Posted on by Lauren Katulka

It's Official: New Kids on the Block Cancel Aussie Tour

It seemed pretty apparent yesterday, but now it’s official: the New Kids on the Block tour is off.

Promoter Andrew McManus released a statement today which reads “Due to circumstances beyond their control, the New Kids On The Block have been forced to cancel their upcoming Australian tour dates. The group is incredibly disappointed and very sorry they won’t be able to perform in Australia at this time. The guys are very grateful for all the love and support from their Australian fans.”

Yet not so grateful as to continue with the tour despite lagging ticket sales. Those kind of platitudes seem a little hollow right now, don’t they? Anyway, refunds are available for all ticket holders from their point of purchase or Ticketek outlets.

Image source: INF

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

The Deer Republic, Foxx on Fire, and Hot Little Hands Make uncharTED Grand Final

After months of voting and showcase performances, just three bands remain in the running for this year’s Tooheys Extra Dry uncharTED title.

Sydney band The Deer Republic will take on Melbourne’s Foxx on Fire and Hot Little Hands at the grand final, to be held at Sydney’s Oxford Arts Factory on July 9. The winner will play this year’s Splendour in the Grass festival, and take home an artist development package worth $25, 000.

“Being in the top 3 for uncharTED is just so great,” enthused James Harvey from Hot Little Hands. “It’s like there’s a party in our favourite dancing shoes and everyone’s invited!”

“We have never felt so happy in our entire lives!” added Geno Carrapetta from Foxx On Fire.

“Reaching the final is like building castles in the sky and there will be one hell of a party at the Grand Final!” Mike Andrijic from The Deer Republic assures us.

Congratulations to all the bands for making it this far!

Image source: Reinn @ Flickr

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

New Kids on the Block Tour Gets Canned

In a move that’s sure to devastate ladies of my vintage, it looks like the New Kids on the Block tour is off.

While the event is still showing on the websites for the Burswood Dome and entertainment centres in Newcastle, Wollongong, and Brisbane, the concert has disappeared from the listings for both Rod Laver Arena in Melbourne and Acer Arena in Sydney.

The Adelaide Entertainment Centre website confirms what the other sites point to, with a statement reading “The New Kids On The Block Tour has been cancelled. Patrons who have purchased tickets for the concert will have their ticket refunded.”

It’s rumoured that poor ticket sales are behind the cancellation. Confirmation from the promoter Andrew McManus Presents is expected tomorrow.

Image source: Flynet

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

JB Hi-Fi Cans CD Single Sales

In a move which sounds awfully like a dirge for singles, JB Hi-Fi will cease to stock the short-play CDs from the start of July.

“The sales for this format have declined steadily over the last 12 months to a level where it no longer makes sense from a business perspective or customer service perspective to continue with the format,” the music retailer said in a statement.

I can’t say that I blame them. The Black Eyed Peas are sitting at the top of the charts with “Boom Boom Pow,” but they sold less than 1000 physical CDs last week. That’s quite frankly, pitiful. Yet as a child of the 80s, I’m a bit sad to see the format go the way of the dinosaur. Where will all those awesome B-sides turn up now?

Image source: Maebmij @ Flickr

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Sneaky Sound System Top UK Club Charts

It’s been a little quiet on the Sneaky Sound System front for some time, but don’t think the Aussie dance band are sitting idle. In fact, they have the number one song on the UK Club Chart!

“It’s Not My Problem” has leapt from number eight to take the top spot this week. But it’s little wonder. With the band playing dates around the United Kingdom, the Brits are discovering exactly what the band is all about.

Here are the rest of their international dates!

17 June 2009 – Liv @ Fontainebleau, Miami, USA
18 June 2009 – The Church, Denver, USA
19 June 2009 – Celebrities, Vancouver, Canada
20 June 2009 – Spin, San Diego, USA
23 June 2009 – Cinespace, Los Angeles, USA
24 June 2009 – Abbey Pub, Chicago, USA
25 June 2009 – Tattoo, Toronto, Canada
26 June 2009 – Webster Hall, NYC, USA
28 June 2009 – TOAST Festival, London, UK
1 July 2009 – Marquee, Cork, Ireland (supporting Lady GaGa)
4 July 2009 – Wireless Festival, London, UK
5 July 2009 – Paradise Club, Mykonos, Greece
11 July 2009 – Oxegen Festival, Dublin, Ireland
15 July 2009 – Pacha, Ibiza, Spain
18 July 2009 – Paradise Club, Mykonos, Greece
25 July 2009 – Global Gathering, Statford-Upon-Avon, UK
5 Aug 2009 – Pacha, Ibiza, Spain
19 Aug 2009 – Islington Academy, UK
22 Aug 2009 – V Festival, Stafford, UK
23 Aug 2009 – V Festival, Chelmsford, UK
26 Aug 2009 – Pacha, Ibiza, Spain
30 Aug 2009 – Get Loaded in the Park, London, UK
30 Sept 2009 – Pacha, Ibiza, Spain

