical map. The Live Music Circuit pocket guide and UNESCO City of Music Vinyl Collection offer different ways to engage with Adelaide’s music culture, from sightseeing and singing along to settling in with a pair of headphones and a local album.

Hit the Streets with the New Adelaide Live Music Circuit Pocket Guide

The City of Adelaide's Live Music Circuit pocket guide is your backstage pass to our City of Music. The map takes you on a walking tour of more than 150 live music locations, from beloved pubs and corner cafés to grassroots venues. There are also plenty of music-related businesses, record stores, places to buy your next guitar, and of course the famous City of Music Laneways.

Catch an artist you love at a venue that’s been on your list or unearth your new favourite local act before they blow up.

The story of music in Adelaide extends beyond stage lights; our streets and venues are reverberating with culture too. The Adelaide Live Music Circuit guide turns a stroll through the city into an opportunity to discover the musical history and culture woven into Adelaide’s streets. Pick up a copy from City of Adelaide libraries, community centres or participating venues and discover the city’s music culture for yourself.

Artists who helped shape our thriving scene are honoured in the City of Music Laneways. Forming a trail through the CBD, these laneways pay tribute to Adelaide icons Paul Kelly, Sia Furler, Hilltop Hoods, Cold Chisel, The Angels and No Fixed Address, featuring commemorative artworks and plaques that share their stories. Make a day of it. Pick your route and tick off some of Adelaide’s most notable music sites. Discover the legends, landmarks and stories that have shaped Adelaide’s musical identity.

I ♥️ Local with the UNESCO City of Music Vinyl Collection

The newly launched UNESCO City of Music Vinyl Collection features a range of SA's finest, available for borrowing and independent listening sessions in the Vinyl Listening Lounge, located at City of Adelaide Library, North Terrace.

Throw your hair around to The Empty Threats, get groovy with Sons of Zöku or settle in for the captivating sounds of Swapmeet. Your next South Australian soundtrack is well within reach. Flip through the collection and take home records to discover your favourites at your own pace.

Don't have a record player at home? Enjoy the collection on-site at the library or borrow a portable record player to keep the music spinning wherever you are.

Join the library and score a free I ♥️ Local tote bag (while stocks last). Then it’s time to fill it with records, books and other great finds.

While you’re there, you’ll also find a digital grand piano, the UNESCO City of Music Toy Collection (yes – music-making toys for little ones), books, magazines, DVDs, recording equipment and so much more.

With these new initiatives and a host of other resources to explore, your next "I knew them before they were famous" moment could be just around the corner.

Suggest local records to add to the UNESCO City of Music Vinyl Collection here and learn about the City of Music Laneways here.