Category: News

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

5 Seconds of Summer Top Singles & Albums Charts With Youngblood

An Australian act hasn’t held the number one position on the ARIA singles and albums charts since Gotye was sitting pretty with “Somebody That I Used to Know” and Making Mirrors in August 2011. This week 5 Seconds in Summer become only the 33rd local act to achieve the feat with their single “Youngblood” enjoying its fifth week at number one and the album of the same name shooting to the top of the charts on debut.

“I Said Hi” by Amy Shark is the only other act in the top 10 this week. Her latest single has slipped three positions to land at number nine this week.

Top 10 Albums
1. Youngblood – 5 Seconds of Summer
2. The Greatest Showman – Soundtrack
3. Beerbongs & Bentleys – Post Malone
4. ÷ – Ed Sheeran
5. ? – XXXTentacion
6. Everything is Love – The Carters
7. Only Human – Calum Scott
8. Shawn Mendes – Shawn Mendes
9. Liberation – Christina Aguilera
10. ye – Kanye West

Top 10 Singles
1. “Youngblood” – 5 Seconds of Summer
2. “Girls Like You” – Maroon 5 feat. Cardi B
3. “Better Now” – Post Malone
4. “2002” – Anne-Marie
5. “No Tears Left to Dry” – Ariana Grande
6. “Back to You” – Selena Gomez
7. “One Kiss” – Calvin Harris & Dua Lipa
8. “Sad” – XXXTentacion
9. “I Said Hi” – Amy Shark
10. “Love Lies” – Khalid & Normani

Image used with permission from Revolutions per Minute

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Sing With Katie Noonan and Teddy Tahu Rhodes

Have you ever wanted to sing with Katie Noonan or Teddy Tahu Rhodes? The Queensland Music Festival (QMF) is giving you the chance!

QMF is assembling a choir of singers to join the talented vocalists, and musical director Dr. Johnathon Welch (Choir of Hard Knocks), at its upcoming Voices of Remembrance concerts in Toowoomba and Cairns. Interested choirs or individuals can apply to be part of these events at the QMF website until June 29.

“This concert will help everyone reconnect with moving stories from the First World War and celebrate the peace that came with the signing of the Armistice,” explained Katie, who’s currently serving as QMF’s artistic director.

If like me your vocal chords aren’t blessed, you can still catch these special Armistice Day shows in Toowoomba on November 9 and Cairns on November 10. Tickets will be free, although you’ll need to book them through the QMF site later this year.

Image used with permission from Agency North

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Mirabel Foundation Assembles Amazing Line-Up For 20th Birthday Party

For the last 20 years, the Mirabel Foundation has helped children orphaned or abandoned as a result of parental drug abuse. They are still the only organisation in this country dedicated to this vital work. That makes their milestone birthday a reason to celebrate, and they’re bringing some of Australia’s best musicians together for the party.

The Mirabel Foundation’s star-studded birthday bash will feature performances from Paul Kelly, Deborah Conway, Mark Seymour and Cameron McKenzie, Ross Wilson, Vika and Linda Bull, Clare Bowditch, Dave Larking, Davey Lane, Benny Walker, Dan Kelly, Bill McDonald, and Pete Luscombe and Clio Renner from the RocKwiZ band. Brian Nankervis will host the event which is sure to be an absolute cracker.

It all goes down at the Prince of Wales in St Kilda on July 6. Tickets are an absolute steal at $70 plus booking fee. Get yours before they’re all gone to support this amazing cause!

Image used with permission from Chrissie Vincent Publicity

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

5SOS and Sheppard Make It an Aussie Double on the ARIA Charts

I honestly can’t remember the last time we saw Aussie acts on top of the albums and singles charts. But this week we’ve been supporting our own, keeping 5 Seconds of Summer at number one on the singles charts with “Youngblood” and propelling Sheppard to number one on debut with their sophomore album Watching the Sky. This is 5SOS’s fourth consecutive week at number one with their new album’s title track. That album dropped on Friday. Expect it to make a big impact on the charts next week. Meanwhile, Watching the Sky is Sheppard’s first number one album, and the fifth Aussie album release to top the charts this year.

Amy Shark is holding steady on the singles charts, staying at the number six spot with “I Said Hi.” This track has been getting a truckload of airplay at the moment, so I wouldn’t be surprised if it climbs a little higher next week.

