Month: December 2008

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Gabrielle Cilmi Eyes US Success

Now she’s a superstar in Europe and her native Australia, Gabriella Cilmi has her sights set on the United States.

Her award-winning debut album Lessons to be Learned will be released there through Universal Music on March 17.

The American version of the album has a little something special for fans: a cover of the Martha & The Muffins classic “Echo Beach.”

The album release will receive an extra boost, with Gabriella named VH1’s You Oughta Know artist for January.

It looks like world domination is just a couple of steps away!

Image source: Newscom

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Australian Idol Winner Wes Carr Tops ARIA Charts

Congratulations to Wes Carr, who’s finally landed the number one spot on the ARIA Charts with his debut single “You”! Wes has been hovering around the pointy end of the charts for the last couple of weeks, so it’s great to see him on top.

I can’t help wondering whether Wes’ slow burn appeal means he’s likely to have a longer career than the Australian Idols who soared straight to number one, only to plummet just as quickly. Only time will tell! Wes is the only local artist in the Aussie top 10.

International acts are also dominating the albums charts, with only AC/DC and Hamish and Andy earning a place in the top ten. Black Ice is sitting comfortably at number three, while Hamish and Andy’s Unessential Listening is just behind at number four.

Here’s the complete top 10!

Australian Top 10 Singles

  1. “You” – Wes Carr
  2. “Poker Face” – Lady GaGa
  3. “Live Your Life” – T.I. Feat. Rihanna
  4. “Use Somebody” – Kings Of Leon
  5. “Sex on Fire” – Kings Of Leon
  6. “Sober” – P!nk
  7. “Circus” – Britney Spears
  8. “Single Ladies (Put a Ring On It) – Beyonce
  9. “Womanizer” – Britney Spears
  10. “If I Were a Boy” – Beyonce

Australian Top 10 Albums

  1. Funhouse – P!nk
  2. Only by the Night – Kings Of Leon
  3. Black Ice – AC/DC
  4. Unessential Listening – Hamish & Andy
  5. Circus – Britney Spears
  6. High School Musical 3: Senior Year – Soundtrack
  7. Dark Horse – Nickelback
  8. The Promise – Il Divo
  9. The Fame – Lady GaGa
  10. And Winter Came … – Enya
Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Kasey Chambers Takes a Year Off From Tamworth

Kasey Chambers may not be performing at the Tamworth Country Music Festival this year, but don’t think that means she’ll stay away! The Aussie country star says she’ll enjoy the opportunity to spend time on the other side of the stage.

“We will be going for the whole time, but I actually wanted to have a year off from performing,” she told The Sunday Telegraph. “I want to go out and be a punter this year and see as many gigs as I can.”

That said, don’t be surprised if you see her jump up on stage anyway!

“I can’t help myself, even if they don’t want me to, I usually get up anyway,” she joked.

Somehow I can’t imagine anyone wanting to kick Kasey off the stage!

Image source: -Fuze- @ Flickr

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

New Natalie Imbruglia Album Almost Ready

It sounds like that new Natalie Imbruglia album is well on its way.

“We have reached the really exciting stage of choosing singles, putting a great team together to create the artwork, photos and videos, and are thinking of exciting ways to get the music out there,” she wrote recently on her website.

With some amazing collaborations, this is going to be one album to look out for. Nat’s worked with some massive names, including Dave A. Stewart (Eurythmics), producer Ben Hillier (The Doves, Blur, Elbow), Gary Clark, songwriter Jamie Hartman (Emma Bunton, Will Young), and ex-husband Daniel Johns.

Image source: Newscom

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Khan Manuel: Guitar Hero

Sydney guitar virtuoso Khan Manuel is turning heads with the release of his debut album The Knight.

The instrumental disc is filled with eclectic tracks featuring blistering solos and clean execution. Khan isn’t afraid to experiment, with his tunes influenced by Spanish flamenco beats, mellow jazz, and sexy blues. Classic technique meets dirty rock, inspiring comparisons to the greats like Joe Satriani and Steve Vai.

The Knight has reached number two on the prestigious international Guitar Nine Records charts and earned Khan fans in America, Japan, Italy, Romania, Canada, and other international destinations.

