Gabrielle Cilmi Eyes US Success

Now she’s a superstar in Europe and her native Australia, Gabriella Cilmi has her sights set on the United States.

Her award-winning debut album Lessons to be Learned will be released there through Universal Music on March 17.

The American version of the album has a little something special for fans: a cover of the Martha & The Muffins classic “Echo Beach.”

The album release will receive an extra boost, with Gabriella named VH1’s You Oughta Know artist for January.

It looks like world domination is just a couple of steps away!

Image source: Newscom

Australian Idol Winner Wes Carr Tops ARIA Charts

Congratulations to Wes Carr, who’s finally landed the number one spot on the ARIA Charts with his debut single “You”! Wes has been hovering around the pointy end of the charts for the last couple of weeks, so it’s great to see him on top.

I can’t help wondering whether Wes’ slow burn appeal means he’s likely to have a longer career than the Australian Idols who soared straight to number one, only to plummet just as quickly. Only time will tell! Wes is the only local artist in the Aussie top 10.

International acts are also dominating the albums charts, with only AC/DC and Hamish and Andy earning a place in the top ten. Black Ice is sitting comfortably at number three, while Hamish and Andy’s Unessential Listening is just behind at number four.

Here’s the complete top 10!

Australian Top 10 Singles

  1. “You” – Wes Carr
  2. “Poker Face” – Lady GaGa
  3. “Live Your Life” – T.I. Feat. Rihanna
  4. “Use Somebody” – Kings Of Leon
  5. “Sex on Fire” – Kings Of Leon
  6. “Sober” – P!nk
  7. “Circus” – Britney Spears
  8. “Single Ladies (Put a Ring On It) – Beyonce
  9. “Womanizer” – Britney Spears
  10. “If I Were a Boy” – Beyonce

Australian Top 10 Albums

  1. Funhouse – P!nk
  2. Only by the Night – Kings Of Leon
  3. Black Ice – AC/DC
  4. Unessential Listening – Hamish & Andy
  5. Circus – Britney Spears
  6. High School Musical 3: Senior Year – Soundtrack
  7. Dark Horse – Nickelback
  8. The Promise – Il Divo
  9. The Fame – Lady GaGa
  10. And Winter Came … – Enya

Kasey Chambers Takes a Year Off From Tamworth

Kasey Chambers may not be performing at the Tamworth Country Music Festival this year, but don’t think that means she’ll stay away! The Aussie country star says she’ll enjoy the opportunity to spend time on the other side of the stage.

“We will be going for the whole time, but I actually wanted to have a year off from performing,” she told The Sunday Telegraph. “I want to go out and be a punter this year and see as many gigs as I can.”

That said, don’t be surprised if you see her jump up on stage anyway!

“I can’t help myself, even if they don’t want me to, I usually get up anyway,” she joked.

Somehow I can’t imagine anyone wanting to kick Kasey off the stage!

Image source: -Fuze- @ Flickr

A Midnight Oils Violent Femmes Supergroup

Midnight Oil’s Rob Hirst, Martin Rotsey, and Jim Moginie have recruited Violent Femmes bassist Brian Ritchie to form a brand new band. They haven’t settled on a name yet, but they’ve been recording in preparation for a 2009 album release.

“I was always a fan of the Oils, especially live,” Brian told Undercover. “Rob Hirst is one of the most powerful drummers anywhere. Just to be playing with those guys is a buzz. I really class them very highly amongst rock bands as being one of the most classic bands. I thought I should play with some local musicians so why not the best?”

Why not indeed! The band is yet to settle on a name but has been recording for a 2009 release.  Last night they made their public debut, performing at Sydney’s Amnesty International 60th Anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights dinner. With Peter Garrett busy with parliamentary duties, Dallas Frasca and Holly Throsby lent their vocal talents to the ensemble.

The audience was treated to some oils classics including “Dreamworld,” “Put Down That Weapon,” “Truganini,” and “When The Generals Talk.”

It’s always exciting when musicians the calibre of the Midnight Oils lads get together, and with Brian Ritchie part of the group the music to come should be very interesting indeed!

Image source: Frozen Chipmunk @ Flickr

Win Big with Starked This Christmas

To celebrate the holidays, the Starked.com entertainment blogs want to give you a chance to win big!

Starked.com is your ultimate destination for entertainment news, celebrity gossip, music news, tv spoilers & movie updates. It takes the best of your favorite Starked.com entertainment blogs – over 70 of them! – and gives you a new way to explore the hottest industry news.

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Youth Group Land American Record Deal

Sydney band Youth Group is headed for the big time after inking a record deal in the USA.

The local lads have signed up with World’s Fair Label Group, which is home to Jarvis Cocker, Devandra Barnhart, Sharon Jones and the Dap Kings, and many more.

The band’s critically acclaimed album The Night Is Ours will be released in the United States early next year. After completing the Big Day Out tour, the indie outfit will play Austin’s South by Southwest festival and some showcase gigs in New York to support its release.

