Author: Lauren Katulka

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Simply Red Spend Days on the Green

The big names just keep on coming out for the Day on the Green shows. After the recent announcement of Alicia Keys and Jordin Sparks, organisers are putting on one for the mums and dads.

Mick Hucknell is back with his old band mates for a Simply Red Best Of tour.  These guy were actually one of the first bands I saw way back in the 90s, so I’m thrilled to see they’re returning to Oz. Kate Ceberano and Dragon will ably support the British soul outfit on these massive shows.

Tickets for the following shows are available through Ticketmaster from October 3.

5 February 2009 – Kings Park and Botanic Gardens, Perth
7 February 2009 – Peter Lehmann Wines, Barossa Valley
8 February 2009 – Rochford Wines, Yarra Valley
21 February 2009 – Bimbadgen Estate, Hunter Valley
22 February 2009 – Sirromet Wines, Mount Cotton

Image source: Marianne van Meel @ Flickr

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

I’ll Be Back, Says Natalie Gauci

Natalie Gauci has launched off suggestions she’s a failed Idol, insisting she’s working hard to produce an album she’s happy with before she unleashes it on the public.

“I don’t want to release something just for the sake of it. Idol did change my life but you’ve got to take perspective. My album is going to be ready when it’s ready. I am just taking one step at a time,” she told The Sunday Telegraph.

She’s also been taking some much needed time off following her whirlwind Australian Idol journey, holidaying in Thailand, Laos, and Cambodia with a new beau. But it’s back to the grindstone now, with Nat preparing to jet off to the UK to continue work on her debut disc.

Natalie expects to release it in 2009, but I’m happy to wait as long as it takes. I don’t know about you, but I’d rather this than the old method of releasing an album a week after winning Idol!

Image source: Sunrise.seven @ Flickr

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Calm Before – Switch 3

This week I’ve been listening to Canberra rock outfit Switch 3’s first full length release, Calm Before. It’s a curious name, as there really isn’t a lot that’s calming about this album. It’s likely to endear them to the angry young kids out there, but it also made it not really my cup of tea.

These indie rockers from Canberra may not become my favourite band, but there’s still plenty to appreciate about in this recording. These lads play with such intensity, committing completely to their songs. That dedication is infectious, and it’s hard not to believe in what they’re doing. Evan Dorrian is a demon on drums, and his driving beats are the perfect complement to Maf Davis’ powerful vocals.

They may have their roots in punk, but their melodic sensibilities are likely to appeal to music lovers who don’t tend to enjoy bands of that genre. They’re a band who stays true to their artistic vision, even having a hand in producing the disc with ARIA award-winner Anton Haggop.

But there’s just not enough variety here for me. I started out enjoying the songs but the repetitive lyrics and melodies made them drag. There was little respite from the angst-ridden tunes, and not enough diversity within them to keep me engaged. Switch 3 are very good at what they do, both as individuals and a band, and I’m sure fans of the darker side of music are going to lap this up. But right now I feel their potential isn’t quite realised. Calm Before is a solid effort from a band that is only going to improve in time.

Image source: Switch 3 MySpace

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Guy Sebastian Plays for Legacy

With his angelic voice and soulful grooves, Guy Sebastian shows are always worth seeing. But his latest tour promises to be something extra special.

This time around Guy’s paired up with the Australian Army band. And the military link doesn’t stop there. Proceeds from all the shows will go to Legacy, a charity which provides care to the families of deceased Australian serviceman.

Guy’s Army in Concert tour kicks off in Wagga Wagga tomorrow night. There are still some tickets available, so make sure you snap them up fast!

19, 20, and 21 September 2008 – Civic Theatre, Wagga Wagga
4 October 2008 – Concert Hall @ QPAC, South Bank
11 October 2008 – Festival Theatre, Adelaide
26 October 2008 – Civic Theatre, Newcastle
28 October 2008 – Canberra Theatre Centre
7 November 2008 – Hamer Hall @ The Arts Centre, Melbourne
13 November 2008 – The Hills Centre for the Performing Arts, Castle Hill
15 November 2008 – Wrest Point, Sandy Bay
22 November 2008 – Entertainment Centre, Darwin
29 November 2008 – Civic Theatre, South Townsville

Image source: Sunrise.seven @ Flickr

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

The Models Together Again

They’ve been out of sight for a few years, but The Models are making a comeback! The 1980s rock outfit featuring Sean Kelly and James Freud will reunite for some shows next week to celebrate their 30th anniversary.

