Author: Lauren Katulka

He frequently flies solo, so it’s no real surprise to hear Tim Freedman will go it alone for his next album. The Whitlams frontman, who has just inked a deal with Sony, is currently penning his first solo release.

But Tim assures us The Whitlams will still play “when we’re asked and bribed accordingly.” That includes a very special show at the Opera House on December 5. The band will team up with the Sydney Symphony Orchestra to perform Eternal Nightcap from start to finish. The band will do the same thing again with the Tasmanian Symphony Orchestra in Hobart next February.

Since it seems some new material is some time coming, the band are offering a free download to their fans. In keeping with the orchestra vibe, the MP3 is a previously unreleased live version of “Buy Now Pay Later” backed by the Sydney Symphony.

Image source: The Harbour Agency

Guitar legend Zakk Wylde is winging his way to Sydney, and he wants to meet his fans.

Thanks to Gibson, Zakk will appear at Allans Music store in Pitt Street on December 3. Be there from 4 pm to have all your Black Label Society merch signed. Zakk’s appearance will coincide with the launch of three new guitar models: Les Paul BFG Bullseye, Buzzsaw, and the Graveyard Disciple.

Zakk won’t be performing, but the afternoon is promising to be pretty special anyway. To attend, pre-register your interest online at the Allans Music website.

Image used with permission from Thrillhill Entertainment

We’re just one day away from the Australian Idol grand final, so it’s exciting to look back and see the success of past contestants. Jacob Butler’s track “Coma” has just been nominated for the prestigious International Independent Singer Songwriter Association Song Contest.

“Coma” received a nod in the Adult Contemporary category. This comes after the song debuted at number nine on the AIR Independent chart earlier this year. The most exciting thing is that there’s more where that came from. “Coma” is the first single lifted from Jacob’s debut album Reason, which is set to hit record stores in 2010.

You might remember that the music video for “Coma” featured ex-Neighbours star Pippa Black. It seems she might have put in a good word for Jacob before leaving Ramsey Street, because he’ll play “Coma” on the show. Jacob will hit Charlie’s Bar in an episode airing on January 20. It looks like he went down a treat with Dr Karl, Susan, and Toadie!

Image used with permission from Repertoire Publicity

It’s been one hell of a week for Amy Meredith. The Sydney quintet performed an energetic set at the Day in the Park festival, and a special secret show for their home-town fans at Cronulla Beach.

The band has worked hard to build up a strong fanbase online, so it seemed right to announce details of their special guerilla gig on the web. It took just two days for the news to go viral across MySpace, Tiwtter, and Facebook. Fans packed out a tiny café on the beach to see the boys strip back their songs with an acoustic set.

Amy Meredith are no strangers to guerilla gigs. They also recently played a show on a crowded train! There are more guerilla gigs planned over summer, so many sure you follow @amymeredithband on Twitter to get all the details.

Amy Meredith’s recent gigging blitz was in efforts to promote their new single “Pornstar,” which is released today.
The song comes from the band’s forthcoming debut album, which will hit stores early next year.

Image source: The Harbour Agency

Last night the G-SHOCK: Shock the World Tour made a pit stop in Sydney. Fashion guru Jonathan Pease hosted the event which celebrated the evolution of Casio’s famous G-SHOCK watch.

The night featured musical performances by Australian DMC champion DJ Dexter, hometown girls HOOPS DJs, and Melbourne’s MAFIA. While his set was killer, the highlight of DJ MAFIA’s night was the invitation to design his very own G-SHOCK watch.

“G-SHOCK is the only piece of jewellery I wear and I feel naked without one. It’s an honour for me to design my own Shock and I’m looking forward to adding it to my collection that I have acquired over a 15-year period,” he said.

The night also featured a special appearance by Kikuo Ibe, the original G-SHOCK designer. A live Japanese drumming demonstration and the release of hundreds of balloons containing G-SHOCK watches made this one memorable night!

Image used with permission from Peer Group Media

Gibson Guitars are releasing the ultimate collector’s item for AC/DC fans: the Angus Young signature model.

