Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Kelly Clarkson Announces Aussie Tour

Kelly Clarkson’s winging her way to Oz for another tour next year.

The original American Idol is visiting on the back of her fourth studio album, All I Ever Wanted. It’s already spawned the hits “My Life Would Suck Without You,” “I Do Not Hook Up,” and “Already Gone.” Expect to hear those and all the old favourites at the Aussie shows next April.

Eric Hutchinson and Cassie Davis will also be along for the ride.

Tickets for the following shows go on sale on Thursday November 12 through Ticketek, except for Perth which will be sold through Ticketmaster.

13 April 2010 – Entertainment Centre, Brisbane
15 April 2010 – Entertainment Centre, Newcastle
17 April 2010 – Acer Arena, Sydney
19 April 2010 – Rod Laver Arena, Melbourne
22 April 2010 – Challenge Stadium, Perth

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Jazz in the Vines @ Hunter Valley, 31 October 2009

There are many worse ways to spend a lazy Saturday than at the annual Jazz in the Vines concert in the Hunter Valley. With exceptional musical talent, wonderful wines, delicious food, and one of the loveliest crowds around, it’s a show that keeps me coming back time and time again.

dixiejazz

The Dixie Jazz Band kicked off proceedings with their crowd-pleasing set of old-fashioned standards. These guys look about 70 in the shade, but those all those years have helped make this act one of the tightest around. I’ve seen them regularly at Newcastle’s Race for Research, and was thrilled to see them on the bill.

armyband

The Australian Army Band kicked things up a notch with their set of originals and classic covers. You know when a band’s made of serviceman that they’re going to be tight. There’s that regimented precision which easily transfers to their music. But don’t think that made the set stuffy. The young talent on show injected a youthful energy into the time-honoured tunes.
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Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Toby Moulton Quits Australia Idol

Anyone who says this season of Australian Idol is boring may just have to eat their words. Tonight’s episode started with a curveball, as Toby Moulton announced he was withdrawing from the competition. It seems his love for his students and the teaching profession far outweighs the passion he has for music. It was a beautiful thing, and a fitting end to the Idol journey of such a humble contestant. I was surprised that the verdict was still read, but in the end I’m glad it was. For it seems Toby’s selfless act kept James Johnston in the competition. He’s a good kid, and I’m glad he’s got a reprieve.

Nathan Brake kicked off proceedings with Ne-Yo’s “Closer.” I was a bit worried by the song choice, fearing that he wouldn’t have the edge to pull it off. Silly me. Nathan seems to be able to turn his hand to anything, and that includes this cool, sexy, R’n’B ditty. I really enjoyed this.

I can’t say the same thing for James Johnston’s take on “Daughters.” I’m a massive John Mayer fan, so maybe that means I’m a little harder on James than most. But I didn’t feel this at all. It came across as more about singing well that connecting. He did the former, but the latter is just as important, if not more so.


Stan Walker was back to his R’n’B shtick with Mario’s “Let Me Love You.” I agree with the judges’ comments that the original version would have been much better suited – it’s more melodic and generally more impressive. But with what he had to work with, he sang the hell out of it and performed the hell out of it. This was enjoyable – Stan always is – but it didn’t wow me.

Hayley Warner turned her hand to Gossip’s “Heavy Cross.” It was a very cool song choice, but it didn’t quite come off for me. The vocals were unusually lacking here. Even though she performed the pants off it, the pitchy parts really detracted from this performance for me.
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Posted on by Lauren Katulka

"Live at the Hi-Fi" – Kate Miller-Heidke

With Curiouser still sitting pretty in the Australian top 20, Sony has decided to drop another Kate Miller-Heidke CD. Cannily released to coincide with Kate’s current Australian tour, Live at the Hi-Fi Bar showcases tracks from both her recent chart-topper, her breakthrough debut, Little Eve, and her earlier EPs.

The Video Hits crowd may be disappointed at the absence of “Last Day on Earth,” but “Out and In” and “Space They Cannot Touch” are just as poignant and beautiful. I must admit, I’m not familiar with Kate’s early releases, but these tracks sucked me in with the first listen. “Dreams” is delightfully demented, and “Caught in the Crowd” seems even more touching in the live arena. A raucous cover of the Australian classic “You’re The Voice” gets the whole crowd singing along, while her tender treatment of Empire of the Sun’s “Walking on a Dream” is breathtaking.

There’s a lovely raw feel to proceedings. There’s all the spontaneity and organic energy that any good concert should have. That vibrant spirit is beautifully captured on the CD.

For those who only just discovered Kate’s music with the mainstream success of Curiouser, this is a great introduction to what came before. For those who were already in the know, it’s an excellent snapshot of this talented Aussie’s career to date. If you’re contemplating seeing Kate Miller-Heidke on her current tour, one spin of Live at the Hi-Fi should help you make up your mind.

Image used with permission from Sony Music Australia

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

AC/DC Family Jewels in Melbourne

Melbourne rockers are in for a real treat, with the AC/DC Family Jewels exhibition making a pit stop at the city’s Art Centre next week.

The display includes costumes, instruments, props from the band’s live shows, candid photographs, and rare handwritten notes and lyrics. It also features rarely-seen concert footage and interviews, early concert posters, and other cool collectibles.

Curator Tim Fisher says, “There is little doubt that after 35 years on the world stage AC/DC are by far Australia’s most successful and influential performing artists. AC/DC Australia’s Family Jewels seeks to link the material history of the band to the experience of their music. The exhibition will also try to convey – both through exhibited material and an interactive online initiative – the place that AC/DC holds for their devoted fans.”

You can catch AC/DC Australia’s Family Jewels at Melbourne Art Centre from November 7, 2009 to February 29, 2010.

