ARIA Award-winning artist Conrad Sewell is heading to Thornlie later this month, bringing his acoustic tour to the Don Russell Performing Arts Centre for one night only.
Known for his strong vocals and heartfelt songwriting, Sewell first shot to fame with his 2015 hit ‘Start Again’, which won ‘Song of the Year’ at the ARIA Awards. Now, 10 years after the release of ‘Firestone’, the singer is back on home soil and ready to revisit his biggest songs in a raw and intimate setting.
Sewell said he was looking forward to performing in Thornlie as part of the Firestone 10th Anniversary Acoustic Sessions.
“We’re just trying to get to as many places as possible and play these intimate shows for the regional towns that don’t get as much,” he said.
While he has toured the world and performed on some of the biggest stages alongside names like Ed Sheeran and Maroon 5, Sewell said smaller venues bring a different kind of energy.
“It’s very different, you know, but at the end of the day, it’s still a crowd. I don’t really change that much. I just try and be myself on the stage and entertain everyone that’s in front of me. Whether that’s 20,000 or 200 at the local pub, I like to give the people what they want.”
Mayor Terresa Lynes said it was a privilege to host an act of Conrad’s calibre for the local community.
“We’re thrilled to welcome top-tier performers like Conrad to DRPAC,” she said. “For those lucky enough to get tickets, this will be a truly special performance.”
With a strong fanbase in Western Australia, Sewell said he’s always grateful for the support, even if the whirlwind of touring makes it hard to keep track of where he’s been.
“Sometimes I don’t even know where I am. I just give it my all,” he said.
The stripped-back tour has also given Sewell the chance to reconnect with the way many of his songs were first written.
“Firestone’ always feels different when you strip it back and it’s not the dance version,” he said.
“But all of my songs really suit that piano and strings sort of setup. They all sort of work very much in this environment.”
He hopes the performance leaves a lasting impression on Thornlie audiences.
“I just hope that they’re blown away, that they become fans for life, and that they realise the stuff I’m singing about is real,” he said.
“This is something I’ve been doing my whole life. Hopefully that’s very obvious when you see the live show.”
Reflecting on the 10 years since ‘Firestone’ first launched him into the spotlight, Sewell said the journey has been both emotional and eye-opening.
“It’s been crazy. Definitely a lot of highs and lows,” he said.
“It’s amazing to look back at what I’ve achieved, but it also brings up a lot of emotion. There are things I would change, things I could have done better, and that comes through in the show.”
Sewell will perform at DRPAC on Thursday, July 31, one of only three WA stops on the tour.
“Just come to the show,” he said. “And thanks to everyone who’s been supporting me for 10 years. Hopefully that continues.”
Tickets and event details are available via the City of Gosnells website or the DRPAC box office.
