Category: News

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Anthony Callea Back on Top of Albums Charts

It seems I’m not the only one who thinks Anthony Callea’s new album Backbone is pretty amazing. It’s debuted at number one on the ARIA charts this week, giving Anthony his second number one album 11 years after the release of his self-titled debut.

Backbone unseated last week’s number one, Skeleton Tree by Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds, which is now at number three.

Divas and Demons, the sophomore album from Melbourne rapper REMI, rounds out the top 10 albums.

Meanwhile on the singles charts, Sia’s collaboration with Kendrick Lamar, “The Greatest,” is at number four. After nearly three months on the charts, “Papercuts” by Illy featuring Vera Blue is at number 10. Talk about staying power!

Take a closer look at this week’s top 10.

Top 10 Albums
1. Backbone – Anthony Callea
2. Suicide Squad: The Album – Soundtrack
3. Skeleton Tree – Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds
4. My Dear Companion: Selections From the Trio Collection – Dolly Parton, Linda Ronstadt, and Emmylou Harris
5. Hard II Love – Usher
6. Encore: Movie Partners Sing Broadway – Barbra Streisand
7. Bridget Jones’s Baby – Soundtrack
8. 25 – Adele
9. Mount Ninji and da Nice Time Kid – Die Antwoord
10. Divas and Demons – REMI

Top 10 Singles
1. “Closer” – The Chainsmokers feat. Halsey
2. “Dancing on my Own” – Calum Scott
3. “Side to Side” – Ariana Grande feat. Nicki Minaj
4. “The Greatest” – Sia feat. Kendrick Lamar
5. “Starving” – Hailee Steinfeld
6. “Heathens” – Twenty One Pilots
7. “Let Me Love You” – DJ Snake feat. Justin Bieber
8. “Cold Water” – Major Lazer feat. Justin Bieber and MO
9. “Sucker for Pain” – Lil Wayne, Wiz Khalifa & Imagine Dragons, X Ambassadors, Ty Dolla $ign, Logic
10. “Papercuts” – Illy feat. Vera Blue

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Boy & Bear Release Beer for Upcoming Regional Tour

If there’s one thing I love just as music, it’s beer. Not your run-of-the-mill Toohey’s New or Carlton Draft mind you, but a good craft beer that’s more complex, interesting, and downright delicious than the average. So I was interested to hear that Boy & Bear have joined forces with Akasha Beers in 5 Dock to create a signature ale.

So where can you taste this delicious drop I hear you ask? Well you’ll need to get to one of Boy & Bear’s upcoming regional Limit of Love shows. It’ll be served on tap at most venues on this run of dates. And if you need another reason to choose the Boy & Bear beer over your usual lager, then you might be interested to hear proceeds are benefiting Buy a Bale, a charity which helps out drought-stricken Queensland farmers.

If you’re heading to one of these Boy & Bear shows and make sure to buy a beer or two. The farmers will thank you!

9 Nov ember 2016 – Regent Theatre, Ballarat
10 Nov ember 2016 – Ulumbarra Theatre, Bendigo
11 Nov ember 2016 – Costa Hall, Geelong
12 Nov ember 2016 – The Cube, Wodonga
16 Nov ember 2016 – C.Ex Coffs, Coffs Harbour
17 Nov ember 2016 – Miami Marketta, Gold Coast
18 Nov ember 2016 – Beach Hotel, Byron Bay
19 Nov ember 2016 – Lake Kawana Community Centre, Sunshine Coast
20 Nov ember 2016 – The Mills Precinct, Toowoomba
23 Nov ember 2016 – Pilbeam Theatre, Rockhampton
24 Nov ember 2016 – MECC, Mackay
25 Nov ember 2016 – Tanks Arts Centre, Cairns
27 Nov ember 2016 – The Venue, Townsville
2 December 2016 – Albany Entertainment Centre, Albany
3 December 2016 – 3 Oceans, Margaret River
4 December 2016 – Fremantle Prison, Fremantle
7 December 2016 – Orange Ex-Services Club, Orange
8 December 2016 – ANU, Canberra
9 December 2016 – Waves, Wollongong
10 December 2016 – Wests City, Newcastle

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

The Amity Affliction Score Third Number One Album in a Row

The pride of Gympie, The Amity Affliction, has scored their third consecutive number one album. This Could Be Heartbreak debuted at number one this week. Notably, this is the 14th local release to hit the top of the albums charts this year. This equals 2013’s record of the most Aussie number one albums in a calendar year. And it’s only August!