The Presets are the only other Aussie act on the charts. Their latest album Hi Viz is at number nine this week, after debuting in the fifth position last week.

Top 10 Albums
1. Watching the Sky – Sheppard
2. Beerbongs & Bentleys – Post Malone
3. The Greatest Showman – Soundtrack
4. Kids See Ghosts – Kids See Ghosts
5. ÷ – Ed Sheeran
6. ye – Kanye West
7. Shawn Mendes – Shawn Mendes
8. No Shame – Lily Allen
9. Hi Viz – The Presets
10. X – Ed Sheeran

Top 10 Singles
1. “Youngblood” – 5 Seconds of Summer
2. “Better Now” – Post Malone
3. “Girls Like You” – Maroon 5 feat. Cardi B
4. “Back to You” – Selena Gomez
5. “One Kiss” – Calvin Harris & Dua Lipa
6. “I Said Hi” – Amy Shark
7. “No Tears Left to Dry” – Ariana Grande
8. “2002” – Anne-Marie
9. “Love Lies” – Khalid & Normani
10. “All Mine” – Kanye West

Image used with permission from Revolutions per Minute

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Opera Stars Headline Opera Romance in Brisbane

Queenslanders can enjoy a little culture at the QPAC’s Lyric Theatre on June 28, when Opera Queensland stages its very special one-off concert Opera Romance.

Acclaimed vocalists Antoinette Halloran and Rosario La Spina will headline the event which promises soaring arias, stunning duets, and the opportunity to hear more about the lives and passions of these revered entertainers. They’ll be joined on stage by members of Opera Queensland’s Open Stage Community Chorus.

Tickets are available now through the Opera Queensland website. At just $69 plus booking fee, they’re an absolute steal.

Image used with permission from Agency North

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

A Passion for Wildlife Inspires Mad Cactus’ New Single “Big Game”

Adelaide-based alternative rock act Mad Cactus might not be a household name just yet, but they’re creating music with all the confidence of a band that’s already struck it big. I’m really digging their latest single “Big Game.” It’s got everything you want in a rock track: big chords, plenty of hooks, and a powerful vocal performance from frontman Tim Mellonie.

He explained how the track looks to raise awareness of the importance of conserving our planet’s animal species, particularly wild rhinos.

“Wildlife conservation is something I’m very passionate about and consumes a huge chunk of my life outside of Mad Cactus. As a keeper working at one of Australia’s largest zoological parks, a strong conservation message was bound to come through somewhere in the music. Throughout my career, I’ve had the unique opportunity to work closely with a range of rare and endangered species including the Southern white rhino. I wanted to do something a little different with our song Big Game. I wanted to help raise awareness regarding the plight of wild rhinoceros and expose some of the brutality that comes with the trade of rhino horn.”

“Big Game” comes from Mad Cactus’ debut eight-track album Thirteen Dogs. Get your hands on it and enjoy some amazing tunes when Mad Cactus launch Thirteen Dogs for hometown fans at The Ed Castle Hotel on June 15.

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

5 Seconds of Summer Break Aussie Singles Drought With “Youngblood”

It’s taken nearly two years, but we’ve finally got another Aussie act on the top of the singles charts. 5 Seconds of Summer are sitting pretty with “Youngblood,” their second number one following “She Looks So Perfect.” We haven’t seen an Aussie act at number one on the singles charts since The Veronicas did it in July 2016 with “In My Blood.”

Could Amy Shark be the next Australian act to top the singles chart? She’s sitting at number eight, one spot higher than last week, with “I Said Hi.”

Post Malone is back on top of the albums charts with Beerbongs & Bentleys, denying Courtney Barnett a number one on debut. Her new album Tell Me How You Really Feel sits at number two, her highest chart position after her debut album peaked at number four and her collaboration with Kurt Vile hit number five.

Keith Urban is the only other Aussie in this week’s top ten. His new album Graffiti U sits at number seven this week, four down on its debut last week.

