Author: Lauren Katulka

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Sunk Loto Calls It Quits

Queensland rockers Sunk Loto have called it a day after an illustrious 10-year career.

The heavy metal band hit the big time when, as teenagers, they signed a record deal with Sony. They recorded two albums under the label, Big Picture Lies and Between Birth and Death. The band, which was working on a new album, cites creative differences for the split.

On a statement on their MySpace, Sunk Loto has thanked their “die-hard loyal fans, friends and family for sticking with them and making it all worthwhile.”

However, fans need not despair. Founding members Jason and Dane Brown are currently working on new material with their original bassist Robkaay. Guitarist Luke McDonald also plans to record music with a new project.

Here’s a clip of their song “Everything Everyway” to remember them by!

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Keith Who? Country Star Refused Entry to Australia

He might be a Grammy-award winning country artist, but it seems some Aussies still don’t recognise the local hero.

The Daily Telegraph reported the country megastar was refused entry to the set of wife Nicole Kidman’s new film, Australia, after security didn’t know who he was.

The female security guard reportedly told Urban to shove off and “get a life.” After much persuasion, the guard then radioed her boss to report “there’s some bloke here named Keith Urban who wants to get on the set.”

The boss, who clearly was familiar with Australia’s hottest country export, personally escorted Keith to his waiting wife.

To avoid a repeat performance, the security guard’s mother reportedly stocked up on tabloid magazines for her daughter.

After sighting an image of Hollywood hunk Hugh Jackman in one magazine, the clueless security guard apparently told her mother, “Hey, that guy walked past me about 10 times today!”

Image source: Jeaneeem @ Flickr.com

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Augie March Plans American Release

Melbourne rockers Augie March are set to take the United States by storm when they release their chart-topping album Moo, You Bloody Choir.

Moo, You Bloody Choir is the third album from the Aussie indie band. No overnight success story, Augie March has slowly built a loyal fan base attracted to their poetic lyrics and complex melodies.

According to The Daily Telegraph, Augie March enjoyed warm receptions when they recently entertained music industry bigwigs in Los Angeles and New York. They plan to return to American for a more extensive tour to coincide with their album release in August.

In the group’s native Australia, Moo, You Bloody Choir went platinum and spawned the APRA Song of the Year, “One Crowded Hour.”

Jive/Zomba Records will release the album in America on August 7. The release will feature a bonus track, “There is No Such Place” and videos for “One Crowded Hour” and “The Cold Acre.”

Image source: Jeaneeem @ Flickr.com

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Silverchair Unleashes “Young Modern”

The wait is over – rock supergroup Silverchair are back.

Their long-awaited fifth album Young Modern builds on the success of Diorama, with its orchestral bursts and fantastical lyrics. Young Modern raced to the top of the Australian charts in the first week of its release, and was certified double-platinum in less than a month. It spawned the monster hit single “Straight Lines” which also debuted at number one.

After impressing fans back home, Silverchair are keen to wow crowds in America.

Fans will get to hear the new songs live when The ‘Chair tour the United States and Canada later this year. The dates will include a main stage appearance at Chicago’s Lollapalooza Festival. While Silverchair played a handful of sold-out shows earlier this year, the band has not toured North America since 1999.

According to Undercover, Silverchair are currently negotiating with international record labels to release Young Modern throughout Europe.

Young Modern will be released in North America on July 24. Their American tour kicks off in San Diego on July 13.

Image source: Silverchair website

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Shannon Noll Takes on America

Australian Idol runner-up Shannon Noll is looking to boost his musical cred by collaborating with some of America’s best songwriters.

Shannon Noll’s melodic brand of pop-rock has seen him top the Australian charts and tour with international acts Bryan Adams and Live.

The boy from the bush recently traveled to Los Angeles, where he worked with Bon Jovi guitarist Richie Sambora and pop stalwart Richard Marx. The Sun-Herald recently reported that he is planning to return to the United States to continue working on his new tracks.

But don’t think Condoblin’s favorite son has turned his back on Oz altogether. Noll has also met with a number of Australian songwriters, in efforts to find the perfect tracks for his third album.

The 31-year-old has proved he’s got staying power, after missing out on the reality TV crown four years ago. Fans can expect to hear Shannon Noll’s new album and tour in August.

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Welcome to Oz Music Scene!

Welcome to Oz Music Scene, part of b5media’s exciting new music channel. My blog will focus on the wonderfully diverse music landscape in Australia. From Augie March to Zombie Ghost Train, we’ve got you covered.

I’ll look at the artists coming out of Australia, as well as any international artists gracing my homeland. This is the place for reviews of new artists, albums, concerts, and some of the best venues, plus plenty of music news.

If you’re an Australian, this blog will help you keep abreast of the local industry. If you’re an international visitor, it will help you broaden your musical horizons. Australians are producing some great music, and the stuff that’s exported is only the tip of the iceberg.

B5Media’s music channel promises to offer some of the most varied and entertaining music blogs online, so be sure to browse some of the other great blogs on offer.

Image source: Mee Lin Woon @ Stock.xchng