Author: Lauren Katulka

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

"Rock-Bottom Jackpot" – Dé Jah Groove

Dé Jah Groove’s debut release Rock-Bottom Jackpot may just be the perfect soundtrack for the summer.

The Melbourne outfit has earned a reputation as one of the most explosive bands on the live circuit, and they’ve managed to bring that energy to this album. Their combination of jazz, funk, roots, rock, and hip-hop reminds me of early Cat Empire recordings, which is a good thing.

With six band members, it’s little wonder that Dé Jah Groove has a really big sound. The horns are loud, layered over the percussion of the drums and bass. It’s also refreshing to hear the Australian accent in Harley Stewart’s vocals.

Standouts include the easy grooves of the first single, “Mellow Stages,” the far from lazy opening track “Lazy Sundays,” and the fantastically fun “One Drop High.”

Rock-Bottom Jackpot is in stores now. Dé Jah Groove is currently on the road to support its release. Check their MySpace page for all the dates.

Image source: Dé Jah Groove MySpace

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Natalie Gauci Hits Highpoint

Our newest Australian Idol, Natalie Gauci, will warm up for her first national tour with an instore appearance in her hometown of Melbourne this weekend.

Natalie will appear on the Level 1 Stage at Highpoint Shopping Centre at 1 pm this Sunday, December 9.

Natalie will perform two songs, including her debut single “Here I Am,” and sign copies of the Winner’s Journey CD/DVD pack afterwards.

Natalie fans who don’t live in Melbourne needn’t worry. They can see Nat when her massive Winner’s Journey tour travels around Australia in the New Year.

Image source: Violetion @ Wikimedia Commons

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Is Lenka The Next Big Thing?

You might remember Lenka from her work with Aussie electronic outfit Decoder Ring. But these days the Aussie songbird is striking out on her own.

She’s currently living in Los Angeles, where she recently signed a copublishing with Sony/ATV and a record deal looks like it’s just around the corner. The major label became interested in Lenka after her song “Follow” was featured in Courtney Cox’s new series Dirt.

It looks like Lenka’s well on her way to becoming the next Aussie success story. Make sure you check out her MySpace page for a sneak peek at her solo stuff! For now take a look at her cool film clip for “We Will Not Grow Old.”

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Kylie’s Got the "X" Factor

Kylie Minogue has burst back onto the albums charts this week with a number-one debut. Her tenth studio album X is sitting pretty at the top of the ARIA charts in a big week for Aussie artists.

Her single “2 Hearts” has slipped to number nine this week, just behind The Veronicas’ “Hook Me Up” at eight.

Kylie’s album outperformed another Aussie legend, Jimmy Barnes, who debuted at number three with Out of the Blue.

These massive albums have pushed Human Nature’s Motown tribute, Get Ready, to number five this week. They sit just ahead of Delta Goodrem’s Delta at number six.

Aussies have also claimed the last three spots in the top ten. Guy Sebastian’s The Memphis Album is at number eight, ahead of Keith Urban’s greatest hits record 18 Kids at nine, and the revamped Young Divas’ outfit at number 10 with New Attitude.

But the real surprise this week was the performance of Australian Idol Natalie Gauci’s debut single “Here I Am.” A number two debut isn’t a disaster by any means, but it’s the first time an Aussie Idol has failed to claim the top spot in its first week.

Here’s this week’s complete Aussie top 10.

Australian singles chart

  1. “Apologize” – Timbaland feat. OneRepublic
  2. “Here I Am” – Natalie Gauci
  3. “Clumsy” – Fergie
  4. “The Way I Are” – Timbaland feat. Keri Hilson
  5. “Into The Night” – Santana feat. Chad Kroeger
  6. “No One” – Alicia Keys
  7. “Hey There Delilah” – Plain White T’s
  8. “Hook Me Up” – The Veronicas
  9. “2 Hearts” – Kylie Minogue
  10. “How Far We’ve Come” – Matchbox Twenty

Australian albums chart

  1. X – Kylie Minogue
  2. Long Road Out Of Eden – Eagles
  3. Out In The Blue – Jimmy Barnes
  4. Timbaland Presents: Shock Value – Timbaland
  5. Get Ready – Human Nature
  6. Delta – Delta Goodrem
  7. Greatest Hits – Spice
  8. The Memphis Album – Guy Sebastian
  9. Greatest Hits: 18 Kids – Keith Urban
  10. New Attitude – Young Divas

Image source: Georges Biard @ Wikimedia Commons

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Elton John @ Tempus Two Winery, Hunter Valley – 1 December 2007

On Saturday I made the trek to the Hunter Valley’s Tempus Two Winery to see rock music royalty, Sir Elton John.

Young soul singer Eran James kicked off the event with songs from his new album, Ten Songs About Love. It blows my mind that this kid is just 18 years old. He’s got such a strong emotive voice, and the simple acoustic guitar backing let these songs really shine. But this wasn’t the venue for Eran. The punters were a lot more interested in chatting amongst themselves and sampling the winery’s goods than listening to this talented young singer. It’s a shame, because he really was very good.

