January 2010 – Page 2

Posted on 20/01/2010 by Lauren Katulka

Pendulum Previews Album With Online Concert

Pendulum will give their fans around the world a sneak peek at their brand new album Immersion on Friday. The band’s album previews at London’s Matter Nightclub will be streamed around the world.

The new material isn’t the only draw card for fans. The show will also feature a new technologically advanced DJ set performed by the original trio synced with an amazing visual display from The Pixel Addicts.

“It’s been two years in the making and I’m more excited about this record than anything we’ve ever done. We’ve been lucky enough to collaborate with some of our idols, played live alongside some of the biggest names in rock and electronic music, and finally set up a permanent studio in London,” explained Rob Swire. “We’ve learnt so much during the process and this next record really does feel like a culmination of all those experiences. I’d say it’s almost ‘The Perfect Storm’ but that shitty film with George Clooney ruined the phrase.”

You can catch the show at Pendulum’s website on Friday, January 22 at 1 pm.

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P0pOkJVb2BQ]

Posted on 20/01/2010 by Lauren Katulka

Earl Cole Gives Crazy Love to Perth

With Michael Buble’s third album Crazy Love still enjoying massive chart success, it seems like the perfect time for Australia’s own swing king Earl Cole to perform another Buble tribute show.

Fans can catch the smooth stylings of Earl Cole at Mosmans Restaurant in Perth on February 7. It’s been almost 18 months since Earl’s done a tribute to the Canadian crooner, but he promises it will be worth the wait. The set will feature old favourites like “Feeling Good,” “Fever,” and “Sway,” alongside cuts from the new album including “Haven’t Met You Yet” and “Georgia on my Mind.”

The waterfront Mosmans restaurant is the perfect venue for this romantic night out. Tickets cost $110 and include a gourmet three-course meal and champagne on arrival. Table reservations are available by calling the restaurant on (08) 9383 3388.

Image used with permission from Earl Cole

Posted on 19/01/2010 by Lauren Katulka

Empire of the Sun, Daniel Merriweather Snag BRIT Award Nominations

Congrats to Empire of the Sun for snagging two BRIT Awards nominations. The Aussie electro-pop outfit is up for International Album and International Newcomer titles.

The band’s massive debut album Walking on a Dream is up again Merriweather Post Pavillion from Animal Collective, The E.N.D. from Black Eyed Peas, Lady Gaga’s The Fame, and Jay-Z’s Blueprint 3.

For best newcomer they’re up against countryman Daniel Merriweather, Animal Collective, Lady Gaga, and Taylor Swift.

“The dream was the king for this record and it is becoming wilder and wilder as the sandman keeps cooking. This is a great honour, we are walking on a dream,” Luke Steele said in a statement.

I’d kind of like to see Empire of the Sun take home the album award, leaving the newcomer title to Daniel Merriweather. It’d be great to see two Aussies take home gongs. Although with such stiff competition, it isn’t going to be easy.

The 2010 BRIT Awards will be held at Earl’s Court, London on February 16.

Image source: Stuart Sevastos @ Wikimedia Commons

Posted on 19/01/201001/04/2012 by Lauren Katulka

Spandau Ballet and Tears for Fears Bring 80s Double Act to Oz

It’s time to break out the spandex and leg warmers; Spandau Ballet are bringing their Reformation tour to Australia, and 80s megastars Tears for Fears are coming along for the ride.

Reformation is more than just the name of the tour, with both bands celebrating relatively recent reunions. After a fairly nasty split in 1990, Spandau Ballet members Tony Hadley, John Keeble, Gary Kemp, Martin Kemp, and Steve Norman mended their relationship last year. This tour marks their first Australian tour since 1985, although Tony Hadley visited our shores with Paul Young in 2008.

Meanwhile Tears for Fears members Roland Orzabel and Curt Smith parted ways in 1991, only to reunite in 2003.
I’m personally thrilled to see all the bands back together and gracing us with a visit. Jack Jones, who made his name with Aussie outfit Southern Sons, will also no doubt elicit squeals as the support act.

Tickets for the shows go on sale on February 1. Here are all the dates!

17 April 2010 – Sandalford Winery, Perth
19 April 2010 – Entertainment Centre, Adelaide
21 April 2010 – Rod Laver Arena, Melbourne
23 April 2010 – Entertainment Centre, Sydney
27 April 2010 – Entertainment Centre, Brisbane

Image source: ZUMA Press

Posted on 18/01/2010 by Lauren Katulka

Sam Clark Scores ARIA Physical Chart Number One

It’s always great to see an Australian artist doing well through hard work and determination. After putting himself out in front of crowds at in-stores, gigs, and high school appearances late last year, Sam Clark is now reaping the rewards.

His debut single “Broken” has reached the number one spot on the ARIA physical charts and climbed to number 12 on the ARIA Australian artists charts. That sees him scrape into the overall top 50 charts for the first time this week.

It’s not a bad effort considering local radio hasn’t given him a lot of support. Perhaps this latest achievement will inspire stations to add “Broken” to their playlists!