Expect to hear big hits like “Out of Mind, Out of Sight,” “I Hear Motion,” and “Barbados” when they play Melbourne’s The Prince Bandroom on September 25 and Sydney’s The Gaelic Club on September 27.

It will be the band’s first shows since they played the Countdown Spectacular in 2006, and the first time they’ve done their own shows in eight years. There’s no word yet on whether these shows will be one ofs or whether there’s more to follow, but I’ll keep you posted! Until then here’s a clip for all you old fans, or the young ones who have no idea what I’m talking about!

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Tina Arena Sings More Songs of Love and Loss

One of the world’s greatest voices singing some of the world’s most adored songs proved to be a winning combination for Aussie ex-pat Tina Arena, so she’s doing it all again with Songs of Love & Loss Volume 2.

The track listing this time around looks just as strong as the last, with highlights including Blondie’s “Call Me,” Split Enz’s “I Hope I Never,” Petula Clark’s “Downtown,” and a real surprise, Alice Cooper’s “Only Women Bleed!”

Once again Tina teamed up with the London Studio Orchestra led by famed conductor Simon Hale who had nothing but good things to say about the Aussie diva.

“She’s amazing … she is not intimidated by the live set up or the orchestra and rises to the challenge of having everything going to straight tape. Many artists would crumble in these conditions but Tina seems to shine. Nobody records like this anymore. This is how it should be done!” he gushed in a press statement.

Following her sell-out tour last December, Tina plans to return to Australia next March to showcase her latest release. Songs of Love & Loss Volume 2 will be in stores on November 15.

Image source: Sunrise.seven @ Flickr

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Casey Donovan Attacked in Bar Brawl

Former Australian Idol winner Casey Donovan was allegedly assaulted at a Sydney bar on Sunday morning. The 20-year-old singer suffered lacerations to her face and a broken finger in the unprovoked attack.

“She was out with friends having a good time and on the dance floor when she was approached and hassled by these guys,” explained Casey’s stepfather Norm Axford.

“They were making comments about Idol and she told them not to bother her. The next thing one of them punched her twice in the face.”

Police and ambulance were called to the scene, and Casey was taken to the Prince of Wales Hospital for treatment.

What a scary thing. I wish her a speedy recovery!

Image source: Young Einstein @ Flickr

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Jonny Taylor an Idol No More

Jonny Taylor became the first Australian Idol casualty tonight, getting the chop after week one. Jonny found himself in the bottom three with Sophie Paterson and Teale Jakubenko, but after the “sing for your life” round but didn’t earn enough votes to continue in the comp.

Before I go on I’d like to say how disappointed I was with the way the “sing for your life” concept was executed. How can one truly sing for their life when they’re restricted to the very same song that flopped the night before? I’d have much rather heard the Idols sing something they thought would compel the public to see they deserved to stay. Something new, an original perhaps, would have been much more appropriate.

I’m sorry to see Jonny go. I haven’t been very impressed with his performances to this point, but I feel he had a real depth and I was looking forward to seeing him grow in the comp. But someone’s got to go I suppose.

The most exciting part of the night for me was the news that next week our Idols will be mentored by none other than Cyndi Lauper. They’ll sing 80s hits, and I couldn’t be happier. One of my idols helping our contestants sing music from my favourite decade? Bring it on!

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Tim Rogers and Pete Satchell Play for Mental Health

Aussie legends Tim Rogers (You Am I) and Pete Satchell (Dallas Crane) will head the line-up of a massive mental health charity gig in Melbourne.

Mad Hatters Night will take place at St Kilda’s Gershwin Room on October 9. Tim and Pete will join the Bipolar Bears, Heidi Everett, and the Melbourne Mass Gospel Choir for the show.

All funds raised will benefit The Music Network for Mental Health, a program which brings musicians with mental illness together for performances and songwriting workshops.

Tickets are just $15, or $8 for concessions, so if you’re in Victoria make sure you get along and support this awesome cause!

Image source: Irene Tong @ Flickr