Human Nature’s Gimme Some Lovin’: Jukebox Vol. II, one of those chart-topping 14, has held steady at number three. Bernard Fanning’s newie Civil Dusk has slipped from number two to four this week.
Another previous number one, Ripcord by Keith Urban, is back on its way up the charts, climbing two spots to land at number six this week. So too is another chart-topper, Wings of the Wild. Delta Goodrem’s most recent release jumps three spots to sit at number eight.

Meanwhile on the singles charts, Illy’s single with Vera Blue, “Papercuts,” has dropped one spot to number five this week. Betty Who’s debuted at number nine with her take on Donna Lewis’ ‘90s smash, “I Love You Always Forever.”

Here are this week’s top 10s.

Top 10 Albums
1. This Could Be Heartbreak – The Amity Affliction
2. Suicide Squad: The Album – Soundtrack
3. Gimme Some Lovin’: Jukebox Vol. II – Human Nature
4. Civil Dusk – Bernard Fanning
5. 25 – Adele
6. Ripcord – Keith Urban
7. Blurryface – Twenty One Pilots
8. Wings of the Wild – Delta Goodrem
9. Lemonade – Beyonce
10. This Unruly Mess I’ve Made – Macklemore & Ryan Lewis

Top 10 Singles
1. “Closer” – The Chainsmokers feat. Halsey
2. “Let Me Love You” – DJ Snake feat. Justin Bieber
3. “Cold Water” – Major Lazer feat. Justin Bieber and MO
4. “Heathens” – Twenty One Pilots
5. “Papercuts” – Illy feat. Vera Blue
6. “Perfect Strangers” – Jonas Blue
7. “Treat You Better” – Shawn Mendes
8. “Alarm” – Anne Marie
9. “I Love You Always Forever” – Betty Who
10. “This is What You Came For” – Calvin Harris feat. Rihanna

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

See All Star Entertainment at the Age Music Victoria Awards After Party

There’s always something a bit special about an after party, an event where fabulous people get to rub shoulders while Average Joes like us wait to see the images in the social pages. So it’s exciting to hear the Age Music Victoria Awards is opening its after party up to the public to celebrate its 11th year.

It’s shaping up to be one of the events people will talk about long after, with entertainment confirmed from the Melbourne Ska Orchestra, Camp Cope, Tash Sultana, and the EG All Stars. The EG All Stars, featuring members of the RocKwiZ band, will be joined by special guest vocalists Paul Dempsey, Garreth Liddiard, Kylie Auldist, Pierce Brothers, and more.

What’s more, tickets are cheap as chips at just $30. $5 from every ticket sold will benefit the event’s charity partner, Support Act Limited, which provides financial aid to musicians in need. Don’t miss the Age Music Victoria Awards after party at 170 Russell on November 16.

Image used with permission from This Much Talent

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

2016 Melbourne Music Bank Entries Closing Soon

Victorian musos have less than two weeks to get their entries in for this year’s 2016 Melbourne Music Bank. The lucky winner will have the opportunities to kick start their musical career with an amazing prize pool valued at more than $60,000.

The prizes include four days of recording time at The Studio in the City, enough to record, mix, and master an EP, two paid film clips, album artwork, and printed CDs. Image will also be taken care of with styling sessions, median training, management and mentoring. You’ll also get a photoshoot, which will give you the images you need for your paid publicity campaign. Radio will also plug your music and you’ll get gig bookings, including an east coast tour and a slot at the Beyond the Valley Festival line-up.

