Month: March 2008

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Aussie Number Ones Honoured

The elite of the Australian music industry gathered in Sydney last night for the ARIA Number One Chart Awards. The ceremony recognised the achievements of Aussie chart toppers.

Twelve local artists were honoured for their number one albums and singles. Delta Goodrem was lauded as the first Aussie to earn 12 number ones when she claimed two gongs for the single “In This Life” and album Delta.

Delta told The Daily Telegraph that while she will spend a lot of time there this year, she won’t relocate to the United States.

“I intend to spend a lot of time there but Australia is still home,” she said.

Also earning dual awards on the night were Kylie Minogue (for “2 Hearts” and X), Damien Leith (The Winner’s Journey and Where We Land) and Silverchair (“Straight Lines” and Young Modern).

The Veronicas were also thrilled to achieve their first award for the massive dance single “Hook Me Up.”

“I think we’ve been number two and never quite got up to that number one spot. [We were like] whatever, our first album was in the top 10 for a year, that’s better than a lot of people. We don’t care about being number one,” the Brisbane twins said.

“And then when they called us and said we’d gone to number one we were like ‘Yeah!’ and we were really excited. We were like ‘Oh we do care about winning. We’re winners now.'”

The John Butler Trio, Powderfinger, and Evermore also took home awards on the night.

The ARIA Number One Chart Awards differ from the standard ARIA awards as winners are decided solely based on their retail sales.

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

See The Rogue Traders While You Can

The Rogue Traders are hitting the road next month for what may be their last tour for some time.

Keyboardist James Ash said the band will take a break to allow lead singer Natalie Bassingthwaighte to pursue her career.

“With Nat going to do a solo record, this will be the last tour we do for 18 months or two years,” he told The Daily Telegraph.

Somewhere in there she’ll also find time to continue her So You Think You Can Dance hosting duties. What a busy girl!

Here’s when when the Rogue Traders are visiting you. Tickets to all shows go on sale on March 17.

28 and 29 April 2008 – Regent Theatre, Yarram
30 April 2008 – Arts Centre, Frankston
1 May 2008 – The Wool Exchange, Geelong
2 May 2008 – The Woolshed, Ballarat
3 May 2008 – Billboard, Melbourne
11 May 2008 – Thebarton Theatre, Adelaide
13 May 2008 – Town Hall, Horsham
14 May 2008 – Roi Bar, Albury
15 May 2008 – ANU, Canberra
16 May 2008 – Waves, Wollongong
17 May 2008 – Big Top Luna Park, Sydney
18 May 2008 – Evan Theatre, Penrith Panthers
20 May 2008 – Workers Club, Revesby
21 May 2008 – Central Coast Leagues Club, Gosford
22 May 2008 – Newcastle Panthers
23 May 2008 – Coffs Harbour Ex-Services Club
24 May 2008 – Lismore Workers Club
25 May 2008 – Twin Towns, Tweed Heads
27 May 2008 – Civic Centre, Nambour
28 May 2008 – Tivoli, Brisbane
29 May 2008 – Rumours, Toowoomba

Image source: Toby Forage @ Flickr 

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Michael Johns Takes on the 80s

Australia’s American Idol hopeful Michael Johns was at it again this week with a cool rendition of “Don’t You Forget About Me.” I’m fairly biased about this song, but I thought this was a lot better than the other stuff we’ve seen him pull out in recent weeks. I enjoyed it and had to watch it a second time to hear him sing rather than myself!

However I’m still not sure he’s hitting the highs he did in the early rounds of the competition. Simon may be on to something when he says he should go back to a more soulful sound.

And no, I can’t believe Randy Jackson thought this was an INXS song either.

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Will Madonna Tour Oz, or Won’t She?

The original Queen of Pop Madonna has teased that she may visit Australia to promote her latest album, Hard Candy.

“How bad do you want me there?” she asked The Sunday Telegraph’s Jonathon Moran.

“There’s a chance. It’s been a while. It’s the least I can do.”

It certainly has been a while. Mads last visited Australia in 1993 for her Girlie Show. She also confessed she has a soft spot for Aussies.

“I’m very fond of some Australians. Australians are usually quite funny people.”

Promoter Michael Chugg is confident he can lure the pop diva Down Under.

“It is being talked about … and there is a promoter trying to put it together,” he said.

Whether she tours or not, Hard Candy’s release on April 26 should be music to the ears of Madonna’s loyal Aussie fans.

Image source: Adi24 @ Wikimedia Commons

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Mark Holden Quits Idol

Australian Idol judge Mark Holden won’t return to the popular reality TV show next year.

The reason for the move depends on who you believe. Some news stories claim Mark left of his own accord, citing a desire to focus on his acting career. Others say he was pushed by Channel Ten who were desperate to breathe some fresh life into the talent quest.

I’m not really sure what to think. Sure his gibberish rambles were cringeworthy and touchdowns were a fairly biased false currency, but I’m certainly going to miss Mark. He knew what he was talking about, and I think he deserves a lot of credit for taking Idol from a karaoke show to something much more.

There’s no word on a replacement, so it’s unclear whether Ten will revert to their previous three-judge format or bring on some new blood. Personally I’d love to see a straight-shooting industry veteran like Renee Geyer or Chrissy Amphlett step into the role. Now that’d make for interesting TV!

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Delta Not Dumped, Brian Says

Well we don’t need to feel sorry for Delta Goodrem any longer. Just days after The Sunday Telegraph reported the pop starlet was dumped by Sony BMG’s American arm, fiancé Brian McFadden has set the record straight.

