Shannon Noll’s Loud New Single

In the not so recent past, I couldn’t turn on the radio without Shannon Noll trying to fire me up. I quite enjoy Shannon, but the last thing I wanted to hear from my clock radio was inspirational pop rock telling me why I needed to get up and out of bed. I also didn’t need to hear that he knew how hard it could be, but encouraging me to lift anyway.

Expect more of these inescapable positive messages to dominate the airwaves in the coming weeks. Shannon’s latest single, “Loud”, has just been released to radio.

Nollsy is the most successful artist discovered through the Australian Idol talent search, selling more albums and releasing more hit singles than his reality TV peers. He believes his optimistic outlook is the key to his longevity.

“There’s way too much negativity in the music industry, songs that talk about hate and killing and anger,” he told The Daily Telegraph.

“The beautiful thing about music is its ability to make people feel something positive.”

New Song Obsession: Love Me Like The World is Ending

I caught Ben Lee performing his latest single, “Love Me Like The World Is Ending,” on Sunrise this week. I must admit, although I’ve always liked Ben Lee, I’ve never been a massive fan. But after listening to this song I can’t wait to hear his new album Ripe.

It seems Ben’s mellowing, becoming less pretentious and allowing us to see more vulnerability. This performance, with just an acoustic guitar as accompaniment, showcases that perfectly.

Amazing, right? If you’re in Sydney and enjoyed the song as much as I did, I suggest you get down to Warringah Mall today. Ben will be performing and signing copies of “Love Me Like The World Is Ending” from 1 pm.

Italy In Love With Old Man River

Old Man River‘s infectious single “La” is the perfect antidote for the cold Australian winter. This catchy pop slice reminds me of warm sand between my toes and lazy summer weekends.

The irresistible ditty has become a surprise smash in Italy, racing up the national airplay charts. The song is sitting pretty at number 19 on the Italian national airplay chart, up 12 spots from two weeks ago.

Not a bad effort for a boy from Sydney. To see what all the fuss is about, be sure to watch Old Man River performing “La” on the ABC’s Sideshow below!

If you like what you see, catch Old Man River when he visits your town soon! Check his MySpace for all the tour dates.

The Beautiful Girls Release New Album in America

After impressing fans and critics in Australia, indie trio The Beautiful Girls are set to do the same in the United States. The band will release their latest album, Ziggurats, in America on September 18.

The Beautiful Girls have created a truly unique sound, through their love of jazz, reggae, rock, and country. Renowned for their mellow tones, Ziggurats introduces a heavier, electric element to their signature sound.

Rolling Stone called Ziggurats “a great leap forward” for the band, while The Daily Telegraph said it was a “stellar album, which is impossible to take off the stereo.”

See what The Beautiful Girls are about by watching the film clip for their latest single, “I Thought About You,” below.

Americans: if you’re revved by what you’ve heard, be sure to check out Ziggurats when it hits stores in September.

Sunk Loto Calls It Quits

Queensland rockers Sunk Loto have called it a day after an illustrious 10-year career.

The heavy metal band hit the big time when, as teenagers, they signed a record deal with Sony. They recorded two albums under the label, Big Picture Lies and Between Birth and Death. The band, which was working on a new album, cites creative differences for the split.

On a statement on their MySpace, Sunk Loto has thanked their “die-hard loyal fans, friends and family for sticking with them and making it all worthwhile.”

However, fans need not despair. Founding members Jason and Dane Brown are currently working on new material with their original bassist Robkaay. Guitarist Luke McDonald also plans to record music with a new project.

Here’s a clip of their song “Everything Everyway” to remember them by!