The Sound Doctor closes out 2025 with star-studded line-up

AFTER a blockbuster year of sold-out international and local acts, The Sound Doctor is ending 2025 in style with four shows at the Anglesea Memorial Hall through October and November.

Its opening gig on October 3 — a rare performance by Melbourne garage-punk legends Eddy Current Suppression Ring — sold out in under an hour.

Much-loved San Franciscan artist Sunny Smith will then hit the stage on October 4, bringing his sun-soaked garage-pop to Anglesea for the first time.

He leads The Sunsets, an all-star line-up of Australian talent, including Steph Hughes, Shaun Gionis and Mark Monnone, in what organisers promise will be a show filled with “melodic warmth, lyrical wit and irresistible charm”.

Sunny & The Sunsets will be backed by just announced supporting act Winter McQuinn. Best known as the frontman of Sunfruits and for his free-spirited solo work reminiscent of Nick Drake and Syd Barrett, his new album Where Are We Now? will drop next week.

“Our supports, we think, are just as good — maybe not as well known — but just as good as the headline acts,” The Sound Doctor founder David Corbet said.

“We always make a big song and dance about them and love people coming early to see them.”

Folk-pop favourites The Maes will then grace The Sound Doctor on November 15. The duo, known for their stunning harmonies and heartfelt storytelling, wowed audiences in 2024 while supporting Australian country songwriter and entertainer Troy Cassar-Daley. Their highly anticipated return is already selling quickly.

Proud Wangaaypuwan Mayi man and singer-songwriter Brett Lee, who performs under the moniker Pirritu, will complete the gig with his warm, disarming and deeply human tunes that blend folk traditions with contemporary songwriting.

Powerhouse performer Liz Stringer will round out the program on November 16. One of the country’s most respected voices, with multiple ARIA nominations, a catalogue of soul-baring ballads and driving rock anthems, and a career spanning two decades, Stringer is a force to be reckoned with.

Dr Corbet said intimate shows, like the ones The Sound Doctor specialises in, are something both artists and audiences crave.

“It’s a totally different experience; we’re not a pub, we close the bar when the bands are on stage, so the focus is about that connection between the musicians and the audience.

“That tends to make the shows a bit more special; it’s not just another gig where people are drinking and talking up the back. They’re there for the music and the experience.”

The volunteer-run operation, which has long punched above its weight and continues to attract standout acts, was last year recognised with the title of Best Regional Venue in the under 50 gigs award category at the Music Victoria Awards.

“What we do only exists because of the community that it creates, and we love people being part of that community,” Dr Corbet said.

“Any support we get is valuable — it helps us keep going — and that’s through buying tickets or telling other people about us.

“Every moment you’re in that hall, you’re experiencing some beautiful music and a connection with the artists in a way that won’t get anywhere else.

“I can guarantee they’ll be brilliant musicians — no matter what. So, take a punt. If you don’t know them, take a punt and come and see what we do.”

For more information or to purchase tickets, head to thesounddoctor.info