Lauren Katulka

Posted on 20/02/200828/03/2023 by Lauren Katulka

New Song Obsession: I Don’t Do Surprises

I’m absolutely loving Axle Whitehead’s comeback single, “I Don’t Do Surprises.” The last time we saw Axle he was flashing his penis at the ARIA Awards. He was promptly fired from his Video Hits hosting gig, and I thought it may be the last we’d hear of him. But he’s returned to his musical roots (remember we all saw him first on Australian Idol?), and it’s paid off.

Even Channel Ten seems to have forgiven him, as they’re using this catchy song to promote their Women’s Murder Club series. Axle’s cruisy voice reminds me a lot of Chris Martin’s, but it’s a lot less dreary. If this is any indication, I can’t wait to hear Axle’s debut album.

Posted on 20/02/200828/03/2023 by Lauren Katulka

Mel C Regrets Spice Girls’ Aussie Snub

At least one Spice Girl is disappointed about the recent cancellation of their Australian tour. Speaking backstage at the recent Madison Square Garden gig, Melanie “Sporty Spice” Chisholm said she was upset about the decision.

“We were really excited about that part of the tour. We had never toured Australia before. We literally ran out of time and we know that probably isn’t good enough,” the Sydney Morning Herald reported.

“You would have to be crazy not to want to go to Australia. We would have loved to have gone. It just didn’t work out this time.”

Is that any comfort to Australian Spice Girls fans? No? I thought not.

Image source: toughsirloin @ Wikimedia Commons

Posted on 19/02/200828/03/2023 by Lauren Katulka

Win Guy Sebastian’s "The Memphis Album"

Guy Sebastian’s latest release, The Memphis Album, has been the former Australian Idol winner’s most successful album to date. Listening to this nostalgia-filled tribute to the past, it’s not hard to see why.

Guy’s reverence for these original Stax recordings is obvious. Not only did Guy make a pilgrimage to Memphis to create the record. He also enlisted the likes of Steve Cropper and Donald “Duck” Dunn to ensure these cover versions had all the life of the originals. And they do. There’s a real energy to this recording that makes it easy to forget these songs are around forty years old.

While Motown produced sweet soul music, Stax’s songs were always a little edgier. Guy’s voice is a natural fit for these sexy tracks. “Hold On I’m Coming,” “Let’s Stay Together,” and “In The Midnight Hour” are real standouts.

I believe the secret to this album’s success is its broad appeal. Mums and Dads can happily listen to these beloved songs which never stray too far from the originals. And with Guy Sebastian in fine voice, his teenage fans will lap it up too. It’s just good music, and good fun.

I have one copy of Guy Sebastian’s The Memphis Album to give away to a lucky Oz Music Scene reader. To be in with a chance to win it, simply leave me a comment and tell me why you love Guy Sebastian. Please remember to include your e-mail address when you comment so I can contact you if you win. The competition will close at 5 pm (AEST) next Tuesday 26 February, and I’ll announce the winner the following day. Good luck!

Image source: Bigpond Music

Posted on 19/02/2008 by Lauren Katulka

Musos Make Cleo's Bachelor List

We always knew musicians were some of the sexiest guys in Australia, but now it’s official. Cleo have just released their annual Bachelor of the Year finalists list, and it includes plenty of musical eye-candy.

Australian Idol alumni Carl Riseley and Dean Geyer have made the cut, along with Rock Star graduate Toby Rand.

The indie kids are also represented with Evermore’s Peter Hume and DJ Nick Foley also on the list.

I was pretty impressed by the inclusion of thinking woman’s sex symbol Felix Riebl from The Cat Empire.

What do you think of the list? Are these lads your idea of heaven? Or can you think of some more deserving Aussie musos? I’d love to hear your views!

Posted on 18/02/200828/03/2023 by Lauren Katulka

No CDs, But Rihanna’s Still Tops

Rihanna has made history this week, becoming the first act to top the Aussie charts on digital sales alone.

Her new song “Don’t Stop the Music” was not available as a physical disc, yet still managed to bump Leona Lewis’ “Bleeding Love” from the top spot.

Apparently record companies will release “Don’t Stop the Music” as a CD this week, but it doesn’t look like they really need to.

So is this further evidence that CDs are all but dead? As a proud CD buyer, I really hope not!

This is what else is happening on this week’s ARIA charts.

