Month: May 2008

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Augie March Prepare Album Number Four

We haven’t heard a lot from Augie March lately, but that’s all about to change. The Melbourne indie outfit is heading into the studio this month to record their highly anticipated fourth album.

It’s shaping up to be a doozy too. The band will work with American producer Joe Chiccarelli, who’s famous for his work with Frank Zappa, U2, Beck, The Shins, and The White Stripes. They’re also going to record it in Neil Finn’s Roundhead studio. Think he’ll pop in and collaborate with the boys?

The album should be released later this year.

Image source: Jeaneeem @ Flickr

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Beau Young’s Doing it for the Kids

We’re used to seeing Beau Young catching waves, but did you know he’s also an accomplished singer?

The former world surfing champ’s chilled-out songs wouldn’t be out of place on a Jack Johnson CD or the latest Xavier Rudd release. But unlike his contemporaries, Beau’s not content to just entertain the adults.

He’s recently joined forces with a toy company (eco-friendly of course) and released an album of kids songs. Wild Animalz contains tracks like “Hip Hippo,” “G-G-G Gorilla” and “Crocodile Fishin'”. It will be sold with a bonus wooden toy animal through Aussie toy stores.

If you’re sick of your little ones spinning The Wiggles this could definitely be worth checking out.

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Andrea Bocelli Announces Aussie Tour

World-renowned tenor Andrea Bocelli is bringing his massive show to Australia.

Andrea will perform his classical repertoire backed by the acclaimed Czech National Symphony Orchestra. Esteemed soloists Paola Sanguinetti and Anna Bonitatibu will also join Andrea on the tour, and there are even more special guests to be announced.

But fans of Andrea’s pop numbers won’t be left out in the cold. He’s promising to perform some surprise duets during the show.

Andrea’s last Aussie tour sold out, so you don’t want to wait to get your tickets. There’s even more incentive too, as a portion of each ticket sold will benefit the Asia Pacific Business Coalition on AIDS.

Visa Entertainment is conducting a presale from May 19, while the rest of us have to wait until Monday May 26.

Here are the dates!

22 August 2008 – Entertainment Centre, Brisbane
24 August 2008 – Acer Arena, Sydney
27 August 2008 – Rod Laver Arena, Melbourne
30 August 2008 – Burswood Dome, Perth

Image source: Dovywiarda @ Wikimedia Commons

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Aussie Country Stars Head to Nashville

Plenty of Aussies will be flying the flag at the 2008 Country Music Festival in Nashville next month. Troy Cassar-Daley, Adam Harvey, Melinda Schneider, Steve Forde, and new kids Shea Fisher and Jasmine Rae will all head to America’s country music capital.

“There are a lot of younger people in country music now and I think it’s going to expand generations because we’re singing about everyday issues,” Shea told The Sunday Telegraph.

“We sing about things we’ve done in our lives. It’s really exciting in country music now because we can make the genre bigger.”

“No genres stay the same,” added Jasmine. “Everything crosses over … you’ve got rock, pop, country rock and country pop. People need to see that country is moving forward, just like any genre.”

The festival will put the Aussies in front of 200, 000 country music fans. Other artists on the bill include country music royalty Faith Hill, Alan Jackson, Carrie Underwood, and Dwight Yoakam.

Image source: Adam J.W.C. @ Wikimedia Commons

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Small Mercies Rock USA

Small Mercies made a big impression on Australia with their ARIA-nominated single “Innocent,” and they’re hoping for similar success in the United States.

The Brissie lads have played some high-profile gigs at legendary venues like Los Angeles’ House of Blues and Hollywood’s Roxy Theatre. They even made an appearance at New York’s Tribeca Film Festival.

But they’ll be home soon for a string of shows to promote the release of their debut album Beautiful Hum. You can grab a copy when it hits stores on 24 May, which should be just enough time for you to learn all the lyrics before the gigs.

Check when Small Mercies are hitting your town.

6 June 2008 – Cronulla Leagues Club
7 June 2008 – Revesby Workers Club
8 June 2008 – Panthers, Penrith
11 June 2008 – Town Hall, Horsham
12 June 2008 – Shoppingtown Hotel, Melbourne
13 June 2008 – Ferntree Gully Hotel
14 June 2008 – Chelsea Heights Hotel
15 June 2008 – Hallam Hotel
19 June 2008 – Dee Why RSL
20 June 2008 – Campbelltown RSL
21 June 2008 – Her Majesty’s Theatre, Adelaide
25 June 2008 – Mingara Recreation Club, Tumbi Umbi
26 June 2008 – South Sydney Juniors, Redfern
27 June 2008 – Shellharbour Workers Club
28 June 2008 – Blacktown RSL
4 July 2008 – Southport RSL, Gold Coast
5 July 2008 – North Leagues and Services Club, Brisbane
6 July 2008 – Ipswich Civic Centre

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Ross Wilson Rocking All The Way to California

This story is just too cool. Apparently Aussie legend Ross Wilson has been invited to the Eagle Rock Music Festival in Eagle Rock, California. No prizes for guessing what they’ve asked him to sing.

