Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Smashing Pumpkins, Duran Duran and More Play V Festival

A real mixed bag of bands are heading our way for the second annual V Festival next year.

Whiny ’90s rockers The Smashing Pumpkins will headline the event, alongside 80s supergroup Duran Duran, and the cooler-than-cool popster Mika. The eclectic bill also includes Jesus and the Mary Chain, Air, Queens of the Stoneage, and The Presets.

The V Festival hits Sydney’s Centennial Park on March 29, the Gold Coast on March 30, Melbourne Showgrounds on April 5, and finishes up in Perth on April 6. Tickets are on sale this Thursday from the V Festival website.

Image source: V Festival website

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Delta Says "I Do"

Cuter than cute celebrity couple Delta Goodrem and Brian McFadden are getting married. Contrary to earlier rumours, Delta accepted her Irish beau’s proposal last Friday.

“Contrary to false reports, the couple were hoping to keep the news private however they feel it is important to now confirm their exciting news,” a press statement said.

The pair began dating in 2004, after ending her long-term relationship with tennis ace Mark Philippoussis. They faced a tough time from the British media who alleged Delta was responsible for Brian’s split with ex-wife Kerry Katona of Atomic Kitten.

It’s great to see they’ve come out the other side and seem more in love than ever. There’s no word yet on when they’ll tie the knot, but I’ll keep you posted.

Image source: Jeremy Wong Weddings @ Unsplash

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Jacob Butler’s Ready to Record

It looks like we haven’t seen the last of Australian Idol finalist Jacob Butler. He’s been playing charity gigs around the place as he prepares to record his debut album.

Last night he wowed the crowd at the Advertiser Sunday Mail Foundation do in Adelaide with an acoustic set of original songs.

“I want to make a record that has relevance in 20 years time – I’m a songwriter so I’ve got a huge catalogue of songs in me,” Jacob told The Advertiser.

“I’ve been doing a few charity gigs so here’s hoping they bring back a bit of good karma.”

But it wasn’t all about business. The visit gave Jakey B a chance to catch up with his South Australian family.

“It’s the first time I’ve been back since March, and mum’s come down from Port Lincoln to hang out … and iron my shirt,” he joked.

After so many attempts to find stardom on reality TV, it’s good to hear Jacob is capitalising on his newfound fame and working towards releasing that album. I can’t wait to hear it.

Image source: Paula Lucarelli @ Wikimedia Commons

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Kylie Announces European Tour

It’s not quite the world tour that was rumoured a few months ago, but Kylie Minogue is hitting the road again. Our own pop diva will tour throughout Europe in 2008.

Kylie’s renowned for her spectacular stage shows, and her new concerts promoting her tenth album X promise to be no different.

“I am putting together a show that is going to be a new and exciting experience for both the audience and myself,” Kylie said in a press release.

“The eclectic mix of sounds on X is affording me an opportunity to explore and develop a new live show that will be fresh, exhilarating and innovative. After two celebratory tours, X will be a look to the future but will definitely include favourites alongside the new. I can’t wait to share it with you next year!”

It’s just a rumour at this point, but a gap in the touring schedule has left fans wondering whether Kylie will headline next year’s Glastonbury festival. She’ll play Belfast on June 27, but doesn’t have another show until her Glasgow gig on July 5. The Glastonbury festival is slated for the weekend of June 27-29.

Kylie was scheduled to play the massive festival in 2005, but had to pull out due to her cancer diagnosis. Festival organiser Michael Eavis has left no doubt that he’d love to see the pop princess perform.

“Kylie sums up everything Glastonbury is about,” he told The Daily Star. “She’s glam and theatrical. I see dancers, lights, feathers – almost like a circus show.

“She seduced me with her Showgirl tour and I’d love to see her do that on the last night.”

Kylie’s European tour kicks off in Paris on May 6, 2008. UK tickets go on sale from www.kylie.com on Monday.

Image source: Chrishm @ Wikimedia Commons

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Matchbox Twenty Exiled to Australia

Today I received the news I’ve been waiting months to hear. The rumours are true, and my favourite band on the planet, Matchbox Twenty, are returning to Oz.

With the band coming out to promote their greatest hits album Exile on Mainstream, the shows are set to be killer. The tour kicks off on my birthday, April 10, in Melbourne (fancy that!) before heading to Adelaide, Perth, Sydney, the Hunter Valley, and Brisbane.

