Category: News

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

10 Aussie Artists I Wouldn’t Trade Places With If You Paid Me

It probably comes as no surprise to you that the passionate writers in the b5media music channel would secretly love to trade places with our musical idols. I’m completely tone-deaf, but give me a SingStar and I can easily pretend I’m not. Of course we all know being a big star isn’t all glitz and glamour. There are plenty of musicians I wouldn’t trade places with as a bet. This post is dedicated to them.

Dannii Minogue
Fancy being “the other Minogue.” She’s lived in Kylie’s shadow all her life, with inferior pop songs, uglier boyfriends, and dodgier plastic surgery. Even the nice judge gigs on Australia’s Got Talent and the British X Factor couldn’t make the public like her!

Natalie Gauci
Beautiful girl, talented girl, but I wouldn’t be Natalie for quids. It seems like the poor thing won Idol just as everyone was getting over it. It’s a real shame because despite her brilliance, she’s always going to be that girl that won a reality TV show and didn’t sell a lot of albums.

Casey Donovan
While we’re talking of Australian Idol winners, I can’t go past Casey Donavan. Despite winning the competition she really didn’t have it easy, did she? While the media fawned all over Anthony Callea, the only comments about Casey were snarky remarks about her weight! Being a teenager’s hard enough – I’m glad I haven’t gone through what Casey has!

Wolfmother
Yes they won a Grammy, managed to tour the world, and their fans love them. But I reckon all that adulation must be pretty hollow when you know your music’s unoriginal. Surely they realise bands like Led Zep and Black Sabbath did exactly what they’re doing now, and they did it a zillion times better. That’s got to burn.

The Young Divas
They remain tight-lipped about it, but can you imagine how it must feel to be a Young Diva now? Your mate Ricki-Lee leaves you in the lurch and scores international record deals while you’re still singing disco covers and playing RSLs.

Nikki Webster
Try as she might, Nikki Webster will always be that annoying kid from the Olympic Games opening ceremony. She can strip off for FHM and she can vamp it up in Rent but it’s never going to give her an ounce of real cred.

Shannon Birchall and Michael Barker
Who? Exactly. You might know Shannon and Michael better as “the other guys” from the John Butler Trio. These lads are incredibly talented in their own right, but do you think anyone ever asks them for their autographs? It’s got to suck to be in one of the hottest bands in the country but be virtually invisible.

Delta Goodrem
Now like a whole lot of Australians, I love Delta. But I’d never want to trade places with her. I just couldn’t deal with the pressure of being Australia’s sweetheart. I truly believe she’s as pure as she seems, but if it were me I’d be dying for a boozy night out.

Mahalia Barnes
Mahalia’s another one of the super talented ladies on my list. But she’s here because I’ve gone to see Mahalia with my husband and some male friends. And I know exactly how much time men spend appreciating her music and how much time men spend drooling over her. I’ve got to tell you, a lot more of the latter goes on.

Paul Kelly
I’d love to have his talent, but I’m far too vain to ever want to trade places with him. As brilliant as he is, Paul’s not the most attractive guy. And let’s face it, if you’re too ugly for groupies why would you want to be a musician?

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Michael Bublé Show a Valentine’s Day Treat

Few performers make me swoon like Canadian crooner Michael Bublé. All that vintage charm is so incredibly romantic, and I’ve always been a sucker for a man in a suit.

Aussie audiences will have to wait until May to catch the man himself, but Perth men can score some major brownie points by taking their ladies to see Earl Cole’s Michael Bublé tribute show this Valentine’s Day.

Earl is known as Perth’s finest crooner, so he’s sure to do justice to Michael’s big hits including “Home,” “Fever,” “Everything,” “Sway” and more.

But the show’s not just about impressing the women. The Earl Cole Dancers will give the men some eye candy too.

Earl Cole’s Michael Bublé tribute show will play at 7:30 pm at Cicconi’s on Cambridge (353 Cambridge Street, Wembley). Tickets cost $75, and they include a romantic three-course meal and bubbly on arrival. You can book a table by calling Cicconi’s on (08) 9383 7888.

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Jackie Orszaczky Loses Cancer Fight

Bass guitarist extraordinaire Jackie Orszaczky passed away on Sunday morning following a long battle with cancer.

Jackie was born in Hungary in 1948. He relocated to Australia in 1974. On his arrival, he played bass with the 70s band Bakery and led Marcia Hines’ band.

Jackie was embraced by the local music scene and became one of the most prominent session musicians in Australia. He worked with a diverse collection of artists including The Whitlams, Savage Garden, You Am I, Leonardo’s Bride, Hoodoo Gurus, and Grinspoon.

Fans can remember Jackie at an upcoming private celebration. Details of this public ceremony are still being finalised.

As for the music, that’s not over just yet. A new trio album, featuring Dave Symes and Hamish Stuart, will be released on Vitamin Records later this year.

Here’s a great video of Jackie playing Ray Charles’ “Lonely Avenue.” Enjoy!

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Spice Girls Cancel Aussie Show

Sorry kids. It looks like the Spice Girls won’t visit Australia after all. Emma, Geri, Mel B, Mel C, and Victoria have decided to wrap up their world tour at the end of the month.

Their last performance will be in Toronto on February 26, leaving China, South America, South Africa, and Australia out in the cold.

