Category: News

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Daniel Johns Finds New Model Love

Six months after splitting with ex-wife Natalie Imbruglia, Silverchair frontman Daniel Johns has been linked to model Louise Van de Vorst.

The Daily Telegraph says the pair has been inseparable since meeting two weeks ago. They apparently spent the long weekend partying at Hugo’s and Shh in Kings Cross.

20-year-old Louise is one of the hottest new models on the scene. She’s just returned from a six-month stay in Paris where she was named the face of cosmetics brand She Uemura. Ooh la la!

Daniel deserves a little happiness, so hopefully the rumors are true!

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Living End Gig Moved Due to Fire

The free Living End concert scheduled for tomorrow night in Melbourne will still go ahead despite the blaze in AC/DC Lane. It will now be held at Duckboard Place.

“On Thursday night, a fire caused some damage to a building in AC/DC Lane. The surrounding area, including the space where the gig was going to be held, has been closed off pending police investigation,” explained Triple J Marketing Manager Claire Collins in a press statement.

“The new site complies with OH&S regulations and has been approved by the local council, so its all systems go for this special event.”

The fire began in the offices of Jamie Oliver’s Fifteen Foundation. It also damaged the Cherry Bar downstairs.

Image source: Gajbireland @ Flickr

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Gabriella Cilmi’s Our Golden Girl

It seems like everything teen sensation Gabriella Cilmi touches turns to gold.

Here in Australia her album Lessons to Learned has achieved gold status, while the monster single “Sweet About Me” is at the top of the charts for the third consecutive week.

The album’s also gone gold in the UK, and her first headliner tour of Britain has sold out!

“The guy on Capital Radio London who surprised me on air with this incredible news said I should always say it hasn’t really sunk in yet,” Gabriella told The Daily Telegraph.

“I know that is such a used one liner but he is right … I am so excited but really can’t believe it has happened … maybe I will in a few days.”

But we’re not the only countries sweet on Gabriella. “Sweet About Me” is number seven on the iTunes charts in Switzerland, number 8 in Portugal, and number 4 in England.

She’s also just been invited by Dolce & Gabbana to perform a showcase in Milan next week. She’ll receive a shopping spree at the designer label’s international headquarters for her trouble!

Is this girl living the dream or what? Go Gabriella!

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

The Herd Announce Hot Tour

We all may be freezing our butts off, but The Herd are promising to bring a little sunshine with their Summerland tour.

The shows will celebrate the release of their fourth album, which debuted at number seven on the ARIA charts. If you’ve only just heard about this awesome band you’ll want to check out the shows.

The Herd has an impressive live reputation. When you get these eight talented musos on a stage, anything can happen and it probably will!

Hip hop fans are in for a real treat with indigenous urban outfit The Last Kinection joining the lads for the entire tour.

Click below to see all the dates!

17 July 2008 – Prince of Wales, Bunbury
18 July 2008 – Settler’s Tavern, Margaret River
19 July 2008 – Capitol, Perth
20 July 2008 – Fly by Night, Fremantle
7 August 2008 – Uni Bar, Wollongong
8 August 2008 – ANU Bar, Canberra
9 August 2008 – Station Resort, Jindabyne
15 August 2008 – Metro Theatre, Sydney
16 August 2008 – Manly Fishos, Manly
21 August 2008 – Baroque, Katoomba
22 August 2008 – Panthers, Newcastle
23 August 2008 – Woodport Inn, Erina
28 August 2008 – Great Northern, Byron Bay
29 August 2008 – The Arena, Brisbane
30 August 2008 – Coolangatta Hotel, Gold Coast
31 August 2008 – Sands Tavern, Maroochydore
4 September 2008 – Hobart Uni Bar, Hobart
5 September 2008 – Billboard, Melbourne
6 September 2008 – Fowlers Live, Adelaide

Image source: The Herd press image collection 

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Battle of the Choirs Offers Something New

The latest music reality TV show offers something different for television junkies. Battle of the Choirs pits choral groups against one another, and it might just be unique enough to be a ratings winner.

For one thing, the diverse judging panel has some serious cred. We’ve got Icehouse singer Iva Davies, ex-Hi 5er Charli Delaney, and Choir of Hard Knocks’ conductor Jonathon Welch.

Charli promises she’s not going to play the typical female fence-sitting role we’ve seen so many times before.

“I am not just going to be one of those female judges who sits there with a smile on her face. There will be none of that because that’s just boring. I will say exactly what I think,” she told The Daily Telegraph.

Then there’s the opportunity to hear the sort of music most of us don’t. As a self-confessed reality TV fan I’m definitely looking forward to the change of pace Battle of the Choirs promises.

Battle of the Choirs will air on Channel Seven. There’s no official word on when it starts, but my money’s on it taking over the Tuesday night slot once Australia’s Got Talent wraps up.

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Sam Sparro Sledges Madonna

We’ve barely heard a whisper about Aussie ex-pat Sam Sparro. But the British-based singer has already become so big for his boots that he’s taking potshots at Madonna!

Apparently Sam was a little miffed his single “Black & Gold” was beaten to the number one spot on the British charts by “4 Minutes.”

He gave the Queen of Pop a royal sledging in a chat with Attitude magazine.

“You’re not young and sexy any more,” he ranted, adding that Madonna “thoughtful and mature for a while and now she’s chucked it away in a desperate attempt at being hot again. It’s a bit vile.”

But he didn’t stop there, adding “I definitely think she’s had some work done – like a recent facelift.”

Ouch! Talk about a case of sour grapes! If Sam ever hopes to make an impression on the charts, he might need to learn to pull his head in. No one likes a sore loser!

