Hello Sunshine Announces Eclectic 2024 Lineup

I’ve seen some eclectic lineups in my time, but the bill for 2024’s Hello Sunshine festival, hitting Naarm/Melbourne in March, might just take the cake. Where else can you rock out to Grinspoon, dance to the pop hits of The Veronicas, and embrace your inner child with a set from The Wiggles? Add indie-rock luminaries The Temper Trap, chill vibes from Pete Murray, the hip hop stylings of Bliss N Eso, country tunes from Brad Cox, and heaps more and you’ve got yourselves a party!

If that’s not enough to tempt you, there’ll be carnival rides, market stalls, food trucks, kids entertainment, and fireworks when the sun goes down.

“Hello Sunshine was such a runaway success in early 2023 – we knew we were on to something special, and couldn’t wait to bring it back bigger and better in 2024,” shared Lucky Group partner Keiran Dole. “We are proud to be putting on a supersized showcase of the best Aussie talent with everyone from Grinspoon to The Wiggles Sound System performing – so there’s certainly something for everyone in the family at Hello Sunshine 2024. We’ll see you at Caribbean Gardens on March 2nd!”

Hello Sunshine tickets are on sale now. Family days out are usually expensive, but you can bring kids under five for free and enjoy discount tickets for anyone under 18. So what are you waiting for? Get your tickets now from Oztix.

Image used with permission from On the Map PR

Human Nature Earn First Number One in 10 Years

I’m properly chuffed to see Human Nature sitting at the top of the albums charts with their latest release, Gimme Some Lovin’: Jukebox Vol. II. This is the first time Human Nature have had a number one album in 10 years. It couldn’t happen to better blokes.

Human Nature’s efforts have kept Flume from the top spot. Skin has jumped 13 spots after Flume’s recent performance at Splendour.

That’s pushed last week’s number two, Wildflower by The Avalanches, down one spot to number three. Wings of the Wild, Delta Goodrem’s latest release, has also fallen one spot to land at number five.

Ripcord is showing real staying power. Keith Urban’s latest album hasn’t left the top 10 since it debuted at number one in May. It’s also rising again, jumping from 10 to seven this week.

Meanwhile on the singles charts, Illy’s track “Papercuts,” featuring Vera Blue, has risen from number eight to number two. Will it topple Major Lazer’s star-studded single “Cold Water” next week?

The Veronicas are also continuing to chart with “In My Blood.” It’s at number eight this week.

Here are this week’s top 10s.

Top 10 Albums
1. Gimme Some Lovin’: Jukebox Vol. II – Human Nature
2. Skin – Flume
3. Wildflower – The Avalanches
4. 25 – Adele
5. Wings of the Wild – Delta Goodrem
6. Lemonade – Beyonce
7. Ripcord – Keith Urban
8. Periphery III – Select Difficulty – Periphery
9. The Getaway – Red Hot Chilli Peppers
10. California – Blink-182

Top 10 Singles
1. “Cold Water” – Major Lazer feat. Justin Bieber and MO
2. “Closer” – The Chainsmokers feat. Halsey
3. “This is What You Came For” – Calvin Harris feat. Rihanna
4. “One Dance” – Drake feat. Wizkid & Kyla
5. “Treat You Better” – Shawn Mendes
6. “Can’t Stop the Feeling!” – Justin Timberlake
7. “Too Good” – Drake featuring Rihanna
8. “In My Blood” – The Veronicas
9. “Don’t Be So Shy” – Imany
10. “Alarm” – Anne Marie

The Veronicas Headlining Royal Flying Doctor Service Fundraiser, Altitude

If you’re wondering how to spend your tax return, consider buying a ticket to this year’s Altitude event. While admission isn’t cheap, this annual fundraiser for the Royal Flying Doctor Service (RFDS) of Western Australia could really use your support. Your ticket doesn’t just buy you a dose of good karma; you’ll also enjoy performances from some of Australia’s finest female talents.

Sister power pop act The Veronicas are headlining this year’s event, ably supported by local songstress Reigan Derry, who received a rapturous reception at last year’s Altitude, and former Perth resident and musical theatre star Julia Jenkins, who’ll return from London to appear at the event.