The most startling thing is that the throng didn’t settle down for the main event. The rowdy drunks behind us loudly sang the wrong songs, or the wrong lyrics. The chain-smoking couple in front of us also put a dampener on my concert experience. I might suggest that I just got bad seats, but looking around I saw so many people getting up and moving around during the show that it staggered me. For the life of me I’ll never understand why people spend good money on a concert if they’re going to be disruptive or get so drunk they won’t remember it.

Again, it’s unfortunate because Elton did everything right. He strikes such a commanding figure at the piano, with his masterful playing and dazzling sequined jacket. Other artists may need a band to provide such a rich sound, but Elton does it effortlessly alone. He took us on a journey through his catalogue, opening with his first hit “Your Song.” The set was peppered with monster hits, and a few more obscure songs from the die-hard fans.

Continue reading “Elton John @ Tempus Two Winery, Hunter Valley – 1 December 2007” →

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Smashing Pumpkins, Duran Duran and More Play V Festival

A real mixed bag of bands are heading our way for the second annual V Festival next year.

Whiny ’90s rockers The Smashing Pumpkins will headline the event, alongside 80s supergroup Duran Duran, and the cooler-than-cool popster Mika. The eclectic bill also includes Jesus and the Mary Chain, Air, Queens of the Stoneage, and The Presets.

The V Festival hits Sydney’s Centennial Park on March 29, the Gold Coast on March 30, Melbourne Showgrounds on April 5, and finishes up in Perth on April 6. Tickets are on sale this Thursday from the V Festival website.

Image source: V Festival website

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Delta Says "I Do"

Cuter than cute celebrity couple Delta Goodrem and Brian McFadden are getting married. Contrary to earlier rumours, Delta accepted her Irish beau’s proposal last Friday.

“Contrary to false reports, the couple were hoping to keep the news private however they feel it is important to now confirm their exciting news,” a press statement said.

The pair began dating in 2004, after ending her long-term relationship with tennis ace Mark Philippoussis. They faced a tough time from the British media who alleged Delta was responsible for Brian’s split with ex-wife Kerry Katona of Atomic Kitten.

It’s great to see they’ve come out the other side and seem more in love than ever. There’s no word yet on when they’ll tie the knot, but I’ll keep you posted.

Image source: Jeremy Wong Weddings @ Unsplash

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Jacob Butler’s Ready to Record

It looks like we haven’t seen the last of Australian Idol finalist Jacob Butler. He’s been playing charity gigs around the place as he prepares to record his debut album.

Last night he wowed the crowd at the Advertiser Sunday Mail Foundation do in Adelaide with an acoustic set of original songs.

“I want to make a record that has relevance in 20 years time – I’m a songwriter so I’ve got a huge catalogue of songs in me,” Jacob told The Advertiser.

“I’ve been doing a few charity gigs so here’s hoping they bring back a bit of good karma.”

But it wasn’t all about business. The visit gave Jakey B a chance to catch up with his South Australian family.

“It’s the first time I’ve been back since March, and mum’s come down from Port Lincoln to hang out … and iron my shirt,” he joked.

After so many attempts to find stardom on reality TV, it’s good to hear Jacob is capitalising on his newfound fame and working towards releasing that album. I can’t wait to hear it.

Image source: Paula Lucarelli @ Wikimedia Commons

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Kylie Announces European Tour

It’s not quite the world tour that was rumoured a few months ago, but Kylie Minogue is hitting the road again. Our own pop diva will tour throughout Europe in 2008.

Kylie’s renowned for her spectacular stage shows, and her new concerts promoting her tenth album X promise to be no different.

“I am putting together a show that is going to be a new and exciting experience for both the audience and myself,” Kylie said in a press release.

“The eclectic mix of sounds on X is affording me an opportunity to explore and develop a new live show that will be fresh, exhilarating and innovative. After two celebratory tours, X will be a look to the future but will definitely include favourites alongside the new. I can’t wait to share it with you next year!”

It’s just a rumour at this point, but a gap in the touring schedule has left fans wondering whether Kylie will headline next year’s Glastonbury festival. She’ll play Belfast on June 27, but doesn’t have another show until her Glasgow gig on July 5. The Glastonbury festival is slated for the weekend of June 27-29.

Kylie was scheduled to play the massive festival in 2005, but had to pull out due to her cancer diagnosis. Festival organiser Michael Eavis has left no doubt that he’d love to see the pop princess perform.

“Kylie sums up everything Glastonbury is about,” he told The Daily Star. “She’s glam and theatrical. I see dancers, lights, feathers – almost like a circus show.

“She seduced me with her Showgirl tour and I’d love to see her do that on the last night.”

Kylie’s European tour kicks off in Paris on May 6, 2008. UK tickets go on sale from www.kylie.com on Monday.

Image source: Chrishm @ Wikimedia Commons

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Matchbox Twenty Exiled to Australia

Today I received the news I’ve been waiting months to hear. The rumours are true, and my favourite band on the planet, Matchbox Twenty, are returning to Oz.

With the band coming out to promote their greatest hits album Exile on Mainstream, the shows are set to be killer. The tour kicks off on my birthday, April 10, in Melbourne (fancy that!) before heading to Adelaide, Perth, Sydney, the Hunter Valley, and Brisbane.

I know it’s nearly Christmas and money’s tight, but you have until December 14 to save up for tickets to these must-see shows.

Image source: Sry85 @ Wikimedia Commons