Author: Lauren Katulka

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Packed to the Rafters' Hugh Sheridan Makes Move to Music

Packed to the Rafters’ favourite Hugh Sheridan is moving from the small screen to the live music stage. The Aussie actor has just signed a deal with Sony Music Australia, which will see him release his debut album later this year.

“Music has always been a massive part of my life,” explained Hugh. “I am so excited to be able to partner with Sony Music to record this album and can’t wait to get my music out there!”

You can see Hugh perform his debut single “Just Can’t Throw Us Away” on the Dancing with the Stars grand finale on Sunday September 6. The song will be available in stores and online on Friday, before its radio release next Monday.

Image used with permission from Sony Music Australia

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Paul Greene Tours Work Love Dance Trust

Paul Greene is of the hardest working men in the Australian music industry. To celebrate his new positive new acoustic pop single, “Work Love Dance Trust,” the talented singer-songwriter is preparing to embark on a massive regional tour.

The song confronts the harsh realities of life while reminding us not to dwell on the negatives. Just because we’re in the midst of a financial crisis, the world is still a wonderful place with endless possibilities. The uplifting tune comes from Paul’s current album, Distance Over Time. Check out the happy vid below!

Acclaimed singer-songwriter and Paul’s good friend will also join him on all the following dates.

27 September 2009 – Lennox Point Tavern
30 September 2009 – Dingos Backpackers, Rainbow Beach
2 October 2009 – Agnes Water Tavern
4 October 2009 – Oxford Hotel, Rockhampton
7 October 2009 – Central Hotel, Port Douglass
9 October 2009 – Green Ant Cantina, Cairns
10 October 2009 – Silkwood Hotel
11 October 2009 – Cactus Jack’s, Townsville
13 & 14 October 2009 – KC’s Bar & Grill, Airlie Beach
15 October 2009 – Denison Hotel, Bowen
16 October 2009 – Capella Cultural Centre, Capella
17 October 2009 – Maraboon Tavern, Emerald
22 October 2009 – Gold Coast Arts Centre
24 & 25 October 2009 – Caloundra Music Festival
30 October 2009 – Martians Cafe, Deans Marsh
4 November 2009 – The Grace Emily, Adelaide
5 November 2009 – Prairie Hotel, Parachilna
7 November 2009 – Pier Hotel, Port Lincoln
8 November 2009 – Port Neill Hotel, Port Neill
12 November 2009 – Mocean Cafe, Streaky Bay
13 November 2009 – Ceduna Sailing Club, Ceduna
18 November 2009 – Esperance Civic Centre, Esperance
20 November 2009 – Denmark Tavern, Denmark
21 November 2009 – Cape Wine Bar, Dunsborough
22 November 2009 – Quindanning Tavern, Quindanning
25 November 2009 – Mojo’s, Perth
26 November 2009 – Settler’s Tavern, Margaret River

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Steal Sailmaker's New EP

Sydney quartet Sailmaker burst onto the music scene last year with their debut EP Build a Fire. Now just a year later, they’ve got their own project-built studio and three new EPs to unleash.

Multi-award winning producer Paul McKercher (Augie March, Eskimo Joe, Pete Murray) at the helm, the lads have created BEG, BORROW, and STEAL. The names are somewhat appropriate considering the independent band’s efforts to see their creative vision realised!

The first EP, BEG, will hit stores on September 25, with the other discs to follow over the next six months. You’ll have to lay down cash for the first two, but it wouldn’t seem right to charge for a CD named STEAL, would it? So Sailmaker will give away the third disc to fans who leave their details at the BEG, BORROW and STEAL website.

The freebies just keep on coming, with the band also offering a free download of “Scout,” from the BEG EP. Just right click and save here to score the free track!

The band will also share its brand of melodic pop with Melbournians and Sydneysiders at the following shows. Check them out!