Image source: Foraggio Fotographic @ Flickr

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

The Veronicas Enjoy Irish Number One

The Veronicas are sitting pretty at the top of the Irish singles charts with “Untouched.” The song that just won’t quit knocked off Tinchy Stryder’s single, ironically called “Number 1.” Not anymore it’s not!

Meanwhile, the song reached number 8 in the UK last week, and it’s still selling well in the US. Not bad for two girls from Queensland! I can only imagine the hysteria when the twins hit Europe later this year!

Image source: ZUMA Press

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Sarah Blasko Gets Musical

Just 1000 Sarah Blasko fans will get their hands on a special limited edition of her new album As Day Follows Night. But lucky fans they will be. They’ll receive a special bonus disc featuring Sarah’s reinterpretations of her favorite songs from musicals.

Cinema Blasko includes “Seems Like Old Times” from Annie Hall, “Something Good” from The Sound of Music, “Maybe This Time” from Cabaret, “Out Here On My Own” from Fame, and “Xanadu” from Xanadu. It sounds completely worthwhile for “Xanadu’s” presence alone!

Sarah will sign all the special edition boxes, which will also include four magic ink reveal cards and a paintbrush for you to reveal the artwork.

Sarah fans will need to get to their local record store bright and early on July 10 to snap up the limited edition As Day Follows Night CDs.

Image source: Boboroshi @ Flickr

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Chk-Chk-Boom Girl Clare Werbeloff Ready to Assault Our Ears

Not content with her 15 minutes of fame as the Chk-Chk Boom Girl, Clare Werbeloff is heading to the recording studio to record an album.

Clare’s agent Max Markson has enlisted a team of songwriters to create some smash hit singles for the bogus crime scene witness.

Mr Markson says he has high hopes for Clare’s musical career, which she hopes is a stepping stone to becoming a television presenter.

Oh boy. Call me a skeptic. Perhaps she’s a diamond with a talent we never realised. But something tells me this is going to be a train wreck to rival the hype we’ve already endured. Perhaps we should just get her to record a single, rather than a full length album, and see how that goes, eh?

If you’re completely out of the loop and have no idea who I’m talking about, here’s the clip that shot Clare to fame plus her recent interview with Sunrise. To everyone else, I apologise for posting it.

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Download New Hashbang SpaceStar Song for Free!

Hot on the heels of their first single “Buy Now and Borrow” comes Hashbang SpaceStar’s second release, “Good Night Baby Sleep Tight.” Once again the band is offering the song to fans as a free download.

The new track has been described as “a haunting and romantic lullaby,” perfect for those fans of Hope Sandoval (Mazzy Star), The Cure, and the Romeo + Juliet soundtrack.

Click here to download your copy of this hot new song for nothing!

Image used with permission from Hashbang SpaceStar

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

B-52s Headline Day on the Green Shows

The B-52s will kick off this summer’s Day on the Green concert series with a retro extravaganza.

The American new wave outfit will be joined by bespectacled Scotsmen The Proclaimers and Australian party act Mental as Anything.

The tour will kick off at the Hunter Valley’s Bimbadgen Estate on November 21, before visiting wineries and a couple of theatres around the country.

Tickets for the following shows go on sale on June 22.

21 November 2009 – Bimbadgen Estate, Hunter Valley
22 November 2009 – Sirromet Wines, Mt Cotton
25 November 2009 – Enmore Theatre, Sydney
28 November 2009 – Rochford Wines, Yarra Valley
29 November 2009 – Bowral, Centennial Vineyards
2 December 2009 – Costa Hall, Geelong
3 December 2009 – The Forum, Melbourne
5 December 2009 – Peter Lehmann Wines, Barossa Valley
6 December 2009 – Sandalford Wines, Swan Valley

Image source: Newscom