WORDS: Erin Heycox / PHOTO: Dave Hamblett

British-Australian singer-songwriter and composer Jamie Doe, known as The Magic Lantern, brings his acclaimed fifth album To Everything a Season to Smith’s Alternative on Friday 16 May, as part of his first-ever Australian tour.

Written in the wake of becoming a father and losing his own father just six weeks apart, To Everything a Season is a powerful meditation on grief, transformation, and the looping cycles of life.

“These songs examine the overlapping waves of joy and grief that accompanied this expression of the circle of life,” Jamie shares. “It was hard, and it was beautiful, and it was real.”

Described by The Guardian as “exquisite,” and Folk Radio UK as “a work of quiet genius,” The Magic Lantern’s music draws from folk, jazz, and contemp classical traditions, with emotionally charged lyrics and vivid, spacious arrangements. His live shows are celebrated for their intimacy and emotional resonance – inviting audiences into a shared moment of presence, reflection, and connection.

Joining Jamie in Canberra is acclaimed folk experimentalist Emily-Rose Sharkova, who will open the evening with her lush, genre-blurring soundscapes. Known for projects such as Emily-Rose & The Wild Things, Shark & Fox, and The Good Behaviours, Emily-Rose performed alongside The Magic Lantern on his latest UK tour — making this a special reunion of musical kindreds.

“This tour is about the joy of finding a way,” says Jamie.

The Magic Lantern : To Everything A Season. Friday May 16, 7:30pm (doors open 7pm) at Smith’s Alternative. Tickets are $15/$30/$40 via the Smith’s website.

For news and updates, follow The Magic Lantern via his Linktr.ee