Author: Lauren Katulka

Fresh from his fourth ARIA win, Josh Pyke has announced a brand new solo tour.

Josh will perform tracks from Chimney’s Afire, the disc which saw Josh Pyke take home his second adult contemporary album award. This comes after the CD debuted at number one of the ARIA charts, and went gold shortly after.

This tour sees Josh playing small theatres in solo acoustic mode. This is your last chance to see Josh live before he holes himself up to write album number three. Russell Crawford will provide the support for all shows. Tickets are on sale now from the venues.

7 January 2010 – Milton Theatre
8 January 2010 – Tathra Hotel
9 January 2010 – Narooma Golf Club
10 January 2010 – Sussex Inlet RSL
21 January 2010 – Golden Vine Hotel, Bendigo
22 January 2010 – Rubys, Belgrave
23 January 2010 – The Loft, Warrnambool
24 January 2010 – Torquay Hotel
25 January 2010 – Western Port Hotel, San Remo
26 February 2010 – Lizottes, Newcastle
27 February 2010 – Lizottes, Kincumber

Image source: Newscom

Sam Clark’s walking the well-trodden path from Neighbours star to singing sensation. But there’s something different about the lad otherwise known as Ringo Brown. Far from just a voice and pretty face, Sam writes songs and plays instruments. I caught up with him today to chat about his new single “Broken”, Ramsey Street, and those inevitable screaming fans.

You’ve just released your new single “Broken.” Can you tell me what the song’s about?
It’s basically a break-up song. The song’s about the growth that two people have once they’re apart, after a break-up, and how these two people can deal with that. Sometimes people break up and they get back together and they both want to get back together and it’s all good. And sometimes people break up and they realise they’ve made a mistake and they want to get back together with that other person, but that person’s kind of grown in a different direction to what that other person’s used to. So it’s just about dealing with those emotions and that sort of funny situation where you think you know someone so well but you don’t actually in the end.

Most people may know you from your role as Ringo on Neighbours. How hard is it to balance your acting career with the music?
The hardest thing with it is time. Obviously the acting takes up a huge amount of time. We’re working on Neighbours anywhere from 40 to 55 hours a week. And add to that music rehearsals through the week and on the weekends, and you’re starting to run out of time to do any of the fun stuff with your friends. I’m sort of lucky. I’ve gotten better with my time management in that regard. I don’t really procrastinate too much anymore, which is a good thing I suppose. But it’s definitely a juggling act trying to make the two of them fit together, especially when there’s a great opportunity for one which clashes with a great opportunity for another. How do you make that decision? But it seems to be working well so far. I’m lucky enough to have three months off from Neighbours at the moment to go on this tour to promote the release of my debut single, and I’m looking forward to getting back into acting at the start of next year as well.

Now many people may think “Oh no, not another soap star releasing a single,” but I hear music was actually your first love. How did you get into making music?
I was about 15. I always wanted to play guitar or drums, and I finally got my act together and went out and bought a guitar and turned to my sisters to teach me the open chords. And it all went from there. I’ve taught myself since then. As soon as I could play a song I wanted to sing it as well, so I started singing. And as soon as I could play and sing then I wanted to write my own music. So it sort of came from there really, just a natural progression into the songwriting. And more recently I’ve started playing keyboard as well.

Yeah, I was reading that you’re writing and playing all these instruments. Do you have a favourite part of the creative process?
I suppose it’s different for each song. Or maybe it’s not different. Maybe it’s actually finding that part that’s special about each song. Sometimes it’ll be at the very start of the process. I know I rewrote a song of mine, “These Days,” and I was just jamming with my band over it and I started playing keyboards instead of guitar, and I just came up with this little hook on the keys. Now every time I play that, that’s the most special part of the song, and that came right at the very start of the rewrite. So I suppose it’s different for each thing, but it’s just what makes you feel special, whatever makes you feel happy and good.
Continue reading “Q & A with Sam Clark” →

If early reaction is any indication, it seems Stan Walker might have the stuff to have a successful musical career.

The reigning Australian Idol’s first single “Black Box” is sitting pretty at number one on the iTunes countdown, and it’s become the fastest selling Sony Music digital release to date.

Physical CD singles are a bit of a rarity these days, but “Black Box” will buck the trend and hit stores on Wednesday 25 November.

We’ll see the video on our TV screens real soon. Stan’s filming it this week ahead of its release next Tuesday.

Stan mania doesn’t show any signs of dying down soon, with Introducing … Stan Walker hitting stores on 11 December. As reported earlier, this compilation album features some of Stan’s highlights on the show, and two new songs including “Black Box.”

Image source: PicApp

Tumbleweed were a force to be reckoned with in the 90s, riding the wave of grunge rock’s popularity. They parted ways more than a decade ago, but now they’re back. I recently caught up with drummer Steve O’Brien to find out what it’s like to be doing it all again.

You’ve taken a lengthy break from the music scene. What inspired you to get back out there?
Well we haven’t taken a break from the music scene as such; all members of Tumbleweed have been busy over the last 10 or 15 years in several other bands, touring between Sydney, Brisbane and Melbourne and releasing several CDs. See Richie & the Creeps, the Pink Fits, Monstrous Blues, Leadfinger, The Unheard, Brother Brick, the Yes Men and more.

How does it feel to be back playing together?
It is good fun. It sort of clicked right from the start like it had only been a few weeks apart. There is also plenty of piss taking too so it’s all a laugh.

Is anything different for the band this time around?
Err, we’re older and fatter and wiser, but I think we’re playing better as musicians. We’ve learned a hell of a lot and hope to avoid certain mistakes again.

