Author: Lauren Katulka

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

The Veronicas Prepare to be Slimed

Australia’s powerhouse pop duo, The Veronicas, will host the country’s most lighthearted awards show, the 2007 Nickelodeon Kids Choice Awards.

But don’t expect the pretty pair to don expensive designer clothes. They know they’re likely to leave the event dripping in green slime.

“I think it’s kind of a given as hosts that we’ll get slimed so we can prepare ourselves for that,” Jess Origliasso told AAP. “I think we get to slime other people as well so that makes up for it.”

Jess is also relishing the opportunity to attend the ceremony for the first time. While The Veronicas took out three awards last year, they were unable to attend due to recording and touring commitments.

“We were really bummed we couldn’t make it, so it’s great to be able to host this year,” she added.

The Nickelodeon Kids Choice Awards hits the Sydney Entertainment Centre on October 10.

Image source: Joel Telling @ Flickr

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

No Splendour for Damien Rice

Hardworking Irish troubadour Damien Rice has pulled out of the upcoming Splendour in the Grass festival due to exhaustion.

“This is not a decision that I made lightly, but the busy touring/travel schedule this year has taken its toll on my health and my voice,” Damien said in a press release. “I’m sorry to say that I am exhausted and need to take some time off right now to recuperate and get my voice back in shape.”

The announcement follows Damien’s withdrawal from the Pentaport and Fuji festivals last weekend.

But dry your tears festival-goers! Aussie acoustic heroes The Waifs will appear at the festival in Damien’s place. As The Waifs are now based in the United States, there aren’t too many chances to catch this brilliant indie act. This will be The Waifs first, but hopefully not their last, Splendour appearance.

Image source: Menage a Moi @ Flickr.com

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Michael Franti Brings Up! Festival Down Under

Regular visitor to Aussie shores, Michael Franti, is heading to Oz with the Up! Festival next month. His band Spearhead will join local artists Ben Lee, Blue King Brown and Old Man River on the impressive bill.The Up! Festival won’t have a preachy political focus, but it does look to inspire people and get out to do good things.

“My goal is to put on a kick-ass f*cking show!” he said in an official press release. “When people leave the festival, I want them to feel inspired and motivated. We are living in an era of cynicism. One thing that kills cynicism for me is a healthy dose if fun.”

Bootleggers are in for a treat, as Franti is actually encouraging people to record the shows.

“I want to encourage people to have their voices heard and get used to that. One way of giving back to the community is allowing everyone to record, videotape, upload, download, blog any way they can and share it. All cameras, phones, audio recorders are legal! Everything’s legal at the Up! Festival.”

Continue reading “Michael Franti Brings Up! Festival Down Under” →

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Another Homecoming Tour for Kylie?

It was only six months ago that Kylie Minogue wowed Aussie audiences with her Showgirl Homecoming tour, but word is that she’ll be back before the end of the year.

Kylie is rumoured to announce her Aussie tour at a special 20th anniversary party in London tomorrow. The party is set to be a star-studded affair, with Jason Donovan, Michael Gudinski, and Parisi all planning to attend.

Can you believe it’s been 20 years since Kyles exploded onto the global music scene with her cover of Little Eva’s “Locomotion”? It’s enough to make a blogger feel old!

An Aussie tour announcement is expected shortly after the party, so stay tuned!

Image source: Kyprithasina/Wikimedia Commons

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Delta’s Ready for a Comeback

Australians haven’t heard a lot about Delta Goodrem since she headed to Britain to live with Irish beau, Bryan McFadden. But that’s all set to change, with news the one-time media darling will release a new album later this year.

Sony BMG insiders told the Sydney Morning Herald they’re thrilled with Delta’s new upbeat songs. This bodes well for Delta, whose dark second album, Mistaken Identity, fell flat with the public.

But let’s face it: Delta has a lot more to smile about these days. She’s very much in love and free from the cancer that plagued her shortly after her second album release.

Her friends report that Delta has been inspired by her new relationship, and is ready to wow fans back home. No doubt they’re ready to have her back too!

Image source: SunriseOn7 @ Flickr.com

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Aussie Artists Turn The Tide Against Climate Change

Some of Australia’s top musos look set to build on the momentum of Live Earth with the release of Turning the Tide. The double CD looks to raise awareness of climate change and tolerance of all people.

The new release includes big-name talent like Missy Higgins, John Butler Trio, and Lior, alongside some fantastic up-and-coming artists. These tracks are interspersed with samples from Australian Aboriginal elders, making the disc a truly unique listen.

