Sons of the East Bring Their Soulful Indie-Folk Sound to San Diego’s SOMA Sidestage
Australian indie-folk trio Sons of the East are making their way to San Diego’s SOMA Sidestage on October 23, bringing with them the kind of earnest, harmony-rich folk that has quietly (and now not so quietly) taken them from beachside buskers to international festival stages.
Sons of the East Official Tour Flyer
The group, which consists of Jack Rollins, Nic Johnston, and Dan Wallage, is touring behind their new album SONS, released this summer. The record expands on the sound that first put them on the map: a blend of folk, blues, and soul that feels both timeless and deeply current. Their breakout single, “Rescue Me,” has already cracked the Top 30 at Triple A radio, pairing emotional lyricism with the kind of sweeping, communal energy that defines their live shows.
LISTEN TO “RESCUE ME” BY CLICKING BELOW
If there’s one thing Sons of the East have become known for, it’s their ability to turn a roomful of strangers into a chorus. Over the past few years, they’ve sold more than 100,000 tickets across the world, racked up over 700 million streams, and built a following that thrives on connection rather than hype. Their gigs are less concerts and more shared experiences buoyed by layered harmonies, jangling guitars, and a genuine sense of joy.
Even Hollywood has taken notice. Actor Bill Murray famously showed up at a small North Carolina show last year and became a bona fide fan, later attending their sold-out Boston performance and filming an impromptu video endorsement. In London, Emma Thompson caught their set at O2 Shepherd’s Bush Empire, joining the growing list of admirers who’ve fallen for the band’s feel-good sincerity.
SONS captures the evolution of three friends who’ve grown up on the road, learning how to scale intimacy into something grander. Tracks like “Rescue Me” and “Hard to Tell” carry the spirit of open skies and late-night sing-alongs, while still holding onto the introspection that defined their earlier work.
For San Diego fans, the SOMA show offers a chance to see a band on the cusp of something bigger. Still grounded, still grateful, but clearly ready for the next leap. Expect lush harmonies, a few goosebump moments, and maybe even a singalong or two.