Now it’s Australia’s turn to tune in. Head to Khan’s website to listen to his music and pick up a copy of The Knight.

Image used with permission from Khan Manuel

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

The Who Hunter Bound

The Who has extended its upcoming Australian tour, adding a show at the Hope Estate Winery in the Hunter Valley. If I were touring Australia I couldn’t resist getting out to some of the wineries, so I don’t blame them!

It promises to be a big night of music under the stars, with Counting Crows and Australia’s own Dallas Crane also on the bill.

Tickets to the Hunter Valley show will go on sale next Friday, 19 December through Ticketmaster. The other concerts on the tour are already on sale. Here are all the dates!

24 March 2009 – Entertainment Centre, Brisbane
26 March 2009 – Entertainment Centre, Adelaide
28 March 2009 – Hope Estate Winery, Hunter Valley
29 March 2009 – Grand Prix, Melbourne
31 March 2009 – Acer Arena, Sydney
4 April 2009 – Members Equity Stadium, Perth

Image source: Ninjapoodles @ Flickr

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

A Midnight Oils Violent Femmes Supergroup

Midnight Oil’s Rob Hirst, Martin Rotsey, and Jim Moginie have recruited Violent Femmes bassist Brian Ritchie to form a brand new band. They haven’t settled on a name yet, but they’ve been recording in preparation for a 2009 album release.

“I was always a fan of the Oils, especially live,” Brian told Undercover. “Rob Hirst is one of the most powerful drummers anywhere. Just to be playing with those guys is a buzz. I really class them very highly amongst rock bands as being one of the most classic bands. I thought I should play with some local musicians so why not the best?”

Why not indeed! The band is yet to settle on a name but has been recording for a 2009 release.  Last night they made their public debut, performing at Sydney’s Amnesty International 60th Anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights dinner. With Peter Garrett busy with parliamentary duties, Dallas Frasca and Holly Throsby lent their vocal talents to the ensemble.

The audience was treated to some oils classics including “Dreamworld,” “Put Down That Weapon,” “Truganini,” and “When The Generals Talk.”

It’s always exciting when musicians the calibre of the Midnight Oils lads get together, and with Brian Ritchie part of the group the music to come should be very interesting indeed!

Image source: Frozen Chipmunk @ Flickr

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Natalie Bassingthwaighte New Single Revealed


I don’t know how she does it, but Natalie Bassingthwaighte just seems to get hotter! Just check out the sexy cover for her upcoming single “Someday Soon”!

But the sweet vocals on the new dance smash remind us that Nat Bass is much more than a pretty face. You can hear a sample of the track on Nat’s MySpace. Look out for it in stores “Someday Soon”!

Image used with permission from Sony Music Australia

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Shannon Noll’s a Busy Bee

After wrapping up a massive 50-date tour, no one would blame Shannon Noll if he wanted to sleep for a few months. But that’s not our Nollsy. The hardest working man in the industry will soon travel to Europe and the United States before returning to home soil for some regional shows!

Shannon’s visit to the United States hopes to inspire some brand new songs. Shannon’s already collaborated with Richie Sambora and Richard Marx, so I’m really curious who he’ll work with this time!

Then it’s off to the United Kingdom for some promotional performances. They’ll include a massive unplugged show at The Borderline in London on March 3. Not long after this Sony Music UK and Ireland plan to release “Shine” to local radio. Better late than never, right? The record company will also release Shannon’s greatest hits album on May 4.

Shannon will be back in March when he’ll kick off his regional tour on the Gold Coast. After that it’s back to Europe where he’ll reprise his role as Parson Nathaniel in The War of the Worlds in 18 arena shows. Wow – I’m tired just thinking about it!

Here are the latest Shannon Noll dates! Tickets are on sale from the venues on December 15.

22 March 2009 – Surfers Paradise Tavern, Gold Coast
1 April 2009 – Portland Civic Centre, Portland
2 April 2009 – Regent Multiplex, Ballarat
3 April 2009 – Bendigo Schweppes Centre
4 April 2009 – Settlers Hotel, Mildura
5 April 2009 – Pretoria Hotel, Mannum

Image source: Jeaneeem @ Flickr

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

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