Author: Lauren Katulka

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

New Song Obsession: "Sand" by Jessica Chapnick and Ben Lee

When I read some time ago that Ben Lee had composed the soundtrack for the new Aussie movie The Square I became quite excited. New Ben Lee is always cause for joy, but I was particularly intrigued because he was handing singing duties over to Jessica Chapnick. I heard the song for the first time on Sunrise this morning, and I’m impressed.

She may star in Home & Away, but Jessica is far from those disposable soap popettes we’re so familiar with. Instead she’s cut from that serious balladeer mould that is sure to interest fans of Sarah Blasko and Holly Throsby. Ben has excelled with these romantic yet original lyrics. All in all, I’m in love with this song.

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

AC/DC World Tour in the Works

Anticipation is building as AC/DC’s comeback draws ever closer. The latest word out of the camp of the Aussie rock supergroup is that they plan to embark on a massive 18-month world tour to support their new album.

We’re all looking forward to welcoming back our favourite sons, but the best news is that the local leg may be more exhaustive than you’d expect.

“Concert industry sources at Coachella said AC/DC leader Angus Young wants to do major centres and has asked promoters to put Alice Springs in the tour schedule. Asked about the significance of Alice Springs, Young says it’s a gesture of giving back and he wants to take a major tour off the main road. The tour is likely to happen early next year,” said The Herald Sun.

The first single from the new album is slated for release next month. How exciting!

Image source: Wikimedia Commons

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Albert Hammond Jr Cancels Aussie Shows

Albert Hammond Jr has cancelled his Australian shows which were scheduled for this week. But unlike the Mary J Bliges of this world, The Strokes star has a very good reason.

He’s suffering a severe throat infection which has caused him to lose his voice. Understandably, his doctor’s advised him not to perform.

The cancellation affects tomorrow night’s Melbourne show, as well as gigs in Sydney and Brisbane and his slot at Splendour in the Grass.

If you’ve got a ticket you can take it to your place of purchase for a refund.

Image source: Todd Sie… @ Wikimedia Commons

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

New Song Obsession: "You’re Gonna Be a Star" by The Sunpilots

I caught the video for The Sunpilots‘ “You’re Gonna Be a Star” while watching Video Hits this weekend, and it hooked me in instantly. I’d never heard of this darkly melodic rock outfit before, but a quick Google search confirmed they’re homegrown. Make sure you give these lads from Sydney a listen – they’re definitely the real deal.

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Q & A With Jim Siourthas from Tin Alley

Melbourne rockers Tin Alley are keeping busy on their first national tour. But vocalist and guitarist Jim Siourthas found time en route to Brisbane to tell me about crazy Australian towns, MySpace, and his band’s debut album Every Turn.

You’re just wrapping up your first national tour. How have the crowds been responding to your music?
We’ve had great shows in most cities/towns we’ve visited – some busier than others but all in all they’ve been great shows.

What can people expect from Tin Alley live?
Great musicianship, energy and great songs that will surely leave you wanting more.

Any crazy tour stories to tell?
Where do I begin … my favourite is some town names we have driven past: Bobbin Head, Bald Nob and Woodenbong. They are real towns – look them up! They definitely keep the drive interesting!

I heard you worked with American director/producer Max Ribitzky on the clips for “In Your Hands” and “Polar Bear.” Is it hard to develop these things together when you’re half a world away?
It was a unique experience because we used various internet technologies to facilitate our collaboration. We used Messenger, YouTube, Skype and e-mail to communicate and work together to complete the film clip.

You’re one of the many bands who has a MySpace page rather than a traditional website. How important is MySpace for getting exposure?
Myspace is a great tool for any band because it provides a way to reach fans with music, video, pictures, news – all the necessities of a good website. It is good for exposure to new listeners but MySpace alone cannot win fans – it is a great starting help though.

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Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Nat Bass Opens Up About Rogue Traders Split

It’s been a month now since Natalie Bassingthwaighte split from mega dance outfit the Rogue Traders. We’ve heard from lovable Rogue James Ash, the fans, in fact everyone but the girl herself. Until now.

Nat spoke to The Sunday Telegraph today from London to set the record straight.

Firstly, her relationship with Rogue Traders drummer Cameron McGlinchey didn’t go sour. In fact, nothing could be further from the truth!

“Cam and I are so together. I love him to pieces. I’m missing him, so he’s coming here and I can’t wait,” she gushed.

She says the decision to leave the band was a difficult one, but necessary. James wanted to continue his career, and Nat decided it wasn’t fair for him to sit around waiting for her to come back to the fold while she pursued her solo one.

“It’s always hard when people make up their own stories and don’t know the truth. I guess you could make the decision to go out there and say: ‘No, no, no’ and do 20 million interviews and tell everyone what the real story is.”

Instead of doing that, Nat got away from it all. It sounds like a much nicer option!

“I actually went on holidays with my best friend to Paris and Spain and all around the globe, chilling out. I had the best time. I just needed to relax and be somewhere people didn’t know who I am.”

But Nat Bass fans don’t have too long to wait before she returns to the spotlight. Her first solo single is out in October, the same month she’ll host the Nickelodeon Kids’ Choice Awards. Add to that her hosting duties for the next series of So You Think You Can Dance in 2009, and Nat’s going to be one busy bee!

