Category: News

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

David Campbell @ Mingara Recreation Club, 11 March 2009

As I get older, it takes a little bit more to entice me to a midweek gig. It takes a performer who doesn’t just sing but entertains, one who leaves a part of themselves on the stage, and one who is a whole lot of fun. It takes a performer like David Campbell.

I raved about David when I caught his Swing Sessions tour, but I knew this show would be a little different. His latest album explores another time, swapping classic crooning for the swinging tunes of the sixties. But the philosophy remains the same. David continues to deliver songs that stand the test of time because they’re just that good.

The songs give David a solid foundation, but it’s what he brings that makes them exceptional. He’s a rare performer, one that does all he can to truly entertain. He swivels his hips to make the girls scream, easily tells amusing anecdotes between songs, wears some of the most outrageous outfits I’ve ever seen on a straight man, and sings like a dream.

He was here to promote his new album Good Lovin’, but that doesn’t mean his other songs were forgotten. He loves to swing, and he delivered highlights of his Swing Sessions albums with gusto. And then he went further back to deliver some Johnny O’Keefe classics from the musical “Shout.” It didn’t matter which decade the songs came from; we knew them all and enthusiastically sang and clapped along.

Songs like “Just a Gigolo” and “Can’t Take My Eyes Off You” were irreverent, while tender moments like “Smoke Gets In Your Eyes” and the breathtaking “Mr Bojangles” nearly reduced me to tears.

I cannot say enough good things about David Campbell. Seeing him live is a special experience indeed. His Good Lovin’ tour is travelling all around the country at the moment. See it. You will not be disappointed.

Image source: own photo

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Barry Gibb Confirmed for Sound Relief

We heard the rumours but now it’s official. Barry Gibb will come out of retirement to close the Sound Relief benefit concert at the Sydney Cricket Ground.

The former Bee Gee will play with a star-studded band featuring INXS drummer Jon Farriss.

“Every artist who grew up on the Bee Gees will want to be side of stage for this one, no matter how young they are,” an insider said yesterday.

Here’s another rumour for you. Barry’s expected to bring a special guest from America with him to perform a couple of tunes: none other than our beloved Olivia Newtown-John! This show just keeps getting more exciting!

Image source: Newscom

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Record Store Day Australia Bucks Digital Trend

I still take so much joy from scouring the shelves of independent record stores, but in this digitally-savvy age it sometimes seems like these hallowed retail heavens are a dying breed. But rock relics like myself have a reason to celebrate next month. April 18 isn’t just a Saturday: it’s also Record Store Day Australia.

Across the country The Leading Edge, JB Hi-Fi, Sanity, and many independent record stores will join in the fun with live performances, artist signings, competitions, and giveaways.

Kram from Spiderbait and Daryl Braithwaite are two local stars looking forward to the festivities.

“I still like having things on vinyl and I love record stores,” said  Kram. “The whole experience of searching is probably more important than getting the stuff. I really dig record stores – I always will.”

“I had the thrill of being around in The Beatles period, and I remember specifically Sgt Pepper and being able to walk into a store, seeing the big promotion with people queued up – it was great! You connected with the music,” reminisced Daryl. “Then it was a thrill seeing my own stuff in the stores both in my Sherbet days and also with The Edge album. People would look at the cover, then look at me and recognise me – you don’t get this shopping experience online.”

You sure don’t! Make sure you head to your local record store on April 18 to join in the fun!

Image source: Record Store Day Australia website

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Sound Relief a Record Breaker

This Saturday’s Sound Relief concerts have already smashed records, with the Melbourne show becoming the largest paid concert event in Australian history. With artists like Kings of Leon, Midnight Oil, and Gabriella Cilmi on the bill, and money raised benefiting the Victorian bushfire victims, it’s little wonder why!

“It’s just an amazing result,” said Sound Relief co-organiser Michael Gudinski. “The lineup is without doubt a once in a lifetime one, but it’s truly impressive how much the Australian public has gotten behind this.  It speaks volumes of the passion of our great country – helping a mate in trouble.”

And with the addition of Kylie Minogue to the line-up, the show at the MCG is only going to get bigger. She’ll make an appearance as special guest MC.

“To me, Kylie is Melbourne.  Her attendance is the cherry on the top of an already phenomenal lineup.  She’s our girl.” Michael Gudinski said.

With other 78, 000 tickets sold, the Melbourne concert has been declared a sell out. Lucky fans in Sydney can still secure tickets, with more released today. Profits from the SCG show will be shared between the Red Cross Victorian Bushfire Appeal and The Premier’s Disaster Relief Fund to aid victims of the Queensland floods.

Image source: PR Photos

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

The Wombats Hit Ramsey Street

The British just can’t seem to get enough of Aussie soap Neighbours. So when The Wombats were offered the chance to head to Ramsey Street while on their recent Australian tour, they jumped at the chance.

