News – Page 71 – Sounds of Oz

Posted on 18/05/201018/05/2010 by Lauren Katulka

Adelaide Rockers Galleon One to Watch

Adelaide quartet Galleon is the latest local outfit to find themselves on my radar. I’ve only heard this track “Kamikaze,” but already I’m hooked on their crunchy guitars and the lush vocals of lead singer Nick Deegan.

Galleon – ‘Kamikaze’ by HeapsaWill

“Kamikaze to me is about transition of youth to adulthood and everything in between,” explained Nick. “Kamikaze was the word that best described the amount of new, cool and fucked up shit you go through in such a small period of your life, in that sometimes life is seamless and sometimes you crash and burn. Overall we live and learn…”

That we do! An album an Aussie tour to support its release aren’t too far off, so keep your ears out for these lads.

Image used with permission from Heapsaflash

Posted on 06/05/2010 by Lauren Katulka

Kate Ceberano, James Morrison and More for Motown Inspired Jazz in the Vines

The line-up for Jazz in the Vines, one of my favorite music festivals, has been announced.

This year’s chilled out event will feature a veritable who’s who of Aussie talent, including Kate Ceberano, Doug Parkinson, festival regular James Morrison, and Bruce Mathiske.

The 2010 show will have a soul flavour to commemorate the 50th anniversary of Motown. But don’t think the festival has abandoned its jazz roots; we can expect both styles of music to feature prominently in this year’s set.

If you’ve always thought about going, why not make 2010 the year? Grab your picnic blanket and head to Tyrells Vineyard for one of the most chilled out, positive festivals on the music calendar. It all happens on October 30, and tickets are on sale now from the Jazz in the Vines website.

Image source: The Harbour Agency

Posted on 05/05/2010 by Lauren Katulka

Tumbleweed Make Reunion Official With New Album

Fans have been crossing their fingers for some time, but it seems Tumbleweed are making their reunion permanent.

The Wollongong grunge rockers reformed to play Homebake last year before performing shows around the country. But they were always noncommittal about what the future might hold.

It seems things are a lot more certain now, as they’re currently writing material for a brand new studio album. A double CD of all their early Waterfront recordings is also in the works.

Melbourne fans can catch Tumbleweed at The Hi-Fi Bar on June 25. No doubt we’ll see the band stopping by other cities in the not too distant future.

Image used with permission from Roderick Kempton

Posted on 05/05/2010 by Lauren Katulka

Ten Gets ARIA Awards Back Again

After much speculation, Ten has announced it will screen the ARIA Awards this year. The network will take the reins back from Channel Nine, who broadcast the ceremony in 2009.

“The ARIA Awards is the flagship event of the Australian music calendar – a celebration of all that is great and popular in local music,” said ARIA head and Warner CEO Ed St. John. “The Ten Network has been our loyal partner for many of our last 24 years and it’s an absolute thrill to be renewing our relationship once again.”

Ten has screened most of the recent ARIA Awards ceremonies, and I’m glad to see them doing it again. Honestly, watching last year’s stiff hosts Kate Richie and Gyton Grantley made me cringe. Hopefully we’ll see some more music-savvy personalities taking on the role this year. I’d love to see Wil Anderson get the job, although after his Logies Twittering he might prove a little too risky. At any rate, I’m sure the organizers are happy to hear their awards won’t compete with Masterchef!

Posted on 02/05/201002/05/2010 by Lauren Katulka

Aussies Win Top Honours at International Songwriting Awards

V8 Supercars - Rock All Night Concert Series

Australian artists have picked up a swag of gongs at the International Songwriting Awards.

Chris Cheney of The Living End earned first place in the rock category for his song “White Noise.” Sarah Blasko took out the folk/singer-songwriter category for “Bird on Wire.” Brother-sister duo Emma and Anthony Hewitt of Missing Hours won the adult contemporary award for “Missing You.” Kevin Mitchell, aka Bob Evans was named best pop/top 40 artist for his track “Pasha Bulker.”

The annual contest is open to songwriters all over the world. It’s judged by a veritable who’s who of music, including this year Tom Waits, Ben Folds, Ben Harper, Jeff Beck, and Robert Smith of The Cure.

Well done to all the winners!