Australian Singles Charts
1. “Don’t Stop the Music” – Rihanna
2. “Bleeding Love” – Leona Lewis
3. “Pictures of You” – The Last Goodnight
4. “Piece of Me” – Britney Spears
5. “Crank That” – Soulja Boy Tell ‘Em
6. “Untouched” – The Veronicas
7. “Apologize” – Timbaland feat. OneRepublic
8. “Low” – Flo Rida
9. “No One” – Alicia Keys
10. “Don’t Hold Back” – The Potbelleez

Australian Albums Charts
1. Sleep Through the Static – Jack Johnson
2. Thriller – Michael Jackson
3. Watershed – k.d. lang
4. Spirit – Leona Lewis
5. Exile on Mainstream – Matchbox Twenty
6. Juno – Soundtrack
7. Good Girl Gone Bad – Rihanna
8. Timbaland Presents: Shock Value – Timbaland
9. Back to Black – Amy Winehouse
10. Hook Me Up – The Veronicas

Image source: MiKeARB @ Flickr

Posted on 17/02/200828/03/2023 by Lauren Katulka

Veronicas’ Release "Hook Me Up" in United States

The wait is almost over for all you American Veronicas fans. I know it’s been a long time coming, but the twins will finally release their second album Hook Me Up in the US this May.

“It’s a very upbeat dance record, though there are a few ballads on there,” Jess said in a press release. “It came out exactly how we wanted it to, so we’re stoked.”

Americans will get a sneak peek of The Veronicas new electro-pop sound when their current Aussie single “Untouched” is released to radio in April.

Hook Me Up will be released in May through Sire Records. Apparently an American tour is in the works to coincide with the release. I’ll let you know more details of this as they come to hand!

Image source: Michael Spencer @ Wikimedia Commons

Posted on 15/02/2008 by Lauren Katulka

Aussie Makes American Idol Top 24

You might remember me mentioning last month that an Australian cutie called Michael Johns had made it through to American Idol’s important Hollywood round. I’m happy to say that Michael breezed through with consistently brilliant performances and he’s now a member of the Top 24.

He’s got some really tough competition, but with that winning combo of talent, looks, and charisma he’s sure to win over the American public. I’ve posted the video of last night’s verdict below. I also know plenty of us don’t have pay TV, so thanks to Jeanne at Idol Stalker I’ll post all his performances here as he progresses through the comp.

Aussie Aussie Aussie!

Posted on 15/02/200828/03/2023 by Lauren Katulka

Q & A with She Plays Music’s Deb

We all read their words, but how much do you really know about the bloggers in the music channel? I work with a really great bunch of people here, and I’d love you to learn more about them. So from time to time I’ll post some interviews with some of my esteemed colleagues, starting with Deb at She Plays Music.

What blogs do you write?
For the Music Channel I blog She Plays Music. I also maintain about ten other blogs, The List Maven, Simply Thrifty and Burning the Scale are my other blogs with b5. I also have a couple of celebrity blogs, a food blog and a couple more in the works.

How long have you been blogging?
I started my flagship blog, Freelance Writing Jobs, three years ago. I’ve been blogging on a full-time professional basis for a little over a year now.

What do you like best about blogging?
It’s a toss-up between freedom and community – I love the freedom I have to say what I want. I worked in publishing for a long time and there’s not as much freedom there. Even when I was writing on a freelance basis someone was always editing my words and changing my voice. With blogging my voice is apparent and I can convey the tone I wish without getting red pencilled.

Plus being able to network with such a wonderful and diverse community makes the job a real pleasure.

Describe yourself in five words.
Addicted to my computer keyboard.

What is the last song that you heard that made you say “Wow!”?
The last song that truly blew me away was Amy Winehouse’s “Rehab.” It was before she was in the news all the time and I heard it in my car and just said “woah … this is awesome.” Then I listened for the rest of the day to find out who was singing it so I could download the song.

What album is currently taking over your rotation?
As I type this I’m listening to Audioslave’s Revelations.

Favorite quote?
“Music is what feelings sound like.” I don’t know who said it, but it’s so true.

Image sourcec: Kelly Sikkema @ Unsplash

Posted on 14/02/200828/03/2023 by Lauren Katulka

Love Songs to Brighten your Valentine’s Day

Sorry to all your cynics out there, but I really love Valentine’s Day. And so in honour of this romantic day I figured I’d bring you some of my favourite Aussie love songs. I hope they make you feel all warm and fuzzy inside!

“Even When I’m Sleeping” by Leonardo’s Bride is one of those tracks I used to play a lot when my husband and I were doing the long-distance thing. It’s so gorgeous without being overly gooey and sentimental.

“Please Don’t Ask Me” is one of those songs that always makes me cry. I’m sure we’ve all been victims of unrequited love, that most painful love of all! So keep your tissues handy when Farnsy stops talking and starts singing!
Continue reading “Love Songs to Brighten your Valentine’s Day” →