Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Shannon Noll Tells His Story So Far

Some might argue that releasing a greatest hits album after four years in the business is probably a little premature. But not Sony BMG, who figure they might as well repackage Shannon Noll’s best bits for those people who quite like to listen to him on the radio but never actually bought a CD.

Of course there’ll be something for the real fans too, who can look forward to five new tracks including the upcoming radio single, “Summertime.”

Personally I think you need a greater body of work than three albums to consider a greatest hits package, but Shannon thinks it’s a brilliant idea.

“It was only once we started talking about the idea that it sank in how many singles there’s been, from ‘What About Me’ right through to ‘Loud’ and ‘In Pieces’,” he said in a statement.

“All these songs mean so much to me and showcase a journey that I’ve been through with my songwriting and recording, my career in general. It’s great to have the new songs on the album, as they are just a taste of what we’ve got planned for next year!”

To celebrate the September 27 release of No Turning Back: The Story So Far, Shannon is heading out on the road for one of his biggest tours to date featuring shows in the capital cities and regional centers.

Here are all the dates!

11 September 2008 – Magnums, Airlie Beach
12 September 2008 – Brothers Leagues Club, Cairns
13 September 2008 – Bombray Rock, Townsville
14 September 2008 – Andergrove Tavern, Mackay
16 September 2008 – Roma Bungil Recreation Centre
18 September 2008 – Brolga Theatre, Maryborough
19 September 2008 – Moncrieff Theatre, Bundaberg
20 September 2008 – Caloundra RSL
23 September 2008 – Ballina RSL
24 September 2008 – Coffs Harbour Ex-Services Club
25 September 2008 – Port Macquarie Panthers
26 and 27 September 2008 – The Palms @ Crown, Melbourne
3 October 2008 – Bunbury Entertainment Centre
4 October 2008 – Burswood Theatre
5 October 2008 – Queens Park Theatre, Geraldton
6 October 2008 – Mandurah Performing Arts Centre
8 October 2008 – Curtin University, Kalgoorlie
23 October 2008 – Capital Entertainment Centre, Wagga Wagga
24 October 2008 – Kinross Woolshed, Albury
30 October 2008 – Tivoli, Brisbane
31 October 2008 – Seagulls Club, Gold Coast
8 November 2008 – Acacia Ridge Hotel
9 November 2008 – East Bank Centre, Shepperton
12 November 2008 – Inferno Nightclub, Traralgon
14 November 2008 – Shoppington Hotel, Doncaster
16 November 2008 – Hallam Hotel
19 November 2008 – West Tamworth Leagues Club
20 November 2008 – Dubbo RSL and Memorial Club
21 November 2008 – Orange Ex-Services Club

Image source: Foraggio Fotographic @ Flickr

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

The Whitlams Join YouTube

To celebrate the release of The Whitlams’ greatest hits Truth, Beauty, and a Picture of You today, the band have launched their very own YouTube channel. This is a must for fans thanks to Tim Freedman’s videos revealing the stories songs like “Blow Up The Pokies” and “No Aphrodisiac.” The film clips are also included, so you can listen to the song’s with a new understanding.

Sadly there isn’t a lot to see right now, but hopefully they’ll add more soon! In the meantime, here’s the clip for one of my favourites, “No Aphrodisiac.” No matter how many times I hear it I still love it.

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Sydney’s Acer Arena Named One of World’s Best Venues

Sydney’s Acer Arena has been named the third best venue in the world by Billboard magazine. Clearly the folks at Billboard have never sat in one of the venue’s nosebleed seats, but I digress.

There’s no denying the arena certainly has some pulling power, hosting acts like The Eagles, Rod Stewart, Elton John, Bon Jovi, Kiss, and Celine Dion in recent years.

Acer Arena was kept from the top spot by London’s O2 Arena and New York’s Madison Square Garden. But that doesn’t worry Acer staff.

“The ranking confirms our position in the arena market and we are proud of our place on the world stage,” David Humphreys, Acer Arena General Manager said in a statement.

I’ve made no secret of my love of Lizotte’s, and I’d definitely take a night out there than a visit to Acer Arena any day. I’d also much rather see a show at a beautiful venue like Newcastle’s Civic Theatre, an intimate one like Sydney’s The Basement, or a serene outdoor one like Bimbadgen Estate.

But I’m in New South Wales, and so my experience is limited to my home state. So tell me, what’s your favourite place to see a band and why?

Image source: FUEL Youth @ Flickr

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Elton John Loves PNAU

PNAU are one step closer to cracking the elusive European market thanks to an unexpected fan: Elton John. The flamboyant British singer is such a big supporter of the Aussie dance outfit, he’s just signed them up with his management company.

Toni Collette encouraged Elton to see the band while he was here on tour last December. He did, and was so impressed he bought dozens of copies of their latest album. He’s also stayed in touch with the lads, and become an invaluable support.

“We talk more about art than business and hopefully introducing us to that part of London, artists like Damien Hirst, Tracey Emin and Sam Taylor-Wood,” Nick Littlemore told The Daily Telegraph.

“His tenacity is something we admire because it’s something we have had from day one, always trying to do something new. And when we’re worried about money and how much it is going to cost to record there, he reminds us we’ll be able to use the studio he is building there.”

With offers like that, the Aussie lads must be feeling very good indeed!