18 September 2009 – Ding Dong, Melbourne
19 September 2009 – WOW Inflation, Melbourne
17 October 2009 – Spectrum, Sydney (EP Launch)

Image used with permission from Delinquents

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Kim Cooper and James Johnston Make Australian Idol Finals on Wildcard Night

After a few days off, I was having Australian Idol withdrawals. Tonight’s show didn’t disappoint, with some of the best talent getting a second chance. But first up it was time to announce our newest finalists. After Thursday’s show Kim Cooper and James Johnston were voted through to the top 12. After some rapid-fire wildcard contestant announcements it was time for the performances.

Lucie Johnson started the show with “Boogie Wonderland.” I really liked her song choice, and I thought the introduction was sublime. But I think when she started to move, she lost it a little bit. Of course you need to dance in “Boogie Wonderland,” but it’s when a few breath and pitch issues crept in. Even with those flaws, she sounds better than most people, but those little flaws distracted me a little. I see a lot of potential in Lucie, but this is going to be one tough night.

Casey Barnes was up next with “Never Say Never (Don’t Let Me Go)” by The Fray. It was an interesting song choice, not so commercial approachable but a lot more believable. The falsetto wasn’t the greatest, but his voice is solid. It was definitely an improvement on last week, but he still feels a little middle-of-the-road.

Aliqua Mao was up next with “The Power of Love.” It was an incredibly dumb choice. If the judges slam you for singing big ballads that are beyond your capabilities one week, you don’t front up and do the same thing for the wildcard night. Celine and Whitney both share the space, and it’s one far above what Aliqua can do. What a wasted wildcard opportunity.

Lauren Street was already on the right path, although she turned down the volume a little tonight. “Low” by Kelly Clarkson was a smart choice. By showing a more vulnerable side, she might just have scored the votes of the people scared off by the Alanis act! Another solid performance that makes me pretty certain the judges will put her through even if the judges don’t.

Continue reading “Kim Cooper and James Johnston Make Australian Idol Finals on Wildcard Night” →
Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Q & A with Grace Bawden

At the age of 16, Grace Bawden has done more than many of us achieve in a lifetime. She made it to the finals of Australia’s Got Talent, she was a soloist at World Youth Day, and on September 18, her debut album Gifts of Grace will hit stores. I caught up with this talented teen to chat about the CD, her upcoming tour, and how music has changed her life.

You’ve been performing professionally since your early teens. Did you ever imagine doing anything else but singing?
Actually, I wanted to be a pharmacist, but singing is something I have always wanted to do. But I didn’t take it seriously until I was about 11 when I started winning competitions and getting solo roles in choirs.

You were a part of Australia’s Got Talent last year. What was it like to be part of that show?
It was awesome. I had the best time. There was a lot of pressure and hard work now when I look back on it, but it was exciting at the same time because I wanted to prove myself and show people a side of me that they hadn’t seen before. I was never able to sing opera or classical in public like that before and then I was given that wonderful opportunity. I really will never forget the fun or the show and having my family together. I was also great meeting so many other wonderfully talented contestants. I’m still good friends with quite a few of them and we support each others careers. I really hope I get to perform with them again one day.

How important was the exposure that program gave you?
Extremely important, even though in Australia the exposure is minimal compared with, say, the US or UK, but without a major label behind you, that kind of exposure is almost impossible to get for any artist. Because I only got one go at it, we had to put a lot of thought into choosing the right songs to make the right impact with the audience. The grand final song really let me find my more creative side I hadn’t been able to explore, but I’ve been writing more songs since.

You’re about to release your debut album Gifts of Grace. How exciting is that?
I’m still pinching myself and can’t believe it’s real. But I have many wonderful people around me making it all happen and wanting to be a part of the project. It really is overwhelming and I just want to show people they haven’t seen the best of me yet. My producer, Audius Mtawirira, his business partner, Jamie Huber, and our investors have really given me this big break and I am deeply grateful for all their hard work and faith in my talent. It’s hard for a young girl from Adelaide to get that kind of opportunity or recognition and none of this would be happening if it wasn’t for the tremendous people around me offering their own time, help and advice. I really feel blessed.

