Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Next Stop the World for Nollsy

Shannon Noll is one step closer to global nomination after scoring a part in the international arena spectacular War of the Worlds.

Nollsy will reprise the role of Parson Nathaniel he played in the Australian production last year. This time around he’ll play arenas in the United Kingdom before heading around Europe and then to the United States.

The role couldn’t be better timing from the Australian Idol graduate. He just scored a European deal with Sony BMG which will see them release a hybrid of his Australian albums throughout the continent.

The opportunities are coming thick and fast, but Shannon is under no illusions.

“I know how tough it’s going to be,” he told The Sunday Telegraph. “I’m not under any false pretence about how hard the international music scene is, but I’m going to give it a crack. I’m going to grab the bull by the horns and go for it.”

Onya Nollsy!

Image source: Newscom

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

New Song Obsession: "Neopolitan Dreams" by Lisa Mitchell

I fell in love with this song when I saw it in those three commercials where the people roll around in big clear balls. I was pretty surprised when I found out it was by our very own Lisa Mitchell. This is such a simple little song, and I think because of that it sneaks up on you. You just see if you’re not humming it after hearing it a few times. I also adore the fairytale imagery in the film clip. Well done Lisa Mitchell!

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Jessica Mauboy’s "Running Back" with Flo Rida

Jessica Mauboy’s well and truly shed her poppy Young Divas image with her slick new single “Running Back.” I can’t say I like the song’s sentiment (where’s the girl power?) but there’s no denying that it’s catchy. Jess is also in fine voice here. When she was competing with the other Divas I almost forgot how well she sings! Everything Flo Rida touches turns to gold, so his appearance here is sure to make “Running Back” a hit. It definitely deserves to be!

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Delta Goodrem Wows Letterman

Delta Goodrem made quite an impression when she appeared on American chat show The Late Show with David Letterman last night.

Delta looked gorgeous in a black gypsy-style blouse as she performed her Australian number one “In This Life.”

David was visibly impressed by Delta’s performance, which he called “beautiful.”

If you couldn’t stay up late enough to see it, here it is!

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Alex Lloyd Goes Indie

It’s been a long time since we’ve heard anything from Alex Lloyd but he’s back with a new independent release!

Alex found inspiration for Good in the Face of a Stranger in his new adopted home, London. With a little from the country where he found such fame, Alex could find focus again on the music. The result is his most honest recording since his debut Black the Sun.

The first single is “Slow Train,” a song which is so simple in its beauty that it’s made me fall in love with Alex all over again. Check out the clip below. The basic but touching animation, created from around 7000 hand-drawn pictures, couldn’t be more perfect for this stunning song.

Good in the Face of a Stranger will be released through Inertia Distribution on November 1.

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Nine Inch Nails, Alice in Chains, and More for Soundwave

Soundwave is returning to Australia next year with one of the best rock line ups I’ve seen. The festival will be headed up by Nine Inch Nails, Alice in Chains, and The Bloodhound Gang.

Music lovers can also look forward to seeing Lamb of God, Alkaline Trio, Billy Talent, Funeral for a Friend, Less than Jake, and heaps more.

Soundwave kicks off in Brisbane before heading all the way around the country. Get a jump on the competition by signing up to the website for their presale. These tickets will go on sale at different dates, which should ensure the sites don’t fall over as they have for festivals in the past!

Here are all the dates!

21 February 2009 – RNA Showgrounds, Brisbane (on sale 11 October)
22 February 2009 – TBC, Sydney (on sale 12 October)
27 February 2009 – Melbourne Showgrounds (on sale 13 October)
28 February 2009 – Bonython Park, Adelaide (on sale 14 October)
2 March 2009 – Steel Blue Oval, Perth (on sale 14 October)

Image source: Newscom

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Parx-e – A Compilation of Independent Music

I love a good compilation album. The problem is, there aren’t a lot of those around. Sure you can buy those mindless discs of the latest Top 40 music, but aren’t we all sick of those songs anyway? Then there are those discs which fit a theme, but tend to have all the same songs you own on other albums anyway.