“We’ve had such an amazing time over the last three months,” the girls said in a statement. “It’s been incredible being back together and seeing our fans again. We want to thank everyone who came to see us. It was all so mad the first time round, so we’ve really been able to appreciate it properly this time.

“There have been so many highlights and good times that we know it will be hard to be apart after Toronto. Really sorry if we didn’t get to see you this time round. We all have other commitments in our lives now but who knows what will happen next.”

There are rumours buzzing around that poor ticket sales and high ticket prices are behind the tour’s early end, but I’m not so sure. I know plenty of people who signed up for the ticket ballot, and I’m sure they’re going to be crushed.

The statement doesn’t discount further reunions sometime down the track so who knows? I’ll keep my fingers crossed for all your Aussie Spice Girls fans!

Image source: Martinrp @ Flickr

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Olivia Newton-John Comes Out for Mardi Gras

Sydney’s Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras always ends on a high, and this year’s 30th-anniversary party is no exception. This year’s special guest performer is none other than our very own Olivia Newton-John.

Livvy’s always relished her status as a gay icon, so it’s lovely to see her headlining this year’s event.

According to Same Same, fans can look forward to plenty of sexy back-up dancers and a crowd-pleasing song. My money’s on something old school like “Xanadu” or “Physical.” Whatever she plays, I’m sure it’ll be fabulous!

The Mardi Gras 30th Anniversary Party is at the Hordern Pavilion on March 1. Tickets are available for $150 from Ticketek. Sorry kids – this is an adults-only event!

Image source: Olivia Newton-John press photos

Image source: John Matthew Smith @ www.celebrity-photos.com @ Wikimedia Commons

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

She’s Back! Tarisai Takes the Stage

Thought you’d seen the last of Australian Idol alum Tarisai Vushe? I know I had, but it seems this pint-sized pop diva is determined to make it in the music industry. She’s handpicked a star-studded backing band, and is currently preparing for her first big gig at Parramatta’s Roxy on March 8, supporting Malaika.

Tarisai will play alongside Brad Carr (The Choirboys), Peter Bilney (The Normie Rowe Band), Pat Frisina (Brave’n’Crazy), Stephen Short (Hump), Jack Demerjian (Arax), and Oles Yurakov (Bandolero).

“I just needed a band for my life shows. They’re really experienced and really committed,” Tarisai told The Daily Telegraph.

“Kids are awesome, but I just really wanted commitment and serious people.”

Tarisai and Band perform blues, roots, and old style rock music including covers and originals. Tickets for Tarisai and Malaika will be available soon from The Roxy.

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Gabriella Cilmi Wows Brits

She may be just 16 years old, but Gabriella Cilmi is hot stuff. The Aussie teen has just signed a major deal with Island Records, the label that gave U2 and Bob Marley their start.

My British readers may have already heard her debut single “Sweet About Me,” which just hit UK radio. She also recently became the first unknown singer to appear on the BBC’s Later with Jools Holland, a massive show which normally books the likes of Radiohead and Kylie. Gabriella’s currently touring the United Kingdom supporting Nouvelle Vague.

It may seem like all the buzz about Gabriella has happened overnight, but nothing could be farther from the truth. She was discovered in Melbourne by Festival Mushroom Records (now Warner Music) when she was just 12. They developed her talent, and the rest is history.

“I remember we were all called in to listen to her sing when she was 12 or 13,” a Warner Music spokesperson told The Sydney Morning Herald. “She sounded like she had the voice of a 30-year-old. It was just incredible.”

Aussies will get a chance to see Gabriella do her thing when she returns home for a promo tour in late March.

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Carla’s an Oz Music Scene Winner!

Carla Emmons from Pennsylvania is the lucky winner of my Tin Alley competition. Carla has won a copy of Tin Alley’s debut album, Every Turn.

Carla said she wanted the CD because “Any album with a song called ‘Polar Bear’ must be awesome!”

Congratulations Carla! And a big thank you to everyone who entered the competition. I hope to have something new to give to my loyal readers soon!

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Faker’s Nathan Hudson Reveals He’s Gay

Faker lead singer Nathan Hudson set the record straight about his sexuality in this weekend’s Sunday Magazine. Nathan told the magazine he hopes his admission will make young gay teens feel comfortable with their sexuality.

“My association with being gay was that it was bad and dark and not good for you. I had trouble finding people to look up to,” he said.

“I’m happy to talk about being gay for that kid in the suburbs who’s 15 and scared.”

It’s refreshing to hear someone speak so openly and candidly, especially from the macho world of alternative rock. I hope Nathan’s right and his words can inspire young people struggling with their own sexuality.

Image source: Wikimedia Commons

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Lee Kernaghan Victorious in Tamworth

Fresh from his Australian of the Year win, Lee Kernaghan cleaned up at the 2008 Golden Guitars.

His fundraising song “Spirit of the Bush,” recorded with fellow country artists Adam brand and Steve Forde, won single of the year, vocal collaboration of the year, and video clip of the year at the Country Music Awards of Australia.

Lee has now won 27 Golden Guitars. His hero Slim Dusty won 37 in his career, but Lee has no desire to better the country great.

“Nobody will ever overtake the king,” he told Adelaide Now. “There is only one king of Australian music and that’s Slim … he’s an Australian hero.

It was also a great night for Lee’s bandmate Adam Brand. He was named Oz artist of the year for the second year in a row.

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