Ed Sheeran is an interesting character. The British singer songwriter has such a hold over popular music at the moment that has been fascinating to track; arriving at the Adelaide Entertainment Centre this evening, the amount of people lined up (and no doubt camped out) around the venue is only one small testament to the global star power the 22 year old redhead has at his disposal.

The always charming Ed Sheeran brought his sweet grooves to the Adelaide Entertainment Centre on Tuesday night, and Kerrie Geier was there to bring us photos from the night...

Festivals in Australia are going through many a-drama, as Rainbow Serpent Festival survives, while Peats Ridge dyes. Macklemore & Ryan Lewis continue to grip tighter on the upper echelons of the ARIA Charts, and all the news from the Tamworth Country Music Awards, all in this weeks State Of Affairs.

Hello and welcome back to our weekly wrap of music industry shenanigans that have happened around Australia (and the world). It’s been a few sleepy weeks with Santa bringing all kinds of things for everyone. Everyone seems to now be busily making tunes or wheeling’ deals again, so let’s get into the thick of things.

This week: ARIA action for 2012 and in the last week, more Australian acts announced for SXSW, and a new crowd-funding site specifically for musicians to fund albums, projects and videos.

In this issue: The Presets announce new dates, Boys of Summer announce unexpected line-up change, Tim Rogers & The Bamboos add new dates, Amanda Palmer confirms Australia & New Zealand shows and more!

Mitzi to join Foals at Sydney Club Shows

In this issue: Jay Sean adds Victorian dates to tour, Stephen Merchant announces second Sydney show, Elton John announces new shows and more!

Jay Sean adds dates to Australian tour

Jay Sean has added two Victorian dates to his upcoming "I'm All Yours" Australian tour. Victorian fans, make sure to check out Jay Sean at the following dates:

Friday October 19
Trak Lounge, Melbourne
www.ticketmaster.com.au

In this week's column: Universal and the Parker & Mr. French group team up, Ed Sheeran tops the album chart after nearly a year meandering in it, an opportunity to write music for next year's Sydney Festival, and news from three industry awards nights that occurred last week!

In this issue: Something For Kate announces 'dress rehearsal' gig in light of rapid ticket sales, Loon Lake add a third Melbourne date to their EP tour, Maria Minerva announces her tour support acts and much more!

SOMETHING FOR KATE PREVIEW SHOWS SELL OUT, ‘DRESS REHEARSAL’ GIG ANNOUNCED

The Frontier Touring Company has announced that Ed Sheeran will indeed be returning to both Australia and New Zealand next year, due to overwhelming demand. The British artist, who has completely sold out his tour of the Antipodes this month, is in high demand all over the world it seems but his debut shows in this corner of the globe have brought with it a ridiculous amount of fever and anticipation.

LANA DEL REY ADDS FINAL MELBOURNE AND SYDNEY SHOWS TO AUS TOUR

Due to overwhelming demand, the It Girl of the moment Lana Del Rey has added an extra two shows to her current schedule of Australian gigs. With her original lot of Splendour in the Grass sideshows selling out in less than hour, it only seemed logical for Ms Rey to stay on for some more shows. Tickets are onsale now.

Lana Del Rey

Tuesday, 24th July.
The Palace Theatre, Melbourne

The artist whose voice people the world over have been falling in love with and whose looks they've mistaken with Rupert Grint, Ed Sheeran, is coming to Australia. The British singer-songwriter has announced his first run of headlining shows for July and August and considering how popular his name has become over this side of the world, it wouldn't be surprising to see the majority, if not all, of his shows sell out.