Paul Dempsey Unveils ‘Shotgun Karaoke Vol. II’ and Upcoming Tour Dates

It’s been over ten years since fans embraced Paul Dempsey’s unique, no-frills take on cover songs, and now he’s ready to share what many have been eagerly awaiting: Shotgun Karaoke Vol. II, which will be released on October 24th.

As the frontman of Something For Kate, Dempsey has a special way of tackling cover tracks. His approach combines both respect for the original songs and a willingness to throw caution to the wind, presenting them using only his voice and an acoustic guitar. There’s no overdubbing or excessive studio refining—just the enthusiastic, spontaneous energy that characterized his 2013 release, Shotgun Karaoke. This new volume keeps that spirit alive while pushing the boundaries even further.

“Transposing keys isn’t really my thing,” he admits. “By sticking to the original key, I challenge myself vocally, even if it’s outside my comfort zone.” While it may feel a bit masochistic, this choice adds a certain allure to Shotgun Karaoke: the flaws are just part of its charm.

The lead track, a cover of Cher’s classic “If I Could Turn Back Time,” showcases Dempsey’s unique interpretation. He delivers it with a deadpan sincerity that transforms karaoke bravado into something personal and hauntingly powerful. The album features a diverse range of genres and eras, including R.E.M.’s “Losing My Religion” and Tanita Tikaram’s “Twist In My Sobriety,” creating a playlist that feels like a Spotify algorithm gone on an existential journey.

Similar to the first volume, Shotgun Karaoke Vol. II was crafted in the comfort of home during spontaneous moments, which Dempsey prefers. “Mistakes and imperfections are welcome here, just like they would be at a karaoke night,” he notes. “Perfect karaoke sounds pretty dull, doesn’t it?”

If the album itself embodies a nod to unfiltered creativity, the artwork captures Dempsey’s passion for iconic pop culture, this time drawing inspiration from Stanley Kubrick’s The Shining, in contrast to the homage to Hunter S. Thompson in Volume I.

This coming October and November, Dempsey will embark on a national Shotgun Karaoke tour, promising a celebration reminiscent of a lively karaoke night. Fans can expect not only tracks from both volumes but also deep cuts from his treasure trove of live covers, making it easy to lose yourself in musical nostalgia.

Known for his thoughtful and introspective songwriting, Shotgun Karaoke Vol. II feels like a refreshing outlet for Dempsey — a chance to embrace the whimsical, learn something new, and make light of his own mishaps. “Maybe I’m just avoiding my own writing,” he jokes, and at least he’s candid about it.

Shotgun Karaoke Vol. II will be available on October 24th.

Shotgun Karaoke Volume II Tour Dates

Tickets on sale Friday, August 8th at 12pm local time via pauldempseymusic.com
All shows all ages.

Friday, October 31st
His Majesty’s Theatre, Perth

Friday, November 7th
Concert Hall, Sydney Opera House, Sydney

Friday, November 14th
Concert Hall, QPAC, Brisbane

Saturday, November 15th
Thebarton Theatre, Adelaide

Saturday, November 22nd
Palais Theatre, Melbourne