Category: News

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

John Butler Trio Take ARIA Album Top Spot

The brand new week sees another Aussie act sitting on top of the ARIA album charts. John Butler Trio have ended the reign of Angus & Julie Stone with the release of their new album April Uprising.

Angus & Julie Stone haven’t slipped too far though. Their latest album Down the Way is in third position, just below Lady Gaga’s The Fame Monster.

It’s disappointing to see that there’s still no local talent in the top 10 singles charts though. With Gabriella Cilmi’s single “On a Mission” slipping three places to 19th spot this week, that’s not likely to change any time soon!

Click below to see this week’s chart action!

Byron Bay Bluesfest 2010 - Day 2


Continue reading “John Butler Trio Take ARIA Album Top Spot” →

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Horsell Common’s Mark Stewart Goes Solo with Jonesez

Out of the ashes of Horsell Common comes Jonesez, the new solo endeavour for singer and guitarist Mark Stewart.

Jonesez spent this summer recording a debut album with the help of Kisschasy’s Darren Cordeux. It was a bit of a milestone for both acts; Mark had never written an entire album on his own, and Darren had never produced one.

The first song to come from the release is “The Money Will Roll Right In,” a cover of Fang’s underground hit. Just like the album, this video was filmed in Mark’s basement. He takes on the roles of four different characters, which sees costume and hairstyle changes aplenty!

The Jonesez album will hit stores in the middle of the year, but we’re promised a sneak peek at shows along the East Coast to be announced shortly.

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Angus & Julia Stone Go Gold with Number One album

Did you notice that Angus & Julia Stone are still sitting pretty at the top of the ARIA charts? Their latest album Down the Way has retained the number one position for the second week, and achieved gold status to boot. The album has already sold more than 40, 000 units, and counting!

The siblings will wrap up their current Australian tour at this weekend’s Bluesfest. From there it’s off to the United Kingdom, Europe, and North America for tours to support the album’s international release. Many shows have already sold out, so if you’re abroad I’d pick up your tickets soon!

West Coast Bluesfest


10 April 2010 – Schouwburg Motel Mozaique, Rotterdam
12 April 2010 – Duke of York’s Picture House, Brighton (SOLD OUT)
14 April 2010 – Pavilion, Falmouth (SOLD OUT)
15 April 2010 – Cooler, Bristol (SOLD OUT)
16 April 2010 – Brudenell, Leeds
17 April 2010 – King Tuts, Glasgow
18 April 2010 – Cabaret Voltaire, Edinburgh
20 April 2010 – Glee Club, Birmingham
21 April 2010 – Ruby Lounge, Manchester
22 April 2010 – Shepherds Bush Empire, London
26 April 2010 – Gebäude 9, Cologne
27 April 2010 – Atomic Cafe, Munich (SOLD OUT)
28 April 2010 – Lido, Berlin
29 April 2010 – Molotow, Hamburg (SOLD OUT)
30 April 2010 – Vega, Copenhagen
2 May 2010 – Debaser, Stockholm
3 May 2010 – John Dee, Oslo
5 May 2010 – Paradiso, Amsterdam
6 May 2010 – Oosterpoort, Groningen
7 May 2010 – Café de la Danse, Paris
26 May 2010 – Masonic Lodge at Hollywood Forever Cemetery, Hollywood
30 May 2010 – L’Astral, Montreal
2 June 2010 – Revival, Toronto
8 June 2010 – Union Hall, Brooklyn

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Slash Headlines MTV Classic Launch in Melbourne

Legendary guitarist Slash will headline a very special show next month to celebrate the launch of pay TV channel MTV Classic.

MTV Classic will replace music channel VH1.It will focus on music from the 1980s through to the naughties. Gee it makes me feel old to see music from my generation is now classed as classic!

“Music is at the heart of MTV Classic … and who better to launch a channel devoted to iconic tracks and artists than one of the greatest rock guitarists of all time, Slash,” said Rebecca Batties of MTV Networks. “We’re excited to be staging MTV Classic: The Launch in Melbourne – a city with major music heritage – and Slash’s performance will be an explosive start – and, no doubt, a defining moment – for MTV Classic and our audience.”

The Slash show will hit Melbourne’s Palace Theatre on April 28. If you’re lucky, you could win tickets through Nova and MTV Australia. Otherwise you’ll just have to catch it when MTV Classic launches at 5 pm on May 1!

Image source: Daigooliva @ Wikimedia Commons

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Watch Out for Wren

Combine heavy synth and moody indie beats and you’ve got Wren, one of the most exciting new acts to come out of Melbourne.

Songstress Tess Henderson evokes Angie Hart with her ethereal voice and vulnerability, something sorely lacking in the electro music landscape. Her angelic voice is a delicious contrast to the darker instrumentation of bandmates Tarko Sibbel on synths, James Tudball on drums, and Jules Pascoe on bass.

“Wren is about finding a musical balance between light and shade and exploring more challenging themes,” Tess explained in a statement. “I am so fortunate to have such phenomenal musicians/writers involved in this new project. I’m absolutely loving working with them.”

Melbournians can check out what Wren are all about when they support Jackson Jackson at The Evelyn on 23 April.

Image used with permission from Eileen Francisco

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Celebrate Record Store Day This April

As an old school music fan, I’m a big supporter of Record Store Day. There’s just something so satisfying about thumbing through the CDs and taking your tangible purchases to the counter that iTunes and the like could never hope to replicate.

Record Store Day celebrates that experience with appearances from some of the music industry’s heavy hitters. Last year we saw Jessica Mauboy, Short Stack, Wes Carr, and even Irishman Ronan Keating making old-fashioned instore appearances, and I’m expecting another big line-up this year.

