Category: News

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Natalie Bassingthwaighte Splits from Rogue Traders

Natalie Bassingthwaighte has left her Rogue Traders bandmates to pursue her solo career.

Nat originally planned to take time off to record a solo release, but the band have decided to make the split a permanent one.

“As I’m sure every single one of you already knows, this tour was always expected to be our last tour for some time, as we knew Nat was going to work on solo and other commitments, which could take some years to complete,” James Ash said on the band’s online forum.

“Because of this, sadly, after a great deal of consideration we’ve come to the conclusion that as Nat’s career choices are taking her in new and exciting directions, she won’t be able to be a part of the Rogue Traders.

“Nat and I both want you to know that we part company as best friends, with a deep love and respect for each other and what we have achieved over the last three and a half years.”

It’s amazing to think she’s only been with the band since 2004. Natalie’s distinctive vocals gave the band top ten hits including “Voodoo Child,” “Way To Go,” “Watching You,” “Don’t You Wanna Feel” and “I Never Liked You.” Her presence in the band will be sorely missed.

Image source: Sunrise.seven @ Flickr

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Jimmy Barnes Goes High Tech

Who says you can’t teach an old rocker new tricks? Jimmy Barnes will be the first Aussie act to use new Alive Drive technology.

When you see Barnesy on his Out of the Blue tour you can pick up an Alive Drive USB wristband featuring exclusive audio, video, and image content, plus live updates via the web.

This is the same sort of flexible USB wristband Matchbox Twenty fans saw when the lads toured here recently.

Jimmy Barnes plays Canberra Theatre tonight.

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.