Category: News

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

The Veronicas Prepare to be Slimed

Australia’s powerhouse pop duo, The Veronicas, will host the country’s most lighthearted awards show, the 2007 Nickelodeon Kids Choice Awards.

But don’t expect the pretty pair to don expensive designer clothes. They know they’re likely to leave the event dripping in green slime.

“I think it’s kind of a given as hosts that we’ll get slimed so we can prepare ourselves for that,” Jess Origliasso told AAP. “I think we get to slime other people as well so that makes up for it.”

Jess is also relishing the opportunity to attend the ceremony for the first time. While The Veronicas took out three awards last year, they were unable to attend due to recording and touring commitments.

“We were really bummed we couldn’t make it, so it’s great to be able to host this year,” she added.

The Nickelodeon Kids Choice Awards hits the Sydney Entertainment Centre on October 10.

Image source: Joel Telling @ Flickr

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Another Homecoming Tour for Kylie?

It was only six months ago that Kylie Minogue wowed Aussie audiences with her Showgirl Homecoming tour, but word is that she’ll be back before the end of the year.

Kylie is rumoured to announce her Aussie tour at a special 20th anniversary party in London tomorrow. The party is set to be a star-studded affair, with Jason Donovan, Michael Gudinski, and Parisi all planning to attend.

Can you believe it’s been 20 years since Kyles exploded onto the global music scene with her cover of Little Eva’s “Locomotion”? It’s enough to make a blogger feel old!

An Aussie tour announcement is expected shortly after the party, so stay tuned!

Image source: Kyprithasina/Wikimedia Commons

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Good Charlotte Sells Phones

American punksters Good Charlotte will get up close and personal with some very special mobile phone owners when they visit Sydney in October.

Fans who purchase selected Motorola mobiles from Optus stores could win their way into the exclusive showcase. Only 600 guests will be allowed to attend.

With Good Charlotte selling oodles of albums these days, this is one of the only ways punters will see the band in such intimate surrounds.

“We can’t wait to get down to Australia and play this show for Motorola and Optus,” spruiked the group’s lead singer, Joel Madden. “It’s going to be cool for our fans to come and see us play in a smaller place than usual. It should be a pretty special evening.”

Image source: Adrian Perez @ Flickr.com

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Neighbours Goes Music Mad

Ramsey Street is looking set to become Australia’s music capital. Yesterday we heard that Dean Geyer will join the cast of Neighbours. Now it seems that several high profile Australian acts will also appear on the soapie in coming months.

Taking their inspiration from American comedy Ally McBeal, Neighbours will transform its revamped bar Charlie’s into a live-music venue. Dean’s Australian Idol rival, Damien Leith, his Australian Idol judge Marcia Hines (are we noticing a theme?), Robyn Loau, Amy Pearson, and Human Nature are all scheduled to appear in the coming months.

All this buzz about music seems to have rubbed off on Neighbours starlet Caitlin Stasey. The young actress, who plays Rachel Kinski, hopes to launch her own singing career.

Hey, it worked for Kylie Minogue, Natalie Imbruglia, and Delta Goodrem. However, for every superstar Neighbours produces, there’s always a Holly Valance or Stephanie McIntosh.

Caitlin told The Sunday Telegraph, “I’d love to do something along the lines of Joni Mitchell, or I’d love to be in a band like a No Doubt thing.”

That’s some combination! However, before we dismiss young Caitlin’s dreams as the aspirations of just another soapie star, consider this. She actually writes her own music and plays the guitar. That’s got to put her ahead of the game.

Image source: Eva Powell @ Flickr.com

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Natalie Bassingthwaighte Enjoys On-Screen Lesbian Romp

Former Neighbours star and Rogue Traders frontwoman Natalie Bassingthwaighte has returned to her acting roots with a role that’s sure to please her legions of male fans. Nat plays a doctor with lesbian tendencies in a new indie horror film, Prey.

However, word is that a particularly pervy scene, where she showers while her female costar watches, may end up on the cutting room floor.

“I hope not!” she told The Herald Sun at the Neighbours relaunch party.

I’m sure most men around the world are crossing their fingers right along with her.

Still on the subject of Australia’s favourite soap: Australian Idol heartthrob, Dean Geyer, is moving to Ramsey Street. Dean will play an aspiring musician, a role that sounds very similar to Delta Goodrem’s Nina Tucker. Dean can only hope the role does as much for his singing career as it did for hers!

