Author: Lauren Katulka

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

"Wine & Consequence" – Jack Carty

It may be Monday, but I’m still in a weekend frame of mind. That relaxed vibe can largely be attributed to Jack Carty’s debut EP Wine & Consequence, my soundtrack for today.wineconsequence

Jack creates the perfect music for the morning after. His softly spoken vocals pair perfectly with his acoustic guitar strummings. It’s a back to basics sound, unadorned and full of truth. It doesn’t grab you by the throat like so many CDs, preferring instead to crawl under your skin slowly. I’d listened to the disc three times before even realising it.

Of course, that laidback folky sound may be background music to many people. But I love the disc’s relaxed feel. It takes you back to Jack’s sleepy hometown of Bellingen, taking you away from the hustle and bustle of modern life. Every track is strong, but the epic “Satellite” is the stand out for me. In the longest track on the EP, it just seems Jack has a little more room to play.

I remember kicking myself for missing Jack’s set at the Joshua Radin concert, and now that I’ve been given his EP I’m kicking myself just that little bit harder. I won’t make the same mistake again.

Image source: Inertia

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Australian Idol Out for 2010

Channel Ten has back flipped on its commitment to Australian Idol, announcing that it plans to “rest” the talent show for 2010. This news is contrary to earlier reports that another series would definitely go ahead this year. ausidol

“TEN is going to rest Australian Idol for 2010. They will make a decision towards the end of 2010 as to whether it will return in 2011,” an unnamed source told The Daily Telegraph. “They have asked Fremantle for ideas on how to relaunch in 2011.”

I’d like to be optimistic about the show’s future, but I won’t hold my breath. CTV made the decision to “rest” its Canadian Idol in 2009, and we’re yet to hear of its resurrection. As a long time supporter of the show, I’d love to see it revived but I guess we’ll have to wait and see.

It does make me wonder why the series has failed to make the impact here that it did in the United States. There it rates through the roof, and its stars go on to win Grammy Awards and starring spots on Broadway. Here only a handful of the graduates achieve chart success, and they’re rarely celebrated at our ARIAs. And the ratings have dipped ever since season two, despite showcasing some incredible talent.

Whatever the future holds for Australian Idol, I’m definitely going to miss it in 2010.

Image source: Sarah Baker @ Flickr

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Empire of the Sun Release T-Shirts at Jay Jays

Empire of the Sun has joined forces with Jay Jays to launch an exclusive range of T-shirts. EOTS_Guys_2

There are four shirts available – two for the guys and two for the girls – which will be sold in Jay Jays stores around the country. They’re also retailing for just $20, which is a whole lot less than you’ll find concert merch for!

Once you’ve bought your Empire of the Sun T-shirt make sure you head to the Jay Jays website. You could win three double VIP passes to your local Future Music Festival, where you’ll meet Luke Steele backstage. There are also plenty of runner-up prizes available.

If you want to get your hands on the shirts you’ll need to be quick. They’re only available until February 3.

Image used with permission from Peer Group Media

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Taking Back Sunday and Meshuggah Announce Soundwave Sideshows

If you missed out on Soundwave tickets, or you’re just keen for another go round, you can catch some of the big name bands at some newly announced sideshows.

Taking Back Sunday will play Melbourne’s Billboard on February 23, before heading to The Metro in Sydney on February 25. Enter Shikari will warm up the crowds on both nights.

Meshuggah will also play the two major capitals in addition to their Soundwave shows. Along with Dies Today and Whittechapel, they’ll play Sydney’s Manning Bar on February 22 before getting to Billboard on February 25.

Tickets are available for both shows from the venues.

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Image source: ZUMA Press

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Gyroscope, Clare Bowditch, and More Join The Lost Weekend

Queensland’s The Lost Weekend festival just got a whole lot bigger. clarebowditch02

The third artist announcement sees Gyroscope, Clare Bowditch, The Thermals, Vegas Kings, Gun Street Girls, and heaps more added to the bill. They’ll join such massive acts as Dinosaur Jr, The Brian Jonestown Massacre, The Drones, Tumbeweed, and Whitley. Sounds like one hell of a weekend!

The Lost Weekend hits the Peak Mountains, an hour outside of Brisbane, from March 5 to 7.

Organisers have just released a limited number of non-camping tickets, which sounds like a great option for girly girls like me! You can get them, and the camping tickets, from The Lost Weekend website, Moshtix, Rocking Horse Records, Butter Beats, Kill The Music, and The Music Shop.

