Category: News

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Optus Searching for Young Music Bloggers for Sound Scribe Competition

Have you ever read my blog and thought “I could do better?” Perhaps that’s a question best left unanswered, but if you do fancy yourself as an online music journalist Optus might just be able to make your dreams come true.

The telecommunications company is looking for aspiring music writers living in regional Australia to be known as Optus Sound Scribes.

Applicants should be aged between 16 and 24 and passionate about the music in their local area. Up to 40 Optus Sound Scribes will be selected to write a blog about music in their town for a period of three months. During this time they’ll be mentored by industry leaders and able to interview top local and international musicians. These finalists will then compete for the title of Australia’s first Optus Sound Scribe of the Year.

If you think you’ve got what it takes, head to the Optus Sound Scribe website and get your entry in before July 23.

Image used with permission from Peer Group Media

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Matt Corby Inks International Deals Ahead of Aussie Single Tour

Australian Idol graduate Matt Corby seems to be travelling just fine without winning the talent show title, thank you very much.

He’s just returned home after spending the past two months making industry connections and recording his sophomore EP. That disc will receive an international release through the Communion label run by Mumford and Sons’ Ben Lovett. It seems the pair has really hit it off as Matt will also support Mumford and Sons on their upcoming Sydney shows.

That’s not the only exciting news though. Matt also recently inked a worldwide publishing deal with the UK division of major record label BMG.

While all that’s very thrilling it seems his focus is on the home front for now. Ahead of the Mumford and Sons shows, Matt will take his original songs all around the country on a headlining national tour to promote his new single “My False.”

If you want to catch Matt live, these are the places to do it.

30 June 2010 – Brass Monkey, Cronulla
1 July 2010 – Raval, Sydney (SOLD OUT)
2 July 2010 – Heritage Hotel, Wollongong
3 July 2010 – Northern Star Hotel, Newcastle
4 July 2010 – Raval, Sydney
8 July 2010 – The Toff in Town, Melbourne
9 July 2010 – National Hotel, Geelong
10 July 2010 – Baby Black Café, Bacchus Marsh
15 July 2010 – The Troubadour, Brisbane
16 July 2010 – Bon Amici Cafe, Toowoomba
17 July 2010 – Hard Rock Café, Surfers Paradise
22 July 2010 – Settlers Tavern, Margaret River
23 July 2010 – Ellington Jazz Club, Perth
24 July 2010 – Norfolk Basement, Fremantle
3 August 2010 – Enmore Theatre, Sydney (supporting Mumford and Sons) (SOLD OUT)
4 August 2010 – Enmore Theatre, Sydney (supporting Mumford and Sons) (SOLD OUT)

Image used with permission from Shiny Entertainment

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Peter Gabriel Headlines Cup Eve Concert in Melbourne

Peter Gabriel will headline a massive concert in Melbourne to celebrate the eve of the 150th anniversary of the Melbourne Cup. The line-up of classic international and Aussie acts gives us plenty to cheer about before the big race.

Peter Gabriel will join international tourists Chicago, America, and Peter Frampton, plus Aussie talents including Kate Ceberano, Daryl Braithwaite, Ross Wilson, and Deborah Conway.

I’m never a fan of those big stadium rock events, but the promise of Etihad Stadium being presented in “intimate mode” sounds pretty appealing.

There’s not a lot of notice on this one; tickets go on sale tomorrow through Ticketmaster for the November 1 show.

LONDON - SEPTEMBER 21: ***EXCLUSIVE*** Musician Peter Gabriel performs live on stage at 'Peace One Day 2008' at the Royal Albert Hall on September 21, 2008 in London, England. Peace Day is an annual event celebrating a day of global ceasefire and non-violence. (Photo by Simone Joyner/Getty Images)

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

AC/DC and Empire of the Sun Win Big at APRA Awards

AC/DC and Empire of the Sun were the big winners at last night’s Australian Performing Rights Association (APRA) Awards.

Rock stalwarts Angus and Malcolm Young were named songwriters of the year, while their hit Rock ‘N Roll Train was named most played Aussie work overseas. Empire of the Sun bagged a double when “Walking on a Dream” was named dance work of the year and Nick Littlemore, Jonathan Sloan, and Luke Steele were named breakthrough songwriters of the year.

The APRA Awards celebrate Australia’s best songwriting talent. Click below for a full list of this year’s award winners and here to see how surprisingly accurate my predictions were! I faltered early, but definitely came home strong.

SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - JUNE 21: Eskimo Joe pose with their award for Rock Work of the Year at the Australasian Performing Rights Association Music Awards at the Sydney Convention & Exhibition Centre on June 21, 2010 in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Brendon Thorne/Getty Images)


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Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Crowded House Score Number One Aussie Album

Crowded House have zoomed into the ARIA charts with their new album Intriguer debuting at number one. The band are the lone local act in the top 10, so I’m glad to see them out in front.

The Aussie musos are just as sparse in the singles charts, but local act Yolanda Be Cool & DCup are doing great things with their hit “We No Speak Americano” sitting at number four.

Click below to see what other acts are making waves on the ARIA charts.