Continue reading “Q & A with Grace Bawden” →
Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Darren Hayes Comes Home to Record New Solo Album

Darren Hayes is coming home to record a brand new album. He will return to next month after signing a new deal with Sony/ATV Publishing, which includes the rights to the entire Savage Garden back catalogue and future solo works.

“When the catalogue was sold to Sony ATV Australia I was assured that the songs had found a great new home and now that I’ve spent time working with the Australian and UK team, I am certain they have,” he explained. “It’s a great period in my life and career and I feel encouraged and flattered that Sony ATV have shown such commitment to my future solo material.”

It’s been a while since we’ve heard a new Darren Hayes, but he certainly hasn’t been sitting idly. Instead, he’s become one with the most sought after songwriters in the UK after working with Universal, Parlophone and Syco (Simon Cowell’s label) on tracks for their artists. Now he’s back doing his own thing, and after songwriting with the the likes of Phil Thornally (Pixie Lott, Natalie Imbruglia), Brian West (Nelly Furtado), and Rami (Britney Spears, Pink) he’s coming home to lay some tracks down.

“I’m so excited that I’ll be able to come home to Australia and record some of my new music there and involve some familiar talent on my record that I haven’t worked with since the debut Savage Garden album. I’m keen to get this new album finished and get out on the road in Australia and say thank you to everyone who has stood by me over the years.”

As one of those early Savage Garden fans, I’m pretty keen to hear it!

Image source: Wikimedia Commons

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Hilltop Hoods Go Bush with Regional Tour

The Hilltop Hoods have already done a quickie tour to promote their number one album State of the Art, but now they’re planning to visit the spots that missed out.

The 23-date tour kicks off in Darwin in October, and winds up two months later in Cairns. They’ll take fellow Adelaide residents Vents and DJ ADFU on the road with them for support.

You can get your tickets for all the following shows from September 4.

16 October 2009 – Discovery Nightclub, Darwin (18+)
17 October 2009 – The Mangrove Resort Hotel, Broome (18+)
18 October 2009 – One Movement Festival, Perth (18+ or under 18 with guardian)
23 October 2009 – Hordern Pavilion, Sydney (Licensed All Ages)
24 October 2009 – Uni Hall, University of Wollongong (18+)
25 October 2009 – Fat As Butter Festival, Newcastle (16+)
29 October 2009 – Inferno Nightclub, Traralgon (18+)
30 October 2009 – Wrestpoint Entertainment Centre, Hobart (18+)
31 October 2009 – Albert Hall, Launceston (Licensed All Ages)
6 November 2009 – Big Top, RNA Showgrounds, Brisbane (Licensed All Ages)
7 November 2009 – Seagulls Club, Gold Coast (18+)
12 November 2009 – Shadows Entertainment Complex, Mt. Gambier (18+)
13 November 2009 – Settlers Tavern, Mildura (18+)
14 November 2009 – Jubilee Pavilion, Adelaide Showground, Adelaide (Licensed All Ages)
20 November 2009 – Bendigo Schweppes Centre, Bendigo (All Ages)
21 November 2009 – Trackside Festival, Canberra (Licensed All Ages)
22 November 2009 – New Albury Hotel, Albury (18+)
28 November 2009 – Open Arms Festival, Coffs Harbour (All Ages)
3 December 2009 – Festival Hall, Melbourne (Licensed and Unlicensed All Ages)
5 December 2009 – Homebake Festival, Domain, Sydney (SOLD OUT)
10 December 2009 – Brothers Rugby League Ground, Mackay (Licensed All Ages)
11 December 2009 – Riverway Stadium, Townsville (Licensed All Ages)
12 December 2009 – Brothers Leagues Club, Cairns (15+ with adult)

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Sabrina Batshon and Scott Newnham Join Idol Top 12

We’re halfway towards having our top 12, with Sabrina Batshon and Scott Newnham joining the fray. Despite my reservations about him, I figured Scott would coast through. I’m pleasantly surprised that the public embraced Sabrina though.

