Category: News

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Australian Idols Take on Stage and Screen

I don’t mind admitting that I’ve anticipated tonight’s episode of Australian Idol like none other this season. I’ve been bemoaning the lack of showtunes for seasons, and now we got to do it with Liza Minnelli. She opened the show with “Cabaret” and was brilliant. It just simply doesn’t get any better.

The men escaped the bottom three, leaving Kate Cook, Kim Cooper, and Hayley Warner in the bottom three. Kim’s been a perpetual member of the bottom three, so it wasn’t a great surprise that she left us. I’ll miss her though!

Toby Moulton opened the show with “Somebody To Love.” Taking on a Queen song is always a tall order, because quite frankly you’re never going to be Freddie Mercury. But despite that, I think he did really well. He didn’t let the song scare him, and that confidence really made it.

Stan Walker was right in the pocket for “Circle of Life.” It was the perfect song for him, and he didn’t put a foot wrong. I was wowed. This is why he hasn’t been in the bottom three; he’s just that good.

Kate Cook did a little Dusty with “Son of a Preacher Man,” but honestly she looked a little lost. She got lost in the lyrics and fell off them all over the place. There was no sex here, and with a song like this there should be. It was a big disappointment for me, because I really like Kate.

Hayley Warner took on Powderfinger’s “These Days.” I couldn’t fault the way she sang it, but it didn’t jump off the page. It’s a little scary considering she was in the bottom three last week. She needed to do better.

Continue reading “Australian Idols Take on Stage and Screen” →
Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Jessica Mauboy Gets a Trio of Deadlys

Jessica Mauboy is the proud owner of three new Deadly Awards following last night’s ceremony in Sydney. Jess took home Female Artist of the Year, Single of the Year for “Burn,” and Album of the Year for “Been Waiting.”

The Deadly Awards celebrate excellence in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander achievements, encompassing music, sports, entertainment, the arts, and community achievement.

Jess may have to get a bigger pool room, and she’s also leading the pack with seven ARIA nods. Something tells me there’s going to be a few trophies in her home by the end of the year!

Image source: The Harbour Agency

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Wu Tang Clan and Lil Jon Announce Sydney Show, But Will It Happen?

wutangposter

Remember we told you that Wu Tang Clan and Lil Jon would announce a Sydney show? Well it’s happened, with promoters confirming the bands will be at The Enmore Theatre on October 29.

The bad news is that we haven’t had a lot of notice, so tickets are on sale now. That’s right, now! So if you want to be at the show, I’d get to the Ticketek site ASAP.

The promoters seem confident that this show won’t fall through like Megarampage, but my reader Susie has raised an interesting point. Ghostface is named on the posters as a confirmed starter, yet his MySpace page says he’s playing in Colorado when he’s due here. Let’s hope this isn’t another one of those scheduling conflicts that hints at yet another hip hop act bailing on Oz.

Images used with permission from Chrissie Vincent Publicity and Newscom

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Maddy Hay Signs with Sony Europe, Home for Local Tour

She may not be a household name in her homeland just yet, but give it time. Melbourne singer-songwriter Maddy Hay has just returned from a European promotional tour with a contract from Sony Columbia Records Europe.

Maddy was abroad for the European launch of her debut album Smoke in the City, and now she’s ready to bring her unique blend of pop to Aussie audiences.

While Maddy always believed in her imaginative compositions, she never imagined they’d attract such attention abroad.

“My producer Jonathan Zion was overseas touring with Pete Murray, and gave two tracks to a friend of his who works at Sony Netherlands. I didn’t get my hopes up that anything would come of it at first, but then I got a call and was told that his friend at Sony loved it and was setting up a deal with Columbia and also a publishing deal with EMI for Europe and the UK,” she explained.

Maddy’s single “Smoke in the City” became the most added song to The Netherlands’ Radio 1, while her record was named album of the week by Radio 1, Radio 2, and 10 other Dutch regional stations.

“My time in Holland promoting my debut album has been such an adventure. From the launch, to interviews and live performances on radio, I have had such fun. It is beyond a dream to have been signed to such a legendary label, and I feel very lucky that my album is creating such a buzz over there.”

Whilst her debut album Smoke In The City hasn’t been picked up for local release Australia yet, you can download it via iTunes Netherlands. Limited edition handmade copies of Maddy’s beautiful EP ‘Dance’ will also be available exclusively at her live shows.

Maddy will play the East Brunswick Club in Melbourne on October 28, and The Evelyn on November 18. Stay tuned for more dates from Australia’s best kept secret!

Image used with permission from Mr Frasa Communications

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Children Collide Strike Deal with Electronic Arts

Children Collide has teamed up with Electronic Arts in a unique partnership. It sees the Aussie group’s new single “Skeleton Dance,” mixed by UK dance wunderkinds Ladytron, launched exclusively via the new FIFA 10 PlayStation game.

You’ll receive a free download of the track when you buy the game for PSP, PlayStation 2, or PlayStation 3. The original mix of “Skeleton Dance” is also featured on FIFA 10’s in-game soundtrack alongside artists like The Enemy, Röyksopp, Major Lazer and Wyclef Jean. Gamers can enjoy the tracks via EA’s Trax in-game music player, which allows fans to customize their playlist and select music to soundtrack their progress through the game.