The poptastic Brits will perform “Kill The Director” and the smash single “Let’s Dance to Joy Division” at Charlie’s Bar tomorrow night, March 10.

The Wombats are the latest in a long line of bands to perform on the soap, including The Veronicas, Marcia Hines, and Damien Leith. Fellow countryman Emma Bunton, Julian Clary, and Chris Lowe of The Pet Shop Boys have all made appearances, but The Wombats are the first British outfit to perform on the Aussie show.

Tune in to Channel 10 from 6:30 pm to check out the historic episode!

Image source: PR Photos

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Tasty Australian Tunes at Austin’s SXSW Festival

A smorgasboard of local talent will take part in the third annual Aussie Tastes & Tunes concerts at Austin’s famous SXSW festival. The three-day event at the Whole Foods Market will combine two great Aussie loves: great music and delicious food!

Josh Pyke, Angus & Julia Stone, and Andy Bull will headline the event designed to promote musical talent from New South Wales. They’ll play alongside other New South Welshmen Loene Carmen, Kara Grainger, Anthony Snape, and Andy Clockwise. Victoria’s Andy White and The Kin from South Australia will also take part.

Aussie Tastes & Tunes will feature some stripped back and acoustic sets, making them a real treat for the Austin crowd. If you’re in the area make sure you check out the shows from the 19th to 21st of March between noon and 2 pm. The Whole Foods Market is at 525 North Lamar Boulevard in Austin, Texas.

For plenty more about the SXSW festival, make sure you check out our own Austin Sound Check!

Image source: Bratha @ Flickr

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Tooheys Extra Dry uncharTED Competition Closes Next Week!

Are you a great band or solo artist looking for your big break? The Tooheys Extra Dry uncharTED competition should be just what you’re looking for.

This year marks an exciting shift in the competition, as it expands to include solo artists for the first time. Winners will score a slot at this year’s Splendour in the Grass festival and a band development package worth $25, 000.

“I’m very excited about this year’s competition, and I’m looking forward to seeing what talent is out there,” said Splendour In the Grass Co-promoter, Jessica Ducrou. UncharTED is for aspiring artists, giving them the exposure and assistance to move forward in the industry. Previous winners have been of a high calibre, and we expect to come across more great music this time around.”

But be quick about it! Online registration closes next Friday, March 13!

Image source: Sony BMG Music Australia

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Barry Gibb and Kylie Minogue Tipped for Sound Relief

There are whispers that Barry Gibb and Kylie Minogue may be added to the already massive Sound Relief concert bill.

Word is that Ian “Molly” Meldrum has coaxed the former Bee Gee out of retirement. If anyone could have done it, it would have been Molly!

Molly’s also saying that Kylie will play at the benefit show, but no formal announcement has been made yet.

The March 14 Sound Relief concerts will raise much needed funds for victims of the Victorian bushfires and Queensland floods. Tickets went on sale yesterday, but limited tickets are still available.

Image source: PR Photos

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Win Tickets to Melbourne Zoo Earth Hour Acoustic Concert

What are you planning to do this Earth Hour? If board games by candlelight don’t excite you, consider getting down to Melbourne Zoo on March 28. The place will be jumping with entertainment from local blues legend C.W. Stoneking & The Primitive Horn Orchestra, American blues darling Mamie Minch, and Melbourne swamp rockers Dirt River Radio.

In keeping with the eco-friendly ethos this will be an acoustic show with lights out from 8:30 to 9:30. To make it an extra green event, a portion of the proceeds will help to neutralise the concert’s carbon emissions.

This is a BYO concert, so make sure you bring along some cheese and biscuits and bubbles to celebrate! Gates open at 5:30 pm, giving you a little time to see the zoo’s furry residents before the show starts at 7.

I have three double passes to give away to Oz Music Scene readers. To win, just tell me your favourite eco-friendly tip! Make sure you leave your e-mail address with your comment so I can be in touch if you’re a lucky winner. You’ll also need to make sure you can get to Melbourne Zoo on March 28, as travel is the winner’s responsibility. The first three valid entries will each win a double pass. Good luck!

Image used with permission from AmpHead Music

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Tina Arena to Receive French Order of Merit

Tina Arena is currently in Australia to on a national tour to support her latest album Songs of Love and Loss 2. While speaking to The Daily Telegraph, the local songstress revealed she’ll receive the French Order of Merit.

The award is one of the highest civil decorations in Tina’s adopted home of France. It will be presented by the country’s president Nicolas Sarkozy. Tina is one of only two non-nationals to receive the honour.

“We were not able to make it happen in February because of his political commitments,” she confirmed.

You know what they say about good things being worth the wait!

Image source: Newscom