“The actual truth is she’s switched labels, she’s signed now to Mercury in America,” he told Melbourne’s Fox FM.

“I’ve been reading all week she was dumped but actually she’s over in LA right now shooting a video and the album cover.”

This is great news for Delta. Hopefully we see her receiving the international success she deserves soon!

Image source: Toby Forage @ Flickr

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Nat and Kylie’s Girly Getaway

Natalie Imbruglia and Kylie Minogue have both been unlucky in love recently, but don’t think the Aussie pop princesses will let it get them down. According to AZ Central, the pair recently flew to Mauritius for a girls-only getaway.

The former Neighbours costars stayed at the exclusive Shanti Ananda resort.

“Natalie is heartbroken after splitting from husband Daniel Johns and Kylie thought a sunshine break would cheer her up. They are both trying to put their relationship troubles behind them and think this holiday will do the job,” an unnamed source said.

We know how reliable those unnamed sources are, but if anything’s going to mend a broken heart it’s staying at the Shanti Ananda.

The privilege doesn’t come cheap, with villas costing around $4,700 a night. Relaxation is the order of the day, with the resort offering yoga lessons, meditation sessions, and massages. It sounds absolutely heavenly!

Image source: Tim Parkinson @ Flickr

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Music Blog Spotlight: Our Top Tunes

Earlier today I showed you the Aussie tunes I’ve had on high rotation. The other music gurus in the channel have also offered up a great mix of songs for your listening pleasure, so why don’t you check them out?

  • Devorah’s got her finger on the pulse at Big Apple Music Scene, suggesting we check out the likes of MGMT and The French Kicks.
  • Brit Music Scene legend Dave always compiles great lists and this one’s no exception, featuring newcomers Adele and The Zutons and legends like Queen and The Who.
  • Roberta at Ear Sucker has posted a nifty little player which allows you to hear awesome bands like Matchbox Twenty and Led Zep.
  • Scott at Metal Martyr gives us added value, with not just his favourite 10 songs right now but also 10 albums we should check out.
  • Bruce at Our Digital Music has given us a list of oldies but goodies, featuring Leonard Cohen, Crosby Stills and Nash, and Janis Joplin.
  • Gilan serves up 10 of the best Beatles tracks at The Beatles Invasion.
  • And last but not least our channel editor Mike delivers Canada’s finest at Toronto Unplugged including The Coast, The Hives, and The Salingers.

So you know what we like, but what about you? What music should I give a spin? I’m always keen to hear some new tunes, so if there’s something I should hear please let me know!

Image source: Mohammad Metri @ Unsplash

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

My Top 10 Aussie Tunes For Your Listening Pleasure

Here in the music channel we’ve been talking about the songs we’re digging right now. Some of them are new, some of them aren’t, but these are the Aussie tunes that have really impressed me lately. I’ll do a roundup of the other blogs lists later on today, which should give you all plenty of cool music to check out.

“I’ll Forget You” is a beautiful collaboration between Lior and Sia. This song is sweetness and joy in musical form, and I just love the shadow puppet film clip.

One good collaboration deserves another, don’t you think? This time we’ve got Paul Mac and Bertie Blackman teaming up for “The Only One,” a totally fun track from the new Aussie movie Hey Hey It’s Esther Blueburger.

“This Heart Attack” by Faker has been around for a little while now, but it just won’t quit. The film clip freaks me out a little, but this song is just so incredibly catchy.

Josh Pyke’s “Forever Song” was also released a while ago, but for some reason it didn’t seem to get the attention it deserved. Such simplicity, such beauty, Josh Pyke’s just awesome.

Gabriella Cilmi’s sassy ditty “Sweet About Me” is just delicious. I can’t believe this kid’s only 16 years old! She reminds me of a much more together Amy Winehouse.

“Rush” by Claire Clarke is perfect pop with a sexy rock edge. Claire’s another one of the new breed of Aussie artists at just 18 years old. I think the future of Aussie music is safe with such awesome young talent!

“Used to Get High” is the latest mellow groovefest by one of Australia’s coolest bands The John Butler Trio. It’s great to hear these guys playing with a more electric sound.

“Untouched” by The Veronicas is a bit of a guilty pleasure of mine at the moment. It’s a perfect slice of pop that I just can’t help singing along to.

Powderfinger’s latest offering “Nobody Sees” is a little bit mellower than what we’re used to hearing from the Brisbane lads, and I think that’s why I like it so much. The stripped back feel really allows the tender lyrics and Bernard’s voice to shine.

My sister introduced me to the music of Angus and Julia Stone as it reminded her of one of our favourite childhood singers, Melanie Safka. That probably won’t mean much to my younger readers, but hopefully they’ll enjoy their new single “Wasted” anyway.

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Smoky Dawson Honored With Tribute Show

The sudden death of Smoky Dawson earlier this month has touched all sectors of the Australian music community. Some of his dearest friends will join together to honour the singing cowboy with a tribute concert on Smoky’s 95th birthday, March 19.

There’s no word on the line-up yet, but expect some of Australian country music’s biggest names. The event will be a joyous occasion in keeping with Smoky’s own happy spirit.

The Adventures Of Smoky Dawson … A Life Remembered will take place on March 19 at the Hills Performing Arts Centre, in Castle Hill, Sydney. Tickets will be available soon through Ticketek. All proceeds will benefit Bear Cottage, one of Smoky’s favourite children’s charities.