Between the tours: outdoor spaces made for listening

Beabadoobee, the Filipino-British singer-songwriter known for her mix of bedroom pop, nineties-inflected indie rock and gentle acoustic songs, has built a following that stretches well beyond the UK, including a strong audience in Australia. Her music lends itself to quieter moments as much as to festival crowds, and that gap between big tour dates is a good prompt to think about where and how we actually listen at home. For an outdoor-living journal, the more useful question is a practical one: what makes a backyard, deck or verandah a comfortable place to spend an evening with a record playing?

Shade, shelter and sound

A covered space changes how music sounds outdoors. A pergola with a solid or polycarbonate roof reflects some sound back towards the seating area, while an open slatted pergola lets it drift away. A verandah attached to the house tends to feel more intimate because the wall behind you acts as a backstop. If you play music outside often, consider where speakers sit relative to neighbours' windows, and remember that many Australian councils have rules about amplified noise at night, so check your local council's guidance.

Practical comforts for long evenings

  • Weather protection: outdoor-rated speakers and a roof that keeps rain off any electrical gear.
  • Power: outdoor power points should be installed by a licensed electrician.
  • Lighting: warm, low lighting keeps the mood relaxed and attracts fewer insects than bright white light.
  • Seating: cushions stored under cover last much longer in Sydney's sun and humidity.

For ideas on how different structures look in real settings, browse the gallery, or read our guides on planning decks, pergolas and verandahs. If you are heading to a live show instead, always confirm dates and tickets through the artist's or venue's official channels.