Month: July 2009

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Cassie Davis Does New Album Differently

Cassie Davis is continuing to show us she does things differently with her debut album titled, funnily enough, Differently.

“In my music, my life, fashion – I do everything a little differently,” she explained. “I don’t do things just because other people think that’s the way it should be done. That wouldn’t be staying true to who I am. I’ve always been like this. I like being a bit odd and the odd one out.”

The disc showcases those differences, drawing from Cassie’s eclectic influences. The natural marriage of pop and rock becomes something new with a dash of ska, a smattering of urban sounds, and a little gospel.

It includes her three big hits, “Differently,” “Like it Loud,” and the latest smash, “Do It Again.” But there’s plenty more besides, including the big ballad “Amazing,” the African beats of “Hero,” and the dark and deeply personal “Mess of Mine.”

With the input of a world-class team, including Rodney Jerkins (Michael Jackson, Britney Spears, Beyonce), Printz Board (Black Eyed Peas musical director) and Wayne Wilkins (Beyonce, Kylie, Natasha Bedingfield, Pink), Differently promises to be one of this year’s big hits.

Differently hits stores on August 14.

Image used with permission from Sony Music Australia

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

"Red Leaf" by Shelley Harland

Shelley Harland’s debut album Red Leaf has found its home in my stereo for the past couple of weeks. I must admit that the first time I heard it the disc washed over me in a wave of pleasant. It was a lovely experience, but not one that compelled me to rush back.

Days passed before I gave it another spin, and then I had to give it another spin just to be sure, but I think I’ve got it. It’s not that this album isn’t accessible first time around, but it is one that gets a little richer with every listen. You need time to appreciate its understated charms.

There’s nothing flashy about Shelley’s music. In “Friday,” she’s singing about the way the drone of nine to five leaves us waiting for the weekend. In “Clouds Disappear” she recounts another ordinary day, with flat walkman batteries, trips to the laundromat, and TV dinners.

The music too is low-key. That organic sound is so appealing when everything on the radio seems to be produced and processed within an inch of its life. An acoustic guitar and a couple of strings leave plenty of room for the songs and Shelley’s ethereal voice to fill, and fill them they do.

On this album, Shelley Harland has proven herself to be a master craftsman of songs that are accessible, yet surprisingly complex. Red Leaf is a slow burner, but once it grabs you it doesn’t let go.

Image source: Shelley Harland MySpace

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Yet Another Rapper Postpones Aussie Appearance

It seems Australia and urban artists just don’t mix. The latest to fall to the curse is Ja Rule, who’s had to postpone his Sydney show due to “visa processing” problems.

The rapper was originally scheduled to play a one-off show at Luna Park on July 31, but that’s been pushed back to August 25.

This follows Timbaland’s tour postponement and eventual cancellation last year, and Mary J Blige’s tour postponement and eventual cancellation last year.

If hope I’m wrong, but I’m feeling a little déjà vu here.

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Sound Relief Gets a DVD Release

The massive Sound Relief concerts staged last year to benefit the Victorian bushfire and Queensland flood victims will be released on a big four-DVD set.

The concerts staged in Melbourne and Sydney featured one of the most incredible line-ups of local and international talent ever assembled, including Coldplay, John Farnham, Olivia Newton-John, Barry Gibb, Kylie Minogue, Wolfmother, The Living End, Gabriella Cilmi, Jack Johnson, Midnight Oil, Split Enz, and many more.

“Sound Relief was literally born from the ashes of a terrible time in Australia’s history. The concerts became so much more than just a charity fundraising event; they were a way for the community to unite and heal,” Michael Gudinski said in a statement.

“I’m overjoyed that the DVD release can go ahead and we can’t express our appreciation enough to the artists and everyone involved who helped make it possible. Since the day of the concert we’ve received so many enquiries about whether the concerts would be released on DVD that I wouldn’t be surprised if this became the highest selling DVD in Australian history.

“It is fitting that a lasting record will be available of this once in a lifetime event for future generations.”

The DVDs will be released through Liberation Music in October.

Image source: Rachel Hofton @ Flickr

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Rob Thomas Hooks Up with INXS

Rob Thomas has taken time out from his current promotional tour of Australia to record with INXS. The Matchbox Twenty lead singer laid down lead vocals on the INXS’ classic “Never Tear Us Apart.”

“I’m recording a version of NEVER TEAR US APART with INXS!!!,” Rob tweeted yesterday from Sydney. “I’m geeked.”

This isn’t their first crack at the song. Jon Farris joined Matchbox Twenty during their last Australian tour for performances of “Never Tear Us Apart” and “Don’t Change.”

The cover is expected to appear on INXS’ new album, which features the band’s classic songs recorded with special guest vocalists. There’s no release date as yet, but I can’t wait to hear it!

