Back in 2013, Paul Dempsey, frontman of Something For Kate and joint protagonist of the fabulous Fanning Dempsey National Park project, released his first album of covers, Shotgun Karaoke. It included classics such as You Am I’s “Berlin Chair”, INXS’s “Never Tear Us Apart” and Queen’s “I Want to Break Free”. An eclectic mix indeed.
The album was a success, leading to the inevitable question: “When is the next one coming?” In great news to drop this week, the successor is on its way. Shotgun Karaoke Volume II will be released on the 24th of October, and this week he released the first single, Cher’s “If I Could Turn Back Time”.
Paul has elected to keep each of the songs on the album in its original key. It keeps him on his toes, driving him out of his comfort zone. “Transposing keys bothers me. By forcing myself to sing it in the original key, I am forcing myself to do things with my voice that may be well out of my comfort zone. It also contributes to the ‘challenge’ nature of this whole concept.”
The album is stripped back – just Paul and his guitar, imperfections and all. No overdubs, no fixes. It’s guaranteed to present the songs with feeling, straight from the heart.
Other covers to make it onto the album include Tanita Tikaram‘s “Twist In My Sobriety” (I LOVED that back in the day!), Don Henley‘s “Boys Of Summer” and R.E.M.‘s “Losing My Religion”.
Paul will be touring the album, including tracks from Volume I, and other covers he has performed throughout the years, in October and November. All the dates are below. Tickets are on sale now – so dive in quick.
Also – you can pre-order the album HERE.
Paul Dempsey Shotgun Karaoke Volume II Tour Dates
Tickets on sale now – all shows are all ages
from pauldempseymusic.com
Fri Oct 31 – His Majesty’s Theatre, Perth
Fri Nov 7 – Concert Hall, Sydney Opera House, Sydney
Fri Nov 14 – Concert Hall, QPAC, Brisbane
Sat Nov 15 – Thebarton Theatre, Adelaide
Sat Nov 22 – Palais Theatre, Melbourne
Header image credit: Ashley Ludkin