Top 10 Albums
1. Beerbongs & Bentleys – Post Malone
2. Tell Me How You Really Feel – Courtney Barnett
3. The Greatest Showman – Soundtrack
4. And Justice for None – Five Finger Death Punch
5. ÷ – Ed Sheeran
6. Love Yourself: 轉 ‘Tear’ – BTS
7. Graffiti U – Keith Urban
8. Tranquility Base Hotel & Casino – Arctic Monkeys
9. Deadpool 2 – Soundtrack
10. Evolve – Imagine Dragons

Top 10 Singles
1. “Youngblood” – 5 Seconds of Summer
2. “Better Now” – Post Malone
3. “This is America” – Childish Gambino
4. “One Kiss” – Calvin Harris & Dua Lipa
5. “Nice for What” – Drake
6. “No Tears Left to Dry” – Ariana Grande
7. “Love Lies” – Khalid & Normani
8. “I Said Hi” – Amy Shark
9. “Psycho” – Post Malone feat. Ty Dolla $ign
10. “2002” – Anne-Marie

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

CLIPPED Music Video Festival Heads to Redfern for Vivid

Vivid is always such an exciting time in Sydney, but with the arts festival celebrating its 10th year you can bet this one will be big. One of the highlights of the 2018 celebrations for music lovers is the CLIPPED Music Video Festival.

This unique event celebrates the past, present, and future of music videos through interactive exhibitions, competitions, live performances, VR explorations, and heaps more. Acclaimed music video director Jesse Kanda, known for his work with Björk, FKA Twigs, and Arca, will appear alongside out own Sarah Blasko, McLean Stephenson, and ABC Rage curator Tyson Koh.

“I’m so proud that CLIPPED is heading into our third year as part of Vivid Sydney. It’s a beautiful city and an amazing time to hold such a unique event, now well known for putting a spotlight on the best music videos from Australian & New Zealand.’ says CLIPPED Festival Director Sam Bright.

The CLIPPED Music Video Festival hits Carriageworks in Redfern on June 2. Tickets are availabl now from the CLIPPED Music Video Festival website.

Image used with permission from Inmocean; Photo credit: Kylie Coutts

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

RIP Paul Gray

I was saddened to wake up this morning to the news of Paul Gray’s passing. The Wa Wa Nee frontman lost his battle with myeloma, a type of blood cancer.

With his band Wa Wa Nee, Paul tore up the charts with tracks like “Stimulation” and “I Could Make You Love Me.” I wasn’t so familiar with his music at the time; my dad was more likely to blast Cold Chisel and Midnight Oil than ’80s pop. But I’ve seen him and his band countless times at various ’80s music celebrations. He was such a champion for the music of that era. He’d play a Wa Wa Nee set, but then settle in as part of the house band, a big smile on his face leaving no doubt about his excitement at playing cheesy 80s music with some of the biggest names in the business. Sometimes Wa Wa Nee didn’t even get a slot on the bill, but there he was. He didn’t need the spotlight; he just loved the music.

My husband snapped this photo at the Absolutely ’80s gig at the Enmore a few years back. That’s how I’m going to remember him: keytar strapped on, relishing the chance to play for fans who connected with this music as much as he did. Thanks for the memories Paul Gray.

Image source: own photo

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Drew McAlister and Melinda Schneider Perform For Voice Awareness Month Charity Shows

Most of us probably take our voices for granted. I’m not one of them. I tend to get badly affected by cigarette smoke and my voice suffers for a few days after concerts where people smoke. About a year ago the problem was so bad that I lost my voice for several weeks. When I say that, I don’t mean my voice was squeaky or rough. I mean that literally no sound would escape my lips. I’d rely on notes and pointing at things. I was sure the problem would improve on its own, but it took me swallowing my pride and getting to the doctors for a course of prednisone to sort things out. I know I’m lucky, because my problem was only temporary, but it gave me a unique insight into what life might be like if I had no voice. So I’m a big believer in the work the Australian Dysphonia Network does, especially during April, which is Voice Awareness Month. The Australian Dysphonia Network will stage two concerts this year during the celebrations.

First there’s Voices in the Valley at the Q Theatre in the Joan Sutherland Performing Arts Centre. Held April 7, the show will feature professional musicians, including World Voice Day ambassador Drew McAlister, and community members. Tickets cost $25 per person, or $20 for concession holders, and are available from the Joan Sutherland Performing Arts Centre.

On April 29, the celebrations head north for Hunter in Harmony at the Newcastle Conservatorium of Music. World Voice Day ambassador Melinda Schneider will appear at this show hosted by acclaimed performer Francine Bell. Tickets are $35 per person, or $25 for concession holders. Get yours from the Eventbrite page.

All money raised by both events will help The Australian Dysphonia Network raise awareness of voice issues and fund research into early diagnosis and management.

Image used with permission from AAA Entertainment