Children Collide say they’re psyched about their partnership with EA Sports, and the unique marketing opportunity it presents.

“Playing video games was one of the ways that Heath, Ryan and I found out about music growing up, and it’s something we’ve always been interested in getting involved with,” said Johnny Mackay, Children Collide’s vocalist and guitarist.

“My Irish cousins punishing me at FIFA while they called me ‘Skippy’ didn’t deter me from loving this game, and the chance to get remixed by Ladytron – who we’re all fans of – has been the icing on the cake of the whole experience.”

Image source: Children Collide website

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Wu Tang Clan and Lil Jon Announce Show After Megarampage Cancellation

Megarampage may be off, but there’s some good news for hip hop fans. Wu Tang Clan and Lil Jon will perform their own show at Festival Hall on October 31.

Old school hip hop fans will be pleased to know that GZA, Raekwon, RZA, Ghostface, U God, and Inspectah Deck have all been given the all clear to appear. More members are still awaiting visas, so hopefully we’ll see the Wu Tang Clan in full force by the time Halloween rolls around.

This is shaping up to be a massive show, with more artists yet to be announced. The crew also plan to take this show on the road, so Sydney music fans should stay tuned!

Megarampage ticket holders can get a full refund from Ticketmaster, just in time to buy tickets to the Wu Tang Clan show. They’ll go on sale from Ticketmaster on Thursday, 15 October.

Image source: Newscom

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Australian Idol Brings Back Big Band

I have really missed Big Band night on Australian Idol. I’m so glad that now Kyle has gone, it’s made a reappearance. But before we could hear the old standards, it was time to give someone the boot. It was another all-male bottom three this week, with Nathan Brake, Scott Newnham, and James Johnston all facing the chop. It seems Scott’s fans couldn’t forgive a few weeks of subpar performances. It was definitely his time.

Kate Cook kicked off the show with Ray Charles’ “Hit The Road Jack.” I loved the way she built this, starting it slow and then upping the tempo. I also loved the Australian quip at the end. This was a great way to kick off the show.

Beyonce’s “Single Ladies” was always an unlikely choice, but Stan Walker pulled it off and then some. I was incredibly impressed by this. I was unsure whether he’d suit big band, but he showed he can apply himself to any genre. This was a highlight not just of the night, but the series.

Kim Cooper got slammed for her rendition of “The Man I Love,” but I actually loved it. Kim continues to impress me with her genuine interpretations and poise. Her voice may not be the strongest in the competition, but I her honest performances cut through that. She also looked stunning; not that it matters in terms of performance but as a girl I’ve got to admit that I loved the look.

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Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Philadelphia Grand Jury Want to Break World Record

Sydney indie outfit Philadelphia Grand Jury are hoping to earn a world record tomorrow when they shoot for the video for their new single “The Good News.” But they need you to help them out!

The group wants to pack out Christison Park in the Sydney suburb of Vaucluse with as many bands as they can. Rock bands, jazz bands, marching bands, it doesn’t matter what you do. They want you there to smash this record! for more information just e-mail the band at phillyjays@philadelphiagrandjury.com.

The shoot will take place between 3 and 5 pm tomorrow, Sunday October 11.

Image used with permission from The Delinquents

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Win a G-SHOCK Watch and Tickets to G-SHOCK: Shock The World Tour Event in Sydney

The G-Shock World Tour is making a pit stop in Sydney next month, with a massive night’s entertainment at Redfern’s Carriageworks.

National DMC champion DJ Dexter, local lasses Hoops DJS, and Melbourne’s M.A.F.I.A. will keep energy levels up. There’ll also be a special guest appearance from the man who designed the very first G-SHOCK watch, Japanese engineer Kikuo Ibe.

Music fans need to purchase a G-SHOCK watch from participating stores and enter their details on the G-SHOCK Sydney website to win tickets to the event. But not Oz Music Scene members. I’ve got a double pass to the show and a brand new G-SHOCK watch to give away to one lucky reader. If you want to win, just leave a comment below telling me your favourite time-saving tip. Too easy!

Make sure you leave your e-mail address with your comment so I can be in touch if you’re the lucky winner. You’ll also need to make sure you can get to Sydney on November 19, as travel is the winner’s responsibility. Entry is also only open to music lovers 18 years and older, as alcohol will be served at the event. Entries close at 5 pm AEDT on October 18. Good luck!


Image source: Scooter @ Flickr

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Jessica Mauboy and Empire of the Sun Lead ARIA Nominations Charge

Newcomers Jessica Mauboy and Empire of the Sun have dominated the nominations for this year’s ARIA Awards, announced earlier today. Jess leads the charge, with seven nods for her debut album Been Waiting and its singles. Empire of the Sun’s Luke Steele and Nick Littlemore are just behind, with six nominations.

They join a host of other first time nominees receiving multiple nominations including Ladyhawke, The Temper Trap, C.W. Stoneking, and Lisa Mitchell.

But it’s not all about the new breed. AC/DC scored four nominations for the comeback studio album, Black Ice, 21 years after their Hall of Fame induction. Other industry favorites Eskimo Joe, Sarah Blasko, and The Presets all received nods.

The ARIA Awards will be held at Sydney’s Acer Arena on November 26. After lengthy negotiations, the Nine Network will screen the ceremony. Click below to see the complete list of nominees!

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