SYDNEY BIG DAY OUT 2010 SOLD OUT!!

SYDNEY BIG DAY OUT 2010 SOLD OUT!!

Last week we announced the initial line up for Australia’s biggest touring festival, the BIG DAY OUT 2010. The stellar line up features some of the world’s hottest artists such as Muse, Lily Allen and Dizzee Rascal along with Australia’s perennial favourites Powderfinger, Eskimo Joe and Grinspoon to name but a few.

This morning the SYDNEY BIG DAY OUT went on sale and has officially SOLD OUT in
minutes!!
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OMFM: Australian Indigenous Music Scholarship Winners And Final Festival Artists Announced

One Movement for Music Perth (OMFM) are pleased to announce the winners of the new artist submission platforms via Channel [V], MySpace and Nova as well as the state winners of the Australian Indigenous Music Scholarship (AIMs)

AUSTRALIAN INDIGENOUS MUSIC SCHOLARSHIP

As part of its commitment to fostering new talent, OMFM, in partnership with the Western Australian Department of Indigenous Affairs, has founded the Australian Indigenous Music Scholarship (AIMS). And the State winners have now been announced for this ground-breaking program for Australian Indigenous musicians.

And the winners are: Western Australia – Thaylia Skopellos, Queensland – Max Judo, New South Wales – Brothablack, Victoria – Lee Morgan and South Australia – The MERRg. Each act will receive a coveted position to perform to music industry heavyweights and fans on the One Movement Showcase Music Festival alongside acts such as the Hilltop Hoods, Sarah Blasko, Kate Miller-Heidke and Blue King Brown.
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ARIA Chart News, w/c 5 October 2009

Paramore tops ARIA Album Chart on debut & David Guetta continues his reign on the ARIA Singles Chart

US rock outfit Paramore blitzes the ARIA Album Chart this week, taking out top position with the debut of their third studio album “Brand New Eyes”. This caps off a successful year for the band; their first Australian chart album “Riot!” reached #69 on its first appearance in 2007 but hit a new peak of #47 in June this year while live album “The Final Riot!”, which was released in 2008, also hit its peak position of #38 earlier this year. Continuing his domination of the ARIA Singles Chart is David Guetta, who chalks up a massive six weeks at the top in his second three-week stint with “Sexy Bitch” (featuring Akon).
Continue reading ARIA Chart News, w/c 5 October 2009

SKID ROW Australian Tour – October 2009

Skid Row   In 1986 SKID ROW was born in a garage somewhere in Toms River, N.J. Like a bastard child of a thousand maniacs, they relentlessly pounded the New Jersey club circuit; packing houses wherever they performed.

Fast forward to 1989, SKID ROW’s self titled debut album goes on to sell over 5 million copies in the U.S.A., along with a tour that takes them around the world.

In 1992 the band releases their second record “SLAVE TO THE GRIND” which debuts at #1 on the Billboard charts, making them the first Heavy Metal/Hard Rock band to do so. The album rockets to multi-platinum status. This is also followed by a massive world tour.
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Interview with Michael Amott of Arch Enemy – Root of All Evil Tour, November 2009

Arch EnemyMichael Amott (MA) of Arch Enemy talks with our Hannah Collins (HC) – Root of All Evil Tour, November 2009.

HC: So let’s get right into it shall we?
The Root of All Evil, I had a listen to the pre-release, and it’s a great compilation album. Why did you guys decide to take songs from the first three albums, Black Earth, Stigmata and Burning Bridges to re-vamp rather than creating new material for the latest release?