You hadn’t played a live show together in almost a decade. Were there any nerves?
There were a few before the Waves show – our first show back together in 15 years – mainly how we’d go down and perform in front of a sell-out crowd. But after a few wobbly bits at the start I think we settled back in fairly well. Homebake will be interesting as there will be a few of our kids at that show and they’re big Short Stack fans so we better play better than them!

You started your new tour in Wollongong. How important was it for you to play first for that home town audience?
Well, it was supposed to be a friend only gig at first for selected guests. Then we realised that there’d be a few who’d wanna be there. It was far more comfortable than say doing Sydney or Melbourne straight up.
Continue reading “Q & A with Steve O'Brien of Tumbleweed” →

George Michael is one of those reclusive artists we rarely see on a stage. So it’s thrilling to see him winging his way Down Under next year.

This will be George’s first visit to Oz since 1988. George has put out so much amazing music since then, and he’s sure to play as much of it as he can in these 25 Live greatest hits shows.

“It is thrilling to bring George Michael to Australia again, he toured here on the Faith tour in 1988. He is a consummate performer and will deliver a stunning show to his fans who have waited 22 years to see him perform in Australia,” said promoter Paul Dainty.

George Michael will play Perth’s Members Equity Stadium on February 20 and Sydney’s Football Stadium on February 26. Apparently Melbourne misses out as Etihad Stadium was unavailable. Tickets go on sale on Tuesday 8 December.

I only wish the venues were better. I know the demand is huge, but seeing him perform somewhere as soulless as the Football Stadium just doesn’t have a lot of appeal. I’ve been waiting my entire life for this show, but I’m going to have to think long and hard before spending the insane amount of money he’s sure to command.

Image source: Newscom

Ella and Jesse Hooper are back with their brand new outfit The Verses. Their self-titled debut EP shows that this reemergence is much more than simply Killing Heidi Part Two.

The earnest teenage angst and straight up rock of their former incarnation is gone. Ella Hooper’s vocal still have that edge, but they’re utilized for more mature yearnings this time around. The duo always had a pop sensibility, but it seems they’re less ashamed of it. This isn’t about trying to be cool. It’s about embracing classic influences like Fleetwood Mac and The Pretenders, taking their lead and knowing it’s OK to show that softer side.

All the tracks on this EP are potential singles. The pop core is tempered by a dash of country and a hint of rock. The blend is instantly accessible and radio friendly, but there’s no shame in that. I don’t think The Verses are trying to be commercial or please the masses. Instead it seems that the years of musical experience have paid off; The Verses know how to write a damn good song.

Bring on the full-length album; four songs has me wanting more.

Image source: The Verses MySpace

As the mercury soars it was inevitable that we’d see another WILD dance compilation. Wild Summer 2010 looks to be your summer soundtrack with mixes from DJ Gemstar and MC Lady Lauryn.

The Aussie girls put their golden touch to club anthems from the usual suspects including Dizzee Rascal, Black Eyed Peas, Lady Gaga, and Pitbull. The value-packed album includes two mixed CDs, a new and exclusive minimix from Klaas, a bonus DVD featuring an exclusive Cascada video mash up, and all the biggest music videos from the two discs.

The album hits stores this Friday, November 27. To coincide with the release, the girls will travel to nightclubs all around the country for launch parties. We can only assume they’re going to be wild!

28 November 2009 – Port Macquarie Hotel
30 November 2009 – Bedroom Nightclub, Gold Coast
4 December 2009 – Swell Nightclub, Gold Coast
5 December 2009 – Gladstone Hotel
23 December 2009 – Rise, Perth
27 December 2009 –Platinum Lounge, Mackay
9 January 2010 – Oceans Nightclub, Port Lincoln
16 January 2010 – Fanny’s, Newcastle
23 January 2010 – Area Hotel, Griffith
25 January 2010 – Eden Nightclub, Melbourne
29 January 2010 – Dirty Secrets, Penrith
30 January 2010 – One Nightclub, Albury
6 February 2010 – HQ, Adelaide
13 February 2010 – Plantation Hotel, Coffs Harbour
20 February 2010 – Academy, Canberra
6 February 2010 – Planet, Brisbane

Image used with permission from Finely Tuned

Sony seems keen to capitalise on Stan Walker mania with news the record company will release his first album next month.

Introducing … Stan Walker, like The Winner’s Journey albums we saw from Damien Leith and Natalie Gauci (whatever is she doing nowadays?), features his best performances from the show.

“2009 has been another big year for Australian music and this year’s Australian Idol has been no exception,” announced Sony head Denis Handlin . “Stan is a remarkable and gifted young performer who has shown great spirit not only throughout his life, but during the show to win this year’s series.”

The album will hit stores on December 12. Here’s the track list, which other than that lacklustre “Black Box” song is pretty brilliant!

1. Purple Rain
2. The Climb
3. Man’s World
4. Ordinary People
5. Let’s Stay Together
6. Hallelujah
7. Superstar
8. We Will Rock You
9. Think Of Me
10. Black Box

Powderfinger have clocked up their fifth consecutive number one album. Their newie Golden Rule has debuted at the top spot. Powderfinger are holding down the fort as the only Aussie act in the top 10 albums charts this week.

Vanessa Amorosi is also flying the Aussie flag on the singles charts as the lone Australian. Her monster smash “This Is Who I Am” sits at number 5, just one spot lower than it was last week.

Click below to see all the top 10 chart action.
Continue reading “Powderfinger Debut at Number One” →