Category: News

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Metal Gods Psycroptic Ink Worldwide Deal

Tasmanian metal outfit Psycroptic has just scored a major worldwide deal with Nuclear Blast Records.

If you’re not a metal fan, you might not realise how important the deal is but for metal bands, this is the jackpot.

“Nuclear Blast has always been the pinnacle of labels within the metal realm, and to be signed with them is a huge honor for us … and to be the first Tasmanian band to ever be on the label is a pretty awesome bonus as well,” the band said in a statement. “The artist roster is nothing short of amazing, and for Psycroptic to be added to it … well, we couldn’t be happier!!”

The buzz has been slowly building since the band formed in 1999. They’ve released three albums, and there’s another one planned for October. Psycroptic are currently wowing crowds in the US on their Summer Slaughter tour.

Congrats lads – onwards and upwards!

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Forgotten Rose Tattoo Album May Be Released

It looks like the wishes of all Rose Tattoo fans may soon be granted. Plans are afoot to release the album they recorded in 1980.

Rose Tattoo completed the album in Los Angeles after Bad Boy for Love. The record company was never happy with it, so the band went back into the studio and made Assault and Battery. For the last 28 years it’s been filed away, but now Aztec Records founder Gil Matthews is planning on releasing this rare recording.

The prospect is of special interest to Aussie rock lovers, as it features the talents of the late Billy Thorpe and Lobby Loyde. So who cares whether it impressed the record execs? We’re all going to want to give it a listen anyway!

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Vote For Your Favourite Michael Jackson Tracks

Sony BMG Australia plan to release the ultimate Michael Jackson compilation just for its local fans. For three weeks starting today, the record label is encouraging Aussie MJ devotees to vote for their favourite songs at mj50.com.au.

The 30 most popular songs will appear on the album alongside a new megamix by Jason Nevins. King of Pop will be released only in Australia on August 29, Michael Jackson’s 50th birthday.

Image source: Zoran Veselinovic @ Wikimedia Commons 

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Will Kanye Go to the Aussie Outback?

Will one of hip hop’s hottest name head Down Under next year? That’s the word from America, as planning for the second series of the US program 4Real gets underway.

The series sends celebs to some of the world’s most remote communities, and an Australian Aboriginal village is on the short list for an upcoming episode. The little Queensland locale of Cherbourg has already been discussed as a possible site. Producers apparently want a hip hop star like Kanye West or Lauryn Hill to visit, as indigenous children have embraced this musical genre.

Whoever comes out, they’re likely to lead music workshops in conjunction with Music Outback. Won’t that be a buzz for these kids!

“There’s some really cool stuff going on in these indigenous communities, and it ain’t all doom and gloom,” Polly Armstrong, the program’s Australian coordinator, told AAP.

“There’s all these young leaders doing this wicked shit and it’s about shining a light on them, because they’re the real movers and shakers.”

Image source: Chris Doerr @ Flickr 

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Daniel Johns Snares a Triple at the APRAs

Last night Daniel Johns became the first person in history to win three APRA Awards in one year.

The Silverchair frontman was named Songwriter of the Year for the number one hit “Straight Lines,” which also won Song of the Year and Most Played Australian Work gongs.

The other awards showed the diversity of Australia’s musical landscape. Melbourne’s Sally Seltmann won the Breakthrough Songwriter title for “1, 2, 3, 4,” the monster song made famous by Feist.

The Rogue Traders took home the Dance Work of the Year award for “In Love Again” while John Butler bagged the Blues and Roots gong for “Good Excuse.” Troy Casser-Daley’s song “Everything’s Gonna Be Alright” proved to be somewhat prophetic, as it helped the singer bag the Country Work of the Year title. Jade McCrae proved she’s one of Australia’s brightest stars, taking home the Urban Work of the Year award for “In the Basement.”

Manager extraordinaire Roger Davies was awarded the Ted Albert Award for Outstanding Services to Australian Music.

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

I Have Def Leppard Tickets!

I bought my ticket to Def Leppard and Cheap Trick today. It was both a positive and negative experience, so I figured what better place to sound off about it than here.

On the bad side, it was pricey. Tickets always are these days, but this is the first time I’ve participated in one of those “pay for the privilege” presales. I assume the extra $20 they make people cough up these days has something to do with discouraging scalpers, but I don’t like paying it. The only reason I did was because I’d already made the decision to travel to the Brisbane show. Once you decide to throw money at plane tickets, what’s another $20?

