Category: News

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Aussies Win Top Honours at International Songwriting Awards

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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 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 by Lauren Katulka

Police Cancel Justin Bieber’s Aussie Concert

Justin Bieber Arrives In Sydney


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 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 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!

Continue reading “Brian McFadden Tops Singles Charts” →

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Justin Bieber Plays Sydney Show for Sunrise

If you’re one of the thousands of tweens and teens going gaga for Justin Bieber, listen up. Canada’s latest heart throb will perform a quick show during his Australian promotional tour.

President And Mrs. Obama Host Easter Egg Roll On White House Lawn


Justin will perform at The Forecourt at Circular Quay’s Overseas Passenger Terminal in Sydney on April 26 from 6 am. He will play three songs from his My Worlds album, including the big single “Baby.”

If you can’t get there early, you probably needn’t bother showing up. With throngs of lovestruck girls expected to camp out for a glimpse of their idol, it’s going to be hard to get near the Beebs. Latecomers will be best off tuning in to Sunrise who will broadcast the performance.

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Angry Anderson to Join Slash for MTV Classic Launch

Aussie rock veteran Angry Anderson will join Slash on stage at the launch of new pay TV music channel MTV Classic. The duo will perform the Rose Tattoo song “Nice Boys,” a song the Gunners covered way back in 1988.

Australia Artists Unite For 'One Of The Boys' Fundraiser

“Angry and I go way back to when GNR toured with Rose Tattoo in Australia back in 1992 – and had some great times – so when MTV asked me who I wanted to perform with at the launch of MTV Classic, I immediately thought of Angry,” Slash said in a statement. “I’m really looking forward to playing ‘Nice Boys’ with him at this historic event.”

“It’s a beautiful thing when you get an opportunity to jam with an artist who has made such a global impact on rock music in your home town,” added Angry. “I have a lot of time for Slash and MTV Classic: The Launch will see us re-creating some of those great music moments from the 90s.”

The one-of pairing is likely to be a highlight of the event which will take place at Melbourne’s Palace Theatre on April 28. If you want to be there, make sure you listen to the Triple M network and Mix 94.5 in Perth. Tickets will also be given away through the MTV Classic website.

If you’re not lucky enough to win your way in you can still tune in to the show on MTV Classic at 5 pm on May 1. This is sure to be one hell of a performance!

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Are you Ready for Record Store Day?

The bill for this Saturday’s annual Record Store Day is looking quite tasty indeed.

Cassie Davis will be singing and signing at Hurstville Westfield, the Rogue Traders will appear at the Virgin store on Melbourne’s Chapel Street, and Bluejuice will show up at Wills Music, Launceston.

Reality TV fans can meet Damien Leith at Kotara Westfield’s JB Hi-Fi, Hayley Warner at Westfield Mt Druitt, or Mark Vincent at JB Hi-Fi at Eastland.

A few Aussie music veterans will go it alone for the event. Get up close and personal with INXS’s Tim Farriss and Hoodoo Gurus’ Dave Faulkner at Mall Music at Warringah Mall.

And that’s just the tip of the iceberg. Head to the Record Store Day website to see what’s happening near you on April 17.

Image source: Record Store Day website

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

The Tote Hotel to Reopen Its Doors

It looks like there’s life in Collingwood’s Tote Hotel yet. The beloved music venue looks set to reopen its doors under new proprietors.

Yesterday the property owners announced they’d signed a contract with new licensees Andrew Portokallis and Jon Perring. These are the same guys who run Bar Open, Pony, and Yah Yah’s, so chances are they’ll make sure The Tote remains a premier live music destination rather than a soulless pokie-filled joint.

Mr Portokallis told The Age that the hotel had been all but gutted since it closed its doors three months ago, but that they’ll have it “back running as soon as we can patch it up a bit.” The licensees will also apply to waive the venue’s current “high-risk” licencing conditions.

We can expect one hell of a party when The Tote reopens its doors. Watch this space for details!

Image source: The Euskadi 11 @ Flickr

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Introducing Basement Birds, Australia’s Latest Supergroup

Basement Birds may be a new name on the music scene, but chances are you know these guys already. This new outfit features four of the most talented songwriters in the country: Kav Temperley (Eskimo Joe), Kevin Mitchell (Bob Evans, Jebediah), Steve Parkin (Autopilot), and Josh Pyke.

We’ll get our first chance to hear what magic this quartet can create in late June. Four three-track bundles will be released via iTunes on a fortnightly basis. Acoustic versions of each track will also be released every alternate fortnight. Fans can also enjoy more exclusive content via the new Basement Birds website.

With four such talented members, something tells me Basement Birds are going to be big!

Image used with permission from Riothouse