I know it’s nearly Christmas and money’s tight, but you have until December 14 to save up for tickets to these must-see shows.

Image source: Sry85 @ Wikimedia Commons

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

New Album for Axle

Axle Whitehead is back doing what he does best. No, not flashing his naughty bits to kiddies at the ARIAs, or even hosting Video Hits. Axle’s giving this music thing another try.

Fans may remember Axle’s shortlived stint on the first series of Australian Idol. He just missed out on a top 12 possie, but his jazzy scatting was pretty unforgettable.

Axle’s debut single “I Don’t Do Surprises” will be released in January, with the album Losing Sleep to follow.

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Baby Animals Rocking Again

Does anyone out there remember the Baby Animals? They were huge in the early ’90s, with hits like “Early Warning,” “One Word,” and “Rush You.”

Well, after an extended hiatus they’re on the comeback trail with a new album and tour in the works. Their new release Il Grande Silenzio is due out on the Liberation Blue label on January 19.

“It means The Great Silence, for those who don’t speak spaghetti western,” explained lead singer Suzi DeMarchi. “It seemed appropriate. It’s a soft, quiet, dreamy kind of record. And it’s been a long time.”

Like other albums released through Liberation Blue, it will include a mix of new acoustic songs and classic tracks.

They’ll take the new album on the road in January. Their tour kicks off in their hometown of Perth on January 18 before heading to Melbourne, Sydney, and regional New South Wales.

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

World AIDS Day Concert in Melbourne

Saturday is World AIDS Day and Melbourne is commemorating the day with a massive free concert.

The concert features an eclectic line-up including ex-Australian Idol contestant Cosima DeVito, hip hop outfit Illzilla, reggae group Cousin Leonard, Frankie Wants Out, Whitley, Diafrix, Josh Owen, Kinematic, Tess Henderson, Slinkee Minx (are they still around?), Drew Bowden Trio, President Roots, Chiara Hunter, Ouso, and TRS.

The stars will turn out to support The Burnet Institute, Australia’s largest medical research and public health institute specialising in infectious diseases. Donations will be collected during the concert, which kicks off at 1 pm at Federation Square.

Image source: Bermix Studio @ Unsplash

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Jet and Wolfmother Are Wannabes, Say Airbourne

Airbourne may have their sights set on finding new fans in America, but they’re certainly not going to make any new friends back home. Lead singer Joel O’Keefe has slammed other local success stories Jet and Wolfmother in an interview with Canada’s Chart Attack.

“Jet and Wolfmother are not for real. We are. That’s the difference. They’re not for real. They’re doing it to be cool, and you can tell,” he said.

“Wolfmother and Jet are a bad example of rock that comes out of Australia. They’re just carbon copies of something they want … they’re wannabes. They’re like American Idol or something like that. They’re not legit.”

Joel said Airbourne plan to focus on the American market and treat Australia as a “tourist destination.”

“We intend to move here [North America] for good. Australia will become a tourist destination for us. We’re all going to live in a house together. We’re here to get drunk and get wasted and have a party with everyone.”

Funnily enough, I don’t think Australia’s going to miss them. “Too Much, Too Young, Too Fast” was a minor hit, but they haven’t really made a big impression. And we don’t tend to like bands who turn their back on Oz and rubbish our other artists. Good riddance Airbourne!

Image source: Eetwartti @ Wikimedia Commons

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Natalie Gauci Wins Australian Idol

After a seemingly endless telecast, last night Natalie Gauci was crowned this year’s Australian Idol. She faced stiff competition from season golden boy Matt Corby, and no one seemed more surprised with the result than Natalie herself.

“Are you sure?” she asked host James Mathison after her name was called. “I don’t believe this is happening.

“It just feels like it … like it never ends and it just keeps going and the buzz is always there and it makes me so grateful to know people have voted for me around Australia. It’s really exciting.”

Tickets to her Winner’s Journey tour are released today, and her debut single “Here I Am” is on sale on Wednesday.

“I’m going to put on a really good show and I hope everyone comes to watch me,” Gauci told the crowd.

I know there are a lot of big Matt fans in here, but honestly, I don’t think they need to worry about him. He’s shown what he can do, and I’m sure the record companies are going to snatch him up. I also think he’ll be better for it. Just look how far previous runners-up like Shannon Noll and Anthony Callea have gone!

Image source: Violetion @ Wikimedia Commons