Image source: Mr Matt @ Flickr

Cold Chisel’s Les Kaczmerek Dies of Liver Failure

Cold Chisel founding member, bass guitarist Les Kaczmerek, has passed away in Adelaide due to liver failure. Tragically the 53-year-old had been on the transplant waiting list for some time.

Les was with Cold Chisel for two years before being replaced by Phil Small in 1975, three years before they released their debut album.

“Les never stopped songwriting and playing bass and guitar,” his friend, guitarist Brendan Ozolins told Undercover. “He wrote many a well-known jingle for TV and radio ads and more recently co-wrote the Port Power club song with Quentin Eyres.

“He was also in the band Aussie Bloke with Rob Riley [ex-Jimmy Barnes and Rose Tattoo] but due to his illness performing music live was extremely hard for him to this end Les continued to do his studio work and songwriting.”

Les always dreamed of releasing a solo album, and was just weeks away from heading into the studio when his health took a turn for the worse in 2007.

“He hoped to have Jimmy Barnes, Ian Moss and Don Walker on as guests among many other singers and musicians he loved and respected dearly performing on his tracks, and perhaps some of their own too I believe,” Brendan explained.

“It is very, very sad he didn’t have the opportunity to realise this,” he says. “I can’t help but feel we [music fans/listeners] really missed out on something there.”

Image source: Ausrock blog

Kanye West Cracks Up in Sydney

Kanye West reportedly stunned Sydney fans last night with a major meltdown!

The Celebrity Truth says Kanye restarted his song “Love Lockdown” a whopping four times. He also launched into a rant against the media, commenting that the press had “stripped him of a ‘real’ life” and comparing himself to Britney Spears.

“After a ten-minute performance of ‘Heartless,’ West disappeared from the stage for several moments, and then reappeared, and began singing ‘Love Lockdown.’

“Thirty seconds in, he abruptly ended the song, walked off stage, and instructed his band to start again. The music recommenced and when West reached the chorus, he again stopped the song and left the stage.

His confused band started the song a third time, and West began singing, before again killing the song and storming off stage. At this point West walked back on and announced, ‘I’m supposed to have another fucking outfit for this song, but they’ve taken it back to the dressing room. Let’s just do it.’

“West, who has had a difficult year during which his mother died and he broke up with his fiance, then performed the full song, before walking off stage and shouting, ‘Goodbye Sydney.’ House lights went up, and bemused fans were left wondering whether his stylist still had a job?!”

Oh Kanye. If you don’t want the press to jump all over you, it’s perhaps best not to give them things like this to talk about! Was anyone there? I’d love to hear what you thought if you witnessed this display!

Image source: Phil Romans @ Flickr

Mia Dyson Heads to America

Mia Dyson is the latest Aussie set to try her luck in the United States.

The award winning blues and roots songstress will play her last local show at Melbourne’s AthenaeumTheatre on March 14. Then it’s off to the US where she’s already got some shows booked. Hopefully there’ll be more to come!

“I’m really excited about this new adventure,” she told The Sunday Telegraph.

If you want to wish Mia well, make sure you head to one of the shows on her farewell tour! Here are the dates!

26 February 2009 – Judith Wright Centre of Contemporary Arts, Fortitude Valley
27 February 2009 – Joes Waterhole, Eumundi
28 February 2009 – Civic Hall, Mullumbimby
1 March 2009 – Sound Lounge @ Currumbin RSL, Gold Coast
4 March 2009 – The Cambridge, Newcastle
5 March 2009 – The Factory, Marrickville
6 March 2009 – Heritage Hotel, Bulli
7 March 2009 – Top of the Cross @ Southern Cross Club, Phillip
8 March 2009 – Milton Theatre
12 March 2009 – Rubys Lounge, Belgrave
13 March 2009 – The Palais, Hepburn Springs
15 March 2009 – The Studio, Geelong
14 March 2009 – Athenaeum Theatre, Melbourne

Image source: Mia Dyson press page

Economic Crisis Kills Aussie Concert Calendar

2009 could be a quiet year for concertgoers as the economic crisis bites local Dollarbooking agencies.

With the Aussie dollar sitting at a measly 65 cents, it’s becoming harder to attract those big international acts. Tours by Paul McCartney, Madonna, Neil Diamond, Green Day, and Metallica have all been shelved indefinitely.

“We’ve seen a couple of tours blow out,” said Acer Arena’s Don Elford. “It probably has a lot to do with the dollar.”

Luckily for festival fans, the economic crisis isn’t expected to affect the big summer shows like Big Day Out and V Festival.

“We’re lucky because we’ve got the weight of the festival to insulate us from that,” Big Day Out co-promoter Vivian Lees said. “Only a fraction of our bands are paid in U.S. dollars.”

Here’s hoping the dollar picks up soon so we can see more of our favourite acts in Oz! Until then, thankfully we’ve got plenty of fab local artists to keep us entertained!

Image source: David Mallett @ Flickr.com