Image source: ZUMA Press

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Short Stack Tour Debut Album

Two-thirds of the band aren’t even out of their teens, and already Short Stack have a sold-out tour and a number two ARIA smash single, “Sway Sway Baby,” under their belt. If you missed out on tickets last time, you’ll be thrilled to know the lads are hitting the road in December.

The band’s third national tour is in support of their long awaited album, Stack is the New Black, which hits stores on August 14. The band worked on the album in between HSC exams and major national tours with The Veronicas, Simple Plan, and Good Charlotte.

“We never thought we had any good songs until we got signed and people were like, ‘These are actually quite good’,” lead vocalist and guitarist Shaun Diviney said. “For us, more than anything the album is a timeline because we have songs on there that were written when we first started out then songs we wrote a week before the album was recorded. It’s really cool to see how we’ve progressed as a band, and how we’ve grown up.”

The album is an eclectic mix, with everything from epic ballads to frenetic electro-tinged rock.

“It’s got a song on there for everyone depending on what genre you like,” said the band’s bassist, Andy Clemmensen. “When you listen to some albums, you can only listen halfway through before you get over hearing their voice or hearing the same sounds but I think ours you can listen to the whole way through because it changes up so much.”

You can enjoy the tracks and the band’s energetic live performance at the following shows! Tickets go on sale on July 31.

11 December 2009 – Doyalson RSL
12 December 2009 – Thebarton Theatre, Adelaide
13 December 2009 – Metro, Perth
16 December 2009 – Tivoli, Brisbane
18 December 2009 – Festival Hall, Melbourne
19 December 2009 – Enmore Theatre, Sydney

Image source: The Harbour Agency

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Gods of Rock Tour Oz

Are you ready to rock? If so you’ll snap up tickets to Slayer and Megadeth’s massive double-header tour of Oz.

Slayer are visiting on the back of their recently completed World Painted Blood CD, while Megadeth will showcase tunes from their upcoming album Endgame.

It’s not often that you get an international double act as explosive as this, so don’t expect tickets to last long when they go on sale on Monday August 10.

7 October 2009 – Riverstage, Brisbane
8 October 2009 – Hordern Pavilion, Sydney
9 October 2009 – Festival Hall, Melbourne
11 October 2009 – Thebarton Theatre, Adelaide
13 October 2009 – Challenge Stadium, Perth

Image source: Newscom

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Jaimi Faulkner: One to Watch

Sometimes an artist crosses your path and you wonder where they’ve been all your life. Their music feels familiar, like home. That’s the sort of instant connection I found when I heard songs from Jaimi Faulkner.

He’s recorded many albums right here in our own backyard. Why isn’t he all over radio, and attracting the attention of the media? I have no clue. His bluesy voice and soulful tunes are like a warm blanket, and after a hearing a few I’m determined to track down more. I know the lighting on this YouTube clip is bad, but take a listen to this. You won’t regret it.

 

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Rob Thomas Shows Australia Some Tour Love

The tour announcements that send me giddy just keep on coming. Rob Thomas touched down in Sydney for a promo tour today, and he’s already making plans for a return visit.

Rob will play wineries around the country under the Day on the Green banner with a few entertainment centre shows thrown in for good measure. He’ll be here on the back of his latest solo album, Cradlesong.

Aussie songstress Vanessa Amorosi will join the gorgeous Rob for the shows. Tickets go on sale on Friday August 7 for all shows except for Sandalford Wines, which goes on sale a few days later on August 10.

5 February 2010 – Rod Laver Arena, Melbourne
7 February 2010 – Leconfield Winery, McLaren Vale
11 February 2010 – Entertainment Centre, Brisbane
13 February 2010 – Hope Estate Winery, Hunter Valley
14 February 2010 – Centennial Vineyards, Bowral
17 February 2010 – ACER Arena, Sydney
20 February 2010 – Rochford Winery, Yarra Valley
21 February 2010 – Sandalford Wines, Swan Valley

Image source: ZUMA Press

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Hey Hey It's Back!

When I was growing up Saturday meant just one thing: a night around the television with Hey Hey It’s Saturday. Daryl, Ossie, Dickie Knee, Red, Wilbur and the gang brought variety into our loungerooms and supported local musicians in a way no other variety show has done since. Ten years since it left our screens it’s back, at least temporarily.

Channel Nine has commissioned two live reunion specials to screen later this year. If they rate well, there’s talk the program will return as a regular weekly series.

“It is exciting. There’s been a lot of talk about the show coming back and it has finally happened,” he said.

“We are ringing various cast members to say it is going to happen 10 years after it last happened. It is emotional for us as a cast and it must be for the audience who have missed the show over the years.”

The announcement comes after 18 months of negotiations, and a massive push by fans through Facebook. More than 43,000 supporters joined a Facebook group to bring back the show. The work’s not quite done, but this is certainly the first step.