Author: Lauren Katulka

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Mars Volta Bring Bedlam to Oz

Rock gods The Mars Volta are bringing their brand of anarchy to Oz for some shows in June. They’re here to support the release of their brilliant fourth studio release, The Bedlam in Goliath.

This seven-man band has to be seen to be believed. Their albums have inspired a legion of fans, but they insist the live stage is where the magic really happens. Be dazzled at their shows this June.

The last tour was massive, so you’ll want to get your tickets when they go on sale on Wednesday April 16. Moshtix are selling the Perth tickets and Ticketek are taking care of the rest.

Catch The Mars Volta at the following shows:
17 June 2008 – Metro City, Perth
19 June 2008 – Hordern Pavilion, Sydney
21 June 2008 – Brisbane Convention Centre
23 June 2008 – Forum Theatre, Melbourne

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Bon Scott Honoured By Arts Project

Fremantle-born AC/DC frontman Bon Scott will be remembered with the Bon Scott Project, a Western Australian initiative commemorating the life and times of this legendary rocker.

The Fremantle Arts Centre will showcase 19 creative works inspired by the late singer from May 17 to June 29. The project will also feature Bon’s private letters, giving the public a further insight into the life of this Aussie icon.

In addition to this exhibition, the arts centre will also host special Bon Scott inspired events. These include The Ugly/Sexy Factor, a debate discussing the way Bon influenced fashion, and a performance by AC/DC tribute band FAC/DC. Check out the full program at the Fremantle Arts Centre site.

Bon may have died in London and lived in Sydney and Melbourne in the height of his fame, but he was raised in North Fremantle and was buried their following his death in 1980.

Fans can contribute to the project by submitting their works to the Bon Scott Blog.

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Damien Leith Covers Classics

It’s been a long wait for Damien Leith fans, but our favourite Irish-born crooner is almost ready to unleash his new album.

Catch the Wind: Songs of a Generation features covers of some of Damien’s favourite songs from the 60s and 70s. I can’t wait to hear what Damien’s done with songs like Cat Steven’s “Father and Son,” “Everybody’s Talking” by Harry Nilsson, and “Longer” by Dan Fogelberg.

“The great songwriters of the 60s and 70s have always been a major influence on my own original material,” Damien explained in a press statement. “In many ways the songs of that generation are as relevant today as they were back then. I’ve chosen songs that either mean a great deal to me on a personal level or those that I’d just love people to hear.”

Catch the Wind: Songs of a Generation hits stores on April 26, but you don’t have to wait that long if you pre-order through Damien’s website.

Image source: spud murphy @ Wikimedia Commons

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Wyclef Jean To Host MTV Awards

Hip-hop megastar Wyclef Jean is winging his way to Oz to host the MTV Australia Awards.

“Look out, I am bringing the Carnival down under for one whirlwind MTV ride” Wyclef Jean said in a press statement. “You already know that MTV Awards Shows around the world know how to bring the house down … and with me who knows what will happen!”

The MTV Australia Awards will feature live musical performances from 50 Cent, Eve, and Juliette Lewis and the Licks, and of course, awards. The best in music, film, TV, sport, and more will be honoured on the night.

Make sure you have your say by voting in the eight viewer-chosen category. Get to the MTV Awards website to cast your vote.

Pay TV subscribers can watch the awards live on MTV from 7:30 on April 26.

Image source: Ali Dan-Bouzoua @ Wikimedia Commons

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

The Galvatrons Headline First National Tour

The buzz surrounding synth-rock outfit The Galvatrons has been building, and it’s going to explode in the coming months.

The Melbourne lads have just come back from some showcase gigs in London where they played to packed rooms of industry heavyweights. They must have impressed the right people, because they’re set to head back to the UK to join Kiss and The Police on the festival circuit.

But before they do you can see The Galvatrons back on their home turf as they embark on their first national tour. The gigs will support the release of their EP When We Were Kids which will hit stores on 3 May.

Here are all The Galvatrons tour dates.

19 April 2008 – The Pelibar, Frankston
20 April 2008 – Cherry Rock Festival, Melbourne
24 April 2008 – The Evelyn Hotel, Fitzroy
25 April 2008 – The Carlton Hotel, Geelong
26 April 2008 – Groovin the Moo, Maitland
27 April 2008 – The Beach Road Hotel, Bondi
30 April 2008 – The Park Hotel, Bathurst
1 May 2008 – Transit Bar, Canberra
2 May 2008 – Oxford Art Factory, Sydney
3 May 2008 – The Mona Vale Hotel, Sydney
4 May 2008 – Chili Lounge @ The Grand Hotel, Wyong
9 May 2008 – Empire Hotel, Brisbane
10 May 2008 – The Elsewhere Bar, Surfers Paradise
15 May 2008 – The Karova Lounge, Ballarat
16 May 2008 – Rocket Bar, Adelaide
17 May 2008 – Enigma Bar, Adelaide
22 May 2008 – Prince of Wales, Bunbury
23 May 2008 – The Railway Hotel, Fremantle
24 May 2008 – Shape, Perth
29 May 2008 – The Republic Bar, Hobart
30 May 2008 – Sirocco’s, Burnie
31 May 2008 – Batman Faulkner, Launceston
6 June 2008 – The Espy, St Kilda
7 June 2008 – Come Together Festival, Sydney