If you’d love all these perks, submit your entry via the Bank of Melbourne website by 5 pm on Saturday August 27.

Image used with permission from On the Map PR

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Human Nature Earn First Number One in 10 Years

I’m properly chuffed to see Human Nature sitting at the top of the albums charts with their latest release, Gimme Some Lovin’: Jukebox Vol. II. This is the first time Human Nature have had a number one album in 10 years. It couldn’t happen to better blokes.

Human Nature’s efforts have kept Flume from the top spot. Skin has jumped 13 spots after Flume’s recent performance at Splendour.

That’s pushed last week’s number two, Wildflower by The Avalanches, down one spot to number three. Wings of the Wild, Delta Goodrem’s latest release, has also fallen one spot to land at number five.

Ripcord is showing real staying power. Keith Urban’s latest album hasn’t left the top 10 since it debuted at number one in May. It’s also rising again, jumping from 10 to seven this week.

Meanwhile on the singles charts, Illy’s track “Papercuts,” featuring Vera Blue, has risen from number eight to number two. Will it topple Major Lazer’s star-studded single “Cold Water” next week?

The Veronicas are also continuing to chart with “In My Blood.” It’s at number eight this week.

Here are this week’s top 10s.

Top 10 Albums
1. Gimme Some Lovin’: Jukebox Vol. II – Human Nature
2. Skin – Flume
3. Wildflower – The Avalanches
4. 25 – Adele
5. Wings of the Wild – Delta Goodrem
6. Lemonade – Beyonce
7. Ripcord – Keith Urban
8. Periphery III – Select Difficulty – Periphery
9. The Getaway – Red Hot Chilli Peppers
10. California – Blink-182

Top 10 Singles
1. “Cold Water” – Major Lazer feat. Justin Bieber and MO
2. “Closer” – The Chainsmokers feat. Halsey
3. “This is What You Came For” – Calvin Harris feat. Rihanna
4. “One Dance” – Drake feat. Wizkid & Kyla
5. “Treat You Better” – Shawn Mendes
6. “Can’t Stop the Feeling!” – Justin Timberlake
7. “Too Good” – Drake featuring Rihanna
8. “In My Blood” – The Veronicas
9. “Don’t Be So Shy” – Imany
10. “Alarm” – Anne Marie

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

GiggedIn Like Netflix for Live Music

We’re used to paying for our TV and movie viewing habits via subscription now, so why not live music? GiggedIn is revolutionising the way we experience concerts with its unique subscription service.

For the small monthly membership fee of just $35 a month you’re free to attend as many participating shows as you like. Think of it like an ongoing fringe festival for which you hold a golden ticket.

Once you sign up you can browse all the shows in your local area for free for 21 days. New shows are announced every day and most are available to RSVP at midday three days out from the event. When you RSVP you’re added to the show’s guest list. Then you just show your ID to gain entry.

This unique concert model isn’t just good news for you, but also for the bands who slog it out in local venues every week. Currently 98 percent of shows don’t sell out. GiggedIn hopes members will be encouraged to get out and take a chance on more new acts, which will in turn help musos increase their earnings.

Just like Netflix produce their own TV shows, GiggedIn is also curating their own shows exclusively for its members. So your membership could be the only way you’ll get to see certain events.

Currently GiggedIn is only available in Sydney and Melbourne, but hopefully we see it expanding to other parts of the country soon. There’s no ongoing commitment, so if you decide GiggedIn isn’t for you, you can cancel at any time. So what have you got to lose?

Image used with permission from Chrissie Vincent Publicity

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

The Veronicas Headlining Royal Flying Doctor Service Fundraiser, Altitude

If you’re wondering how to spend your tax return, consider buying a ticket to this year’s Altitude event. While admission isn’t cheap, this annual fundraiser for the Royal Flying Doctor Service (RFDS) of Western Australia could really use your support. Your ticket doesn’t just buy you a dose of good karma; you’ll also enjoy performances from some of Australia’s finest female talents.

