Category: News

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

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

The Melbourne Guitar Show Returns in August

After a big first show last year, the Melbourne Guitar Show is heading back to Caulfield Racecourse on August 6 and 7.

Presented by Triple M and Australian Musician, the event will feature an amazing array of electric and acoustic guitars, effects pedals, amps, and so much more. In addition you can catch information seminars, demos, and live performances by some of Australia’s most exciting guitarists including Kevin Borich, Phil Manning, Daniel Champagne, Dean Ray, and heaps more. In addition to solo performances, there promises to be a Melbourne Guitar Show SuperJam where, according to AMA chief executive Rob Walker, “You never know who’s going to get up to play! It could easily be one of those rare ‘were you at the Melbourne Guitar Show when…’ moments.”

Last year’s event attracted 5,000 guitar lovers, and organisers hope 2016 will be even better.

“It had such a great vibe – a really positive event. The exhibitors, the artists and the patrons were all enthusiastic about an incredibly friendly and well attended show,” Rob Walker recalled. “Last year, we had just over 50 exhibitors, including 20 local manufacturers and luthiers. This year we’ll have 70 exhibitors with more stands, and more great products.”

Whether you love your guitars mellow or cranked up to 11, you’re going to find it at the Melbourne Guitar Show. Tickets are on sale now from TryBooking.

Image source: brunoronner @ Flickr

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Leopold’s Treat Doing Good

I always love hearing music from exciting up-and-coming acts, but when they’re made up of people doing good in the community it’s doubly exciting. Gold Coast act Leopold’s Treat ticks both those boxes for me.

They formed in 2011, but are starting to gain some serious traction in their local area, culminating in taking home the Emerging Artist of the Year award at the recent Gold Coast Music Awards. One of their songs, “Houndogs and Bullfrogs,” was also a finalist in the Song of the Year category.

Watching this live video of the song with footage recorded at Leopold’s Treat’s album launch last October, it’s easy to see what a great energy the band has. They’re clearly loved by their community; the place is packed to the rafters.

While talent’s clearly a part of that love, I think there’s more going on. Kate Leopold (lead vocals) and Keiran Richardt (lap slide, harmonies, didge, other strings) work together as environmental educators at a local social enterprise that serves more than 32,000 kids every year.

“It is not uncommon for us to be playing at a market where a group of children are dancing to one of our songs and the band members are recognised as the educators that teach worm farming, water quality or how to identify and grow native plants,” Kate Leopold told me in an email.

If you want to dance with Leopold’s Treat, make sure you catch them at the following shows.

22 July 2016 – Soundlounge, Currumbin
September 2016 – NightQuarter, Helensvale (date TBA)
15 & 16 October 2016 – Buskers by the Creek Festival, Currumbin
16 December 2016 – Miami Marketta, Miami

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Temper Trap Score Second Aussie Number One Album

With the passing of another week we’ve got a brand new Aussie act on top of the ARIA charts. Thick as Thieves, the new album from The Temper Trap, sees the band scoring back to back number LPs.

The ARIA charts might state Jimmy Barnes’ Soul Searchin’ has slipped number three, but it’s worth noting that’s only because the charts consider digital sales. If you’re as old school as me, you might be interested to know Jimmy’s still selling more CDs than anyone else in the country.

Previous number ones Skin by Flume and Ripcord by Keith Urban are at numbers six and seven respectively. Flume’s “Say It” is also the lone Aussie single in the top 10 this week. It’s at number eight.

Here are all this week’s number ones.

Top 10 Albums
1. Thick as Thieves – The Temper Trap
2. 25 – Adele
3. Soul Searchin’ – Jimmy Barnes
4. Lemonade – Beyonce
5. Thank You – Meghan Trainor
6. Skin – Flume
7. Ripcord – Keith Urban
8. Views – Drake
9. Strange Little Birds – Garbage
10. Greatest Hits – Red Hot Chilli Peppers

Top 10 Singles
1. “One Dance” – Drake feat. Wizkid & Kyla
2. “This is What You Came For” – Calvin Harris feat. Rihanna
3. “Can’t Stop the Feeling!” – Justin Timberlake
4. “Me Too” – Meghan Trainor
5. “Too Good” – Drake featuring Rihanna
6. “Just Like Fire” – Pink!
7. “Don’t Let Me Down” – The Chainsmokers feat. Daya
8. “Say It” – Flume feat. Tove Lo
9. “Panda” – Desiigner
10. “Cake By the Ocean” – DNCE

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Jimmy Barnes Equals ARIA Record With New Soul Number One

In a weekend plagued by bad news, it’s great to see something good occurred: Jimmy Barnes earned his eleventh solo number one on the ARIA charts, with Soul Searchin’ hitting the top spot on debut. That draws Barnesy level with U2 and Madonna for the most solo number ones in ARIA charts history. This video gives you a little idea why this album is sitting at the top of the charts.

“I feel blessed to be making music after such a long time in the business and equally I feel privileged that people are still buying our records and coming to the shows – it’s very humbling,” Jimmy said on hearing the news. “As for another #1, it’s an absolute honour to be counted amongst such iconic bands and great artists.”

Soul Searchin’ has pushed last week’s number one, Skin by Flume, into the number two spot. He’s also fallen a little on the singles charts. “Say It” has dropped one to sit at number six. Keith Urban’s Ripcord has also slipped one spot, to number six.

Some Aussie acts are on the rise though. Classic Carpenters by Dami Im is back in the top 10, rising from 11th position to sit at number nine. The Wolfe Brothers round out the top 10 with This Crazy Life.

Here are this week’s complete top tens.

Top 10 Albums
1. Soul Searchin’ – Jimmy Barnes
2. Skin – Flume 
3. Thank You – Meghan Trainor
4. 25 – Adele
5. Lemonade – Beyonce
6. Ripcord – Keith Urban
7. Views – Drake
8. The Very Best of – Prince
9. Classic Carpenters – Dami Im
10. This Crazy Life – The Wolfe Brothers

Top 10 Singles
1. “This is What You Came For” – Calvin Harris feat. Rihanna
2. “One Dance” – Drake feat. Wizkid & Kyla
3. “Can’t Stop the Feeling!” – Justin Timberlake
4. “Just Like Fire” – Pink!
5. “Me Too” – Meghan Trainor
6. “Say It” – Flume feat. Tove Lo
7. “Don’t Let Me Down” – The Chainsmokers feat. Daya
8. “Cake By the Ocean” – DNCE
9. “Panda” – Desiigner
10. “No Money” – Galantis