Category: News

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Casey Barnes Bows Out of Australian Idol on Top 10 Night

Tonight the Australian Idol top 10 sang top 10 hits. But first of all we had to get to just 10 by eliminating one of our contestants. I was honestly shocked to see Kim Cooper and Sabrina Batshon sharing the bottom three spots with serial offender Casey Barnes. While I love Casey, when compared with those two girls he really deserved to go.

Sabrina Batshon kicked it off with “When Love Takes Over.” I really liked her enthusiasm, and the different approach she took on this song compared to the serious numbers we’ve had in the past. But I don’t think this was her best vocal performance. It was a little pitchy, and shrieky in places. It’s a shame, because I liked seeing this different side of her.

Toby Moulton stripped back and slowed down the ‘80s classic “Take On Me.” I love love love this song, and while it was a very different version, I loved it too. It felt very intimate, and to get that across to a television audience is very special indeed. This was just beautiful.

Kim Cooper embraced her pop roots with Lady Gaga’s “Just Dance.” This has never been one of my favourite songs, but I think she brought a new depth and edge to this track. I also appreciated that her vocals didn’t suffer with her dancing. Achieving that balance is a tricky one, and I think Kim managed it.

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Posted on by Lauren Katulka

"Holy Smoke" – Gin Wigmore

Kiwi expat Gin Wigmore teased us with the release of her EP Extended Play. Now with her debut album Holy Smoke, Gin shows us why she’s one of the most intriguing musicians on the local scene.

The album toes that fine and difficult musical line, remaining accessible while never sacrificing its emotional heart. Recorded in America’s famed Capitol Studios with The Cardinals, it’s no surprise that it sounds incredibly slick. But Gin’s distinctively rasping vocals ensure it never feels superficially polished.

Holy Smoke was written after an intense relationship break-down. While those emotions colour the tracks, they never become too bogged down in the drama. The first single “Oh My” shows the way Gin can defiantly deliver lyrics about being beaten in the game of love against energetic hand-clapping melodies. Gin allows herself to be vulnerable in the fragile closing tracks “Golden Ship” and “Dying Day,” but for the most part this recording is all about strength and bluesy grit.

The brassy soul sounds remind me a little of Duffy, Amy Winehouse, and other British singers of that ilk, but that’s just the start of it. There are more colours in there: blues, jazz, pop, rock, and even a little reggae in the laidback “I Do.” Holy Smoke is an excellent album from one of our brightest new stars.

Holy Smoke hits stores on September 25.

Image source: JB Hi-Fi; The White Agency

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Duran Duran Do Midnight Oil for Climate Change

80s icons Duran Duran and our own political rockers Midnight Oil seem like chalk and cheese, so it’s surprising to hear that Duran Duran plan to record a cover of the Oils hit “Beds are Burning.”

Duran Duran will join more than 55 other artists and celebrities including Sir Bob Geldof, The Scorpions, Marion Cotillard, and Youssou N’Dour for the track. More artists are expected to join the project before its release on October 1 at Paris Fashion Week.

The song will spearhead a climate change awareness campaign headed by former UN Secretary General Kofi Annan.

The track will be available for free download on its release. It remains to be seen whether it’s got the power of a “We Are The World” or “Do They Know it’s Christmas,” but it’s sounding promising so far! It’s hoped the recording will pressure world leaders to reach an agreement on tackling climate change at December’s United Nations conference in Denmark.

Photo credit: Brian Aris @ Wikimedia Commons

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Lil Jon Does Melbourne's Megarampage

Rapper Lil Jon is heading to Melbourne as part of Megarampage, Melbourne’s extreme skating, BMX, and live music show. His visit coincides with the release of his new album Crunk Rock.

Other acts on the bill include The Offspring, Good Charlotte, Wu Tang Clan, Kelley James, and local bands Cog, Mammal, and Shaman.

The bands are a drawcard, but the real highlight of the day is going to be the Megarampage megaramp, a nine-storey high ramp that’s the length of a football field. It will take an entire week to build, but it’ll be worth it when 14 pro-skaters and six BMX riders tear it up! Australia’s Jake Brown will take it on, as will Americans Bob Burnquist and Danny Way to name a few.

Megarampage will hit Melbourne’s Etihad Stadium on October 31. Tickets are on sale via Ticketmaster from $99.

Image source: Gamerscore Blog @ Wikimedia Commons

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Blender Gallery Shows Gibson Through The Lens Art Exhibition

Sydneysiders should get themselves to the Blender Gallery to catch the very cool Gibson Through the Lens exhibition, which opened today.

The exhibition features photographs from some of the world’s most respected rock photographers including Ross Halfin, Jim Marshall, Neal Preston, and Mick Rock. There are 70 rare and vintage images of rock legends including Bruce Springsteen, Jimi Hendrix, Jimmy Page, Prince, Bono, and our own Angus Young. The show has already toured the world, including showings in Los Angeles, Shanghai, Berlin, and London.