The axe is based on the guitarist’s 1968 Gibson SG. Like all guitars of the period, it’s crafted in solid mahogany. This medium-dense wood creates a rich, round, warm tone, and looks gorgeous.

If you want to get your hands on one you’ll need $3617 US for the standard version, $6115 US for the Vintage Original Spec version and $9409 for the aged one. What a way to take advantage of the strength of our dollar!

Image source: Newscom

Grab your poodle skirts and Brylcreem and get set for the 50s extravaganza, The Big Bopper Presents Elvis Meets Buddy!

I saw Doug Parkinson play The Big Bopper in the original run of Buddy way back in 1991. How incredible that 18 years later he’s still singing “Chantilly Lace” in that trademark baritone! Doug will be joined on the tour by Scott Cameron, who starred as Buddy Holly in the recent Australian production of Buddy. While Richie Valens completed the original trio, this tour features a much bigger 50s icon. Stepping into those blue suede shoes of Elvis Presley is none other than Donny Edwards, the man regarded as the world’s most sought after Elvis impersonator. Considering how many folks don the rhinestone jumpsuit, that’s some claim to fame!

This rocking tour will make stops in capital cities and regional centres all around the country from April 2010. Tickets are on sale now.

21 & 22 April 2010 – The Palms at Crown, Melbourne
23 & 24 April 2010 – Astor Theatre, Perth
28 April 2010 – Entertainment Centre, Warrnambool
29 April 2010 – Sir Robert Helpmann Theatre, Mt Gambier
30 April 30 & 1 May 2010 – Her Majesty’s, Adelaide
2 May 2010 – Chaffey Theatre, Renmark
4 May 2010 – Dapto Leagues Club, Wollongong
5 May 2010 – Wests Leagues, Newcastle
6 May 2010 – Southern Cross Club, Canberra
7 May 2010 – Evan Theatre @ Penrith Panthers
8 May 2010 – State Theatre, Sydney
9 May 2010 – Workers Club, Revesby
12 May 2010 – Civic Centre, Townsville
13 May 2010 – Convention Centre, Mackay
14 May 2010 – Entertainment Centre, Proserpine
15 May 2010 – Civic Centre, Cairns
18 May 2010 – Cultural Centre, Capella
19 May 2010 – Entertainment Centre, Gladstone
20 May 2010 – Moncrieff Theatre, Bundaberg
21 May 2010 – Brolga Theatre, Maryborough
22 May 2010 – Civic Hall, Ipswich
23 May 2010 – Events Centre, Caloundra
25 May 2010 – Cultural Centre, Redcliffe
26 May 2010 – Civic Centre, Gympie
27 May 2010 – QPAC Concert Hall, Brisbane
28 May 2010 – Twin Towns Services Club, Tweed Heads
29 May 2010 – Empire Theatre, Toowoomba
30 May 2010 – Performing Arts Centre, Redlands

Image used with permission from AAA Entertainment

Sorry to alarm you all, but Christmas is just five weeks away. I braved the local shopping centre last week and was annoyed before even leaving my car. Driving half an hour looking for a park will do that to you. Then there were the crowds inside, the bored sales assistants, and the stores which didn’t have the items I wanted anyway. And we all know it’s going to get worse in the coming weeks.

These days, I don’t know why I bother. It’s much easier to shop online, and awesome Aussie retailer Chaos has got a bunch of cool deals to ring in the festive season. They’re currently celebrating the 30 Days of Chaosmas, with fantastic specials and offers each day. For example, today you can get your Britney fix without paying an exorbitant price to see a lacklustre concert! Chaos is offering the Britney Singles Collection and plenty of other Britney CDs for just $7.95. Some may argue they’re not even worth that, but they’re good stocking stuffers for your little sisters!

If you’re stuck for ideas, consult the cool Chaosmas Gift Finder. It’ll help you find the perfect present for mum, your bratty little brother, Aunt Doris, and your mates. Or you could always cop-out and get a gift voucher!

Either way, a rocking musical present’s bound to be a bigger hit with the rellies than bath salts or socks!

Image source: Powerbooktrance @ Flickr