BYRON BAY, AUSTRALIA - APRIL 04: Neil Finn of Crowded House performs on stage during Day 4 of Bluesfest 2010 at Tyagarah Tea Tree Farm on April 4, 2010 in Byron Bay, Australia. (Photo by Mark Metcalfe/Getty Images)


Continue reading “Crowded House Score Number One Aussie Album” →

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Kylie Announces Aussie Promo Tour for “Aphrodite”

With Danni Minogue about ready to pop with baby number one, it’s no great surprise that her sister Kylie will be back on home soil soon to play aunty. With her album Aphrodite hitting stores on July 2, it’s also no surprise to hear Miss Minogue will hit the promotional trail while she’s in Oz.

Kylie will launch her five-day media blitz on July 21. There’s no word yet on what that will entail, or whether fans will have the chance to get up close and personal, but I promise to bring you all the details when they come to hand.

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

New Justice Records Showcases Artists in Sydney

While most record companies try to keep the public riff raff out of their industry functions, New Justice Records are inviting fans to attend their Sydney Showcase weekend next month.

New Justice Records will bring their roster of artists to the music industry, media, and fans over two big nights at the Agincourt Hotel. On July 2 Resists the Thought, As Silence Breaks, and Recoil will take the stage at the hotel’s Blink Nightclub. The following night it’s time for Sienna Skies, The Bride, Town Hall Steps, and Envy Parade to do their thing at Trash. As the shows are held in licensed venues, remember that they’re only for music fans aged 18 and older.

Tickets cost $12 on the door, but I’ll let you in on a little secret. If you drop the name of New Justice Records or one of the bands playing you’ll get in for only eight bucks. The first 100 paying punters through the door each night will also take home a New Justice Records label sampler CD.

Image used with permission from AAA Entertainment

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Trinity Scores Role in Jason Derulo Music Video

The girls from Melbourne group Trinity seem to be doing everything right. They’ve just headed to Los Angeles where they will appear in Jason Derulo’s next music video.

Apparently the opportunity arose while the girls were recording their debut album in Los Angeles. There they worked with superstar choreographer Mo’at, who introduced Yianna, Sammy, and Stephanie to the R’n’B singer.

There’s a lot of hype surrounding these girls, who also recently recorded a song “Ever ‘n Ever” with legendary crooner Englebert Humperdinck. It might be a little early to start calling them our answer to the Pussycat Dolls, but they’re definitely making all the right connections.

Image used with permission from Repertoire Publicity

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Angus & Julia Stone Outsell the Rest with “Down the Way”

We all knew Angus & Julia Stone’s latest album Down the Way was selling truckloads, but what you might not realise is that the album is this year’s highest selling local release.

The disc has notched up platinum sales since it debuted at number one in March, a position it held for two consecutive weeks. Several months after its release, it’s just reentered the top ten.

With the duo such hot property at the moment, it’s no wonder that extra shows have been added to their upcoming tour. Here’s the revised schedule; if you still haven’t organized your tickets I suggest doing so ASAP!

18 August 2010 – Moncreif Theatre, Bundaberg
19 August 2010 – Pilbeam Theatre, Rockhampton
20 August 2010 – Andergrove Tavern, Mackay
21 August 2010 – Dalrymple Hotel, Townsville
22 August 2010 – Botanic Gardens, Cairns
25 August 2010 – Civic Theatre, Newcastle
26 August 2010 – Enmore Theatre, Sydney (SOLD OUT)
27 August 2010 – Enmore Theatre, Sydney (NEW SHOW)
1 September 2010 – Llewellyn Hall ANU, Canberra
2 September 2010 – University Hall, Wollongong
3 September 2010 – Grandstand Hall @ Showgrounds, Hobart
4 September 2010 – The Saloon, Launceston
8 September 2010 – Palais Theatre, Melbourne (NEW SHOW)
9 September 2010 – Palais Theatre, Melbourne (SOLD OUT)
10 September 2010 – Palais Theatre, Melbourne (SOLD OUT)
11 September 2010 – Town Hall, Meeniyan (SOLD OUT)
12 September 2010 – Town Hall, Meeniyan (SOLD OUT)
17 September 2010 – Thebarton Theatre, Adelaide
18 September 2010 – Fremantle Arts Centre, Perth
24 September 2010 – Tivoli Theatre, Brisbane (NEW SHOW)
25 September 2010 – Tivoli Theatre, Brisbane (SOLD OUT)
26 September 2010 – Tivoli Theatre, Brisbane (SOLD OUT)

Image used with permission from Original Matters

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Help Feed Homeless Dogs with Pedigree Adoption Drive

I wanted to take a short break from chatting about music to mention another topic that’s dear to my heart. You might have noticed the Pedigree Adoption Drive banner in my sidebar. I was always of the opinion that it’d be a great cause to support, but I was also acutely aware than my cat Gizmo would never tolerate us adding a pup to the mix. I also rent, so getting a dog approved would be a bit of a long shot.

But as the banner reminds us, even if we can’t adopt a dog we can help the brand make a difference. Clicking on the banner will take you through to the Pedigree Adoption Drive’s Facebook page. Show that you “like” it and Pedigree will donate a bowl of food to a homeless dog. It’s a really simple thing we can all do to help out dogs that need it. While you’re at the Facebook page you can also make a special Pedigree version of your profile pic to help spread the word. If you can resist those sad puppy eyes you’re a stronger person than me!

Image source: Claudia Meyer @ Stock.xchng