After a year sidelined due to restrictions on gatherings due to the COVID pandemic, Illy is on track to hit the ground running once again, announcing a pair of launch shows in Melbourne and Sydney for his forthcoming album.
Titled The Space Between, the record is Illy’s sixth, and first since 2016’s chart-topping Two Degrees. Originally finished back in March, the album’s release date has been pushed back repeatedly, though a number of singles have been released over the last 18 months.
Described as the most personal record of his career, The Space Between, Illy notes that the album is also heavily focused on a topic many listeners would have experience with in a year like this: change.
“The Space Between is about change. How much there is from one point to the next, and how those trips – not the destinations – define us,” he notes. “My music has always been about real life, and since last time we spoke, mine happened between albums, relationships, parties, therapy, triumphs, breakdowns, celebrations, mourning … all of it.
“I learnt a lot. About me and people around me. Who’s there for a good time, who’s there for a long time, and who was never really there at all. I learnt to keep it moving, but also to stop and appreciate where you’re at, because the one constant is change. I’m thankful for all of it.”
With the album now set to arrive on January 15th, Illy has announced his return to the live stage with a pair of launch shows scheduled for next month. Kicking things off in Melbourne on release day, Sydney will get a chance to witness Illy performing cuts from the album live on January 20th.
“There was no way I wasn’t doing something to celebrate a release week that’s been such a long time coming,” Illy explained in a statement. “And I’m thrilled that that something will be playing live, and talking about the songs, with actual crowds. Bring on 2021.”
Tickets to Illy’s upcoming shows go on sale from 9am AEDT on Friday, December 18th, with details available below.
Illy’s The Space Between will be released on Friday, January 15th, with pre-orders available now.
Illy The Space Between Launch Shows
Friday, January 15th
170 Russell, Melbourne, VIC
Wednesday, January 20th
Factory Theatre, Sydney, NSW
Tickets on sale from 9am AEDT on Friday, December 18th