Image source: Premier Artists

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Warner Remembers the Bee Gees with Box Set Release

Warner is preparing to release Mythology, the ultimate collector’s item for Bee Gees fans. The album celebrates the brothers 50th anniversary, with songs and a visual scrapbook. mythology

This boxed set features four discs, one dedicated to each Gibb brother. Each song was handpicked by Barry, Robin, Maurice’s widow Yvonne and their children, and Andy’s daughter Peta.

“These are pretty much our personal favourites,” Barry explains in the liner notes. “This is now the Bee Gees 50th anniversary. And by the Bee Gees, I mean all four brothers.”

“I always see our songs as ‘just us brothers’ having a good time,” adds Robin. “When I look back now, it is more about the journey, not the arrival.”

Along with all the old favorites there are a few new treats for fans, including previously unreleased songs from the late brothers Maurice and Andy. The scrapbook also includes family photos, including many that have never been seen before, and tributes from such luminaries as Elton John, Brian Wilson, and Graham Nash.

Mythology hits stores on March 12.

Image source: The Brothers Gibb

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Delta Goodrem, Guy Sebastian Boast Big Sales in Noughties

ARIA has released the top 100 selling singles and albums of the last decade, and it seems we just couldn’t get enough of local talent. delta

Delta Goodrem earned the biggest selling album of the noughties with her massive debut Innocent Eyes. It moved more than 1.2 million copies, which means one in five Aussie households has a copy. Other notable mentions in the album charts go to Missy Higgins, whose The Sound of White sits at number 5 and Jet’s Get Born, which scraped into the top 10.

The success of Australian Idol had a big impact on the singles charts, with Guy Sebastian’s “Angels Brought Me Here” surprisingly edging out Anthony Callea’s “The Prayer.”Shannon Noll wasn’t too far behind, with “What About Me” coming in at number 5. Guy Sebastian made another appearance, with his last single “Like It Like That” moving enough copies late last year to sit at number 29. Even The Unforgettables from the first season managed in the top half of the countdown!

Here’s how the complete list of Aussies in the top 100!

Top 100 Albums of the Last Decade
1. Innocent Eyes – Delta Goodrem
5. The Sound of White – Missy Higgins
10. Get Born – Jet
11. Odyssey Number Five – Powderfinger
13. Fever – Kylie Minogue
17. Feeler – Pete Murray
25. Vulture Street – Powderfinger
26. Barricades and Brick Walls – Kasey Chambers
28. Just as I Am – Guy Sebastian
31. Reach Out: The Motown Record – Human Nature
36. Black Ice – AC/DC
37. That’s What I’m Talking About – Shannon Noll
39. Wolfmother – Wolfmother
40. Moulin Rouge – Soundtrack
46. Affirmation – Savage Garden
50. Tea and Sympathy – Bernard Fanning
51. Sunrise Over Sea – John Butler Trio
55. One Voice – John Farnham
61. The Winner’s Journey – Damien Leith
62. Here Come the Drums – Rogue Traders
63. See the Sun – Pete Murray
64. Mistaken Identity – Delta Goodrem
65. The Secret Life – The Veronicas
67. Black Fingernails, Red Wine – Eskimo Joe
69. Light Years – Kylie Minogue
81. The Power – Vanessa Amorosi
82. Ultimate Kylie – Kylie Minogue

Top 100 Singles of the Last Decade
1. “Angels Brought Me Here” – Guy Sebastian
2. “The Prayer” – Anthony Callea
5. “What About Me” – Shannon Noll
19. “Born to Try” – Delta Goodrem
23. “Like It Like That” – Guy Sebastian
28. “Sweet About Me” – Gabriella Cilmi
47. “These Kids” – Most Popular of the Unforgettables (Australian Idol)
51. “Black Betty” – Spiderbait
57. “Last Day on Earth” – Kate Miller-Heidke
58. “Can’t Get You Out of My Head” – Kylie Minogue
69. “Lost Without You” – Delta Goodrem
79. “Untouched” – The Veronicas
85. “Not Pretty Enough” – Kasey Chambers
86. “Straight Lines” – Silverchair
90. “Flaunt It” – TV Rock

Image source: Wikimedia Commons

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

First Taste of Katie Noonan and The Captains Debut Album

Katie Noonan is one of those artists who never seems to sit still.