MA: Um well, putting it in perspective, the original idea came from the fans really, because the first three records that we made, the ones you just mentioned, were done with another singer. We had another bass player on two of them, so we didn’t have a stable line up on those first three albums, and it was a very different styled singer. But then Angela Joined for the fourth Album and with Sharlee on base and Daniel on drums, it was just a solid thing with me and by brother on Guitars and we started talking heavily about the fourth album, and that line up’s now how people know us. Over the years we talked and released our albums, and you know, well, this is the definitive line up of Arch Enemy, that we have right now, and the very early Albums have kind of dated into obscurity basically.
Continue reading Interview with Michael Amott of Arch Enemy – Root of All Evil Tour, November 2009

Live Review | Sounds of Spring Festival 2009

Sounds of Spring 2009
Review by Bek Grealy
Photo by Stuart Blythe

The Living End
Being a typical Sydney Festival goer, I was excited to finally attend a Brissy festival, and Sounds of Spring line up was amplifying my anticipation. With an extremely talented line up, featuring the likes of Calling all Cars, After the Fall, Dead Letter Circus, Mammal, Shihad, Frenzal Rhomb, Dave McCormack and the Polaroids, Little Birdy, Tim Rogers, Tex Perkins… the list goes on! What a cracker of a day, temperatures reaching 32 degrees, and a venue that boasted great stages, a beer tent on every corner and water around every bend. The ANA showgrounds in my mind proved to be the perfect festival venue.
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Live Review | Sounds of Spring 2009 (part 2)

Review By Jose Eduardo Cruz
Photo by Matt Palmer

MammalAfter overcoming security guards that were more intent on removing bottled water from punters then checking bags for dangerous items, I entered the RNA to a sea of people ready to have a good time. There was an incredible amount of space for everyone to move around in; there were plenty of real toilets, not those disgusting portaloo’s made famous by Kenny, and sufficient shade to shelter during the midday sun.
The first band on the agenda was Melodyssy on the Trash Stage.
With a sizable crowd present, Melodyssy dive into a powerful set. Unfortunately, the mix was way too bass driven and overpowered the guitar and vocals. Overall, they managed to please those that stayed around to listen to their whole set.

After The Fall at the Main Stage begin to warm things up with their danceable vibrant set. The crowd was rather tame considering the high energy these guys were putting out. Nevertheless, a masked Mexican wrestler and Barney Rubble made an appearance in the crowd which was duly noted by their front man.

Next in line was Dead Letter Circus and the first sing along of the festival gets started. These guys are professional and could be the next big thing potentially taking over the spot currently held by The Butterfly Effect. The pit was still subdued and only until their front man decided to jump from the stage and acquaint himself with the front row that the energy in the pit picked up. We see the first crowd surfers and the crowd ignites. In a gesture that will make everyone remember them, Dead Letter Circus started to throw multiple bottles of water into the crowd. DLC proclaim that “Sounds Of Spring” is the best festival and that there are “No glow sticks here!!”

Now I will dedicate several more words to the next band for they were, for me, by far the best band in the line up. Mammal exploded onto the stage with Ezekiel Ox wearing a pair of bull horns through the entire first song. The entire pit was electric and fed off every move from the entire band. Mid set things got a little interesting. Mr. Ox pointed to the Australian flag and explained why he did not associate himself with it. He pointed to the Aboriginal flag fixed to his mic and pledged his allegiance to Indigenous Australians. Not ever having associated Mammal with a political stance, it’s a pleasure to see and hear some level of social commentary in such a massive public gathering. Perhaps not the best delivery, considering alcohol and ignorance can lead to violent patriotism, but nonetheless an excellent move. It does not stop there, Mr. Ox decided to dive into the crowd, crowd surf his way to the middle of the pit while signing and carrying on a call and response. Looking forward to documenting this band in the near future.

Shihad, the on again off again band from across the pacific, jump on stage with their trade mark low rider guitars and embark on a greatest hits set. They struggle to get the crowd motivated enough, but it’s a hard task having to follow Mammal. The regulatory sing along is carried out as is the diving into the crowd.

As 5pm approached, the sun begun to set and people begun to tire and the ample grass space was taken over by sleepy bodies. Anticipating the forecasted dust storm, I made my way to a more protected area within the RNA.

