Month: June 2008

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

I Have Def Leppard Tickets!

I bought my ticket to Def Leppard and Cheap Trick today. It was both a positive and negative experience, so I figured what better place to sound off about it than here.

On the bad side, it was pricey. Tickets always are these days, but this is the first time I’ve participated in one of those “pay for the privilege” presales. I assume the extra $20 they make people cough up these days has something to do with discouraging scalpers, but I don’t like paying it. The only reason I did was because I’d already made the decision to travel to the Brisbane show. Once you decide to throw money at plane tickets, what’s another $20?

I was also annoyed with the Ticket Privilege club for not the first time. I joined a couple of months ago. I bought tickets to Jason Mraz, a concert which the club wasn’t selling for, so there was no advantage there. Today I had received no word from the club, so I opted to go for the Visa presale. An e-mail about a Privilege Club presale came through a few hours after my transaction was complete. Thanks Ticketek. It was interesting to see they were also charging the $20 fee to book. Shouldn’t my $100 Privilege Club membership cover that? Why is it more expensive to buy Privilege Club tickets than regular ones? I certainly hadn’t expected that.

Those gripes aside, I got great seats – front row in the second block back from the stage on the sides. I guess that $20 fee might be worthwhile after all. I’d like to think the ticket agencies could come up with a better way to stop scalpers than fleecing us for more cash, but until they do I guess I’ll swallow the fees.

So I’m all set for my trip to Brisbane in November. I don’t make a habit of travelling to concerts around the country, but I couldn’t pass this one up. My husband didn’t want to see the show, and my Brisbane dwelling best friend had no one to go with. Rather than spend money on my reluctant hubby’s tickets, I figured the cash would be better spent on airfare. With the show slated for Saturday night, I plan to spend a girly weekend in the Sunshine State. I can’t wait!

Image source: Crumj @ Flickr

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Rocket Science Dare to be Different

Melbourne rock gods Rocket Science are back with a brand new album and tour.

Their fourth release, Different Like You, is due out in July. Hopefully it will bring a change of fortune for this unlucky band. It’s their first album since singer Roman Tucker was involved in a car accident which left him a coma. Paul Maybury broke his leg not long after.

Barring anymore nasty mishaps, the laps will embark on a national tour in August. Here are the dates!

21 August 2008 – The Peninsula Lounge, Moorooduc
22 August 2008 – The Corner Hotel, Richmond
23 August 2008 – Karova Lounge, Ballarat
28 August 2008 – Jive, Adelaide
29 August 2008 – Sandbar, Mildura
30 August 2008 – Green Room, Canberra
4, 5 and 6 September 2008 – Hopetoun Hotel, Surry Hills
11 September 2008 – Prince Of Wales, Bunbury
12 September 2008 – The Norfolk, Fremantle
13 September 2008 – Amplifier Bar, Perth
11 October 2008 – Sounds of Spring Festival, RNA Showgrounds, Brisbane

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

"The Last Party" – The Hampdens

They say every day deserves a soundtrack. If that’s true then I’d pick The Hampdens’ debut album The Last Party for my Sundays. This isn’t your dance til your feet hurt and drink til you puke kind of party. Instead it evokes chilled-out cocktail parties, with some mellow jazz in the background and some good conversation.

It’s one of those sleeper albums, which may not immediately grab you on the first listen. Instead, it wraps around you slowly, and becomes richer with each and every listen.

Susannah Legge’s voice is exquisite, ethereal and warm all at the same time. Her lush vocals sit nestled in the mix of synthesizers and strings, a strange blend but one that somehow works.

“Asleep on the Lawn” and “Croupier” are standouts, but this album is really bigger than its parts. The tracks are sewn together to create something rare and beautiful which begs to be played again and again.

Image source: JB Hi-Fi

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Mahalia Barnes’ Star-Studded Debut

Mahalia Barnes’ musical pedigree is impeccable. So as you’d expect, some of Australia’s biggest names appear on her debut album, Mahalia Barnes + The Soul Mates.

There’s her uncle Mark Lizotte, band buddy Mr Percival, pals Jade McRae and Daniel Mifsud, and that’s just for starters.

“They are my dear friends, but they are also my musical inspiration,” Mahalia told The Sunday Telegraph. “They are also great teachers and friends.”

Her dad Jimmy Barnes even pops up to show he can play some mean percussion.

“He taught me everything and it just so happens that he is the bet tambourine player I know, so it was really great to have him involved,” she said.

Mahalia Barnes + The Soul Mates hit stores on June 21.

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Jessica Mauboy Indonesia Bound

Jessica Mauboy will explore her Indonesian heritage later this month when she heads to Jakarta as part of a cultural exchange. Her father is Indonesian, while her mother is of indigenous Australian, native American, and English descent.

That’s some mix!

The Young Diva was invited as a guest of the Australian Embassy in Jakarta to participate in the week-long trip.

While she’s there Jess will perform on the Indonesian breakfast TV show Nuansa Pagi and Indonesian Idol Spectacular. She’ll also attend a special function for Australian Ambassador Bill Farmer. Sounds like she’s going to be a busy girl!

