News – Page 60 – Sounds of Oz

Posted on 12/01/2011 by Lauren Katulka

Oztix Gives to Queensland Flood Relief

Sorry about the short notice on this one guys, but I just found out that Oztix is generously donating the proceeds from every ticket sold today to the Queensland Flood Appeal.

So if you’ve been considering getting tickets for shows like festivals including Soundwave, Good Vibrations, or Supafest, or see the individual shows from The Beautiful Girls, The Waifs, or heaps more, now’s the time.

Just head to Oztix, buy your tickets today, and you’re helping all those folks in Queensland who so desperately need it. And later on you’ll enjoy some pretty fantastic live music. That sounds like a great deal to me!

Image source: Timothy @ Flickr

Posted on 10/01/2011 by Lauren Katulka

Heartbreak Club Sign with Centrifuge

Heartbreak Club’s 2011 is off to a great start after signing with Centrifuge Music Publishing Group.

Centrifuge isn’t one of the big names in the Australian industry, but it boasts an impressive roster featuring Noiseworks, Sierra Fin, Artisan Guns, and The Never Ever. Surely joining a relatively small label will see Heartbreak Club’s talent nurtured on a really personal level.

Heartbreak Club say they plan to release one more single from their debut album Our Horse is Dead early this year before knuckling down to write their next disc. Watch this space for more details on that!

Image used with permission from AAA Entertainment

Posted on 10/01/201110/01/2011 by Lauren Katulka

Guy Sebastian Reclaims ARIA Number One

After being ousted from the top spot last week, Guy Sebastian has returned to the number one position on the ARIA Singles Charts this week with “Who’s That Girl.”

Again he’s keeping company with Jessica Mauboy, who’s holding on to the top 10 by her fingernails with “Saturday Night.”

There doesn’t seem to be any stopping Altiyan Childs, who is again holding down the number three spot on the album charts with his self-titled debut. Guy Sebastian is nipping at his heels though, with Twenty Ten moving up two places to sit at number six.

Click below to see the entire ARIA top 10!

Continue reading “Guy Sebastian Reclaims ARIA Number One” →

Posted on 08/01/201107/01/2011 by Lauren Katulka

Leo Sayer, Ian Moss, & James Reyne Headline Melbourne Zoo Concerts

Melbourne Zoo has announced a cracker line-up for its annual Zoo Twilights summer concert series.

Leo Sayer, Ian Moss, and James Reyne are amongst the big names scheduled to play between January 15 and March 13.

Gates will open at 5:30 pm, allowing punters to visit a few animals before the shows start at 7 pm.

Book your tickets through the Melbourne Zoo for the following shows.

15 January 2011 – Wendy Matthews and The Hello Morning
16 January 2011 – The Pink Show
22 January 2011 – James Reyne & Band and Nick Barker
23 January 2011 – Briefcase Full Of Blues: The Blues Bros Tribute And The Australian Van Morrison Show
29 January 2011 – Babba
30 January 2011 – Ross Wilson and the Peacenicks
5 February 2011 – Diesel & Band and Ryan Meeking
6 February 2011 – The Australian Fleetwood Mac Tribute Show
12 February 2011 – Dragon and Ronit
13 February 2011 – Pure Blondie: The Tribute Show
19 February 2011 – Ian Moss and Matt Walker & Ashley Davies
20 February 2011 – The Australian Queen Tribute Show
26 February 2011 – Babba
27 February 2011 – Neil Diamond Super Hits Show
5 March 2011 – Pseudo Echo and Brittle
6 March 2011 – The U2 Show: Achtung Baby
12 March 2011 – Leo Sayer and Taneille
13 March 2011 – Daryl Braithwaite & Band and Michael Paynter

Image source: Rachel Hofton @ Flickr

Posted on 07/01/2011 by Lauren Katulka

Aussies Impress in Aria Annual Top 100 Charts

ARIA has revealed its annual top 100 lists, and as it turns out we were a pretty patriotic lot this year.

There were 30 Aussie records in the albums charts, our best showing since 2007. Angus & Julia Stone’s Down the Way was the best charting local disc, landing the number seven possie. Considering its relatively late release, I was also impressed to see Altiyan Childs’ self titled debut sitting at number 19. He just edged out John Butler Trio’s April Uprising, which sat at number 20, and Birds of Tokyo’s self titled debut, which charted at number 24.

It was a less impressive year for Aussie singles, but we still managed to see 14 tracks in the top 100. Guy Sebastian did his bit with both “Who’s That Girl” (42) and “Art of Love” (90), while Yolanda Be Cool and DCup was the standout with “We Speak No Americano” at number 34.

You can see the full results at the ARIA website, but if you’re just interested to see how the Aussies fared click below!

Continue reading “Aussies Impress in Aria Annual Top 100 Charts” →

Posted on 04/01/2011 by Lauren Katulka

Icecream Hands Reunite for Sweeter Than the Radio

Melbourne’s Icecream Hands will play for their home town one more time later this month. The indie band hasn’t played together since their 2007 album, The Good China.

The one-off show will see Icecream Hands going back in the vault to play their 2000 release, Sweeter Than The Radio, in its entirety. The acclaimed disc was nominated for Best Adult Contemporary Album at that year’s ARIA Awards.