Image source: Newscom

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Gabriella Cilmi Still Tops

Go go Gabriella Cilmi! The teen sensation is still sitting pretty at the top of the ARIA singles charts with her smash hit “Sweet About Me.”

The only other Aussie to appear in the top ten singles charts is former teen queen Vanessa Amorosi. Her comeback single “Perfect” is back in at number seven this week.

The girls have also made inroads in the albums charts. Gabriella Cilmi’s Lessons to be Learned is holding steady at number two, while Vanessa Amorosi’s newie Somewhere in the Real World debuted at number four.

Sandwiched between these lovely ladies we’ve got Pete Murray’s Summer at Eureka. Usher’s new release Here I Stand pushed him from the top spot, but you can’t complain about being number three.

Apocalypso by The Presets rounds out a solid block of Aussie talent. Seven weeks after its release this massive album is at number five.

Sydney hip hop outfit The Herd has made an impressive debut. Their latest album Summerland is sitting at number seven.

Damien Leith is still hanging in the top ten with his nostalgic covers release Catch the Wind: Songs of a Generation.

Here’s what else is happening in the top 10.

Australian Top 10 Singles

  1. “Sweet About Me” – Gabriella Cilmi
  2. “4 Minutes” – Madonna feat. Justin Timberlake
  3. “No Air” – Jordin Sparks and Chris Brown
  4. “American Boy” – Estelle feat. Kanye West
  5. “Low” – Flo Rida feat. T-Pain
  6. “Take a Bow” – Rihanna
  7. “Perfect” – Vanessa Amorosi
  8. “Dream Catch Me” – Newton Faulker
  9. “Better in Time” – Leona Lewis
  10. “Love Song” – Sara Bareilles

Australian Top 10 Albums

  1. Here I Stand – Usher
  2. Lessons to be Learned – Gabriella Cilmi
  3. Summer at Eureka – Pete Murray
  4. Somewhere in the Real World – Vanessa Amorosi
  5. Apocalypso – The Presets
  6. Waltzing Matilda – Andre Rieu and Mirusia
  7. Summerland – The Herd
  8. Spirit – Leona Lewis
  9. Hard Candy – Madonna
  10. Catch the Wind: Songs of a Generation – Damien Leith
Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Rikki-Lee Goes Back to Idol

Rikki-Lee Coulter is going back to her roots and joining the Australian Idol crew. Rikki-Lee will support Andrew G and James Mathison in hosting duties.

Rikki-Lee told The Daily Telegraph she’ll interview the contestants and deliver backstage footage before and after the performances.

“I have been through what these guys will go through and came out the other end. I will be more of a mentor to them, a shoulder to cry on when they are feeling happiness, excitement, or when they are upset,” she explained.

“It’s an exciting and amazing opportunity and each year has just been getting better and better for me. Presenting is what I love to do and this is a great step forward for me.”

She’ll also be there to comfort the eliminated contestants, assuring them that you certainly don’t have to win to make it in the music biz.

“You go into Idol wanting to win, but I think I am a prime example that winning is not the end,” she said.

But don’t think all this means Ricki-Lee’s leaving music behind. She’ll head back to the studio in two weeks to begin work on her third solo album.

Image source: Erik K Veland @ Flickr 

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Kylie Turns 40

Happy birthday Kylie Minogue! The woman once dubbed The Singing Budgie has turned 40, and she’s hotter than ever.

I still remember when Kylie played Charlene on Neighbours. Was it really 20 years ago? I didn’t really appreciate her musical career at the time, but my sister was a mad fan. She had a big poster in her room of Kyles wearing some sort of hat which allowed her blond curls to spill out over the top. It was the 80s after all.

In time I’ve come to appreciate the cheesy brilliance of those early songs like “I Should Be So Lucky,” “Hand on Your Heart” and yes, even “The Locomotion.”

Since then she’s reinvented herself more times than Madonna, and like the Material Girl, Kylie still manages to top the charts all around the world. Except America, but the less said about that the better!

She’s preparing to celebrate her 40th birthday in Paris, surrounded by friends and family. Mum and Dad Minogue, little sister Danni and brother Brendan will be there alongside Michael Gudinski and other music industry colleagues.

I hope she has a wonderful time. Here’s to you Kylie!

Image source: sosodave @ Wikimedia Commons

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Lisa Mitchell’s Back in the Spotlight

It’s no secret that I’m a bit of an Australian Idol fan. One of my favourite performers was Lisa Mitchell. She was too shy and too uncomfortable with the Idol format to ever progress very far in the comp, but what she did was enough to stick in the minds of music lovers like myself.

Far away from the glare of the Idol stage Lisa Mitchell has been quietly working away at her music. And it looks like it’s finally paying off. She scored a record deal with Scorpio Music and she’s currently in London recording her debut album. She’ll work with British producer Ant White, known for his work with Arctic Monkeys and M.I.A., on the release. She’s also written some songs with Clare Bowditch and Kevin “Bob Evans” Mitchell, but she’s unsure whether they’ll make the final cut.

“Some people just write you off after being on Australian Idol, but working with credible artists kind of makes people less doubtful,” she told The Sunday Telegraph.

“I am kind of sick of trying to work out what the album is going to be like because you never know until you get in the studio.”

Her EP, Welcome to the Afternoon, will hit shelves on Saturday to tide fans over. The four-track disc was produced by Evermore’s Dan Hume.

“The first track [‘See You When You Get Here’] is a lot darker than maybe my other songs,” she said. “All the tracks are really different – it is really varied.”

Image source: Toby Forage @ Flickr