Category: News

Brisbane indie rockers Chasing Gravity have been creating serious buzz thanks to their catchy melodies and topical songs.

They haven’t seeped into the mainstream consciousness just yet, but it’s only a matter of time. These guys have built a huge live following, packing out venues around the country and making an impact on the American touring circuit.

Chasing Gravity’s debut album Autumn in the Platinum Desert will hit shelves on 8 April 2008. They’ll travel all around the country to support the release. Make sure you check out these lads doing what they do best when they visit your home town.

Catch Chasing Gravity at the following venues.

3 April 2008 – Tannum Sands Hotel
10 & 11 April 2008 – Overlander, Mount Isa
12 April 2008 – Barkly Hotel, Mount Isa
14 April 2008 – Paddy Shenanigans Irish Bar, Airlie Beach
18 April 2008 – Sunflower Music instore appearance, Broadbeach
19 April 2008 – Skinny’s Music instore appearance, Brisbane
24 April 2008 – Bald Face Stag, Sydney
25 April 2008 – Green Room, Canberra
27 April 2008 – The Evelyn, Melbourne
1 May 2008 – Irish Murphy’s, Hobart
2 May 2008 – Republic Bar & Café, Hobart
3 May 2008 – The James Hotel, Hobart
8 May 2008 – Fowlers Live, Adelaide
9 May 2008 – The Rocket Room, Perth
16 May 2008 – The Rock Inn, Kalgoorlie

One of my favourite Australian Idol graduates is going to be a daddy! Bobby Flynn let the exciting news slip in an interview with ABC entertainment blog The Shallow End.

“I’m going to be a father this year … it’s halfway now,” he said. “I haven’t really been telling the media or anything like that, but it’s fantastic news.”

It sure is! Congratulations Bobby!

Life’s set to get a lot bit easier for The Mess Hall after they took out this year’s Australian Music Prize. The duo beat out nine other artists including New Buffalo and Architecture in Helsinki to take out the $25, 000 prize.

Singer and guitarist Jed Kurzel told AAP the band are unsure how they will spend the money.

“We could spend it on making another record, or we could spend it going overseas, which we’ve been wanting to do,” he said.

Winning the Australian Music Prize is a great way for one of Australia’s hottest up and coming blues rock outfits to start a bumper year. In April The Mess Hall will support the Foo Fighters on their Aussie tour, before headlining their own local gigs.

I’ve got some good news for my David Campbell loving American readers. Australia’s swing king says he plans to crack the US market. He will head to the United States later this year for shows in Las Vegas and New York City. He’s also considering trying his luck with some shows in London.

David knows how competitive the American scene is after spending time trying to make it on Broadway in the early 90s.

“When I was there before, I was still learning about who I was,” he told The Sunday Telegraph. “So while I was hyped up and it was good for a time, it was doomed to break down and force me to come home to reevaluate who I wanted to be.

“I don’t know if they’ll [American audiences] accept me, but I think I know what I am doing now.”

Anyone who’s caught his latest Aussie shows can attest to that. The Yankees are in for a real treat.

Superstar and sweetheart Kylie Minogue has signed an adorable teddy bear to help raise money for sick kids. The bear is currently being auctioned on eBay ahead of Westmead Children’s Hospital’s annual fundraiser, Bandaged Bear Day.

Funds raised in the auction will help the hospital purchase medical equipment and conduct further research into children diseases and disorders.

Bears signed by Hollywood heavyweights Nicole Kidman and the late Heath Ledger are also being auctioned by the hospital. But get your bids in quick! All the auctions end on Saturday morning.

Muse are one of the biggest bands on the planet right now. Last July they played for 150, 000 fans in two massive sold-out shows at London’s Wembley Stadium. These historic gigs were captured for the release of Muse’s latest CD/DVD set, Haarp.

It’s released on March 22, but Sydney fans can get a sneak peek thanks to Warner Music Australia. Warner, in conjunction with MySpace and Greater Union, are giving away tickets to a special preview screening. It will be held at Greater Union’s G-Max cinema on March 17 at 6:30 pm. G-Max cinemas are definitely the way to watch this show, with a giant 20 metre screen, crystal clear sound, and luxurious plush seats.

To win one of 200 passes e-mail Warner at rsvp.sydney@warnermusic.com by Thursday 13 March and tell them you want to be on the guest list. Too easy!

Aussie promoter extraordinaire Michael Chugg has taken out The Bottle Award at the International Live Music Conference Arthur Awards in London.

The prize honours Chuggie’s contribution to live music. And what a contribution it is. His team are currently working on 40 tours around Australia, including the Blues and Roots festivals and country music festival in Thredbo.

“I’m very proud. I came all the way to London to celebrate 20 years of this fantastic event. I always enjoy coming to ILMC and having the opportunity to see all of these great people in the business in one place at one time. I’m truly honoured to be have been recognised by people who are not only my peers, but also great friends who know and love this crazy business as much as I do,” Michael Chugg said.

“I also have to recognise the great team of people behind me. A lifetime achievement award comes with a lifetime of great partners and associates. They keep the business together, keep me excited and just as I do, always strive to create magic.”