To mark this very special reunion, Dust Devil Music will sell the band’s rare live acoustic album Live at Manchester Lane at the show. If you want a copy, and to relive a bit of Australian music history, make sure you get down to the Northcote Social Club on January 29. And until then, check out this awesome video filmed at that Manchester Lane show!

Posted on 29/12/201029/12/2010 by Lauren Katulka

Rickie-Lee Coulter Slammed By Myer Over Carols Wardrobe

While most of us watched the Christmas Eve Carols by Candlelight concert and reveled in the festive season, key sponsor Myer was seething. The retail giant was furious because Ricki-Lee Coulter opted to wear an Alex Perry dress over one from its own stable of designers.

“On several occasions Myer, Channel 9 and Vision Australia made clear to Ricki-Lee’s manager that it was desirable that she wear a designer from the Myer stable,” Myer spokesman Mitch Catlin said. “Myer would have hoped that Ricki-Lee’s manager, who also represents Jennifer Hawkins, the face of Myer, would have had Myer foremost in his mind when it came to dressing talent.”

Apparently Carols organisers were also displeased.

But isn’t this event about raising money for Vision Australia and spreading Christmas cheer, rather than selling a few dresses? If it weren’t for Myer raising the issue I’d have been none the wiser. I might be idealistic, but it seems to me that sponsoring an event should be more about good will than capital gains. All this does is make the retail chain appear petty, which isn’t a good look around Christmas time.

Image source: The Harbour Agency

Posted on 28/12/2010 by Lauren Katulka

Kylie Clip Banned in Asia

When Kylie Minogue released her single “All the Lovers” in June, we said the sexy music video was the best part about it. But it seems that several Asian countries don’t agree as they’ve banned the raunchy clip from their screens.

Television stations in several countries including Singapore, Malaysia, and Indonesia won’t play the music video which features “all the lovers,” gay and straight indulging in a serious make-out session.

“I think, yes, it’s sexy but I also think it’s very touching and sensual and the message is love,” Kylie told Spanish private television station Cuatro when quizzed about the controversy.

I have to agree with her. It’s sexy but hardly pornographic. This sort of thing just makes you glad to live in (mostly) open-minded Australia, and in a world with the internet where anyone can see anything they please! So if you haven’t watched it yet, here it is for your viewing pleasure!

Posted on 28/12/201029/12/2010 by Lauren Katulka

Guy Sebastian Claims ARIA Number One

After nipping at Bruno Mars heels for a few weeks, Guy Sebastian has finally toppled him to take the number one spot on the ARIA singles chart with “Who’s That Girl.” It’s actually the first time we’ve seen an Aussie sitting at the top of the singles chart in 2010, and I couldn’t ask for a better way to end the year!

“Who’s That Girl” is Guy’s fifth Aussie number one, which means he now has more top selling singles than any other local male artist in history. For your interest, John Farnham and Johnny O’Keefe both had four a piece. Considering what big names they are, and where Guy is in his career, that’s some achievement.

Guy’s keeping company in the singles chart with fellow Australian Idol alum Jessica Mauboy. Her new party tune “Saturday Night” sits at number seven, up three positions from last week.

Meanwhile on the albums chart, Altiyan Childs has remained rock solid with his self titled album holding on to fourth position. I remember a time when that might be disappointing for a disc spawned from a reality show, but just look at the company he’s keeping. He’s mixing it with perennial favourites Pink, Susan Boyle, and Bon Jovi, and even outselling the likes of Rihanna, Michael Jackson, and Taylor Swift. I reckon that’s a fair effort.

Meanwhile Guy Sebastian’s greatest hits CD Twenty Ten has moved up one position to number six. It’s encouraging to see that while fans are getting behind the single, they’re also spending money on the long player.

Hopefully Guy can hold on to that top spot next week. What a great start to 2011 that would be!

Click below for the complete top 10 charts.

Continue reading “Guy Sebastian Claims ARIA Number One” →

Posted on 27/12/201023/12/2010 by Lauren Katulka

The Best of 2010

With Christmas done and dusted we’re all looking ahead to the next big celebration, New Years Eve. But before we usher in 2011 I figured it was time to pause and reflect on the year that was. Here’s what rocked my world in 2011. Of course it’s purely subjective and based on the music I consumed and my gut reaction to it, but what’s an end of year list if it’s not a bit biased? What excited you musically this year?

Top 10 Aussie Albums

Seasons – The Verses
Dr Dream and the Imaginary Pop-Cabaret – Emma Dean
Into the Gallery – Amanda Merdzan
Down the Way – Angus and Julia Stone
Mousetrap Heart – Thirsty Merc
Calling All Magicians – Danielle Spencer
Bird of Bees – Jez Mead
Walk – Israel Cannan
Thirteen O’Clock – The Lucky Wonders
On Broadway – David Campbell

Top 10 Aussie Tours

Top 10 Aussie Stars

Washington
Angus and Julia Stone
Powderfinger
Guy Sebastian
Jessica Mauboy
Sia
Birds of Tokyo
Amy Meredith
The Cassette Kids
Altiyan Childs

Image source: Billy Alexander @ Stock.xchng