Month: August 2009

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Short Stack Impress MySpace Fans

Central Coast teens Short Stack have been voted the most popular band by New South Wales MySpace users. The Aussie trio beat out international sensations Taylor Swift (2), Lily Allen (5), Beyonce (6) and Lady Gaga (7) for the title.

Other local acts making waves in the poll include Perth hard rockers Karnivool, folk chanteuse Lisa Mitchell, and hip-hop outfit Bliss n Eso.

While Taylor Swift took the top spot in Queensland and Victoria, all states showed a strong preference for homegrown talent, with Australian artists making up more than a quarter of the favourites.

Image source: Haylie Jaed @ Flickr

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Shannon Noll's a Dirty Rocking Scoundrel

Shannon Noll is living up to his tag as one of the hardest-working men on the Aussie music scene. He hasn’t even wrapped up his current tour, and he’s already making plans for another.

He’ll barely have time to get his suitcase unpacked before kicking off the Dirty Rocking Scoundrels tour. The shows, which sees Shannon join forces with veteran rockers The Screaming Jets, take in New South Wales, the ACT, and Melbourne’s suburbs.

Tickets for all shows are on sale now from the venues

7 October 2009 – Penrith RSL
8 October 2009 – Campbelltown RSL
9 October 2009 – Panthers, Newcastle
10 October 2009 – Waves Nightclub, Wollongong
11 October 2009 – Vikings Erindale, Canberra
14 October 2009 – Hallam Hotel
15 October 2009 – Ferntree Gully Hotel
16 October 2009 – Westend Nightclub, Sunshine
17 October 2009 – Chelsea Heights Hotel
18 October 2009 – Hotel Shoppingtown, Doncaster

Image source: The Harbour Agency

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Faith No More Headline Soundwave 2010

Metal funk heroes Faith No More will headline next year’s Soundwave festival.

They’ll share the bill with Jane’s Addiction, who will make good on their promise to return to Oz after cancelling their Splendour slot due to illness. These perennial favourites will join a jam-packed line-up which includes My Chemical Romance, Paramore, AFI, Eagles of Death Metal, Reel Big Fish, A Wilhelm Scream, and heaps more.

Soundwave will kick off in Brisbane before travelling to capital cities around the country. Information on early bird tickets for Soundwave 2010 will be released shortly, so keep an eye on the Soundwave website for details as they come to hand.

20 February 2010 – RNA Showground, Brisbane
21 February 2010 – Eastern Creek Raceway, Sydney
26 February 2010 – Showgrounds, Melbourne
27 February 2010 – Bonython Park, Adelaide
1 March 2010 – Steel Blue Oval, Perth

Image source: Newscom

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Remember Damien Leith?

It’s been a little quiet on the Damien Leith front of late, but that’s all about to change with the upcoming release of his new album Remember June.

After a listening party last week the media is already buzzing about this “stand out album.”

“It’s also a wakeup call for the music industry to take Leith more seriously,” added The Sun Herald’s Chris Sams.

It’s always hard to shake the Idol tag, but Damien seems to be trying his best. There are no cover songs, for starters. His sensitive crooning has also been replaced with a little pop-rock edge.

“This is the proudest I’ve been musically since winning Idol,” Damien said. “For me, this album has all the highs and the lows that I would hope for in an album and I can’t wait to get on stage and belt out the songs!”

He’ll be doing that at two special shows coinciding with Remember June’s October 16 release. Damien will play Sydney’s State Theatre on October 16 and Melbourne’s Thornbury Theatre on October 17.

Image source: The Harbour Agency

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Moby and Yeah Yeah Yeahs for Falls

What a line-up the folks from the Falls Festival have put together this year!

Music lovers in Tasmania’s Marion Bay and Lorne in Victoria will be entertained by international superstars Moby and Yeah Yeah Yeahs and local heroes Sarah Blasko, Lisa Mitchell, Hiltop Hoods, Temper Trap, Little Birdy, Xavier Rudd, and heaps more.

The Falls Festival is a great way to ring in the New Year, but you’ll have to be lucky to score tickets. They’re available only via a special ballot on the website. The ballot closes on Monday August 24. Successful entrants will be notified on September 1.