Image source: Melbourne Art Centre website

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Big Bad Voodoo Daddy Back Again to Celebrate Cab Calloway

It took Big Bad Voodoo Daddy 20 years to visit Australia for the first time, but clearly they enjoyed themselves! Just nine months after that maiden voyage they’ve announced a return tour!

The swing kings will be here to promote their eight studio album How Big Can You Get? The disc is a tribute to legendary big band pioneer Cab Calloway, a joyous celebration of his musicianship and mischief.

Funnily enough Sydney’s missing out, but Big Bad Voodoo Daddy will hit Brisbane’s Hi-Fi Bar on January 7 before visiting Melbourne’s Billboard on January 8. Tickets are on sale now from the venues.

Image source: Big Bad Voodoo Daddy press gallery

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Michael Coppel Withdrawal Puts V Festival in Doubt

V Festival’s future in Australia is in doubt after promoter Michael Coppel refused to renew his deal with Sir Richard Branson. Unless the Virgin Group can find another major promoter before March, it looks like the show won’t go ahead.

“For the past three years, the Virgin Group and Michael Coppel Presents have worked together to deliver the acclaimed V Festival to Australian audiences,” Mr Coppel said in a statement.

“The presentation of V Festival in 2009 concluded this arrangement and the partnership is not being renewed. The Virgin Group will make further announcements regarding V Festival in Australia in the coming months.”

But whispers are that Michael Coppel’s not getting out of the festival biz altogether. Industry buzz says he’s working on a festival for late 2010, with many suggesting it could see Livid resurrected. I’ll miss V Festival, but that would certainly ease the pain!

Image source: Bradii @ Flickr

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

The Black Ryder Release New Video, Aimee Scores New Moon Soundtrack Slot

The Black Ryder has released a stunning video for “Sweet Come Down.” The haunting song comes from the band’s highly anticipated debut, Buy The Ticket, Take the Ride, which hits stores on November 6.

The song is a fan favourite, with Aimee Nash and Scott Ryper sharing vocal duties and Black Rebel Motorcycle Club’s Peter Hayes on harmonica.

The accompanying clip is more short film than traditional music video, with acclaimed director Michael Spiccia and cinematographer Stefan Duscio at the helm. The wilds of south west New South Wales become a beautiful and foreboding landscape for the scene, which takes place after a mysterious tragedy.

The Black Ryder fans should look out for Aimee moonlighting on the new Black Rebel Motorcycle track, “Done All Wrong.” The song, which features Aimee’s ethereal vocals, is featured on the recently released Twilight – New Moon soundtrack.

The Black Ryder will celebrate the release of Buy The Ticket, Take the Ride with a show at The Tote Bar in Melbourne on November 19. The band will play alongside Killed Two Birds, Slight of Build, and Dreaming of Ghosts. It’s their very last show this year, so make sure you don’t miss it!

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Bon Jovi Planning Australian Tour

One of my favourite concert memories of last year was Bon Jovi’s show at Sydney’s Acer Arena. So I was thrilled to read the boys from New Jersey are planning a return visit.

There are no dates as yet, but the rockers have confirmed they’ll be here sometime in the next two years during The Circle world tour.

“One of our few regrets is the way we toured in the last decade was much more civilised than when we were young bucks and would go out for 200-250 show tours,” Jon said from Tokyo recently.

“So we neglected a whole region of the world, including Australia, which we always loved immensely, and by neglecting it we lost our footing there. The last record we came back and started to re-establish that, and with our hearts on our sleeves I can tell you we are going to spend a lot more time in Australia, starting with this record.”

I’m sure anyone who saw the band last time will agree, Bon Jovi spending a lot more time in Australia is a very good thing.

Photo credit: Mack Male @ Wikimedia Commons

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Q & A with Sarah McLeod

Sarah McLeod rose to fame as the frontwoman for 90s indie rockers The Superjesus. These days there’s a little more rock to her pop, but Sarah’s still going strong. After a year in New York she’s back and ready to unleash her brand new sound on Oz. I caught up with Sarah today to chat about her music’s new direction, life abroad, and why there’s no place like home.

How does it feel to be back home?
It’s taken me a few days to acclimatise and now I’m really, really comfortable. I think wild horses are going to have to drag me out this time because I’ve dug my heels in really hard. But when I first arrived I was a feeling a little bit “Oh, everything’s too suburban! Where are the homeless people I have to walk over?” It sort of confused me a little bit, but now I’ve worked out where I’m going to live, and I got back with my dog, and saw all my friends, and got back into my old life and now I’m really happy.

So are you back here for good or are you going back to New York?
I’m going to be going to and fro from here to New York probably for the next two years. I think I have to keep doing that. But as far as living, I’m going to live here. I’ve just committed to a 12-month lease on an apartment, so that was quite a big step for me. So I’m going to live here, and just go over there to do what I need to do.

I loved New York when I visited a few years ago. What do I need to see next time I go?
I’ve never really been one for sights. I just like certain areas of New York. I’m very much entrenched in The Village. The Village atmosphere to me is kind of like living on Sesame Street. You get to know everybody and you know where everything is. It’s really easy to get around; you can walk. I sort of hover between the West Village, Soho, and the East Village, and I never really like to travel above 14th Street or below Canal. That’s kind of like a little block of area that I really called my own.

I was extremely happy there. I felt really comfortable there. It was sort of one point of my life where I started working out who I was and what I wanted to do, and I felt really at home. And it changed me a lot, and I’m really happy that I had that opportunity to do that because I’m better for it. I loved it. I’ve got great memories. But now I’m extremely happy to be back here. I’ve picked up a few knick knacks of knowledge that I’ve learned and now I’m working them into my life, and I feel like everything so far is going to plan. And I’m with my dog, and that’s totally cool.

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