Something with Numbers on the Triple J stage was an interesting band. They had the whole tent from the front to the back dancing. In between songs, I was approached by a fairy, which seem to come out a lot at festivals, and given a present. Before she left she said for me to dance and continue having fun.

The Beautiful Girls is a special band that is always well received wherever they play. Two new songs are debuted and near the end of their show they had the crowd singing to a Phil Collins classic. “I can feel it in the air tonight”, “I’ve been waiting for this moment all my life”… very appropriate considering the dust storm that hit Brisbane that night.

Blue King Brown is received by a much smaller crowd then they are used to. They are always cultural, political and acknowledging. The fusion of latin, reggae and rock has made them the premier band in Australia within their genre. However, this is the third time watching this band and although I am a big fan, the format of their performance has been the same the three times I have seen them. My fear is that they will be overexposed and quickly become stale. Nevertheless, they are one of the best Australian independent bands. This reviewer just hopes that something new begins to happen in their shows.
As yet another festival draws to a close, Josh Pyke gently sends everyone home with his beautiful sound.

Overall this was one of the best festivals I have ever attended. The atmosphere was excellent, there were no overly drunk idiots ruining the day for someone else, the punters were very calm and respectful and even with a dust storm that made everything seem apocalyptic, fun was had by everyone. We all await 2010 with anticipation.

Fleetwood Mac Australian Tour December 2009

Fleetwood Mac   Following on the heels of their hugely successful 55-city sold out North American tour, legendary super group Fleetwood Mac will bring their “Unleashed” tour to Australia later this year.

The tour, their first in five years, is a two-hour plus celebration of all the greatest hits from undoubtedly one of the most enduring, celebrated and influential rock groups of all time.

Continue reading Fleetwood Mac Australian Tour December 2009

Evermore ‘The Truth Of The World’ Tour 2009

Consider everything you think you know about Evermore. Run through their history, of brothers Jon, Peter and Dann Hume growing up in the rural New Zealand town of Feilding and finding their feet as musicians. Reflect on their breakthrough 2004 debut Dreams and its beautifully crafted follow-up, 2006’s Real Life, selling platinum and double platinum. Look at their six ARIA Award nominations, two NZ Music Awards, Channel [V] and MTV gongs, and the high esteem in which music fans and peers hold them. Gather those thoughts for a moment – then get ready to be blown away.

“It’s the album we’ve been wanting to make since we started the band,” says singer and guitarist Jon, 25. “It’s a concept album that takes inspiration from trashy media and political propaganda, and turns it into a fun, over the top rock’n‘roll show.”
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Live Review | Clare Bowditch supported by Scarlett Affection at the A & I Hall, Bangalow 27 September 2009

Review + Photo by Elize Strydom
Clare BowditchClare Bowditch is smack bang in the middle of recording her fourth studio album in Berlin. The album isn’t set to drop until next year but Ms Bowditch and her band of merry men have hit the road for a national tour to celebrate the release of the single ‘The Start of War’.

The first stop was Bangalow in northern New South Wales. The set included old favourites such as Lips Like Orange, Divorcee by 23 and Autumn Bone plus new tunes including the single and other fresh offerings ‘Running’ and ‘Bigger Than the Money’.

New to the mix were young singers Sally Mortensen, Annabelle Tunley and Rachael Head of Victorian acapella group, Aluka. The trio provided backing vocals as well of plenty of laughs in response to their zany array of outfits.

Bowditch and the Aluka girls opened the show by coming through a side door and wowing the audience with a rendition of Between the Tea and the Toast.
There’s no denying she’s a born entertainer.
Continue reading Live Review | Clare Bowditch supported by Scarlett Affection at the A & I Hall, Bangalow 27 September 2009

Josh Pyke’s Variations Tour : Oct-Nov 2009

Josh Pyke Variations Tour
With Special Guests Gin Wigmore and Fergus Brown

Josh Pyke   In October 2009, multiple ARIA winning singer/ songwriter Josh Pyke will embark on what is his shortest, yet most ambitious tour to date. Four huge shows, in VIC, NSW, WA and QLD.