“We’re honoured to be performing at Altitude for the Royal Flying Doctor Service this August at Crown Perth,” Jessica and Lisa Origliasso of The Veronicas said in a statement. “The RFDS is an iconic Australian organisation that needs support to maintain its 24/7 lifesaving services. Everyone that buys a ticket is helping support a charity that provides an integral service to the people of Western Australia. We can’t wait to perform for you, Perth. See you in August!”

Admission also includes a three-course dinner, premium beverages, superior service, and a chance to bid on money-can’t-buy items at the event’s charity auction.

Altitude 2016 will hit Crown Perth on August 20. Tickets are on sale now from the Altitude website.

Imag source: Eva Rinaldi Celebrity and Live Music Photographer

The Veronicas and The Avalanches Dominate Aussie Charts

When the Veronicas topped the singles charts last week with “In My Blood,” I was too swamped with paying gigs to cover it. Now they’ve repeated the feat, I thought I’d better make time to note their achievements. Will the sisters equal their longest reign at number one, achieved with “You Ruin Me” in September 2014, and stay at the top spot for another week?

Last week’s number one album, Wings of the Wild by Delta Goodrem has slipped to number two to make way for another homegrown Aussie act, The Avalanches. Sixteen years after the release of their celebrated debut album Since I Left You, the Melbourne electronic act has snared their first number one with the follow-up, Wildflower.

Another former one, Ripcord by Keith Urban, has shown it has real staying power. It has remained at number seven this week, 10 weeks after its debut. The always popular Hillsong United has risen to number eight with their latest release, Of Dirt And Grace – Live From The Land.

Here’s a closer look at this week’s top ten singles and albums.

Top 10 Albums
1. Wildflower – The Avalanches
2. Wings of the Wild – Delta Goodrem
3. California – Blink-182
4. 25 – Adele
5. Lemonade – Beyonce
6. The Getaway – Red Hot Chilli Peppers
7. Ripcord – Keith Urban
8. Of Dirt And Grace – Live From The Land – Hillsong United
9. Blank Face LP – ScHoolboy Q
10. Views – Drake

Top 10 Singles
1. “In My Blood” – The Veronicas
2. “One Dance” – Drake feat. Wizkid & Kyla
3. “This is What You Came For” – Calvin Harris feat. Rihanna
4. “Treat You Better” – Shawn Mendes
5. “Can’t Stop the Feeling!” – Justin Timberlake
6. “Too Good” – Drake featuring Rihanna
7. “Don’t Let Me Down” – The Chainsmokers feat. Daya
8. “Me Too” – Meghan Trainor
9. “Don’t Be So Shy” – Imany
10. “We Don’t Talk Anymore” – Charlie Puth feat. Selena Gomez

Tame Impala & Courtney Barnett Clean Up at ARIAs

Tame Impala and Courtney Barnett were the big winners at this year’s ARIA Awards, taking home three awards in major categories each. Tame Impala were named best group and received best rock album and album of the year for Currents. Courtney Barnett claimed best female, breakthrough artist, and best independent release (Sometimes I Sit And Think, And Sometimes I Just Sit) gongs.

Like so many people, the highlight for me was watching The Veronicas and Jessica Mauboy join Hall of Fame inductee Tina Arena for her 90s hit “Chains.” It was such a powerful reminder of what incredible female vocalists we have in this country. I’ll take these ladies over Beyonce, Mariah, and Christina any day of the week. I also loved Tina’s speech. What a way to claim that Hall of Fame spot.

Anyway, if you couldn’t be bothered sitting through the hours of Channel Ten footage, here are all the winners for your browsing pleasure.

Album of the Year: Tame Impala – Currents
Best Independent Release: Courtney Barnett – Sometimes I Sit And Think, And Sometimes I Just Sit
Best Female Artist: Courtney Barnett – Sometimes I Sit And Think, And Sometimes I Just Sit
Best Male Artist: Vance Joy – Dream Your Life Away
Best Group: Tame Impala – Currents
Breakthrough Artist: Courtney Barnett – Sometimes I Sit And Think, And Sometimes I Just Sit
Best Dance Release: Rüfüs – ‘”You Were Right”
Best Hard Rock/Heavy Metal Album: Northlane – Node
Best Pop Release: Jarryd James – “Do You Remember”
Best Rock Album: Tame Impala – Currents
Best Urban Album: Seth Sentry – Strange New Past
Best Adult Contemporary Album: Oh Mercy – When We Talk About Love
Best Blues And Roots Album: C.W. Stoneking – Gon’ Boogaloo
Best Comedy Release: Matt Okine – Live at the Enmore Theatre
Best Australian Live Act: 5 Seconds Of Summer – Rock Out With Your Socks Out Tour
Best International Artist: One Direction
Best Video: Matt Sharp & Daniel James for The Veronicas – “You Ruin Me”
Song Of The Year: Conrad Sewell – “Start Again”

