Month: May 2009

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

The Whitlams Do Eternal Nightcap

The Whitlams‘ breakthrough album Eternal Nightcap launched the band into the public eye twelve years ago.

It gave us the smash hit “No Aphrodisiac” and sentimental favourites like “Buy Now Pay Later (Charlie No.2)” and “You Sound Like Louis Burdett.” Now the band is revisiting this timeless recording with some very special shows.

The Whitlams will play the album in its entirety in Sydney, Melbourne, and Adelaide. Audiences in New South Wales and Victoria are in for a special treat, with the Sydney Symphony and Melbourne Symphony Orchestras joining the band in their home states.

Here are the all important dates!

7 & 8 August 2009 – The Corner Hotel, Melbourne
25 & 26 September 2009 – Governor Hindmarsh Hotel, Adelaide
3 & 4 December 2009 – Sydney Opera House

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Soulful Seal Announces First Oz Tour

Seal will bring his soul show to Australia later this year. Mr Heidi Klum will visit Oz for his first tour in November to promote his soul covers album, appropriately titled Soul.

“These songs changed the way I looked at the world but hearing Soul also inspired me professionally,” promoter Paul Dainty said in a statement. “This album reminded me that people want to hear great songs and a great voice.”

Tickets are on sale from May 22 for the following shows.

5 & 6 November 2009 – Hamer Hall, Melbourne
8 November 2009 – Convention Centre, Brisbane
10 & 11 November 2009 – State Theatre, Sydney
20 November 2009 – Kings Park, Perth

Image source: PR Photos

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Paul Kelly Plays for Indigenous Students

Paul Kelly boosted the spirits of students in far north Queensland this week.

The acclaimed singer-songwriter performed at Djarragun College at Gordonvale, south of Cairns. The school teaches students from between Cape York and Yarrabah. It is particularly invested in programs to help students avoid run-ins with the law.

It must have been a real thrill for the school’s music department, who accompanied Paul during his performance.

The school’s music department director John Grace said the visit was “a morale booster” for his students.

What a wonderful experience for the students, and what a generous person Paul Kelly must be to donate his time!

Image source: The Harbour Agency

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Kylie Minogue Announces North American Tour

America’s never really embraced our Kylie like other global destinations, but the pop princess is going to give it another shot. She’ll take her acclaimed X tour to North America later this year.

The flashy show has taken an estimated $70 million in ticket sales so far, but lukewarm American sales of the X album make this a bit of a gamble. It didn’t even reach gold status there, selling just 36, 000 units.

But let’s wish Kylie well! Hopefully this tour could be just the thing to turn the Americans onto Ms Minogue! Here are the dates!

30 September 2009 – Fox Theater, Oakland
3 October 2009 – The Pearl, Las Vegas
4 October 2009 – Hollywood Bowl, Los Angeles
7 October 2009 – Chicago, The Congress Theater
9 October 2009 – Air Canada Centre, Toronto
11 October 2009 – Hammerstein Ballroom, New York

Image source: PR Photos

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Universal Music and eBay Create New Digital Download Store

Universal Music Australia has joined forces with eBay to create a new music sales portal.

“We are incredibly excited to be partnering with eBay.com.au to offer their members access to music,” George Ash, MD of Universal Australia said in a statement. “Music is one of the highest searched topics on the web and the opportunity to help eBay.com.au connect their members with their favourite acts, is without precedent. Universal’s leading market position when partnered with eBay.com.au’s 5 million monthly Australian visitors is a match made in heaven.”

“You can buy practically anything on eBay.com.au,” Deborah Sharkey, MD of eBay added. “The launch of the music portal means that members are able to access digital versions of a vast array of their favourite songs at a low price. eBay is excited about the opportunity and is looking forward to being able to provide access to great music to millions of eBay.com.au users.”

The eBay music store promises to include exclusive releases, special offers, and discounts. It’s those perks that seem to be the real key to the store’s success. Otherwise it seems like just another place to buy digital music, one of a million out there online. eBay might be popular, but the name alone isn’t going to inspire anyone to buy the same old thing they can find elsewhere.

Image source: Mckenna71 @ Stock.xchng

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Michael Gudinski to Receive Top Live Entertainment Award

Music promoter, producer, publisher, and label head Michael Gudinski is set to receive the JC Williamson Award for excellence and achievement in live performance at this year’s 2009 Helpmann Awards.

The honour is the country’s highest for the live entertainment industry. It’s named after James Cassius Williamson, Australia’s most successful theatrical entrepreneur.

The award will be presented at the Helpmann Awards ceremony at Sydney Opera House on July 27. Congratulations to Michael Gudinski for the well-deserved nod!

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Free Andy Bull MP3 Download

Andy Bull first caught my eye when he made this year’s list of Cleo Eligible Bachelors. But this Sydney muso is much more than just a pretty face.

I love his latest single “Young Man.” This piano-driven slice of pop is accessible yet quirky, separating itself from the current crop of commercial music without alienating listeners. His publicity team is offering free downloads of the track from this website.

If you’re hooked like me, you’ll be happy to hear there’s more where that came from. Andy’s debut album is currently in production so we should see it later this year. In the meantime you can catch him supporting Lisa Mitchell on the last of her shows, or headlining his own gigs at Spectrum. Here are the dates.

6 May 2009 – Mojo’s Bar, Fremantle
7 May 2009 – Amplifier Bar, Perth
8 May 2009 – Jive Bar, Adelaide
20 & 27 May, 3 June 2009 – Spectrum, Sydney

Image used with permission from Delinquents

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Annie Lennox Redeems The Logies

This year’s Logies were a predictably cringeworthy affair, punctuated by terrible jokes, terrible dresses, and Gretel Killeen’s terrible hair. The one saving grace was Annie Lennox, who brought class and cred to the evening with her poignant solo rendition of the Eurythmics hit, “There Must Be an Angel (Playing With My Heart).” If you missed it because you were avoiding the dross, or simply want to relive the magic, here it is!

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Death Mattel Score uncharTED Semifinals Slot

Sydney rockers Death Mattel have secured a place in the Tooheys Extra Dry uncharTED semifinals after impressing the folks at MTV. They will compete for a spot on the bill at Splendour in the Grass and an artist development package worth $25, 000.

“I think Death Mattel have an instant appeal,” explained MTV’s senior manager of talent artist relations, Simon Stopford. “With a smattering of samples and electronic sounds mixed into their intense punk riffs, the results grab you by the collar and demand that you pay attention. This band has been a well kept secret for far too long and it’s high time they were thrust into the spotlight.”

Death Mattel will join Brisbane band Ellington, The Music Network’s choice, in the semis. The final two media picks, from MySpace and the Street Press Collective, will be revealed in the coming weeks.

They’ll join the bands receiving the most public votes at the uncharTED website. Head to the site and cast your vote for your chance to win tickets to Splendour in the Grass!

Image used with permission from Peer Group Media

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

The Hampdens Score US Deal

Congratulations to The Hampdens. One of this country’s most underrated indie outfits have just inked a deal with US label Nettwerk.

The name might not be familiar to you, but its artistic stable, which has included Avril Lavigne, Coldplay, Dido, Jamiroquai, Sarah McLachlan, and Stereophonics will be.

The Hampdens will test the waters with the release of an EP, including the single “Croupier,” in five weeks time. The band will then release their album The Last Party across the United States later this year.

I only hope that America latches onto this band’s brilliance a little quicker than Australia did. They deserve every success!

Image source: The Harbour Agency