A mafia-esque summer romance
On the 19th of December 2025, I experienced Don West at Liberty Hall — the last of two nights he performed there. Founded by Jake Smythe and Kenny Graham in the heart of the Entertainment Quarter, this venue has played a key role in reviving Sydney’s live music scene post-Covid.
Ever since I discovered Don West around two months ago, I’ve been a committed listener. Like many of his fans, I eagerly awaited Mr West’s entrance while the band set the mood with “SISSY INTRO INSTRUMENTAL.” “Don could be coming on stage any minute,” became a common murmur of excitement across the room. Alas, he emerged. He looked no less god-like than the cover of his debut album — though the spectacle of his entrance was gently undercut when a member of his team announced his arrival at the exact same moment, grounding the moment in something unmistakably human.
Not long ago, Spotify shuffle dropped “Give Me All Your Love,” introducing my love affair with Don West’s modern take on R&B/Soul Genre. As soon as he sang “Friends” into the mic, a wave of familiarity hit me. I felt the same romanticised connection — that imagined intimacy — I experience listening to his songs through my Bose headphones. The size and vibe of the venue amplified the intimacy of the experience. Although hundreds may have heard his voice, he was singing to me. His live performance not only confirmed the quality of his vocals, but also dispelled any doubts about reliance on the polish of Auto-Tune.
If you’re a dedicated fan of The Sopranos, the name Furio should ring more than a few bells. With his uncanny resemblance to Furio, West visually evokes a kind of gangster romance — and when he sang “What Turns You On?” it was met with an unmistakable show of hands-up from the crowd.
West displayed great stamina and a strong musical voice. While he undeniably marked his presence with both voice and physicality, there’s still room for deeper engagement with the audience during live performances.
Overall, Don West feels like the poster child of a mafia-esque summer romance — one that caters not just to single women, but to everyone in the room. Streaks of silver throughout the audience confirmed that his fanbase extends well beyond twenty-somethings and across marital statuses. With summer approaching, if you’re after music that reads like poetry lifted from Il Postino, Don West should be high on your list. I certainly encourage you to check him out!