Jessica is currently working on her solo release, which has got to be a welcome change from those Young Divas dance covers!

Image source: S B @ Wikimedia Commons

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Stars Turn Out For Norm Sweeney

Aussie rock legends will gather in Sydney on Sunday to raise funds for one of our most loved roadies, Norm Sweeney. Norm has worked with the likes of Max Merritt and the Meteors and Billy Thorpe and the Aztecs, but he was forced to retire due to cancer.

Some of his best friends, including Richard Clapton, John Paul Young, Brian Cadd, The Aztecs, Jim Keays, Doug Parkinson, Swanee, Phil Manning and Dinah Lee, will play at this very special benefit show. Word is there might even be a few more big name guests.

If you want to see this concert of the century, make sure you get down to The Bridge Hotel in Rozelle on Sunday. Doors open at 5 pm and tickets are just $40.

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Rolf Harris and John Laws Join Hall of Fame

Rolf Harris and John Laws will join the ARIA Hall of Fame next month. The colorful characters will receive the honor at the Hall of Fame ceremony on Monday July 1.

“I look up at the shelf in my office and see the ARIA pyramid obelisk which was sent to me back in 1994, on my 64th birthday actually. At that time I was just gearing myself up to do my first Glastonbury Festival, and I was knocked out to get this recognition from the 8th ARIA Awards. It commemorates my win for Best Comedy Release. I think it was my version of ‘Stairway to Heaven’, which changed my whole life by thrusting me back into the awareness of all the University aged youngsters. They suddenly realised they knew all my songs from their childhood, and what’s more, remembered all the words,” Rolf reminisced from his UK home.

“Now, 14 years later, I’m being inducted into the ARIA Hall of Fame. I look at all the famous names and am thrilled to be with them, for basically, just enjoying myself through music for the whole of my life. Thank you so much.”

John Laws will be honored with the Lifetime Achievement Award for his contributions to the Australian Music Industry. The retired radio DJ joins previous recipients Daryl Somers, Ian “Molly” Meldrum, Michael Gudinski, and John Woodruff.

Russell Morris, The Triffids, Max Merrit and Dragon will also be inducted this year.

Image source: Brian Minkoff @ Wikimedia Commons

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Def Leppard and Cheap Trick Plan to Rock Oz

Attention all hair band fans. Please join me in celebrating the announcement of the tour to end all tours. Def Leppard and Cheap Trick are joining forces for a show that’s sure to have more hits than the State of Origin.

Think about it. We’ve got Def Leppard with “Love Bites,” “Pour Some Sugar On Me,” “Let’s Get Rocked,” “Photograph” and stacks more. Then there’s Cheap Trick with “The Flame,” “I Want You to Want Me,” “Dream Police” … you know I could go on.

The Galvatrons were always the natural choice for the support slot, so I’m thrilled they’re also on the bill.

If you’re as excited about all this as me you’ll want to grab your tickets when they go on sale on June 20. You can see these two massive acts the following venues.

31 October 2008 – Members Equity Stadium, Perth
3 November 2008 – Rod Laver Arena, Melbourne
5 November 2008 – Acer Arena, Sydney
7 November 2008 – Newcastle Entertainment Centre
8 November 2008 – Brisbane Entertainment Centre
10 November 2008 – WIN Entertainment Centre, Wollongong
11 November 2008 – AIS Arena, Canberra

Image source: Rob Kennedy @ Wikimedia Commons 

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Troy Casser-Daley Wins Major Country Award

Local lad Troy Cassar-Daley has won the Country Music Association Global Artist Award. Troy received the gong at The Stage in Nashville last night.

The award recognises the achievements of country artists which further the genre’s popularity outside the US.

“Receiving this award means a lot to me,” he said. “I have loved country music since I was a child and have enjoyed many years out on the road in Australia playing it.

“It makes me proud that people in Nashville think that I am a worthy ambassador for this award, and I look forward to many more shows playing this incredible music called country!”

With sales of around 250,000 units locally, Troy is definitely a worthy recipient. He also comes across as a genuinely nice guy. Congrats Troy!

Image source: Adam J.W.C. @ Wikimedia Commons

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Tin Alley Tour Oz

Melbourne trio Tin Alley are back with their brand new single “Polar Bear.” To celebrate the release the lads have hit the road for their very first Australian tour.

The gigs have extra significance for the band, who were forced to cancel a previous tour when drummer Peter was involved in a motorcycle accident. He’s all better now, and the boys are thrilled to be able to bring their music to the people.

They’re visiting plenty of capital cities and regional centers, so there’s bound to be a show near you. In the meantime, make sure you take a look at the filmclip for their funky new single Polar Bear!

Tin Alley are playing the following dates around the country.

12 June 2008 – The National Hotel, Geelong
13 June 2008 – The Yahoo Bar, Shepparton
14 June 2008 – The Pub, Bendigo
21 June 2008 – The Espy, St. Kilda
27 June 2008 – The Green Room, Phillip
5 July 2008 – The Rhino Room, Adelaide
11 July 2008 – The Cat & Fiddle, Balmain
25 July 2008 – Hotel Great Northern, Byron Bay
17 July 2008 – Bar Soma, Fortitude Valley