A regular road warrior, Josh has carved a well-worn groove around the country and gathered fans in small country towns and large cities over the past few years. All of his past tours have sold out weeks in advance and he has become a solid favourite on the live circuit among music lovers.

These four, one-off, city shows will be the largest venue’s he has headlined in his career, and Josh will be calling on fans to make their way to the big smoke to see him this time.

Continue reading Josh Pyke’s Variations Tour : Oct-Nov 2009

BIG DAY OUT 2010 – THE OFFICIAL FIRST ANNOUNCEMENT

As 2010 looms on the horizon like a sci-fi sequel it’s time to announce what’s confirmed for the next instalment of travelling mayhem known as the Big Day Out.

So here it is… The Official First Announcement:
BIG DAY OUT 2010: Muse, Powderfinger, Lilly Allen, Eskimo Joe, Groove Armada, Grinspoon, The Mars Volta, Ladyhawke, Dizzee Rascal, Karnivool, Peaches, The Temper Trap, Kasabian, Midnight Juggernauts, Rise Against, Magic Dirt, Mastodon, Lisa Mitchell, The Horrors, Bluejuice, Calvin Harris, Kisschasy, The Decemberists, Tame Impala and Girl Talk
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The John Steel Singers Release New Single ‘Masochist’ and Tour in Oct-Nov 2009

THE JOHN STEEL SINGERS RELEASE NEW SINGLE ‘MASOCHIST’ IN OCTOBER 2009
DEBUT ALBUM ‘TANGALOOMA’ TO FOLLOW EARLY 2010

The collision of art-rock, classic pop and indie has never sounded as lush as it does on ‘Masochist’, the first single lifted from Brisbane six piece band The John Steel Singers‘ forthcoming debut album.

Recorded under the guidance of producer, mentor and fellow Queenslander Robert Forster of The Go-Betweens, new single ‘Masochist’ sees The John Steel Singers blend rich vocal harmonies and horns to create a woozy, psychedelic soundtrack for the lyrics of writer Scott Bromiley. ‘Masochist’ has The John Steel Singers apply what is becoming their trademarked psychedelic, observation of a disfunctional relationship; the story here of a man who can’t apply himself to love. The band keep things upbeat though, moving between Beatles’eque horn arrangements and orchestral pomp. It’s a fluid, appealing sound.
Continue reading The John Steel Singers Release New Single ‘Masochist’ and Tour in Oct-Nov 2009

Live Review: Kreator + Mortal Sin @ The Metro Theatre, Sydney 24 September 2009

Kreator @ The Metro Theatre, Sydney 24 September 2009
KreatorOnly having one support act seems a trifle insufficient for a band of Kreator’s standing – insulting even – but that’s what confronts us Thursday night at the Metro Theatre. Still, it looks to be a promising evening. I have never, in fact, seen such a huge line to get into the Metro before, and that’s always a good sign as it suggests that the opening band is worth giving a shit about. That honour goes to Sydney’s Mortal Sin, a band that have been kicking around for nearly as long as Kreator. They do themselves proud. Though, unfortunately, by the time we get past the line and into the venue we’ve missed half their set – and of the half we do see most of it is taken up by that marvel of the rock n’ roll genre, the thrash metal ballad.
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ARIA Chart News, w/c 28 September 2009

Pearl Jam makes chart-topping debut on ARIA Album Chart as David Guetta holds at the top of the ARIA Singles Chart

Ahead of their eagerly anticipated Australian tour, “Backspacer”, the ninth studio album from rock legends Pearl Jam, swoops on top spot on the ARIA Album Chart on debut. It is the band’s seventh ARIA #1 album since “Vs” in 1993. French DJ David Guetta continues his dream run on the ARIA Singles Chart this week, racking up an impressive five weeks at the top with “Sexy Bitch” (featuring Akon).
Continue reading ARIA Chart News, w/c 28 September 2009