Ross may have written this classic rock track 38 years ago, but it’s never really gone away. It was an Aussie number one in 1971, and it hit the top 20 again in 1982. More recently Ross assumed the alias of King Mondo and recorded the song with The Wiggles.

It’s popped up again on Ross’ latest album Tributary. In an unlikely twist Ross has decided to give the song a 1908 feel in an attempt to capture what it may have sounded if it were written 100 years ago. That certainly sounds interesting!

Tributary is part of the very cool Liberation acoustic series. It hits stores today and features new takes on Ross’s solo hits, Daddy Cool classics, and Mondo Rock gems.

Of course I have to leave you with a bit of “Eagle Rock.” Here’s the man himself performing an African-inspired version of this monster hit on John Safran’s Musical Jamboree.

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Videos Galore at Graeham Goble’s New Site

Here’s one for all the nostalgia buffs out there. Little River Band founder Graeham Goble has just relaunched his website with an absolute treasure trove of video content.

The site features 50 clips in all, including plenty of rare footage. See Birtles and Goble perform their hit “I’m Coming Home” on the Don Lane Show and the Paul Hogan Show. There’s also a rare duet with John Farnham at the Carols by Candlelight, and some very cool Eagles songs with none other than Glenn Frey!

The spiffy new website coincides with this week’s release of Graeham’s new album Let it Rain. To get you in the mood,here’s the film clip from the LRB classic, “Reminiscing.”

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Jimmy Barnes Plans Theatre Tour

Aussie rock icon Jimmy Barnes has announced his first major theatre tour in more than a decade.

“It’s something I haven’t really done since Soul Deep,” Jimmy said in a press release. “I’ve had a fantastic run of big outdoor and winery shows over the past summer but I’m itching to get back indoors. The rooms are small enough to still get intimate with the audience, but you can stretch out more than in a pub.”

The up close and personal gigs follow the success of Jimmy’s latest album Out of the Blue. Jimmy will perform songs from this platinum release and plenty of old favourites. Jimmy’s keeping it all in the family, with his son Jackie playing drums in his band and his daughter Mahalia opening the shows.

This is the large chance local fans have to see Jimmy before he embarks on a European tour in spring. So make sure you get your tickets when they go on sale on Monday May 12.

See Jimmy when he hits the following venues:

25 June 2008 – Canberra Theatre Centre
27 June 2008 – Settlers, Mildura
28 June 2008 – Thebarton Theatre, Adelaide
4 July 2008 – Concert Hall, Brisbane
5 July 2008 – Empire Theatre, Toowoomba
7 July 2008 -Brolga Theatre, Maryborough
8 July 2008 – Caloundra RSL, Caloundra
10, 12, and 13 July 2008 – The Palms at Crown, Melbourne
16 July 2008 – Regent Theatre, Wollongong
18 July 2008 – Panthers, Newcastle
19 July 2008 – Enmore Theatre, Sydney

Image source: DianeSunshineCoast @ Wikimedia Commons

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Party to Protest Melbourne Curfew

Melbourne is regarded as something like Australia’s version of New York: a city that never sleeps with an exciting music and arts scene. That reputation is under threat though as the state government plans to trial a 2 am curfew

So what does it all mean? Basically you won’t be able to enter a bar in Melbourne after 2 am. If you’re already inside that’s fine, but don’t even think about ducking outside for a ciggie or a quick chat on your mobile phone.

The government says the move will curb alcohol-fuelled violence by reducing the amount of bar hoppers circulating the city. Others say it’s just going to spoil everybody’s fun. Personally some of the drunkest folks I’ve seen are the ones too intoxicated to move from one pub to the next!

If you think John Brumby and his ministers are a bunch of killjoys join the party protest on the steps of Parliament House. Just head to Spring Street at 11 pm on May 30 to have a great time and make a difference!

Image source: Robyn Jay @ Flickr

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Mary J. Blige Announces First Australian Tour

It’s been a long time coming, but R&B royalty Mary J. Blige will finally tour Australia this June.

She’ll head Down Under to promote her eighth studio album Growing Pains.

“Mary J. Blige is a superstar in anyone’s language,” said promoter Michael Chugg. “She is sexy, stylish, sassy and what a voice! She’s one of the greatest live acts I’ve ever seen and I’m thrilled to bring her to Australia for the first time. I had goose bumps when I saw her perform with Sting at the VH1 Awards and so did Sting! I can’t wait to see her blow Australian music lovers away.”

These hot tickets go on sale on May 16.

Here are the all important dates!

10 June 2008 – Burswood Dome, Perth
12 June 2008 – Rod Laver Arena, Melbourne
13 June 2008 – Entertainment Centre, Sydney
14 June 2008 – Entertainment Centre, Brisbane

Image source: Mikamote @ Wikimedia Commons