Category: News

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

The X Factor Contestants Dance it Out

I must admit, I approached this week’s X Factor with some serious trepidation. Dance music really isn’t my thing. I don’t mind some old school disco, but I can take or leave the Rihannas, Beyonces, and Lady Gagas of this world. And considering the trend in recent weeks, I wasn’t feeling optimistic that the judges would head back to dance music’s heyday. But this is X Factor so I found myself tuning in in spite of myself.

Reece Mastin gave me the old school dance I was craving with a rock edge with a really cool version of “Staying Alive.” I’m not sure the mash-up of the Bee Gees track and “Kashmir” was completely successful, but it was really interesting. I think it’s smart to play with the songs and make them fit the artist. You wouldn’t ask an established musician to step outside their genre, so why should he?

Guy got song choice right again in giving Declan Sykes some Empire of the Sun. Sure the falsetto was thin and not always on the money, but on the whole this was still gorgeous. Declan doing dance could have gone all wrong, but with Guy guiding him Declan got it so right this week.

I expected a predictable modern dance song from Christina Parie, and I got it with David Guetta’s “When Love Takes Over.” Mel B really needs a few song choice pointers. I was nervous as so often this song gets screechy when performed. She managed to avoid that, but in doing so it seemed a bit under. Perhaps there’s just no pleasing me when it comes to this track.

I was hoping to hear Andrew Wishart busting out some old school funk. Sadly it didn’t happen but Nat Bass still got it right with David Guetta’s “Titanium.” It had the emotional heart that is missing in so many dance songs. He came through this week surprisingly well.

Johnny Ruffo again turned to one of his idols with Usher and David Guetta’s “Without You.” Again the vocals were under and again I was bored. He’s a lovely chap but I feel like his time is up.

Three Wishez made this child of the 80s very happy with their mash-up of Chaka Khan’s “I Feel for You” and Salt N Pepa’s “Push It.” They slayed it. I am so glad they did this instead of the Black Eyed Peas Mel B suggested. What a way to end the show?

We’re getting down to the nitty gritty now. I feel Johnny’s been biding his time for a while so he’s the obvious choice for the bottom three. He might be sharing the spotlight with Christina or Declan, but surely the judges have to send him packing this week, right?

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Eskimo Joe & PNAU Play Live at the Chapel

Following on from The Vines’ appearance earlier this year, Eskimo Joe and PNAU will play the next Russian Standard Vodka Live at the Chapel show. The Aussie acts will rock St. Stephen’s Anglican Church in the Sydney suburb of Newtown on November 23.

This is the first time the Live at the Chapel series has delivered a double act, and it’s sure to be a great night with both acts enjoying great success with recent releases.

Eskimo Joe are at the top of their game, having just scored six ARIA Award nominations, they are the finest rock act in the country, and PNAU are smashing it overseas, they look destined for global success,” said MCM media’s chief exec Simon Joyce. “To be able to present them on the same stage is a defining moment for Live At The Chapel, we’re in for a very special evening.”

As always this Russian Standard Vodka Live at the Chapel show is only for competition winners. For your chance to be amongst them head to the Live at the Chapel website.

Image used with permission from Beam Inc.

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Mitchell Callaway Out of X Factor Race

The X Factor has been a bit heartbreaking in recent weeks, with several of my favourite acts sent packing. However this week I think Australia got it right as Johnny Ruffo and Mitchell Callaway sat in the bottom two.

Johnny’s vocals haven’t been up to scratch in recent weeks. In fact, the only thing harder to hear has been Mitchell’s bad attitude. Clearly Australia’s had enough of his bitching too.

Mitchell was finally given the chance to sing in his genre with Rascal Flatts’ “I Won’t Let Go.” It’s funny how when you’re waiting so long for something it can often disappoint. It wasn’t bad, but it wasn’t a patch on the original. The vocals didn’t always stick, and again performance let him down. He might have been singing country, but he still seemed uncomfortable.

Again Johnny Ruffo came off as imitative with Michael Jackson’s “Billie Jean.” It was fun and with the exception of the falsetto the vocals were actually impressive considering his fancy footwork. However I’m still not getting a sense of who he really is. I know the music he enjoys, but where’s Johnny in it all?