Sister power pop act The Veronicas are headlining this year’s event, ably supported by local songstress Reigan Derry, who received a rapturous reception at last year’s Altitude, and former Perth resident and musical theatre star Julia Jenkins, who’ll return from London to appear at the event.

“We’re honoured to be performing at Altitude for the Royal Flying Doctor Service this August at Crown Perth,” Jessica and Lisa Origliasso of The Veronicas said in a statement. “The RFDS is an iconic Australian organisation that needs support to maintain its 24/7 lifesaving services. Everyone that buys a ticket is helping support a charity that provides an integral service to the people of Western Australia. We can’t wait to perform for you, Perth. See you in August!”

Admission also includes a three-course dinner, premium beverages, superior service, and a chance to bid on money-can’t-buy items at the event’s charity auction.

Altitude 2016 will hit Crown Perth on August 20. Tickets are on sale now from the Altitude website.

Imag source: Eva Rinaldi Celebrity and Live Music Photographer

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Applications Wanted for Girls Rock! Brisbane

The rock music scene is a bit of a boys’ club. So it’s exciting to see The Foundry in Brisbane has teamed up with a great non-profit organisation called Girls Rock! Australia for the second ever Girls Rock! Brisbane event.

This music mentorship program looks to help self-identified girls, trans, and gender non-conforming youth aged between 10 and 17 nurture an interest in rock music within a safe space. Over five days participants will form their own bands, learn instruments, participate in creative workshops, write their own songs, and watch live performances.

Girls Rock! Brisbane will be held from Monday September 26 to Friday September 30. On October 1, all involved will get the chance to showcase their new skills with a live performance at The Foundry. Participant applications are due on Monday, August 1, so if you want to be a part of it you’ll need to be quick. Interested adults can also apply to become a volunteer for the event. Girls Rock! Brisbane needs people with a whole range of skills, so check out the application form to see whether you could play a part in this great initiative.

Image used with permission from Mucho Bravado

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

The Veronicas and The Avalanches Dominate Aussie Charts

When the Veronicas topped the singles charts last week with “In My Blood,” I was too swamped with paying gigs to cover it. Now they’ve repeated the feat, I thought I’d better make time to note their achievements. Will the sisters equal their longest reign at number one, achieved with “You Ruin Me” in September 2014, and stay at the top spot for another week?

Last week’s number one album, Wings of the Wild by Delta Goodrem has slipped to number two to make way for another homegrown Aussie act, The Avalanches. Sixteen years after the release of their celebrated debut album Since I Left You, the Melbourne electronic act has snared their first number one with the follow-up, Wildflower.

Another former one, Ripcord by Keith Urban, has shown it has real staying power. It has remained at number seven this week, 10 weeks after its debut. The always popular Hillsong United has risen to number eight with their latest release, Of Dirt And Grace – Live From The Land.

Here’s a closer look at this week’s top ten singles and albums.

Top 10 Albums
1. Wildflower – The Avalanches
2. Wings of the Wild – Delta Goodrem
3. California – Blink-182
4. 25 – Adele
5. Lemonade – Beyonce
6. The Getaway – Red Hot Chilli Peppers
7. Ripcord – Keith Urban
8. Of Dirt And Grace – Live From The Land – Hillsong United
9. Blank Face LP – ScHoolboy Q
10. Views – Drake

Top 10 Singles
1. “In My Blood” – The Veronicas
2. “One Dance” – Drake feat. Wizkid & Kyla
3. “This is What You Came For” – Calvin Harris feat. Rihanna
4. “Treat You Better” – Shawn Mendes
5. “Can’t Stop the Feeling!” – Justin Timberlake
6. “Too Good” – Drake featuring Rihanna
7. “Don’t Let Me Down” – The Chainsmokers feat. Daya
8. “Me Too” – Meghan Trainor
9. “Don’t Be So Shy” – Imany
10. “We Don’t Talk Anymore” – Charlie Puth feat. Selena Gomez