Gibson Through the Lens will be at the Blender Gallery until October 6.

Image copyright Baron Wolman

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Paul Greene Signs Japanese Deal

Local singer-songwriter Paul Greene has just inked a licensing deal with Japanese label Tsunami Music. His latest album, Distance Over Time, will hit Japanese record stores on 22 November. It will feature two previously unreleased tracks: “Bumpy Ride” and “Talk To Me.”

“We have been searching for world class music to introduce to the Japanese people and the gods have not ignored our efforts. After hearing Paul’s music I feel like we have discovered a diamond and are very honoured to be working with him. We are committed to helping him soar higher and higher,” said Tsunami CEO Hironobu Arai.

Paul will visit Japan in December, seeing six cities in just 10 days, to promote the release. The promotional tour will include concerts in Tokyo and Osaka.

“The idea of playing to an entirely new audience is both inspiring and exciting,” says Greene. “Tsunami has been wonderful to deal with, their enthusiasm for the music and ambitions as a label are fantastic. I am very honoured to be involved with them.”

This isn’t the only travelling on the agenda for Paul. He’ll jet to North America in March for a series of shows including a performance at Canadian Musicfest. On returning home, Paul will unleash his highly anticipated new album. It’s scheduled for an April 2010 release.

If you want to catch Paul before he jets off, you can see him perform on his current Work Love Dance Trust tour.

Image used with permission from AAA Entertainment

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Jimmy Barnes and Guy Sebastian Hold Steady on Aussie Charts

It’s another week on top of the charts for locals Jimmy Barnes and Guy Sebastian. Jimmy held steady at the top of the albums charts with The Rhythm and The Blues, despite strong competition from fellow Aussie Kate Miller-Heidke. Her album Curiouser is up three positions this week, and breathing down Jimmy’s neck at number two.

Also making his presence felt is John Farnham at number six. His national tour no doubt has something to do with his greatest hits compilation The Essential 3.0 climbing five spots.

Not a lot has changed in the singles charts. Guy Sebastian’s still at number one with “Like It Like That.” Kate’s still at number three with “The Last Day on Earth.”

If only we had a few more Aussies to keep them company! Jess Mauboy did jump a whopping 11 spots to land at number 11 this week, so I’m predicting her newie “Up/Down” will crack the top 10 next time around.

Click below to see the complete top 10!

Continue reading “Jimmy Barnes and Guy Sebastian Hold Steady on Aussie Charts” →
Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Ashleigh Toole Leaves Australian Idol on Rock Night

Australian Idol rocked this week with special guest mentor and judge Suzi Quatro. But before we could get into the business, someone had to go. This week saw Tim Johnston, Casey Barnes, and Ashleigh Toole land in the bottom three. Despite never putting a foot wrong in the comp, Ashleigh was the unlucky one ousted. My husband wonders whether all of her fans simply intended to vote as he did, rather than picking up the phone. Either way, she definitely didn’t deserve to leave us so soon.

Hayley Warner, our resident rock chick, was a natural choice to kick off the performances. Her choice of a Paramore number was spot on. I think she took everything Suzi said in her stride and delivered a performance even more compelling than the week before.

Casey Barnes is one of the nicest guys in the comp, so finding his rock edge was always going to be a challenge. I’m not sure he did it with Carolina Liar’s “I’m Not Over”, but we saw a little more angst than we have in the past. It was a solid effort for a singer clearly out of his comfort zone.

I loved Kate Cook’s cheeky choice of Jet’s “Are You Gonna Be My Girl.” Like Casey, she wasn’t in her comfort zone, but I had to admire her commitment. While parts of it were a little shouty for me, she certainly didn’t do it by halves. She gets an A for effort.

Continue reading “Ashleigh Toole Leaves Australian Idol on Rock Night” →
Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Sneaky Sound System Become a Duo

Sneaky Sound System are down one member. MC Double D (AKA Daimon Downey) has left the band to pursue other interests.

Connie Mitchell and Black Angus plan to continue as a duo, although their hairy ex-bandmate will join them for several upcoming festival appearances.

The new twosome will head to Europe later this month, for a tour which kicks off in Ibiza, Spain. Nice work if you can get it, right? Then it’s back to Oz in October ahead of the summer festival season.

Image source: Foraggio Fotographic @ Flickr

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Cold Chisel Rumoured to Reform for Supercars

The rumour bill is buzzing that The Bee Gees may not be the only classic Aussie act reforming. Word is that Cold Chisel may be getting the band back together for a one-off show at Sydney’s V8 Supercars event.

Who cares that Jimmy Barnes, Ian Moss, and the boys haven’t had a new album since The Last Wave of Summer in ’98? I caught them on their Ringside reunion tour way back in 2003 and they still rocked just as hard as ever.

The V8 Supercars Championship Series will hit Homebush between December 4 and 6. Fans may want to reserve the dates, just in case.