To see who’s visiting your local record store on April 17 keep an eye on the Record Store Day website. There’s been no announcements made as yet, but if the first year was any indication this one’s going to be big!

Image source: Opethpainter @ Flickr

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Crowded House Sign with Universal

Crowded House have a new home, with the band leaving long-time record company EMI for Universal Music. The first release under the new deal will be the album Intriguer, which should hit stores in the middle of the year.

Lead singer Neil Finn is apparently delighted with the move, commenting “I look forward to a long and productive relationship with Universal Music, who are obviously the music company setting the benchmark now. We’re delighted to be in the company of music-loving people who believe in us and are eager to spread the word.”

Local fans may get a sneak peek at some of the band’s new material when they play a couple of Australian and New Zealand dates in the next few weeks ahead of their European tour. The band will then head to the United States. Here are all those dates for my readers abroad!

28 March 2010 – West Coast Blues & Roots Festival, Fremantle
31 March 2010 – Enmore Theatre, Newtown
1 April 2010 – Bluesfest, Byron Bay
8 April 2010 – Town Hall, Auckland
18 May 2010 – Newcastle City Hall, Newcastle Upon Tyne
19 May 2010 – Clyde Auditorium, Glasgow
21 May 2010 – Usher Hall, Edinburgh
22 May 2010 – Music Hall, Aberdeen
24 & 25 May 2010 – Symphony Hall, Birmingham
26 & 27 May 2010 – Apollo Manchester, Manchester
29 May 2010 – Royal Theatre and Event Centre, Castlebar
30 & 31 May 2010 – Olympia Theatre, Dublin
2 June 2010 – Colston Hall, Bristol
3 June 2010 – Plymouth Pavilions, Plymouth
4 June 2010 – Cardiff International Arena, Cardiff
6 June 2010 – New Theatre Oxford, Oxford
8 – 10 June 2010 – HMV Hammersmith Apollo, London
12 June 2010 – Isle of Wight Festival, Newport
14 June 2010 – Train, Aarhus
16 June 2010 – Amager Bio, Copenhagen
18 June 2010 – Vorst Nationaal, Brussels
20 June 2010 – Heineken Music Hall, Amsterdam
21 June 2010 – Essigfabrik, Cologne
24 June 2010 – Sala Razzmatazz, Barcelona
25 June 2010 – Sala Heineken, Madrid
26 July 2010 – Filene Center At Wolf Trap, Vienna (USA)

Image source: Alterna2 @ Flickr

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Win Last Chance Tickets for This Week’s Bacardi Express Shows

The Bacardi Express is just about ready to board, and tickets are all sold out. But if you’re still keen to catch La Roux, Art vs Science, Yves Klein Blue, Miami Horror, Cassette Kids, and Sampology, listen up.

Last chance tickets will be given away on the day of the concert, but you’ll need to join the Bacardi Express Facebook page or listen to Nova to get your hands on them. And of course, as this is an adults only event, you’ll need to be over 18.

If you do manage to bag tickets, make sure you tune in to MTV during May. The music network will screen a fly-on-the-wall documentary about the massive tour, so you might just spot yourself in the crowd!

As a reminder, here are the Bacardi Express dates. If you’re still hoping to score tickets, good luck!

25 March 2010 – The Tivoli, Brisbane
26 March 2010 – Club Coffs, Coffs Harbour
27 March 2010 – Panthers, Newcastle (midday)
27 March 2010 – Big Top @ Luna Park, Sydney (7:30 pm)

Image used with permission from Peer Group Media

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Angus & Julia Stone Debut at Number One

Angus & Julia Stone have debuted at number one on the ARIA charts with their sophomore effort Down The Way. The local brother sister act was no match for last week’s number ones Gorillaz, now sitting at number three, or international touring sensation Lady Gaga, who occupies the number two spot.

It’s great to see Angus & Julia Stone outselling the rest of the pack considering the lack of local talent in the current ARIA charts.

Australia also has a new number one single, with Train moving up one position with “Hey, Soul Sister.” They may not be Aussies, but as a long time fan I’m thrilled to see these boys sitting at the top of our charts once again!

Click below to see the full ARIA top 10!
Continue reading “Angus & Julia Stone Debut at Number One” →

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Parents Criticise Lady Gaga Shows, But Should Kids Be There Anyway?

Lady Gaga is just two nights into her Australian tour and already parents have jumped on the flamboyant performer. They’re begging us to think of the children and calling for concerts to carry a classification similar to films and albums.

Lady GaGa performs live in concert at Glasgow's SECC as part of her Monster Ball Tour

Personally I think the whole thing’s ludicrous. I’m not a parent, but if I was I wouldn’t take my child to see Lady Gaga. I have nothing against the performer or her brand of entertainment, but it’s one built on shock value. Her recent film clip for “Telephone” contains a healthy dose of violence and nudity, so I’d expect her live concert to feature similar elements. It’s just not something I’d expose a small child to, but I don’t condemn any parent who does.

While I don’t condemn any parent who opts to take their child to see Lady Gaga, I am critical of those who bring children to a show without being informed. I think it’s good parenting to be aware of the content of art your child is consuming and make a choice accordingly. If you want to expose them to entertainment that’s edgy, do it by all means. But don’t attend a performance blindly and then express your moral outrage.

I don’t see how we could possibly give concerts a ratings system. They’re live performances, and at their best completely unscripted. Consider an artist who lets a few f-bombs fly while bantering with their audience between songs. Should they play to a strictly adult crowd, or be forced to watch their language? What I love most about an evening of live music is its spontaneity. If we introduce ratings we lose that, which would be a very sad thing indeed.