Dan puts on a happy face

AUSTRALIAN blues, roots and rock star Dan Sultan is renowned for singing sad, soulful songs, but his show in Hobart this weekend won’t be all doom and gloom.

Sultan will be one of more than 20 artists performing across two stages at Blues Brews and Barbecues at Hobart Brewing Co this weekend.

“I like to tell a few stories and keep it light,” Sultan told Pulse.

“A lot of my songs are pretty sad, so between songs it’s nice to try to lighten the mood a little bit. Every show is different.

“I’m really looking forward to it, it’s going to be a lot of fun.”

The family-friendly event focuses on showcasing Australian music, providing local acts with the opportunity to share the stage with some of the biggest names in the country.

Other acts on the line-up include Polish Club, The Hard Aches, The Lazy Susans, and The Black Sorrows with Vika and Linda Bull.

The entertainment doesn’t stop at the music — 16 teams will compete in Tasmania’s only Australian Barbecue Alliance-sanctioned competition, with more than $10,000 up for grabs.

Ever since Sultan delivered his debut album, Homemade Biscuits, in 2006 at the age of 22, he has been building a fan base on the back of his rich, soulful voice and willingness to explore difficult topics.

He released his most recent record, Killer, in 2017, and now, after taking six months off last year, he is preparing to put out his first project of 2019.

Aviary Takes is a collection of older, existing back catalogue songs — and a smattering of new tracks, including a couple of covers — stripped back and all recorded in one vocal take at The Aviary Studios in Melbourne.

Sultan will be kept busy after Aviary Takes is released.

“I’ve got a couple of albums coming out this year, and I’ve got a bit of overseas touring, and I’ve got some overseas promo and lots of things happening,” he said.

“It’s good to keep busy.” Dan Sultan lt headlines Blues Brews and Barbecues, which will be held at Hobart Brewing Co from tomorrow until Sunday.

Tickets and more information are available at bluesbrewsbbqs.com.au