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M0VKDlumBLU]

Posted on 18/01/2010 by Lauren Katulka

Mornington Peninsula Chills Out with Between the Bays Festival

While the kids are soaking up the excitement of the Big Day Out bill, a more laid back music festival has caught my attention. Once the weather cools a little, the Mornington Peninsula will host some of Australia’s finest for the Between the Bays music festival.

Now in its fifth year, this family-friendly festival boasts a fantastic bill. Tex Perkins, Lior, Angie Hart, The Fauves, Jordie Lane, Blackchords, and Cousin Leonard and the Casio Brothers.

Aside from the top music, ticket holders will enjoy local gourmet food stalls, fantastic wineries and breweries, and free activities for the kids. They can get their faces painted and play on the inflatable obstacle course and giant slide while mum and dad kick back relax.

The Between the Bays festival rolls into Penback, at the end of Rickards Road in Moorooduc on March 20. Tickets are available now from the Between the Bays website, Ticketmaster, and Penback (ph (03) 59 788 425.

Image source: The Harbour Agency

Posted on 17/01/2010 by Lauren Katulka

Finabah Want You to Jump!

With their new single “Everyone Jump (When They Tell You How High)” enjoying solid air play, NA2R rock winners Finabah are shaping up as an Aussie act to watch in 2010.

The song showcases the band’s trademark rock-pop sound and catchy melodies. Underneath that radio-friendly sound, the band said there’s a real message.

“The track was heavily inspired by the modern fashion industry, and everyone’s struggle to be different,” explained bassist Brendan Langfield. “It seems a lot of the time people are so concerned with being ‘trendy’ and ‘unique’ that they forget about who they really are”.

Following an east coast tour in February and March, the band will take their tunes to the kids as part of the 2010 Rock the Schools tour. The government initiative sees the band performing more than 25 shows to more than 15, 000 students, and giving them a hands-on lesson about rock and roll. They certainly weren’t teaching that when I was at school!

Before that, make sure you get out and support this exciting unsigned act on their Everybody Jump tour!

12 February 2010 – Syke, The Producer Bar @ Electric Light Hotel, Adelaide, SA (18+)
13 February 2010 – The Underground, Adelaide (All Ages)
19 February 2010 – Mynt Lounge, Werribee (18+)
20 February 2010 – Bang @ Royal Melbourne Hotel (18+)
21 February 2010 – Fist 2 Face, Melbourne (All Ages)
5 March 2010 – X&Y Bar, Brisbane (18+ Unplugged set)
6 March 2010 – The Hive, Brisbane (All Ages)
6 March 2010 – Thriller, Brisbane (All Ages)
7 March 2010 – Gladstone Hotel, Gladstone (18+)

Image used with permission from AAA Entertainment

Posted on 16/01/2010 by Lauren Katulka

Sir Norman Jay Ready for Good Times in Australia

British DJ pioneer Sir Norman Jay will release a new CD Good Times Australia to coincide with his Aussie tour, which kicks off at the end of the month.

The double-disc set, released exclusively through Central Station Records, will feature the first CD he’s mixed in 15 years and some rare gems. These include mixes for David Bowie, Inner Circle, and Tina Turner. Many of these tunes have never appeared before on CD, so it’s promising to be a real collector’s item.

Good Times Australia will hit stores on January 22. You can see the man himself live at the following venues.

23 January 2010 – The Espy, Melbourne
24 January 2010 – Cloudland, Brisbane
25 January 2010 – Beach House, Port Macquarie
26 January 2010 – The Ivy, Sydney
12 February 2010 – The Manor, Perth
18-21 February 2010 – Playground Weekender, Wiseman’s Ferry

Image used with permission from Central Station Records

Posted on 15/01/2010 by Lauren Katulka

Rufus Wainwright Cancels Aussie Tour

Rufus Wainwright has cancelled his upcoming Australian tour due to illness in the family. Unfortunately, this has also seen the cancellation of his Day on the Green concerts with Paul Kelly.

“We are all incredibly disappointed that Rufus has had to cancel his tour,” A Day on the Green promoter Michael Newton said in a statement. “Unfortunately we have no time to secure another artist of the same calibre to replace him as the co-headline act, which makes it economically unviable to continue with the show. We hope we will see Rufus at A Day on the Green next summer.”

Ticket holders can now get a full refund from their place of purchase.

But there is a silver lining for fans. Apparently they’ll get priority ticket allocated when Rufus returns later this year.

Image source: ZUMA Press

Posted on 14/01/2010 by Lauren Katulka

Dannii Minogue Up The Duff

It’s a scary day for music fans. Reality TV star and sometimes pop singer Dannii Minogue is pregnant.

Ms Minogue confirmed the news in a Twitter post, which read “Woo hoo I’m gonna be a mummy!” Her boyfriend, former footballer Kris Smith, soon joined in the chorus tweeting “Woo hoo I’m gonna be a daddy.” I guess it’s good to know the parents-to-be, while not so original in their declarations, are at least in sync.

Big sister Kylie Minogue was quick to offer her congratulations, tweeting “Congratulations to my sister Dannii and her partner Kris on the happy news!!!! I am so excited to be an Aunty again!! WOW WOW WOW!! Xxx.”

Dannii is reportedly 12 weeks along, with the baby expected in June. Let’s just hope it doesn’t want to pick up a microphone!

Image source: ZUMA Press