But it’s not just an opportunity to hear some great music. All profits from Turning the Tide will support grassroots projects to address the impact of climate change.

Sydney’s Gaelic Club will host the album’s official launch on August 8. Some of the album’s hottest new talent, including Rastawookie, Watussi, and Declan Kelly, will play on the night. So brave the cold and get out to support this fantastic cause. Tickets are available online for just $20, or $40 with the CD.

If you can’t make it to Sydney, don’t worry. Turning the Tide will be in stores from August 6.

Image source: Mineral Policy Institute and Eva Rinaldi Celebrity and Live Music Photographer @ Flickr.com

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Good Charlotte Sells Phones

American punksters Good Charlotte will get up close and personal with some very special mobile phone owners when they visit Sydney in October.

Fans who purchase selected Motorola mobiles from Optus stores could win their way into the exclusive showcase. Only 600 guests will be allowed to attend.

With Good Charlotte selling oodles of albums these days, this is one of the only ways punters will see the band in such intimate surrounds.

“We can’t wait to get down to Australia and play this show for Motorola and Optus,” spruiked the group’s lead singer, Joel Madden. “It’s going to be cool for our fans to come and see us play in a smaller place than usual. It should be a pretty special evening.”

Image source: Adrian Perez @ Flickr.com

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Natalie Imbruglia’s Back With "Glorious" New Sound

In the late 90s, Natalie Imbruglia made a big impression on the global music scene with her debut album Left of the Middle. You’d be forgiven for thinking the doe-eyed Aussie songstress had given up the music game altogether, but nothing could be further from the truth.

Nat will release her latest album, Glorious, on September 8. The album will feature some of her greatest hits and five new tracks.

But don’t expect these songs to show any of the angst that made her famous. After all, with a solid marriage to Silverchair singer Daniel Johns, Natalie doesn’t have a lot to grizzle about.

“I got bored with being miserable,” she told The Daily Telegraph. “It was time to lighten up. I care less in a good way and it’s the best thing that’s happened for my work.”

She’s lived in London for the last few years, but Nat will return to Australia in October to star in the indie film Elise. Natalie says she’s relishing the opportunity to come home.

“I’m so excited about it but I can’t think about it yet,” she said. “I can’t wait to come back to Australia but I have a terrible feeling Daniel will be on tour in Europe then. We’ll see.”

Image source: Georges Biard @ Wikimedia Commons

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Sick Christina Cancels Aussie Shows

Christina Aguilera has cut her Australian tour short after contracting a severe flu.

The American songstress had originally hoped to merely postpone the performances. However, when she was diagnosed with a viral upper respiratory tract infection, a high fever, and abnormal coughing, it became clear the shows would not go ahead.

“I want to personally apologise to all of my fans for having to cancel my last two shows here in Melbourne,” Christina said in a statement last night.

“This is one of the best cities in the world to perform in, and I am truly disappointed that I won’t be able to share my show with you all.”

Illness has plagued Christina and her crew throughout the Australian tour. The singer cut her first Melbourne concert short due to poor health, and one crewmember was reportedly hospitalised.

Christina is due to perform in Auckland later this week, but these shows are also in doubt.

Fans with tickets for the July 28 and 30 shows can get an immediate refund from their point of purchase.

Image source: lwpkommunikacio @ Flickr.com

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Neighbours Goes Music Mad

Ramsey Street is looking set to become Australia’s music capital. Yesterday we heard that Dean Geyer will join the cast of Neighbours. Now it seems that several high profile Australian acts will also appear on the soapie in coming months.

Taking their inspiration from American comedy Ally McBeal, Neighbours will transform its revamped bar Charlie’s into a live-music venue. Dean’s Australian Idol rival, Damien Leith, his Australian Idol judge Marcia Hines (are we noticing a theme?), Robyn Loau, Amy Pearson, and Human Nature are all scheduled to appear in the coming months.

All this buzz about music seems to have rubbed off on Neighbours starlet Caitlin Stasey. The young actress, who plays Rachel Kinski, hopes to launch her own singing career.

Hey, it worked for Kylie Minogue, Natalie Imbruglia, and Delta Goodrem. However, for every superstar Neighbours produces, there’s always a Holly Valance or Stephanie McIntosh.

Caitlin told The Sunday Telegraph, “I’d love to do something along the lines of Joni Mitchell, or I’d love to be in a band like a No Doubt thing.”

That’s some combination! However, before we dismiss young Caitlin’s dreams as the aspirations of just another soapie star, consider this. She actually writes her own music and plays the guitar. That’s got to put her ahead of the game.

Image source: Eva Powell @ Flickr.com