Month: August 2007

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

No Splendour for Damien Rice

Hardworking Irish troubadour Damien Rice has pulled out of the upcoming Splendour in the Grass festival due to exhaustion.

“This is not a decision that I made lightly, but the busy touring/travel schedule this year has taken its toll on my health and my voice,” Damien said in a press release. “I’m sorry to say that I am exhausted and need to take some time off right now to recuperate and get my voice back in shape.”

The announcement follows Damien’s withdrawal from the Pentaport and Fuji festivals last weekend.

But dry your tears festival-goers! Aussie acoustic heroes The Waifs will appear at the festival in Damien’s place. As The Waifs are now based in the United States, there aren’t too many chances to catch this brilliant indie act. This will be The Waifs first, but hopefully not their last, Splendour appearance.

Image source: Menage a Moi @ Flickr.com

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Michael Franti Brings Up! Festival Down Under

Regular visitor to Aussie shores, Michael Franti, is heading to Oz with the Up! Festival next month. His band Spearhead will join local artists Ben Lee, Blue King Brown and Old Man River on the impressive bill.The Up! Festival won’t have a preachy political focus, but it does look to inspire people and get out to do good things.

“My goal is to put on a kick-ass f*cking show!” he said in an official press release. “When people leave the festival, I want them to feel inspired and motivated. We are living in an era of cynicism. One thing that kills cynicism for me is a healthy dose if fun.”

Bootleggers are in for a treat, as Franti is actually encouraging people to record the shows.

“I want to encourage people to have their voices heard and get used to that. One way of giving back to the community is allowing everyone to record, videotape, upload, download, blog any way they can and share it. All cameras, phones, audio recorders are legal! Everything’s legal at the Up! Festival.”

Continue reading “Michael Franti Brings Up! Festival Down Under” →

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Another Homecoming Tour for Kylie?

It was only six months ago that Kylie Minogue wowed Aussie audiences with her Showgirl Homecoming tour, but word is that she’ll be back before the end of the year.

Kylie is rumoured to announce her Aussie tour at a special 20th anniversary party in London tomorrow. The party is set to be a star-studded affair, with Jason Donovan, Michael Gudinski, and Parisi all planning to attend.

Can you believe it’s been 20 years since Kyles exploded onto the global music scene with her cover of Little Eva’s “Locomotion”? It’s enough to make a blogger feel old!

An Aussie tour announcement is expected shortly after the party, so stay tuned!

Image source: Kyprithasina/Wikimedia Commons

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Delta’s Ready for a Comeback

Australians haven’t heard a lot about Delta Goodrem since she headed to Britain to live with Irish beau, Bryan McFadden. But that’s all set to change, with news the one-time media darling will release a new album later this year.

Sony BMG insiders told the Sydney Morning Herald they’re thrilled with Delta’s new upbeat songs. This bodes well for Delta, whose dark second album, Mistaken Identity, fell flat with the public.

But let’s face it: Delta has a lot more to smile about these days. She’s very much in love and free from the cancer that plagued her shortly after her second album release.

Her friends report that Delta has been inspired by her new relationship, and is ready to wow fans back home. No doubt they’re ready to have her back too!

Image source: SunriseOn7 @ Flickr.com

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Aussie Artists Turn The Tide Against Climate Change

Some of Australia’s top musos look set to build on the momentum of Live Earth with the release of Turning the Tide. The double CD looks to raise awareness of climate change and tolerance of all people.

The new release includes big-name talent like Missy Higgins, John Butler Trio, and Lior, alongside some fantastic up-and-coming artists. These tracks are interspersed with samples from Australian Aboriginal elders, making the disc a truly unique listen.

But it’s not just an opportunity to hear some great music. All profits from Turning the Tide will support grassroots projects to address the impact of climate change.

Sydney’s Gaelic Club will host the album’s official launch on August 8. Some of the album’s hottest new talent, including Rastawookie, Watussi, and Declan Kelly, will play on the night. So brave the cold and get out to support this fantastic cause. Tickets are available online for just $20, or $40 with the CD.

If you can’t make it to Sydney, don’t worry. Turning the Tide will be in stores from August 6.

Image source: Mineral Policy Institute and Eva Rinaldi Celebrity and Live Music Photographer @ Flickr.com