Author: Lauren Katulka

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Sarah Blasko Signs U.S. Record Deal

One of my favourite Aussie songbirds, Sarah Blasko is set to make waves in the United States. Her top ten album, What The Sea Wants, The Sea Will Have will be released through Low Altitude Recordings in September.

Americans may remember the quirky songstress from her U.S. performances supporting Ray LaMontagne, James Blunt and Martha Wainwright.

Sarah will spend August to October in New York to promote the album’s release. Before jetting off though, she’ll wind up her Amazing Things tour with shows in Victoria, New South Wales, Queensland, and the Northern Territory. This is a great opportunity for Aussie fans to wish Sarah luck before she heads to the Big Apple. All the dates and venues are on Sarah’s official website.

What the Sea Wants, The Sea Will Have will hit American stores on September 11.

Image source: kingArthur_aus @ Flickr.com

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Big Names Join Kylie for New Release

The internet is abuzz with talk of Kylie Minogue’s next album, the pop princess’ first since recovering from breast cancer.

Early reports confirm Ms Minogue has already collaborated with dance sensations, Scissor Sisters and Sneaky Sound System.

It’s not the first time the lads from the Scissor Sister’s have worked with Kylie. Jake Shears and Babydaddy co-wrote her monster 2004 single “I Believe In You,” and they’re doing their best to replicate this success.

“We definitely work her really hard in the studio, from midday to midnight – although sometimes we pepper it with a shopping trip in between,” Jake Shears told The Daily Mirror.

Although the Scissor Sister’s frontman is unsure what tracks, if any, will make it on to the final release.

“We’ve written songs with her that are ridiculous and may never see the light of day. We’ve also written songs with her that I think are amazing but they may never see the light of day either.”

Sneaky Sound System are also hopeful Kylie’s album will feature their synth-pop song, “I Want Everything.”

If you believe the rumours, the album will be called Kylie X and released at the end of the year. It may also contain some choice cover versions, including Culture Club’s “Victims” and Roxy Music’s “Love is the Drug.”

Image source: Sport the Library @ Wikimedia Commons

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Homebake Gets Girly Makeover

It’s all about the girls at this year’s Homebake festival. December’s event will pay homage to the achievements of Australian women in all creative arenas.

So it seems fitting that the headline act will be none other than 80’s supergroup, The Divinyls. The band’s iconic lead singer, Chrissy Amphlett, admitted she is both excited and petrified to return to Oz.

“It is great to be asked to do this and it will be great to perform again,” she told The Daily Telegraph from her New York home.

“But I’m terrified; bloody hell I’m terrified … playing in front of all those people. If I don’t think about all the people it will be all right.”

Missy Higgins, Sarah Blasko, Operator Please, and Angus and Julia Stone will also fly the flag for the girls. Plenty of girl-friendly male artists round up the lineup, including Josh Pyke, Paul Kelly, and Cut Copy.

Homebake promoter Joe Segreto was inspired to inject a feminist touch to the festival after witnessing the global rise of Australian actresses.

“The catalyst for this idea came from working with Toni Collette and her band, expanding my experience of the entertainment industry and witnessing the admiration in our country for the international successes of these women,” he explained.

Homebake will hit Sydney’s Domain on December 8. Tickets go on sale on August 20. As last year’s festival sold out in record time, you’d best get your tickets as soon as you can. You have been warned!

Image source: Homebake website

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Kaya @ Lizotte’s, Kincumber – 26 July 2007

Not a lot of good came from Channel Ten’s failed reality talent quest, The X Factor. The series winner’s Random, had two forgettable singles and faded into oblivion. Mark Holden embarrassed himself further. But there was a shining light in the lacklustre affair. It introduced Australia to Kaya.

These unconventional stars, with bare feet, quirky songs, and unmistakable harmonies worked their way into the hearts of the voting public. Their music defied classification, blending jazz, soul, blues, pop, and folk. That was almost two years ago now, and Kaya have stepped away from the spotlight to further develop their craft.

Last night they took to the stage at Lizotte’s. It was my third time seeing Kaya at this wonderful venue, and once again they delivered the kind of show that keeps me coming back.

Kaya’s set showcased their original songs, many of them familiar now that I’ve seen the group so many times, others new to my ears. However, no matter how many times I’ve heard each song, it always feels like the first time. Their harmonies weave effortlessly, with playful improvisations adding to the fun. The quartet also breathed new life into cover versions of “Buffalo Soldier,” “Big Yellow Taxi,” and John Butler Trio’s “Zebra.”

Unlike many modern acts, Kaya are truly a vocal group. The mellow tones of an acoustic guitar, drum brushes, and a spot of beatboxing accompanied a handful of tracks, but their voices are always the center. Many songs are fearlessly performed a capella, with the girls gaining strength from one another.