Whether it sends the South African stunner to the top of the charts remains to be seen. However, as Neighbours is definitely lacking male eye candy these days, Dean’s inclusion should be a ratings winner.

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Sarah Blasko Signs U.S. Record Deal

One of my favourite Aussie songbirds, Sarah Blasko is set to make waves in the United States. Her top ten album, What The Sea Wants, The Sea Will Have will be released through Low Altitude Recordings in September.

Americans may remember the quirky songstress from her U.S. performances supporting Ray LaMontagne, James Blunt and Martha Wainwright.

Sarah will spend August to October in New York to promote the album’s release. Before jetting off though, she’ll wind up her Amazing Things tour with shows in Victoria, New South Wales, Queensland, and the Northern Territory. This is a great opportunity for Aussie fans to wish Sarah luck before she heads to the Big Apple. All the dates and venues are on Sarah’s official website.

What the Sea Wants, The Sea Will Have will hit American stores on September 11.

Image source: kingArthur_aus @ Flickr.com

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Big Names Join Kylie for New Release

The internet is abuzz with talk of Kylie Minogue’s next album, the pop princess’ first since recovering from breast cancer.

Early reports confirm Ms Minogue has already collaborated with dance sensations, Scissor Sisters and Sneaky Sound System.

It’s not the first time the lads from the Scissor Sister’s have worked with Kylie. Jake Shears and Babydaddy co-wrote her monster 2004 single “I Believe In You,” and they’re doing their best to replicate this success.

“We definitely work her really hard in the studio, from midday to midnight – although sometimes we pepper it with a shopping trip in between,” Jake Shears told The Daily Mirror.

Although the Scissor Sister’s frontman is unsure what tracks, if any, will make it on to the final release.

“We’ve written songs with her that are ridiculous and may never see the light of day. We’ve also written songs with her that I think are amazing but they may never see the light of day either.”

Sneaky Sound System are also hopeful Kylie’s album will feature their synth-pop song, “I Want Everything.”

If you believe the rumours, the album will be called Kylie X and released at the end of the year. It may also contain some choice cover versions, including Culture Club’s “Victims” and Roxy Music’s “Love is the Drug.”

Image source: Sport the Library @ Wikimedia Commons

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Eskimo Joe Head Stateside

Eskimo Joe are the latest Aussie sensation to land a US record deal. The Perth indie rockers will head to America next month to celebrate their international success.

Alternative record label Ryko will release the group’s award-winning album, Black Fingernails, Red Wine, in September. The album’s spawned four massive singles in Australia, and should do big things in the States.

Eskimo Joe will kick off their brief US tour in New Orleans on August 10, before visiting New York, Philadelphia, Brooklyn, Los Angeles, and San Francisco. See their website for all the tour details.

Black Fingernails, Red Wine will hit American record stores on September 25.

Image source: Chrisjtse @ Flickr.com

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Operator Please Plans Global Assault

The Brits are going wild for Brisbane’s bubble gum punksters, Operator Please.

The Aussie quintet has just been added to the lineup for next month’s Reading and Leeds festivals. Their hyperactive single “Just a Song About Ping Pong” has also been added to London’s BBC Radio 1 and XFM playlists.

But these Aussie teens are no overnight success story. They’ve been perfecting their bluegrass-tinged punk since they won their school’s battle of the bands comp in 2005.

Perez Hilton also named Operator Please his “favourite new band.” With the backing of this influential tabloid blogger, world domination may be just around the corner.

Image source: Michael Spencer @ Flickr.com

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Anthony Callea Gives Theatre a Try

As if “The Prayer” wasn’t demanding enough, pint-sized pop star Anthony Callea plans to take up a new challenge. He’s signed on to join the cast of the acclaimed opera, Dead Man Walking.

This is Anthony’ first live theatre role, and despite some early jitters he’s looking forward to the experience.

“I was unsure at first,” he told the Sydney Star Observer. “It’s not one of the lead roles, but I have a few lines and sing a few songs. I’ve always wanted to do a musical – I’m throwing myself in.”

The stage production, based on the Academy Award winning film and award-winning biography, will run from September 27 at Sydney’s State Theatre. But before that, Anthony will kick off his New Chapter tour in Rooty Hill on Friday.

Image source: Eva Rinaldi Celebrity and Live Music Photographer @ Flickr.com