Category: News

It seems that TownHallSteps’ recent tour of the United States has paid off. The band has just inked a deal with Arsenal Management, who will help the band crack America in 2010.

“The response we received from audiences in the US was very positive,” said drummer Ryan Lambert. “We have gained a strong interest from a couple US record companies and signed with a management company and we are already making plans for an extended stay in 2010!”

To celebrate the band will play a big New Years Eve bash at Sydney’s Trash Nightclub. Something tells me it’ll be a big night!

Image source: The Harbour Agency

Aussie rockers AC/DC and country star Keith Urban have all bagged Grammy nominations.

AC/DC’s Black Ice will go up against the likes of U2 and Green Day for the best rock album of the year. Their single “War Machine” is also a contender for best hard rock performance.

Meanwhile Keith’s got four nominations: best male country vocal performance for “Sweet Thing,” best country album for Defying Gravity, best long form music video for Love, Pain and the Whole Crazy World Tour Live, and best country collaboration with Brad Paisley for “Start a Band.” I’ll bet he’s glad a few of those are awards Taylor Swift can’t win!

The 52nd annual Grammy Awards will be held at Los Angeles’ Staples Centre on January 31. No doubt free to air TV will screw us over with the broadcasting yet again, but I’ll be cheering them on in spirit!

Image source: ZUMA Press

Congratulations to Aaron Priest. He’s the lucky winner of our competition to win a double pass to Saturday night’s Whitlams concert at the Sydney Opera House.

Keep an eye on your inbox Aaron for all the details about your tickets. And thanks to everyone else that entered!

Image source: David Siqueira @ Stock.xchng

Sydney’s Sienna Skies rock hard. I’ve just taken a listen to the track “Heartquake” from their debut album Truest of Colours, and I think it may have blown my head off. Of course, I have delicate pop-rock loving tastes! If you’re made of stronger stuff, click here to download the track for nix.

I’m sure Australian hardcore lovers are going to adore this local six-piece. They may have already seen them supporting acts like Haste the Day, Blessed by a Broken Heart, Behind Crimson Eyes, and The Getaway Plan.
Truest of Colours hits stores this Saturday, December 5. If you like Heartquake, make sure you check out the long play, or catch the band at one of the following live shows.

4 December 2009 – Bizzos, Carringbah
11 & 12 December 2009 – The Evelyn, Melbourne, VIC
19 December 2009 – Masonic Centre, Blacktown
31 December 2009 – Hot Damn @ Spectrum, Sydney

Image used with permission from AAA Entertainment

Tomorrow night The Whitlams will take to the Sydney Opera House stage to perform the first of three very special shows. The iconic Australian band, backed by the Sydney Symphony Orchestra, will play its breakthrough album Eternal Nightcap in its entirety. These are The Whitlams’ only Sydney performances for the year, and considering Tim’s embarking on a solo career it could be the last time we’ll see them for quite a while.

I have one double pass to Saturday night’s final show at the Sydney Opera House to give away to an Oz Music Scene reader. To win, just leave a comment on this post and a valid e-mail address so I can contact you back. Since the show’s in a couple of days, I’ll be giving away the pass to the first commenter! Transport is the winner’s own responsibility, so please make sure you can get to the Sydney Opera House on December 5 before entering!

If you’re located in other states, you don’t have to miss out on the show. The Telstra BigPond Music website will stream the entire December 4 concert from 8 pm for music fans at home.

Image source: The Harbour Agency

It’s been a while since Sony has signed up not just the Australian Idol winner, but the runner-up. But Aussie music giant just couldn’t let Hayley Warner get away.

The 17-year-old rock chick has just signed on the dotted line with the local label. She’ll release her first single, the infectious rock anthem “Good Day,” on December 11.

“I am really stoked to be signing to Sony Music and to be able to make a record with these guys. Sony Music have the coolest acts ever!” Hayley said.

Once the single’s done and dusted she’ll start work on her debut album, which will hit stores early next year. They’re certainly not wasting any time with this one!

Image used with permission from Sony Music Australia

Brit electro-pop sensation La Roux will headline next year’s Bacardi Express. I wondered how they’d top last year’s headliners Groove Armada, and I guess I’ve got my answer!

”My band and I can’t wait to jump aboard the Bacardi Express.” La Roux enthused. “Four other Australian bands joining us on a train for 48 hours – it’s going to be a journey to remember!”

The tour will see 97 fans, and the bands and crew crammed into fifteen carriages for 48 hours of fun. On board entertainment caters for serious musos in the jam carriage, while budding guitar heroes can rock out in the gaming lounge. The Made to Mix carriage is a new addition this time around, where Bacardi Express artists will spin tunes as bartenders serve up Bacardi cocktails.

The travelling music festival is taking a different route this time around, winding its way for a series of free concerts from Brisbane to Sydney. The train will make stops in Coffs Harbour and Newcastle along the way.

Head to the Bacardi Express website to see how you can get on board with La Roux. While tickets are free, over 18s will need to win their place on this rocking tour. Registration opens on January 10 for the following shows.

25 March 2010 – The Tivoli, Brisbane
26 March 2010 – venue TBC, Coffs Harbour – Venue TBC
27 March 2010 – Panthers, Newcastle
27 March 2010 – Big Top @ Luna Park, Sydney

Image used with permission from Peer Group Media