So I was pretty excited when a new compilation album that didn’t fit the mould crossed my desk. Parx-e is a strange name for what turns out to be a brilliant disc. It features some of the best independent music I’ve heard in a long while.

You probably haven’t heard of any of the artists featured here, but that’s part of the fun. They come from all corners of the globe, united by their talent and amazing songs. The tunes are as diverse as the musicians’ backgrounds, which for a music lover like me is really appealing.

I was particularly floored by the American girls it introduced me to. Amanda Rogers reminds me of our own Natalie Imbruglia with her honest lyrics and sweet vocals. Rebecca Loebe’s “As I Tell You So” is like sunshine. I’m also in love with Shannon Curtis’ beautiful “Boomerangs and Arrows.”

But I can’t forget about the strong Aussie contingent. The Wellingtons give a perfect slice of pop-rock with “She Gave Up.” Just try listening to it without smiling. I don’t tend to listen to a lot of country music, but Kate Brianna drew me in with “The Devil Came Back For You.” There’s nothing quite like a woman scorned, is there? The jazzy Jessica McPherson has crafted a wonderful groove in “Flow.”

Parx-e is simply a joy. I have fallen for so many songs here, and I can’t wait to learn more about the artists it’s introduced me to. It’s an unassuming disc, but one that’s definitely worth taking a chance on. Parx-e is available to order through JB Hi Fi and other good record stores.

Image source: Parx-e MySpace

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Aussie Radio Gets Striped

There’s a new kid on the Australian radio landscape, but you won’t hear it through your car stereo. It’s called Stripe, and it will broadcast through your 3G mobile phone.

“It is not your traditional radio in how a receiver goes but it is programmed as a commercial radio station would be,” Stripe’s Matt Whittemore explained to Undercover.com.

“The difference being that there are niche stations and genre specific stations, a whole stable of them. Stripe is the brand and underneath that we will launch with 40 stations. It is using the full spectrum that is available to digital radio but instead of having to buy a new receiver, it is available through your 3G mobile phone.”

With so many stations on offer, Stripe looks to play the artists that don’t quite fit the constraints of commercial radio. Matt said he’s particularly interested in exposing new bands that traditionally don’t get the airplay of their more established counterparts.

Stripe will launch next month. I don’t have a 3G phone, but I’m all for more diversity on radio. If anyone gets to tune in, I’d love to hear what you think!

Image source: Lionel Titu @ Stock.xchng

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Who The Hell Are Pomomofo?

These motley chaps are Pomomofo, a Sydney band destined for great things.

The lads rose to fame after winning the Jim Beam state campus band competition in 2006. They played that year’s Good Vibrations Festival and scored high profile slots supporting The Presets, Midnight Juggernauts, and Sneaky Sound System.

They’ve spent the last year out of the spotlight, but they’re back with their second EP In Super Vega and a brand new tour. If you’ve never seen their energetic live act, what are you waiting for?

In Super Vega is in stores on October 18. Pomomofo will play the following East Coast dates in support of its release. Tickets are on sale now.

17 October 2008 – Revolver, Melbourne
18 October 2008 – Karova Lounge, Ballarat
19 October 2008 – Beach Road Hotel, Bondi
24 October 2008 – La Campagna, Sydney
31 October 2008 – Berlin Lounge, Surfers Paradise
1 November 2008 – Transit Bar, Canberra
7 November 2008 – Caringbah Bizzo’s
14 November 2008 – Liberteen Ranch, Wollongong

Image supplied by Original Matters

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Brooke Addamo Gets Idol Chop

You’re kidding me, right Australia? After a stellar run on Australian Idol, Brooke Addamo was sent home tonight. This talented teen hasn’t put a foot wrong all competition, so I’m not really sure what happened! I know I sent through a few messages to save her tonight, so I can’t even say I didn’t try!

Once Brooke found herself in the bottom three with Thanh Bui and Sophie Patterson I was almost feeling confident. Sophie is a stellar talent, but after her second week in the bottom two I thought perhaps she just wasn’t connecting to the Aussie public. Thanh’s performance last night was nowhere near his best, and his delivery of it tonight wasn’t much better.

My husband is going to be gutted when he gets home and hears the news! What a terrible end to a great week of Australian Idol!