Frankly I didn’t care which way it went this week. The judges were split and so the decision was made by the public. It seems Mitchell’s bad attitude has grated on them too, because despite better vocals last night they sent him packing. At least he went out doing what he loves. Now if he could just find a little humility perhaps he can continue to do so in the industry.

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

The X Factor Celebrates Aussie Anthems

This week The X Factor contestants were celebrating homegrown tunes with their Aussie Anthems special.

Mitchell Callaway kicked things off with “Throw Your Arms Around Me.” Again it was strange to see Nat picking a non-country song for her act, but I thought this suited him down to the ground. It’s the best I’ve heard him sing since the auditions, although I felt a real wall between him and the audience. Even when he was touching the hands of the audience it felt very uneasy. He needs to become more comfortable as a performer if he’s going to go much further in this competition.

Johnny Ruffo shot for the moon in taking on Delta Goodrem’s “Lost Without You.” Sadly the song exposed all his vocal shortcomings. He certainly tried, but he never got there. In parts it was bearable, but it was also flat and tuneless far too often. I admired his intensity, but it had more than a bit of Eurovision cheese to it.

Three Wishez gave what I think was the performance of the season so far with John Farnham’s “You’re the Voice.” This was just incredible. It had so much joy and patriotism; it brought a tear to my eye. Last week when Ronan lost YMS I wondered whether the competition was all over for him. With this though, Three Wishez showed they’ve got what it takes to win this thing. More of this please!
Continue reading “The X Factor Celebrates Aussie Anthems” →

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Young Men Society Leave X Factor

Tonight’s X Factor elimination reminded us how much of a popularity contest the competition is. Despite some very shaky performances by Christina, Mitchell, and Johnny, Young Men Society and Declan Sykes found themselves in the bottom two. Both acts put up strong showings last night, but it’s just not about that.

And again they performed admirably. Young Men Society brought us the new jack swing I’ve been craving, and Declan trotted out a little Oasis. YMS proved they’ve got serious vocal chops and charisma by the bucketload, while Declan showed us he’s such a unique special jewel. I’m glad I wasn’t sitting in the judges’ seats.

With the judges unable to make a decision, it went to the public vote. And sadly, Young Men Society went home. What an absolute tragedy to lose them just as they had returned to form. They will be seriously missed.

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

The X Factor Tackles Number Ones

The X Factor served up number ones for this week’s performance show. With every tune reaching the top, song choice shouldn’t have been an issue tonight. But …

Christina Parie reminded me that just because a song hits the top it doesn’t make it worth doing. “Teenage Dirtbag” isn’t a bad song, but it was all wrong for Christina. It didn’t sit in her sweet spot until the end, which was disappointing. She did as much she could, but she didn’t have much to work with here.

Young Men Society were back to their best with Beyonce’s “Single Ladies.” The boys smashed it with flawless vocals, brilliant dance moves, and plenty of swagger. I’m so glad to see these guys returning to form.

Declan Sykes toned things down a few notches with Youth Group’s “Forever Young.” I must admit, this song’s never been one of my favourites. I appreciated the treatment and enjoyed seeing him in another mode, but I also thought this was a bit sleepy. I found myself drifting off towards the end, but that could have more to do with my feelings about the song than what Declan did with it.

When Mitchell Callaway started “Can’t Get No Satisfaction,” I was thrilled someone remembered there was great music before this decade. However it didn’t get out of second gear. It was alright, but Jagger he ain’t. For Nat to suggest that Mitchell had no country stuff to play with boggles my mind though. If he wants to stick with his preferred genre, why not some Eagles, Lonestar, or even a bit of Shania Twain?

Continue reading “The X Factor Tackles Number Ones” →

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Short Stack at the Movies

The boys from Budgewoi hope to make a real splash with their brand new movie The Story of Short Stack. Before it hits your favourite DVD store, the flick will screen at movie theatres around the country on October 27.

While the film will hit various cinemas around the country, fans at Sydney’s George Street cinema are in for an extra special treat. The band will walk the red carpet, play an acoustic live set, and field questions from fans in a special Q&A session.

Considering how devoted Short Stack’s lovers are, I don’t expect the tickets for the events to stick around for long. They’re available through the CinemaLive website.