I was also annoyed with the Ticket Privilege club for not the first time. I joined a couple of months ago. I bought tickets to Jason Mraz, a concert which the club wasn’t selling for, so there was no advantage there. Today I had received no word from the club, so I opted to go for the Visa presale. An e-mail about a Privilege Club presale came through a few hours after my transaction was complete. Thanks Ticketek. It was interesting to see they were also charging the $20 fee to book. Shouldn’t my $100 Privilege Club membership cover that? Why is it more expensive to buy Privilege Club tickets than regular ones? I certainly hadn’t expected that.

Those gripes aside, I got great seats – front row in the second block back from the stage on the sides. I guess that $20 fee might be worthwhile after all. I’d like to think the ticket agencies could come up with a better way to stop scalpers than fleecing us for more cash, but until they do I guess I’ll swallow the fees.

So I’m all set for my trip to Brisbane in November. I don’t make a habit of travelling to concerts around the country, but I couldn’t pass this one up. My husband didn’t want to see the show, and my Brisbane dwelling best friend had no one to go with. Rather than spend money on my reluctant hubby’s tickets, I figured the cash would be better spent on airfare. With the show slated for Saturday night, I plan to spend a girly weekend in the Sunshine State. I can’t wait!

Image source: Crumj @ Flickr

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Jessica Mauboy Indonesia Bound

Jessica Mauboy will explore her Indonesian heritage later this month when she heads to Jakarta as part of a cultural exchange. Her father is Indonesian, while her mother is of indigenous Australian, native American, and English descent.

That’s some mix!

The Young Diva was invited as a guest of the Australian Embassy in Jakarta to participate in the week-long trip.

While she’s there Jess will perform on the Indonesian breakfast TV show Nuansa Pagi and Indonesian Idol Spectacular. She’ll also attend a special function for Australian Ambassador Bill Farmer. Sounds like she’s going to be a busy girl!

Jessica is currently working on her solo release, which has got to be a welcome change from those Young Divas dance covers!

Image source: S B @ Wikimedia Commons

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Stars Turn Out For Norm Sweeney

Aussie rock legends will gather in Sydney on Sunday to raise funds for one of our most loved roadies, Norm Sweeney. Norm has worked with the likes of Max Merritt and the Meteors and Billy Thorpe and the Aztecs, but he was forced to retire due to cancer.

Some of his best friends, including Richard Clapton, John Paul Young, Brian Cadd, The Aztecs, Jim Keays, Doug Parkinson, Swanee, Phil Manning and Dinah Lee, will play at this very special benefit show. Word is there might even be a few more big name guests.

If you want to see this concert of the century, make sure you get down to The Bridge Hotel in Rozelle on Sunday. Doors open at 5 pm and tickets are just $40.

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Rolf Harris and John Laws Join Hall of Fame

Rolf Harris and John Laws will join the ARIA Hall of Fame next month. The colorful characters will receive the honor at the Hall of Fame ceremony on Monday July 1.

“I look up at the shelf in my office and see the ARIA pyramid obelisk which was sent to me back in 1994, on my 64th birthday actually. At that time I was just gearing myself up to do my first Glastonbury Festival, and I was knocked out to get this recognition from the 8th ARIA Awards. It commemorates my win for Best Comedy Release. I think it was my version of ‘Stairway to Heaven’, which changed my whole life by thrusting me back into the awareness of all the University aged youngsters. They suddenly realised they knew all my songs from their childhood, and what’s more, remembered all the words,” Rolf reminisced from his UK home.

“Now, 14 years later, I’m being inducted into the ARIA Hall of Fame. I look at all the famous names and am thrilled to be with them, for basically, just enjoying myself through music for the whole of my life. Thank you so much.”

John Laws will be honored with the Lifetime Achievement Award for his contributions to the Australian Music Industry. The retired radio DJ joins previous recipients Daryl Somers, Ian “Molly” Meldrum, Michael Gudinski, and John Woodruff.

Russell Morris, The Triffids, Max Merrit and Dragon will also be inducted this year.

Image source: Brian Minkoff @ Wikimedia Commons

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Troy Casser-Daley Wins Major Country Award

Local lad Troy Cassar-Daley has won the Country Music Association Global Artist Award. Troy received the gong at The Stage in Nashville last night.

The award recognises the achievements of country artists which further the genre’s popularity outside the US.

“Receiving this award means a lot to me,” he said. “I have loved country music since I was a child and have enjoyed many years out on the road in Australia playing it.

“It makes me proud that people in Nashville think that I am a worthy ambassador for this award, and I look forward to many more shows playing this incredible music called country!”

With sales of around 250,000 units locally, Troy is definitely a worthy recipient. He also comes across as a genuinely nice guy. Congrats Troy!

Image source: Adam J.W.C. @ Wikimedia Commons