The Veronicas Claim Number One Single

It seems like forever since we’ve seen an Aussie acts topping the singles charts, but The Veronicas have done it with their stunning newie “You Ruin Me.” I’ve had fun with songs from their last album, but I missed that strong emotional core that I felt ran through their earlier releases. They’ve rewarded my patience with this song, which I think is their best work. I’m so glad Australia’s embraced it!

After a few lean months in the singles charts, it’s great to see The Veronicas are one of a few local acts making their presence felt. Nathaniel’s super-fun ditty “Live Louder” has climbed one place to sit at number four this week. Timmy Trumpet feat. Savage have slipped a couple of spots to sit at number five with “FREAKS”.

It seems I missed the news that Missy Higgins had a new album coming out, but Australia hasn’t. Oz sits at number three on debut. Rock veteran Jimmy Barnes rounds out the top 10 with 30:30 Hindsight.

Click through to see this week’s top ten albums.
Continue reading “The Veronicas Claim Number One Single”

The Veronicas Tease with “Lolita”

The Veronicas are back with their brand new single “Lolita.” The track is currently streaming with a lyrics video on the Queensland twins’ website.

It’s been around five years since the sisters delivered “Hook Me Up,” but they still seem to be in the same musical state of mind. The lyrics are a bit darker than the fare from that album, but that industrial electronic sound married with the girls’ natural harmonies feels very familiar.

It might be just me, but honestly that really electronic, manufactured feel is wearing a bit thin for me. I miss the really organic pop rock sound the girls showed in their breakthrough debut album. We expect a bit of polish as any band matures, but I feel their musical approach is a bit distancing. I’d love to hear this track stripped right back, wouldn’t you? It’s a good song, but with less production I think we could hear it as something much greater.

Image used with permission from Warner Music Australia

Michael Paynter Teams Up With The Veronicas for “Love The Fall”

Here’s one for all the Michael Paynter fans out there. The Aussie singer-songwriter has just released his new single “Love The Fall’ and he’s roped his old pals The Veronicas in.

The music video is suitably brooding and mysterious, but as always with Michael Paynter I’m most impressed by the song and his awesome vocals. It starts out as pretty standard pop-rock fare before building into something truly epic. The Veronicas star power might just be what Michael needs to break into the mainstream consciousness. I’m crossing my fingers.

“Love The Fall” is the title track from Michael Paynter’s new EP, which can be pre-ordered now ahead of its July 9 release.

The Veronicas Duet with Michael Paynter

I love it when people write to tell me the artists I simply must hear. This afternoon I received one of these lovely e-mails pointing me to this video, and introducing me to the exceptional talents of Michael Paynter.

This vid was filmed last week when Lisa and Jess Origliasso of The Veronicas joined Michael on stage for his song “Novocaine.” What an incredible track, and a sign of things to come it seems because Michael will release his debut album later this year through Sony.

If you like what you hear and are lucky enough to live in Melbourne make sure you check out Michael’s set every Wednesday night this month at Revolver. I don’t think you’re going to be disappointed!

The Veronicas Rumoured for Big Screen Leap

The Veronicas heading to the silver screen? That’s the buzz out of the US after the Brisbane twins met with Academy Award-winning director Sofia Coppola.

The pop princesses have confirmed the meeting, but are staying mum on the details.

“[Sofia Coppola] contacted us to come in for a meeting,” Jess Origliasso said.

“But we can’t reveal what it was for. She is so cool and is actually a fan of our music, which is a huge compliment to us.”

The girls are currently in the America for their 40-show Revenge is Sweeter tour. They also filmed an episode of teen drama 90210 and performed at last night’s Miss USA Pageant, where they sang an “epic” eight-minute version of “Untouched.” How they stretched that song out to eight minutes I’ll never know!

Image source: PR Photos