Image source: Whinging Pom @ Wikimedia Commons

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Play Guitar Like Pete Murray and Win!

Attention budding musos! Pete Murray wants to teach you how to play guitar, and if you’re a good enough you could win your very own axe signed by the man himself.

Pete’s filmed this very special guitar lesson designed to teach his fans the chords for his new single, “Saving Grace.” Learn the moves, the film yourself playing the song in your own individual style. Once you’ve got your clip, just upload it to Pete’s YouTube channel.

Pete will judge the videos and give his favourite musician a personally signed Cole Clark acoustic guitar. What a prize!

You’ve got until August 21 to get your entry in. So start practicing and give it a go. And tune in to Pete’s YouTube channel on September 4 to find out who’s the lucky winner!

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Delta Goodrem Plans Intimate Shows

Delta Goodrem may be wowing them over in the United States, but it won’t be too long before her Aussie fans get to see her back on home soil.

Delta’s just announced a national tour, and it promises to be her most special yet. She’ll play some intimate theatre shows, allowing fans to get closer to their idol than ever before.

“It’s extremely exciting. I can’t believe it’s taken this long but I’ve already started putting the set list together and there are so many songs to play,” Delta said in a statement. “I have been inspired by some intimate shows I have done recently here and internationally, and by playing theatres I can be closer to all the people who have taken my record home.

“I would have liked to tour earlier, but I’m just glad I can finally tell people the dates when they ask me when I’m touring next. There are lots of songs from over the years people know to sing along with and I’m going to do some fun covers but I don’t want to spoil the surprise!”

Delta Goodrem’s Believe Again tour will kick off in the New Year in Newcastle before travelling all around the country. Considering the size of the venues, you’d better get you tickets quickly when they go on sale on Thursday 21 August.

9 January 2008 – Civic Theatre, Newcastle
12 and 13 January 2008 – State Theatre, Sydney
16 and 17 January 2008 – Hamer Hall, Melbourne
24 January 2008 – Royal Theatre, Canberra
27 January 2008 – Convention Centre, Brisbane
30 January 2008 – Entertainment Centre, Adelaide
3 February 2008 – Kings Park, Perth

Image source: Sunrise.seven @ Flickr 

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Beats Working Announces Aussie Tour

When I spoke to James from Beats Working earlier this month he said the band would soon get out on the road. Well, he’s made good on his promise, announcing a bunch of shows for later this year.

If you haven’t gotten into Beats Working yet, now’s the perfect time. This exciting urban band blends hip hop with funk, soul, and pop music for a sound that’s all their own.

Their debut album Harbour Drive will be in stores next Wednesday, July 30. Fans can look forward to hearing these songs come alive at the following venues.

21-25 July 2008 – Schuss Bar, Thredbo
27 July 2008 – Cambridge Hotel, Newcastle
15 August 2008 – Coffs Hotel, Coffs Harbour
29 August 2008 – Uber, Brisbane
6 September 2008 – Revolver, Melbourne
13 September 2008 – Cambridge Hotel, Newcastle
19 September 2008 – UTS Loft Bar: Proper 11, Sydney
10 October 2008 – Coffs Hotel, Coffs Harbour
25 October 2008 – Village Fair Festival, Bathurst

Image used with permission from AAA Entertainment

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Q & A With Adin from Front Counter

Melbourne’s pop-punk outfit Front Counter are poised to become Australia’s next big thing. Haven’t heard of them? Trust me, you will. With their debut EP A Toast to You and Me slated for release next month and a trip to Ramsey Street set to coincide, this Aussie five-piece are destined for greatness. Today I had a chat with the band’s bass guitarist Adin. Here’s what he had to say about their devoted teen fan base, gigging, and his love of fast food.

Critics are already comparing Front Counter to Simple Plan and Green Day. How would you describe your sound?
We’re just a fun-loving band. “Looking to party” music, but there’s a serious note to it as well. We want to write stuff that people can bob their heads and just energy kind of stuff. I wouldn’t compare us to Simple Plan or Green Day but obviously the influence is there with bands like that.

You formed the band with Josh and Anton back in 2004, but it’s taken to this year to complete the lineup with Rhys and Josh. What have they brought to the band that was missing before?
Rhys brings a really good pop element to the band. He just has a knack for picking up these melodies and he’s really good at harmonising Anton’s vocal parts as well so there’s different voices there. And Josh the new guitarist, he can really shred. He’s a really good guitarist so he brings that element of musicianship that we were kind of missing before.

I read that your name was inspired by a sign at Hungry Jacks. Are you all fast food junkies?
At the moment we are, just because we’re all stressed [laughs]. But honestly, we’re not the healthiest band going around. We’re not fast food junkies, but we do like our fast food.

You played the massive Taste of Chaos tour last year. How was that experience?
That was amazing. The Melbourne night was just amazing. There were so many people that didn’t know who we were, and it was really good that the kids come up to you after the show and say, “Hey, I didn’t quite catch your name, what’s your name, I’ve never heard of you” and they were asking about us, it created a bit of a buzz. It was really cool.

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