Posted on 27/04/2010 by Lauren Katulka

Aussie Girl Group Trinity Record Album in United States

You might not have heard of Australian girl group Trinity yet, but something tells me that’s going to change pretty quickly.

Yianna, Sammy, and Stephanie are heading to Los Angeles to record their debut album, which will be released through PLW Entertainment later in the year. The disc will include the song “Ever ‘n Ever,” a song featuring the legendary crooner Engelbert Humperdinck. It’s an interesting pairing for the Aussie girls, but one that might just see them getting some global cred.

The girls will also hone their dancing skills while stateside through workshops with Mo’at, who’s choreographed for the likes of Usher and Britney Spears.

Could Trinity be the next Pussycat Dolls? I guess we’ll see soon enough!

Image used with permission from Repertoire Publicity

Posted on 26/04/2010 by Lauren Katulka

Police Cancel Justin Bieber’s Aussie Concert

Police have put a stop to Justin Bieber’s only public Australian appearance this morning following fears for the safety of his female fans.

Justin’s concert at the Overseas Passenger Terminal was scrapped in favour of a more controlled show at Sunrise Headquarters. His set was also downsized from three songs to one. Thousands had travelled from around Australia to attend the gig, and plenty camped out overnight in anticipation.

Undeterred, much of the throng moved from Circular Quay to Martin Place in attempts to catch a glimpse of the singer. The sound of their squeals was present throughout the Sunrise broadcast, even when there was nothing Bieber-related going on! I have much sympathy for the poor police officers in charge of controlling the crowd!

Honestly, I haven’t seen scenes like this since Hanson’s heyday. I can’t say that I see Justin Bieber’s appeal, but clearly the kid’s got something!

Police have put a stop to Justin Bieber’s only public Australian appearance this morning following fears for the safety of his female fans.
Justin’s concert at the Overseas Passenger Terminal was scrapped in favour of a more controlled show at Sunrise Headquarters. His set was also downsized from three songs to one. Thousands had travelled from around Australia to attend the gig, and plenty camped out overnight in anticipation.
Undeterred, much of the throng moved from Circular Quay to Martin Place in attempts to catch a glimpse of the singer. The sound of their squeals was present throughout the Sunrise broadcast, even when there was nothing Bieber-related going on! I have much sympathy for the poor police officers in charge of controlling the crowd!
Honestly, I haven’t seen scenes like this since Hanson’s heyday. I can’t say that I see the appeal, but clearly the kid’s got something!

Posted on 21/04/201022/04/2010 by Lauren Katulka

k.d. lang Replaces Susan Boyle on Logies Line-Up

The 18th Annual Elton John AIDS Foundation Academy Award Party!

When Susan Boyle pulled out of the Logies last week, I wondered whether the organisers would be able to match her star power. It seems they have, with the announcement that k.d. lang will be stepping in. The Canadian crooner’s appearance follows the release of her recent number one selling greatest hits CD, Recollection.

“I’m honoured to be included in the TV Week Logie Awards because Australia feels like my second home,” k.d. said in a statement. “I’m also looking very forward to being in Melbourne again.”

k.d. joins John Mayer, Gabriella Cilmi, and Rogue Traders on the rather healthy looking Logies line-up. Susan who? Personally I’d much rather watch k.d. and Mr Mayer!

You can catch the Logie Awards on the Nine Network on May 2.

Posted on 20/04/2010 by Lauren Katulka

Brian McFadden Tops Singles Charts

Just as I was bemoaning the lack of Aussie talent on the singles chart comes the number one debut of Brian McFadden’s newie “Just Say So.” I know he was born in Ireland and all that, but now that he’s living here and marrying our Delta we’ve adopted him right? At any rate, Brian’s new tune is the only local release in the top 30, so I think it’s something to be celebrated.

Maria Sharapova Open's TAG Heuer Melbourne

While the Aussies have finally bowed to the pressure of Lady Gaga’s Fame Monster, they still have a strong presence in the album charts. John Butler Trio is breathing down Gaga’s neck with April Uprising, which holds steady at number two this week. Gyroscope enjoyed a great first week with Cohesion, which comes in at number three. And after five weeks on the charts, Angus & Julia Stone are still going strong with Down the Way, which sits at number 8.

Click below to see all the ARIA chart action!

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