Image sourc: PNAU media resource

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

CDB Are Back!

Well here’s some unexpected news: CDB have reformed! If you weren’t a teenage girl in the 90s this will probably mean nothing to you, so let me refresh your memory.

CDB were Australia’s very own boy band. Along with Human Nature, they showed local girls that we didn’t need the Backstreet Boys or Take That. Their pop-soul anthems like “Hook Me Up” and “Let’s Groove” sold plenty, but then after two albums they disbanded.

But let’s face it. Gary Pinto is wasted as a back-up singer on Australian Idol. And I’d much rather see his brother Brad shaking his booty than working behind-the-scenes writing and producing.

So why reform now? Andrew De Silva sheds some light on this surprising turn of events.

“We have rediscovered the reasons why we first formed the band. The chemistry between us and the combined skills just amaze me,” he explained in a press statement. “It’s been great pursuing our individual goals, but there’s something really special about this group and what we create together. During our time apart we’ve acquired new skills and ideas that we bring back to the band. We have rediscovered CDB but this time with greater experience and promise.”

It looks like the lads have taken some inspiration from Human Nature’s recent Motown success. After all, their 90s contemporaries have managed to stay relevant on the modern musical landscape, so they’re a pretty good model!

So CDB are paying tribute to their favourite artists with The Funk Sessions. It’s due out in October.

Until then I’ll just have to be content watching old footage like this music video for “Hey Girl” on Hey Hey It’s Saturday. Those white outfits make them look like they’re part of a cult, but those harmonies take me right back!

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

New Song Obsession: "Sand" by Jessica Chapnick and Ben Lee

When I read some time ago that Ben Lee had composed the soundtrack for the new Aussie movie The Square I became quite excited. New Ben Lee is always cause for joy, but I was particularly intrigued because he was handing singing duties over to Jessica Chapnick. I heard the song for the first time on Sunrise this morning, and I’m impressed.

She may star in Home & Away, but Jessica is far from those disposable soap popettes we’re so familiar with. Instead she’s cut from that serious balladeer mould that is sure to interest fans of Sarah Blasko and Holly Throsby. Ben has excelled with these romantic yet original lyrics. All in all, I’m in love with this song.

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

AC/DC World Tour in the Works

Anticipation is building as AC/DC’s comeback draws ever closer. The latest word out of the camp of the Aussie rock supergroup is that they plan to embark on a massive 18-month world tour to support their new album.

We’re all looking forward to welcoming back our favourite sons, but the best news is that the local leg may be more exhaustive than you’d expect.

“Concert industry sources at Coachella said AC/DC leader Angus Young wants to do major centres and has asked promoters to put Alice Springs in the tour schedule. Asked about the significance of Alice Springs, Young says it’s a gesture of giving back and he wants to take a major tour off the main road. The tour is likely to happen early next year,” said The Herald Sun.

The first single from the new album is slated for release next month. How exciting!

Image source: Wikimedia Commons

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Albert Hammond Jr Cancels Aussie Shows

Albert Hammond Jr has cancelled his Australian shows which were scheduled for this week. But unlike the Mary J Bliges of this world, The Strokes star has a very good reason.

He’s suffering a severe throat infection which has caused him to lose his voice. Understandably, his doctor’s advised him not to perform.

The cancellation affects tomorrow night’s Melbourne show, as well as gigs in Sydney and Brisbane and his slot at Splendour in the Grass.

If you’ve got a ticket you can take it to your place of purchase for a refund.

Image source: Todd Sie… @ Wikimedia Commons

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

New Song Obsession: "You’re Gonna Be a Star" by The Sunpilots

I caught the video for The Sunpilots‘ “You’re Gonna Be a Star” while watching Video Hits this weekend, and it hooked me in instantly. I’d never heard of this darkly melodic rock outfit before, but a quick Google search confirmed they’re homegrown. Make sure you give these lads from Sydney a listen – they’re definitely the real deal.

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Q & A With Jim Siourthas from Tin Alley

Melbourne rockers Tin Alley are keeping busy on their first national tour. But vocalist and guitarist Jim Siourthas found time en route to Brisbane to tell me about crazy Australian towns, MySpace, and his band’s debut album Every Turn.

You’re just wrapping up your first national tour. How have the crowds been responding to your music?
We’ve had great shows in most cities/towns we’ve visited – some busier than others but all in all they’ve been great shows.

What can people expect from Tin Alley live?
Great musicianship, energy and great songs that will surely leave you wanting more.

Any crazy tour stories to tell?
Where do I begin … my favourite is some town names we have driven past: Bobbin Head, Bald Nob and Woodenbong. They are real towns – look them up! They definitely keep the drive interesting!

I heard you worked with American director/producer Max Ribitzky on the clips for “In Your Hands” and “Polar Bear.” Is it hard to develop these things together when you’re half a world away?
It was a unique experience because we used various internet technologies to facilitate our collaboration. We used Messenger, YouTube, Skype and e-mail to communicate and work together to complete the film clip.

You’re one of the many bands who has a MySpace page rather than a traditional website. How important is MySpace for getting exposure?
Myspace is a great tool for any band because it provides a way to reach fans with music, video, pictures, news – all the necessities of a good website. It is good for exposure to new listeners but MySpace alone cannot win fans – it is a great starting help though.

Continue reading “Q & A With Jim Siourthas from Tin Alley” →