Another Australian music festival has called off its 2025 events.
R&B fans around Australia were hyped when Souled Out was revealed to be returning this year after a successful run in 2024, set to bring more global stars of the genre to the country. However, just over a week out from shows in Melbourne, Sydney and Brisbane, festival organisers have announced the events will not go ahead.
“It is with a heavy heart that we must announce Souled Out will not be going ahead this year,” a statement released on Thursday reads.
“This was an incredibly difficult decision, and we share in your disappointment. Despite our best efforts, the event did not reach the level of support needed to remain financially viable. Like many festivals in Australia, we have faced ongoing challenges in the current market. After exploring every possible option, we’ve had to make the tough call to cancel this year’s edition of Souled Out.”
Organisers have confirmed that ticket holders will receive automatic refunds via Oztix.
The statement continues: “If you have not received your refund within 14 days, please reach out to Oztix at info@oztix.com.au for assistance.We encourage you to use these funds to continue supporting live music and festivals across Australia.
“Your passion and commitment help keep the culture alive.From the bottom of our hearts, thank you for being part of this journey. The love and energy you’ve brought to Souled Out over the years have meant the world to us, and we are deeply grateful for your support.”
Don Toliver, whose tracks like “Bandit” and “Attitude” have been dominating dance floors across the country following the drop of his latest album Hardstone Psycho, was due to headline Souled Out 2025.
Sharing top billing was the queen of dreamy, “Gorgeous” queen herself, Jhené Aiko. Aiko’s last Aussie visit was during her Trip tour in 2018, but fans have been eagerly awaiting her return ever since.
Vince Staples, 6LACK, Larissa Lambert, and more were also slated to appear at the festival, alongside DJs Jarreau Vandal, S!rene, and Rosey Gold.
Souled Out 2025 was due to be held at Melbourne’s Caribbean Gardens on February 22nd, Sydney’s Parramatta Park on February 23rd, and Brisbane Showgrounds on February 28th, meaning this cancellation has come just two weeks out from the event.
It’s the latest festival to confirm it will not go ahead in 2025, following the cancellations of Splendour in the Grass and Groovin the Moo in recent weeks.
In some positive news for the local festival scene, however, Chris O’Brien from Good Things Festival and head promoter at Destroy All Lines said he “guarantees” the punk, rock and metal event will return later in the year.
“Programming festivals is incredibly difficult as so many of our costs have sky rocketed over the past two to three years,” he told Rolling Stone AU/NZ last week.
“The flow on effect is that the artists cost has also exploded and it makes it harder for them to come to Australia, so we have to pay more money to get them here. In the same breath we have to be conscience of our ticket prices, but our market has proved that if we keep delivering a quality lineup and a great day out, they will continue to support Good Things.
“2024 was another incredible year for us and we have managed to stay ahead of the curve and buck the trend.”
