Something exciting is brewing beneath Adelaide’s streets, and this time, it’s putting you in the spotlight. Set in the iconic 900 square metre space on the corner of North Terrace and Bank Street, formerly Fat Controller Club, this underground venue is undergoing a major revitalisation.
Meet KBox Adelaide, a bold new karaoke bar by Matthews Architects set to transform Adelaide’s nightlife with immersive rooms, a central stage, and a pop-meets-cabaret vibe that’s anything but ordinary.
Karaoke is all the rage at the moment, with locations to sing your lungs out popping up all over Adelaide. If there’s one spot to end up on a night out, it’s a comfy, dimly lit lounge, with a mic in hand and a cheering crowd no matter the song, or the pitchiness.
But KBox promises something different – a layered experience that goes beyond a private room. There’s 16 private rooms, 5 solo booths, and a communal area for those ready to take centre stage. The space itself holds around 300 people.
“We wanted to create spaces for crooners, screamers, belters, whisperers – every kind of performer,” explains Managing Director and Senior Architect Gerald Matthews.
“It’s about letting people have fun without the fear of judgement. Karaoke isn’t about how well you sing, it’s about enjoying the music by becoming part of it.”
The design brief? Loud, dramatic and bold. It’s where kitsch meets sophistication and disco meets musical theatre, the perfect backdrop whatever your music taste.
“I don’t think there are any colours that haven’t been used somewhere in the venue,” he laughs.
“There are a few spaces that take their cues from cultural movements that were led by music; such as punk, disco, R&B and rock & roll. There are also spaces that draw inspiration from the world of stage musicals, jazz and cabaret.”
Expect lounge-style rooms, cabaret-inspired setups, dancefloor centred spaces and rooms designed for eating and drinking.
At the heart of the design is a stunning central bar, dressed in a warm yellow that draws you into the common area. Drop in for a quick boogie, or make a night of it and grab a bite, this dynamic space offers it all.
“The nature of the venue means that it is really a cluster of micro-venues; each deserving its own mood and style, so that someone can come back again and again and have a completely different experience each time,” explains Gerald.
For those keen to slip out of the spotlight, there’s a secondary access point tucked within the pedestrian tunnel between Roma Mitchell House and Adelaide Train Station, and pay-per-use karaoke booths. It’s an inner-city recording studio, ready for your debut solo performance.
“We have designed a unique experience to allow groups of friends to gather and take turns singing or recording themselves in a solo booth…. the solo booths will be for people who are keen enough to want to practice or people who want to unwind by singing just for themselves,” says Gerald.
“The hope is that people will record their solo performances and share them with others as a whole new way to engage with karaoke culture; like your own personal X-Factor.”
While there’s plenty of karaoke bars in Adelaide, KBox is set to be in a league of its own, designed for everyone. Listeners, singers, dancers, first-timers, you’re all invited.
“This venue is aiming to bring together the diverse lovers of music and singing, and to let them mingle and connect as a community, especially those for whom karaoke is a new experience,” Gerald says.
“We’ve designed a venue that encourages both solo movements and group connections. Whether you want to sing solo, dance, or just enjoy the show, there’s a spot for everyone.”
KBox is due for completion late this year, so start rehearsing your best Coldplay live show and get ready for a summer of smash-hit sing-alongs at Bank Street’s sleek new spot.
WHAT: KBox Karaoke
WHERE: Cnr of Bank Street and North Terrace, Adelaide 5000
WHEN: TBA
For Matthews Architects, click here.
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