Image source: Supplied by Warner Music Australia

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

We Love Sounds, Yes We Do!

The line-up for Sydney’s only winter festival, We Love Sounds, has just been announced. And it’s a doozy, with plenty of global stars and local acts on the bill.

The international acts are headed up by The Bravery, The Beastie Boys’ Mix Master Mike, Utah Saints, Scribe, and Grand National.

They’ll join Aussie artists The Potbelleez, Van She, Kid Kenobi and MC Shureshock, and The Outlaws.

We Love Sounds will hit the Hordern Pavilion on Sunday 8 June. Last year’s event sold out a month in advance, so make sure you gets your from Ticketek when they go on sale tomorrow.

Image source: Foshydog @ Flickr 

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Whitley and Howie Pair Up For Oz Tour

WhitleyI can’t tell you how excited I am about the upcoming Whitley tour in May.

Yes Whitley’s wonderful, and he’s impressing all the right people in the United States so we won’t get to see this local singer-songwriter as much as we’d like. But that’s not the only reason I’m thrilled.

Whitley’s bringing American musician Howie Day out here as his support act. It’s kind of funny that it’s taken this Boston boy until now to get to Oz considering his debut album is called Australia. But he’s finally heading out here and I’m thrilled. I was lucky enough to see him play in New York City back in 2004, and I can assure Aussie audiences they’re in for a real treat. Howie will join the tour in Katoomba and play the remaining shows.

Seagull will also be along for the ride.

If you love good looking guitar boys in the vein of John Mayer, Josh Pyke, and Ryan Adams you’re going to love this show. Considering the bargain price of these tickets, you’d be crazy not to snap them up. Don’t say I didn’t tell you.

Click below for all the dates.

Continue reading “Whitley and Howie Pair Up For Oz Tour” →

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Michael Johns Impresses on American Idol

Yes, yes, yes, yes, yes! I’ve just watched Michael Johns’ performance from tonight’s episode of American Idol and I’m thrilled to say the boy is back to his best.

Who thought he’d come out with his best performance on Dolly Parton week? His rendition of “It’s All Wrong, But It’s All Right” is so sexy and soulful and bluesy, he’s definitely guaranteed his place in the top 8. I’ve been saying for weeks he needed to step things up a notch and I am so glad I did. Go Michael!

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Elton Heads Back Down Under

Elton John’s Australian tour last December was massive, but unfortunately fans on the West Coast and the in the territory missed out. Not this time.

Elton has announced he’ll return to Oz in May for three very special shows. He’ll kick off the tour at Perth’s Members Equity Stadium on May 10, then play the Sydney Entertainment Centre on May 12, before wrapping things up with a show at Darwin’s Tio Stadium on May 17.

“I was blown away by the public support last year when we took a chance on North Queensland and Tassie. The fans came out in force and produced two of the biggest shows of the 2007 tour. Now we’ve put faith in the Northern Territory and they’ve answered the call. I’m so excited that Elton will be visiting this part of Australia and playing for fans who just don’t get big name entertainment there,” Michael Chugg said on his website.

“We’ve also been able to make good that we couldn’t incorporate a Perth show into the last run so this is great news for the fans on the West Coast. Elton loves Australia and we love that he keeps coming back and performing for the fans far and wide.”

I was lucky enough to see Elton play out here last year, and he was superb. If you get the chance to see him this year I guarantee you won’t be disappointed. Tickets go on sale at 10 am on 8 April.

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Gabriella Cilmi Album Cover Revealed

Gabriella Cilmi is hot stuff at the moment. Her debut single “Sweet About Me” is all over radio, and it’s sitting pretty at number 12 on the charts. Add to that her upcoming support slot on James Blunt’s tour and we’re going to see a whole lot of this Melbourne teen in the coming months.

This morning Warner Music Australia the artwork for her upcoming album Lessons to be Learned. I think Gabriella looks absolutely adorable. Look out Miley Cyrus – this Aussie girl may just steal your teen queen crown. Lessons to be Learned will hit stores all around the country on 10 May.

Image source: supplied by Warner Music Australia