Category: Live Performances

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

More Magic from That 1 Guy

Have you heard of That 1 Guy? Otherwise known as Mike Silverman, That 1 Guy takes the concept of a one-man band to the next level with his incredible Magic Pipe.

It sounds like a piece of drug paraphernalia, but in reality it’s a seven-foot tall collection of swiveling pipes, metal gears, bass strings, and buttons all connected by a rainbow of coloured wires. If you’re having trouble picturing that just check out this video!

That 1 Guy’s coming at you with a brand new album Packs a Wallop, which does just what it says. It was recorded in Atlanta, Georgia with Billy Hume, who’s worked with the likes of Nelly and Ludacris. It was an interesting creative process for That 1 Guy, as for the first time he went into the studio with ideas rather than fully fledged tracks.

“I went in there with zero – nothing finished – and I lived there for a month,” he explained. “It was really hard work, really long days, and I forced myself to craft some stuff.”

The new approach worked, as Packs a Wallop is perhaps That 1 Guy’s most spontaneous and creative work.

“Human beings do our best work when we’re challenged and pushed up against the wall,” he said. “By nature, we’re hunters and gathers, spending each day looking for the next meal. It’s easy to be lazy when you don’t have to come up with something creative right away.”

That 1 Guy is bringing the new songs, and a brand new pipe, to the people at the following shows. Make sure you arrive early to catch the amazing Mr. Percival at all but the Port Macquarie and regional Victoria shows.

18 November 2010 – The Transit Bar, Canberra
19 November 2010 – AWME Festival @ The Edge, Federation Square, Melbourne
20 November 2010 – Republic Bar, Hobart
21 November 2010 – Republic Bar, Hobart
24 November 2010 – Fly By Night, Fremantle
25 November 2010 – Governor Hindmarsh, Adelaide
26 November 2010 – Pier Hotel, Frankston
27 November 2010 – Shine On Festival, Ballarat
28 November 2010 – Karova Lounge, Ballarat
29 November 2010 – The Brewery, Byron Bay
1 December 2010 – Villa Noosa, Noosa
2 December 2010 – Miami Sharks, Gold Coast
3 December 2010 – Tanks Arts Centre, Cairns
4 December 2010 – Globe Theatre, Brisbane
5 December 2010 – Cambridge Tavern, Newcastle
8 December 2010 – Gearin Hotel, Katoomba
9 December 2010 – Corner Hotel, Melbourne
10 December 2010 – Factory Theatre, Sydney
11 December 2010 – Festival Of The Sun, Port Macquarie
27 December 2010 – 1 January 2011 – Woodford Folk Festival, Woodfordia

Image used with permission from Heapsaflash

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

“You’ll Never Walk Alone” – David Campbell

I’m heading home today, so I figured it was only fitting to end this little snapshot of Adelaide music on the artist I’m seeing live on Thursday night: David Campbell. Anyone who’s been reading this blog for a while knows how much I adore David, and I’m definitely looking forward to hearing him playing the tunes from the new Broadway album including “You’ll Never Walk Alone.”

Thanks for your patience while I’ve been away. Regular blogging resumes tomorrow!

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

The X Factor Live Shows Are Underway!

I was a bit critical of The X Factor due to some questionable judging choices last week, but I approached tonight’s first live show with an open mind. Here’s how it all went down.

Luke and Joel kicked the night off with Good Charlotte’s “Lifestyles of the Rich and the Famous.” I thought Guy had picked a smart song; it’s not a track that really challenges the vocals and it does allow natural charisma to shine through. I still stand by my views though that these guys aren’t top 12 material. All the personality in the world can’t make up for an inability to sing.

I always felt Hayley Teal was one of the biggest contenders in the competition, but I was in two minds after the performance tonight. It all started for me when Nat dyed her hair brown. It continued with the slick, choreographed performance of “Bust Your Windows.” She nailed it vocally, but I just worry that we’re losing Hayley in the process. I loved her edges, and I’m a bit disappointed that she’s been polished up. I guess we’ll see what happens next week.

I was a bit skeptical when I heard Kyle had picked Kelly Clarkson’s “Already Gone” for Chris Doe, but I was pleasantly surprised. It wasn’t flawless by any means, but for the first time tonight I felt the heart. This was the connection I’ve been craving all night. There’s definitely some potential there, and I ‘m looking forward to seeing him grow in this competition.

Amanda Grafanakis was up next with Ne-Yo’s “Closer.” I think this was probably the most well rounded performance to that point. The vocals were on point and she performed it really well. I still didn’t feel my socks blown off, but I really couldn’t fault her on anything. If she’s this good in week one, I can’t wait to see how she develops.

Kharizma really impressed me with “Empire State of Mind.” There was that elusive connection that I’ve felt lacking in so many of the performances tonight. They definitely sold the story of the song. For the first time I felt that they stepped up rather than living in Mahogany’s shadow.

Continue reading “The X Factor Live Shows Are Underway!” →

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Kylie Minogue Plays with Scissor Sisters in Melbourne

Melbourne music fans got lucky last night when Kylie Minogue joined old pals Scissor Sisters on stage at Festival Hall.

Kylie joined the British dance band for “Any Which Way,” and then returned to the stage during the encore for a stripped back performance of her latest single “All The Lovers.” You can see that on the video below. As with most live recordings the quality isn’t perfect, but it’s still worth persevering with for the fans who missed out!

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Guy Sebastian and Jordin Sparks Duet Live in Los Angeles (Video)

While touring America recently Guy Sebastian caught up with his duet partner and fellow Idol victor Jordin Sparks. The pair treated fans at Los Angeles’ Club Nokia to a special performance of their hit duet “Art of Love” last Friday night. Here’s the video for all you fans around Oz (and the rest of the world)!

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Thirsty Merc Strip Back New Track “Mousetrap Heart”

The album’s still some time away, but this video from Thirsty Merc’s forthcoming release Mousetrap Heart has me wanting more. The classic grooves and quirky lyrics of the title track seem like a bit of a return for the Aussie lads, although even in this raw mode I can tell we’re in for something a bit slicker. That should come as no surprise as the Aussies are currently in Los Angeles working with producer Matt Wallace, the man behind Maroon 5’s sound. I can definitely hear his influence in this hooky tune. More please!

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Acoustic Goodness from Juke Kartel

My readers have been at it again, recommending some of Australia’s best up and coming bands. Keep your e-mails coming! I love to hear what you’re listening to, and what you think I should be!

Yesterday I heard from Denise who told me I needed to check out Juke Kartel. I remembered the band’s single “Save Me” released a couple of years back, but I thought they’d dropped off the radar. Silly me; I just wasn’t looking hard enough.

Denise pointed me to this video for “My Baby,” one of the non-single tracks from Juke Kartel’s debut album Nowhere Left to Hide. When songs like this aren’t released, you start realizing how strong an album is. I’m always partial to an acoustic performance because it shows us what talented musicians a band are. I like “Save Me,” but I love this.

Juke Kartel played a few shows in Hollywood last month; hopefully we’ll see them back on home soil real soon.

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

The Veronicas Duet with Michael Paynter

I love it when people write to tell me the artists I simply must hear. This afternoon I received one of these lovely e-mails pointing me to this video, and introducing me to the exceptional talents of Michael Paynter.

This vid was filmed last week when Lisa and Jess Origliasso of The Veronicas joined Michael on stage for his song “Novocaine.” What an incredible track, and a sign of things to come it seems because Michael will release his debut album later this year through Sony.

If you like what you hear and are lucky enough to live in Melbourne make sure you check out Michael’s set every Wednesday night this month at Revolver. I don’t think you’re going to be disappointed!