Kim Cooper kicked off the night with a searing rendition of Katy Perry’s “Waking Up in Vegas.” I really, really like her. So few women do straight up pop in Australia, and she does it really well. She’s a lot of fun, and I can imagine her bringing a really different flavour to the competition. It’s not one with a lot of depth, but don’t we all just want to sing in a hairbrush every now and then?

Boy it’s shaping up to be some show. Ed Zaidan was up next with a blistering take on Eskimo Joe’s “Foreign Land.” It showed an intensity we haven’t seen before from him, and I’m really enjoying seeing all the sides. I heard the vocal flaws too, but I also think you can get away with that in the rock genre. I really hope we see him in the top 12, because he’s one of those fascinating figures.

Lucie Johnson got her Beyonce on with “Sweet Dreams.” I thought she sang it well and performed it well, but it didn’t really lift into the stratosphere. I think that may be down to song choice: while it’s a very popular and current song it’s also not a very dynamic one. Coming after two such strong performances, I think she may get a little lost in the crowd.

Continue reading “Sabrina Batshon and Scott Newnham Join Idol Top 12” →
Posted on by Lauren Katulka

"Polarity" – The Bloodpoets

bloodpoets

With their debut album Polarity, The Bloodpoets have created an album that grabs hold of you and doesn’t let go until the final strains.

The opening track “Just In Time” bursts from the speakers, and the follow-up and first single “Borderline” is just as hard-hitting. This is the kind of music that demands to be turned up loud. But it’s not just the energy that appeals. They might be a band that rocks hard, but The Bloodpoets also have a strong pop sensibility. Their tunes are infectiously addictive. They’ve got their quirks to be sure, but I can imagine these melodic songs becoming mainstays of Triple M.

But there’s a lot more going on here than straight down-the-line energetic rock numbers. The natural humour of “Give It a Shot” is so refreshing. The dark instrumentation of “Straight Ahead” is interesting too. And the closer, “My Paradise” is an epic more ambitious than most would attempt on their debut album. The track is a risk, yet amazingly it works.

After playing Polarity for a few days I realised I’m actually going to see The Bloodpoets supporting The Badloves this weekend. I can’t wait to discover whether they can capture the energy of this disc in the live arena.

Polarity is in stores from October 3.

Image source: own scan

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Ashleigh Toole and Nathan Brake Make Idol Top 12

The third semifinal in our big week of Australian Idol kicked off with the announcement of two new finalists. I’m feeling a bit cocky about my tipping skills at the moment! Just as I predicted, Ashleigh Toole and Nathan Brake earned places in the top 12.

Daniel Raso opened up the show with The Real Thing’s “You To Me Are Every Thing.” There’s something so likeable about Daniel, and this was a really fun performance. It didn’t really show off his vocal chops, but it did highlight his mad performing skills. I agree that it was a strange choice, and probably a little too old-fashioned for the voting public, but I still liked this a lot.

There should be a rule not to sing “I Will Always Love You.” Only two people in this world can do it justice: Whitney Houston and Dolly Parton. It was simply too big for Aliqua Mao. Her voice is a little too thin, and she really pitchy. I know how hard this song is to sing. It’s one that I love to belt out. It was a risky move, and I don’t think it paid off, despite Marcia’s praise.

I was disappointed when Nicole Banks missed out on the top 12 last time, so I really wanted her to succeed this year. But I think her version of Coldplay’s “Viva La Vida” missed the mark. It started off really shaky, and definitely improved. But it simply wasn’t consistent. I’d think she was hitting her stride, and then it went off again. I admire her ambition and vision, but the execution fell short.

Continue reading “Ashleigh Toole and Nathan Brake Make Idol Top 12” →