Splendour in the Grass 2016 Sideshows Are Now on Sale

Whether you missed out on a Splendour ticket or are gearing up to see your fave acts twice, you'd better be quick if you want to get your mitts on some sideshow tix. Splendour has made its final gig announcements and sales to the general public kick off at 9am sharp on Wednesday, 27 April. In other words, right now.

All up, eleven official shows are planned, mainly in Sydney and Melbourne (but there are a few locked in for Adelaide and Perth too). You'll be able to catch James Blake, who exploded onto global stages at the wee age of 22 with he debut EP CMYK and is now working on his third album, Radio Silence. For some post-hardcore action, you'll want a spot booked for when Texan titans At The Drive-In hit town. It was 16 years ago that Relationship of Command was released and these gigs are the band's first since 2012.

You might well want to spend some time at the arenas (Sydney Olympic Park and Hisense Arena) finding out why The 1975 is one of the world's most sought after acts. Their second album I Like It When You Sleep, For You Are So Beautiful Yet So Unaware Of It surmounted its extraordinarily cheesy title to top the ARIA and iTunes charts and secured the band gigs all over the place, from Coachella to Glastonbury.

Next up is Jake Bugg, who became the youngest ever bloke to enter the UK charts at number one back in 2012 when he was just 18 — and four years later, is three albums into his career, with On My One due for release on June 17. Just lately, he's been on the road with Mumford & Sons. For some super smooth electro anthems, go see London-based Jack Garratt. This is the kind of guy you want to take camping with you – not only can he sing (in an incredible falsetto), he can also write, record, produce and play several instruments.

You'll want your whistling skills handy for this next one. Peter, Bjorn and John (they're a Swedish trio, if you hadn't guessed), are responsible for one of 2006's catchiest tunes, 'Young Folks' and, in April 2015, they made a come back with 'High Up (Take Me To The Top)'. And for an escape from today's ubiquitous pop and electro, save your money for Mark Lanegan. He's 50 years of age and has been involved in the recording of just as many albums, nine of which are studio solo creations. You might well know him better as the front man of '90s rockers Screaming Trees. He brings his epic, Nick Cave-esque baritone to penetrating lyrics and bluesy melodies. So hop to it.

SPLENDOUR 2016 SIDESHOWS

James Blake
SYDNEY: Tuesday, July 26, Hordern Pavilion
MELBOURNE: Wednesday, July 27, Margaret Court Arena

At The Drive-In
SYDNEY: Sunday, July 24, Enmore Theatre
MELBOURNE: Friday, July 22, The Forum

The 1975
SYDNEY: Saturday, July 23, Sydney Olympic Park
MELBOURNE: Sunday, July 24, Hisense Arena

Jake Bugg w/ Blossoms
SYDNEY: Tuesday, July 26, State Theatre
MELBOURNE: Wednesday, July 27, Palais Theatre

Jack Garratt w/ Kacy Hill
SYDNEY: Thursday, July 21, Metro Theatre
MELBOURNE: Wednesday, July 20, 170 Russell

Peter, Bjorn & John
SYDNEY: Wednesday, July 20, Metro Theatre
MELBOURNE: Thursday, July 21, The Corner Hotel

Mark Lanegan Band
SYDNEY: Saturday, July 23, Factory Theatre
MELBOURNE: Friday, July 22, Croxton Bandroom

Beach Slang / Spring King
SYDNEY: Wednesday, July 20, Oxford Arts Factory
MELBOURNE: Sunday, July 24, The Corner Hotel

For the full list of sideshows and to book tickets, visit secretsoundstouring.com.