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.

Natalie Bassingthwaighte Enjoys On-Screen Lesbian Romp

Former Neighbours star and Rogue Traders frontwoman Natalie Bassingthwaighte has returned to her acting roots with a role that’s sure to please her legions of male fans. Nat plays a doctor with lesbian tendencies in a new indie horror film, Prey.

However, word is that a particularly pervy scene, where she showers while her female costar watches, may end up on the cutting room floor.

“I hope not!” she told The Herald Sun at the Neighbours relaunch party.

I’m sure most men around the world are crossing their fingers right along with her.

Still on the subject of Australia’s favourite soap: Australian Idol heartthrob, Dean Geyer, is moving to Ramsey Street. Dean will play an aspiring musician, a role that sounds very similar to Delta Goodrem’s Nina Tucker. Dean can only hope the role does as much for his singing career as it did for hers!

Whether it sends the South African stunner to the top of the charts remains to be seen. However, as Neighbours is definitely lacking male eye candy these days, Dean’s inclusion should be a ratings winner.

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.

Musicial Icons Inducted Into ARIA Hall of Fame

The ARIA Hall of Fame just got a little more crowded, with six acts awarded the honour last night in Melbourne. Australian musical masters joined some of the hottest new talent to celebrate the new inductees.

Sneaky Sound System‘s Connie Mitchell duetted with disco diva and Australian Idol judge Marcia Hines, before Harry M Miller inducted her into the Hall of Fame. The legendary stage producer watched over a young Marcia when she starred in Hair.

Western Australian roots outfit The Waifs performed “I Remember You” in tribute to inductee Frank Ifield.

Jimmy Barnes then took the stage to introduce fellow musical icon and new Hall of Famer, Brian Cadd. Barnesy compared Brian’s songwriting skills to American masters Ray Charles and Hank Williams. As if to prove a point, Brian performed two of his biggest hits: “Ginger Man” with The Audreys, and “Little Ray of Sunshine” with Thirsty Merc’s Rai Thistlethwayte.

Other inductees included punk pioneers Radio Birdman, the Hoodoo Gurus, and Jo Jo Zep and the Falcons. Music manager John Woodruff, best remembered for his work with Savage Garden, was given a lifetime achievement award.

Stay tuned for a final Hall of Fame inductee to be revealed ahead of October’s ARIA Awards ceremony.

Wolfmother’s Missing Grammy

Wolfmother may have won the hard rock Grammy in February, but the Sydney Morning Herald reported the band still hasn’t received the prestigious trophy.

As is the usual practice, the band posed with a dummy trophy on the night. Bands then receive their awards when they have been engraved.

No one’s sure quite what the hold-up is, but the hairy lads aren’t too concerned. They’re too busy preparing for Saturday’s Sydney Live Earth show.

The final details are still being ironed out, with organisers still unsure whether Wolfmother or Jack Johnson will precede headliners Crowded House. My vote’s for Wolfmother. While they may not be the most original band around, at least they’re an Australian one.

Image source: redbeardedwonder @ Flickr.com

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!