Image source: Uncensored Interview @ Wikimedia Commons

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Health Scare for Jet Singer

Jet frontman Nic Cester is recovering in a London hospital after collapsing at the Hard Rock Cafe yesterday.

Nic had been feeling unwell prior to the show, but decided to persevere. He passed out after just two songs, but returned to the stage, joking that he was suffering from swine flu. He collapsed again minutes later and was taken to University College Hospital.

He was treated for symptoms of gastroenteritis, acute vomiting, and dehydration, and kept overnight for observation. He was also tested for swine flu, but was given the all-clear.

The band played on for several songs after Nic’s departure. Bass player Mark Wilson told The Daily Telegraph that the show must go on.

“You’ve got to do it, you can’t just cancel stuff,” he explained said. “It’s disappointing for people who come to see you and, unless you can’t sing, there’s no real reason to cancel something, I think, you know.”

Jet is currently in the UK to promote their third album, Shaka Rock.

Image source: Newscom

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

"Differently" – Cassie Davis

A few weeks ago I was concerned Cassie Davis may be a bit of a one-trick pony. While her brand of girl-power pop-rock was lots of fun, it started to sound a little samey after three similar singles. Now having heard her album Differently, I’m not the only one that’s changed her tune.

cassie_album-cover

Of course, there are girl-power pop-rock tracks galore. Fans won’t be disappointed there. But the album allows this bright new talent to showcase many more facets. “Mess of Mine” is delightfully dark. “Amazing” is a tender love song. The big brass notes of “Necessarily” would seem at home on any ska recording. “Do What I Do” is a little retro with a contemporary twist.

Cassie shows real depth here. Her voice is ballsy and powerful. She crafts commercial gems with the skill of a seasoned veteran. Differently is incredibly listenable from start to finish. It’s the kind of disc I can imagine singing along to in the privacy of my bedroom, hairbrush in hand. She might be a commercial artist, but by doing things a little differently, Cassie has created an album which stands out from the pack.

Image used with permission from Sony Music Australia

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Australian Idol Alum Jacob Butler Releases "Coma"

Last night Australian Idol made its long-awaited return to television screens. Looking at the ratings, perhaps I was the only one hanging out for the reality TV show! While Marcia, Dicko, and co. are sorting out the wheat from the chaff, I thought it was a good time to look back at one of the past successes.

Jacob Butler appeared a couple of years ago, and has taken his time to produce his new single “Coma.” The title makes the song sound a little snoozeworthy, but it actually reminds me a lot of Crowded House. Jacob was so obsessed with Britpop on the show; I really like this change in direction. Hopefully there’s more to come!

 

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

The Motown Anniversary Event Comes to Australia

Motown fans are in for a real treat, with news a 50th-anniversary concert will head to Australia next year.

The star-studded bill includes original Motown heroes The Temptations, Four Tops, Martha and the Vandelas, The Miracles, and Mary Wilson of The Supremes. The show also includes a special appearance by Joan Osbourne, who really impressed me in the Standing in the Shadows of Motown documentary. She could definitely pull off the soul of the Funk Brothers, so I’m sure she can do any songs from the Motown catalogue justice.

Jimmy Barnes and Ian Moss may seem like odd additions, but the appearance of the Aussie rockers isn’t so bizarre. Jimmy Barnes sold truckloads of copies of Soul Deep and the sequel Soul Deeper. Meanwhile Mossy is preparing to release his soul tribute album, Soul on West 53rd.

The Motown Event will make stops along the East Coast capitals next year. Tickets go on sale at 9 am on August 18.

16 February 2010 – Rod Laver Arena, Melbourne
19 February 2010 – Entertainment Centre, Sydney
23 February 2010 – Entertainment Centre, Brisbane

Image source: Newscom

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

New Song Obsession: "Red" by Daniel Merriweather

I must admit, I’ve been a little bemused at the hype about Daniel Merriweather. I was impressed at the level of success he’s achieved abroad, but also a little puzzled by it. The snippets I’d heard just seemed a little middle-of-the-road and uninspired. But then this morning I heard his new single “Red” and I understood. That’s why he’s generating such sales and buzz. This is one of the most genuine and soulful tracks I’ve heard in some time. I was wrong Daniel, and I say I’m wrong. This is brilliant.