Individually, the talents of Alexandra Kaye, Juleiaah Boehm, Sally Stevens, and Emma Deans are fantastic. Together, they are truly sensational.

Image source: own photo

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Eskimo Joe Head Stateside

Eskimo Joe are the latest Aussie sensation to land a US record deal. The Perth indie rockers will head to America next month to celebrate their international success.

Alternative record label Ryko will release the group’s award-winning album, Black Fingernails, Red Wine, in September. The album’s spawned four massive singles in Australia, and should do big things in the States.

Eskimo Joe will kick off their brief US tour in New Orleans on August 10, before visiting New York, Philadelphia, Brooklyn, Los Angeles, and San Francisco. See their website for all the tour details.

Black Fingernails, Red Wine will hit American record stores on September 25.

Image source: Chrisjtse @ Flickr.com

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Italy In Love With Old Man River

Old Man River‘s infectious single “La” is the perfect antidote for the cold Australian winter. This catchy pop slice reminds me of warm sand between my toes and lazy summer weekends.

The irresistible ditty has become a surprise smash in Italy, racing up the national airplay charts. The song is sitting pretty at number 19 on the Italian national airplay chart, up 12 spots from two weeks ago.

Not a bad effort for a boy from Sydney. To see what all the fuss is about, be sure to watch Old Man River performing “La” on the ABC’s Sideshow below!

If you like what you see, catch Old Man River when he visits your town soon! Check his MySpace for all the tour dates.

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Operator Please Plans Global Assault

The Brits are going wild for Brisbane’s bubble gum punksters, Operator Please.

The Aussie quintet has just been added to the lineup for next month’s Reading and Leeds festivals. Their hyperactive single “Just a Song About Ping Pong” has also been added to London’s BBC Radio 1 and XFM playlists.

But these Aussie teens are no overnight success story. They’ve been perfecting their bluegrass-tinged punk since they won their school’s battle of the bands comp in 2005.

Perez Hilton also named Operator Please his “favourite new band.” With the backing of this influential tabloid blogger, world domination may be just around the corner.

Image source: Michael Spencer @ Flickr.com

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Anthony Callea Gives Theatre a Try

As if “The Prayer” wasn’t demanding enough, pint-sized pop star Anthony Callea plans to take up a new challenge. He’s signed on to join the cast of the acclaimed opera, Dead Man Walking.

This is Anthony’ first live theatre role, and despite some early jitters he’s looking forward to the experience.

“I was unsure at first,” he told the Sydney Star Observer. “It’s not one of the lead roles, but I have a few lines and sing a few songs. I’ve always wanted to do a musical – I’m throwing myself in.”

The stage production, based on the Academy Award winning film and award-winning biography, will run from September 27 at Sydney’s State Theatre. But before that, Anthony will kick off his New Chapter tour in Rooty Hill on Friday.

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

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Mia Dyson Tours America This Week

With a sound reminiscent of Pat Benatar and Suzi Quatro, Mia Dyson is sure to make a splash when she arrives in America this week.

The 25-year-old Victorian displays maturity beyond her years, with a world-weary voice and amazing guitar skills.

Mia also counts Eric Clapton and Bonnie Raitt, amongst her famous fans, and was thrilled to support both on their recent Australian tours.

In her latest album, Struck Down, Mia sings about finding her place in the world, and losing it just as quickly.

Mia Dyson will kick off her American tour at New York’s FalconRidge Festival on July 28. Struck Down will be released in Australia on August 27.

Image source: kingArthur_aus @ Flickr.com

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

"Nine Lime Avenue" – Kate Ceberano

I have a confession to make: I love the 1980s. It’s not the coolest thing for a music blogger to admit, but the frivolity and fun of the decade that fashion forgot always makes me smile. And so I had high expectations for Kate Ceberano‘s latest release, Nine Lime Avenue.

The album showcases Kate’s favourite tunes of the era, a time when she was growing up in Victoria’s Lime Avenue and dreaming of becoming a star.

She is one of Australia’s musical treasures, and her voice on this record is as strong and rich as ever. She brings the right amount of tenderness to “The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face.” Her take on The Pretenders’ “Brass In Pocket” is suitably sassy.

However, many tracks suffer from dramatic reworkings which seem to sap the fun from them. “Do You Really Want To Hurt Me” and “It Must Be Love” lose their bounce and playfulness, instead becoming laboured ballads. An easy listening take on Prince’s “Raspberry Beret” seems equally sacrilegious.

For a disc that stemmed from such fond memories of childhood, it’s disappointing that Nine Lime Avenue fails to inspire the same nostalgia in its listeners.

Image source: Kate Ceberano website