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Audio Vixen Out of X Factor Race

Tonight’s X Factor elimination saw Johnny Ruffo and Audio Vixen battling it out. After Johnny Ruffo murdered some Meat Loaf, I was happy to see him doing time. However it seems perhaps the judges were on to something when they accused Audio Vixen of being boring.

Johnny Ruffo reinforced everything I thought about him with his performance of “Just the Way You Are.” He’s really pretty, but I don’t feel anything beyond the surface. His vocals were also pretty shaky for the most part. Bruno Mars he ain’t.

Audio Vixen slayed him with Queen’s “Somebody to Love.” It wasn’t perfect, but it was a damn sight better than Johnny’s performance. And at the end of the day, that should be enough.

Clearly though my opinion doesn’t matter. After the judges were deadlocked the public had their say, and young girls will always vote for pretty boys. It’s sad when a talent competition comes down to that.

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

The X Factor Does the 90s

I’ve been complaining about all those modern but fairly inconsequential song choices on The X Factor, so I was thrilled to see the show going back into the vault for 90s night. The decade might not be music’s strongest, but there were certainly some gems that I hoped to hear trotted out.

When I spotted on the ad that someone was doing Meat Loaf, I was thrilled. I was also convinced we’d hear the Meat number coming from Andrew Wishart, as my husband and I have been comparing their vocals for weeks now (good Meatloaf, not AFL Grand Final era). But sadly it was Johnny Ruffo that trotted out “I Would Do Anything For Love (But I Won’t Do That),” and he made it some weird electro pop number. I hated the treatment. I thought the whole thing made him seem even soulless than last week’s performance. This song should never, ever sound like this.

Mitchell Callaway showed his tender side with REM’s “Everybody Hurts.” He had his reservations, but I think this was the perfect song for him. I’m not sure I saw the brilliance the judges’ seemed to see, but I do think this was miles better than he’s been in recent weeks.

Three Wishez stepped things up again with “Ghetto Superstar.” This band has really hit its stride; everyone worked together so well, and they were all stellar in their own right. I think we’re finally starting to see their potential, and it’s exciting.
Continue reading “The X Factor Does the 90s” →

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Melinda Schneider Looks Back with “Life Begins at 40” Double CD

I’ve got to admit, I’m not a fan of getting older. I shed tears when I turned 20 as I was bidding my teenage years goodbye, and I was mortified when I hit 30. However according to Melinda Schneider I shouldn’t stress too much. She’s preparing to release a new retrospective album joyfully titled Life Begins at 40.

The two-disc set celebrates three decades of Melinda’s music captured in the studio and on the road. So many greatest hits collections are a bit of rehash, but this includes some really unique gems like the version of “Santa Call on Me” she recorded at just eight years of age, and duets with Paul Kelly, David Campbell, Olivia Newtown-John, and her mum Mary. And of course there are her biggest hits including “I Wanna Be Married,” “Be Yourself,” and “The Story of My Life.”

Life Begins at 40 hits stores on October 21. To celebrate the release Melinda is playing plenty of shows. You can catch her in her one-woman tribute to Doris Day tribute, her Heartland tour gigs with Graeme Connors, shows with philharmonic orchestras, and a big Life Begins at 40 bash in Tamworth in the coming months.

12 – 16 October 2011 – Regal Theatre, Perth (DORIS, Doris Day – So Much More than the Girl Next Door)
26 October 2011 – Bunbury Entertainment Centre, Bunbury (with Graeme Connors)
27 October 2011 – Cummins Theatre, Merredin (with Graeme Connors)
28 October 2011 – Goldfields Arts Centre, Kalgoorlie (with Graeme Connors)
29 October 2011 – Esperance Civic Centre, Esperance (with Graeme Connors)
30 October 2011 – Albany Entertainment Centre, Albany (with Graeme Connors)
3 –13 November 2011 – Lyric Theatre @ The Star, Sydney (DORIS, Doris Day – So Much More than the Girl Next Door)
15 –27 November 2011 – The Twelfth Night Theatre, Brisbane (DORIS, Doris Day – So Much More than the Girl Next Door)
27 & 28 December 2011 – Philharmonic Phireworks Concert, Sydney Opera House
30 & 31 December 2011 – Philharmonic Phireworks Concert, State Theatre @ The Arts Centre, Melbourne
27 January 2012 – Life Begins At 40 Concert, West Tamworth League Club, Tamworth

Image source: Premier Artists