Posted on by Lauren Katulka

The Versus Sign to Warner, Offer Free Single Download

theversus

Killing Heidi duo Ella and Jesse Hooper have just been signed up to Warner Music Australia. The brother-sister team’s latest incarnation, The Verses, showcases their incredible talent and knack for crafting an unforgettable song.

“The Verses are all about old-fashioned quality: beautifully crafted songs, great musicianship and unforgettable vocal melodies,” explained Warner president and CEO, Ed St John. “They take all the things that are good about ‘classic rock’ and combine them with a totally contemporary sensibility. So many people know and admire Jesse and Ella Hooper and all that they stand for, but I still think people will be blown away by this band.”

Meanwhile Ella and Jesse Hooper are hopeful about the opportunities their partnership with Warner will present.

“We are very excited to be working with the people at Warners for our new project The Verses as we really respect their nurturing of local talent,” the pair said in a statement. “The Verses has been something we have been creating with a lot of love and are looking forward to sharing our music again. We are thrilled to be debuting our new band on the Fleetwood Mac tour in December, who are one of our favourite groups!“

The band’s first single “Forever More” will hit radio on October 26, but you can get it for free now at The Versus website. The song comes from the band’s debut EP, which is scheduled to drop on November 13. That gives fans just enough time to learn all the songs ahead of the Fleetwood Mac tour. Here are all the dates!

1 & 2 December 2009 – Rod Laver Arena, Melbourne
5 December 2009 – Hope Estate Winery, Hunter Valley
7 December 2009 – Acer Arena, Sydney
11 & 12 December 2009 – Members Equity, Perth
15 & 16 December 2009 – Entertainment Centre, Brisbane

Image used with permission from Warner Music Australia

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Wes Carr CD Gets a Cover Disc

WesCarrEPCover

If you don’t own a copy of Wes Carr’s album The Way The World Looks, or you just can’t get enough of the reigning Australian Idol champ, listen up. The album will be repackaged as a two-disc set, which features a collection of covers titled Under the Influence.

The really exciting thing is that it’s not simply the songs Wes covered on Idol. Instead, Wes has put his signature stamp on the songs which influenced his musical journey. The disc features a remake of Joe Jackson’s “Is She Really Going Out With Him,” which you may have heard in the opening credits of Beauty & The Geek. Surely I’m not the only one who’s been suckered into that reality TV show! There’s also a stripped back acoustic version of Wes’ own hit, “Love is an Animal.”

The newly repackaged version of The Way The World Looks hits stores on November 6. Here’s the complete track listing!

1. “Is She Really Going Out With Him” – Joe Jackson
2. “Long As I Can See The Light” – Creedence Clearwater Revival
3. “Hey Bulldog” – The Beatles
4. “Go Your Own Way” – Fleetwood Mac
5. “Straight To Hell” – The Clash
6. “Across 110th Street” – Bobby Womack
7. “Love” – The Beatles
8. “Slide” – Michael Hutchence/U2
9. “Love is an Animal”- Acoustic Version

Image used with permission from Sony Music Australia

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

RuinGloria Gets Trashy at the Agincourt Tonight!

We haven’t heard anything from RuinGloria since they headed Stateside to tour the west Coast in March. But fear not; the Sydney rockers aren’t dead. They’ve just been cooped up in a studio writing and recording their debut album.

While the disc won’t hit stores until early next year, RuinGloria are keen to unleash the songs upon their faithful local fans. The band has announced a run of dates leading up to Christmas, including a headlining spot at Trash at the Agincourt Hotel tonight. Get your skates on and pick up a free copy of the band’s new single, “I’m Pretty Sure My Ex-Girlfriend is a Vampire.”

All shows are over 18s, so kiddies will have to sit these ones out.

17 October 2009 – Trash @ Agincourt Hotel, Broadway
31 October 2009 – Manly Fisho’s, Manly
5 November 2009 – Hot Damn! Sydney
17 December 2009 – Bull n Bush, Baulkham Hills

Image used with permission from SuperHappyRecords

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

Blog Action Day: Aussie Songs for Climate Change

Today is Blog Action Day, a day when bloggers all around the globe unite to raise awareness of topical issues and inspire change. This year we’re talking about climate change. I was appalled recently to hear that studies say Australians are becoming less concerned about this big issue. So while much has been written about the environment in the recent past, perhaps this day is more important than ever. I don’t think preaching about the importance of reducing your carbon footprint and being green ever works. Instead, I’ll let the words of some of Australia’s most powerful environmental songs do the talking for me.

“Warakurna” didn’t make the chart splash that many of Midnight Oil’s songs did, but I think that makes it impact all the more profound. I encourage you to listen to the lyrics, ones that many of you may not have heard before. I get a chill every time I hear the words “This land must change or land must burn.”

It might not be apparent at first, but “Treat Yo Mama” by John Butler Trio isn’t encouraging us to mind our manners around dear old mum. Instead it’s a plea to treat Mama Nature with all the respect she so rightly deserves.

Here’s something a little more mainstream to finish up on. Crowded House were really ahead of their time when it came to local bands singing about our impact on the world. With “Weather With You” the band told us very simply that no matter what we’re doing, we’re having a profound effect on the environment around us. It’s definitely something to think about!

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

Q & A with Josh Belz of Starlight Theatre

Starlight Theatre have earned a strong following in their home state of Queensland, and now they’re ready to show the rest of the country what they can do. I recently caught up with the band’s bass guitarist Josh Belz to chat about the band’s debut EP, True Love Stories Never Have Happy Endings, life on the road, and the power of the internet.

You’re currently touring all around the country. What’s the crowd response been like?
It’s been great. It’s always nice to go into the other states and play for our fans that aren’t in Brisbane. It’s always a blast catching up with friends and to have the chance to communicate our music to a different group of people. We play in Queensland and Northern New South Wales a far bit, so to go to places like Melbourne, Sydney and Newcastle it is always a nice change.

What do you love about performing live?
The spontaneity of it. You can plan a set and think you have everything organised, but when you’re playing live anything can happen. I love the vibe you get off the crowd and the realness of a live show. You’re really putting everything out there and saying “This is us, take it or leave it!”

I read that you would love your concerts to be an experience as opposed to just another rock show. How do you try to make that happen?
We try to create a real atmosphere with our songs and our sounds. We have really worked hard over the last few months trying to create something unique. Hopefully so when the crowd walks away, they’re saying ‘Wow, that was different’. We really want the night to be more than ‘we’re the band’, ‘you’re the crowd’.

Have you got any tour stories you can share with me?
Ha ha, so many. However an easy one is our drummer, Paul, has this thing that when we are on tour, he loves to sample Roadhouse Hot Boxes. Some of the crumbed sausages and hash browns look like they have been living in the box for days. Not recommended, but every tour he loves it. Weird right? But what can you do?

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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