She became an indie goddess with her work in George, turned to a more reflective jazz-laded sound with her first solo album Skin, and explored the works of Lennon and McCartney with Blackbird. For the last two years Katie’s gone in another direction with her latest band, The Captains. With Cameron Deyell on guitar, Stu Hunter on keys and bass, and Declan Kelly manning the drums, Katie is now exploring a more organic sound.

The band’s album, Emperor’s Box, is slated for an April release, so we’ve still got a few months to wait, but today I got a taste of what’s to come. I heard one of the new songs, “Time,” and I’m very impressed. I think the George fans who criticized Katie’s solo albums will embrace this, as it really is back to basics. There’s a little edge here, just a hint of that familiar George angst, but it’s softened by strings and Katie’s pure, heavenly voice.

For this album Katie’s written tracks with a who’s who of Australian and New Zealand talent. There’s Tim Finn, Don Walker, Sia, Josh Pyke, and Tom Shapcott, not to mention her esteemed Captains band mates. With these kind of folks lending their skills, I’m sure Emperor’s Box will be one of the big albums of 2010.

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Image source: The Harbour Agency

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Shannon Noll Shops Around for New Record Label

Shannon Noll has found himself without a record label after his Sony contract ended at the end of 2009, and he doesn’t mind one bit. Shannon_Noll24-1

After completing his deal, which saw him release three albums and a greatest hits disc, Nollsy says he’s looking forward to a fresh start.

However he’s only got good words to say for the label which helped guide his career.

“It was great while it lasted and Sony were terrific to work with but it’s time to take some risks,” he told The Daily Telegraph. “When I came to Sydney to audition all those years ago, it was a stab in the dark. Now I am confident I’ve got the experience and the knowledge to freshen things up and I’m looking forward to the future with real excitement.”

Before making the leap, Shannon sought counsel from current touring buddy Jimmy Barnes.

“He reckoned it was time for me to start again and finally leave the Idol thing behind me for good,” he explained. “I’m going to find the best place for me because I feel like I’m holding the cards for the first time in a long time.”

I dare say he’ll have no shortage of offers. Personally I think he’d be a great fit for Michael Gudinski’s Liberation Blue label, but we’ll have to wait and see!

Image source: The Harbour Agency

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

ARIA Releases End-of-Year Aussie Charts

ARIA has published its end-of-year charts, giving us a good look at how our local artists fared in 2009. It’s no surprise to see some big names like Jessica Mauboy, Hilltop Hoods, and Empire of the Sun well represented, but thrilling to see some of my sentimental favourites – Lisa Mitchell, David Campbell, and Keith Urban – making their presence felt. Hats off to reigning Australian Idol Stan Walker too who managed a lot in just a couple of months. Without further ado, here’s how 2009 washed up for the locals!aria

TOP 20 AUSTRALIAN ARTIST ALBUMS 2009
20. Wes Carr – The Way The World Looks
19. David Campbell – Good Loving
18. Guy Sebastian – Like It Like That
17. OST – Packed To The Rafters
16. Stan Walker – Introducing …
15. Natalie Bassingthwaighte – 1000 Stars
14. Geoffrey Gurrumul Yunupingu – Gurrumul
13. Keith Urban – Defying Gravity
12. Lisa Mitchell – Wonder
11. The Presents – Apocalypso
10. Eskimo Joe – Inshalla
9. AC/DC – Black Ice
8. Sarah Blasko – As Day Follows Night
7. Jimmy Barnes – The Rhythm And The Blues
6. Powderfinger – Golden Rule
5. Kate Miller-Heidke – Curiouser
4. Mark Vincent – My Dream, Mio Visione
3. Empire Of The Sun – Walking On A Dream
2. Jessica Mauboy – Been Waiting
1. Hilltop Hoods – State Of The Art

TOP 20 AUSTRALIAN ARTIST SINGLES 2009
20. Guy Sebastian ftg. Jordin Sparks – “Art Of Love”
19. Jessica Mauboy – “Because”
18. Natalie Bassingthwaighte – “Alive”
17. Wes Carr – “You”
16. Eskimo Joe – “Foreign Land”
15. Cassie Davis – “Like It Loud”
14. Jet – “She’s A Genius”
13. Empire Of The Sun – “We Are The People”
12. Wes Carr – “Feels Like Whoa”
11. Jessica Mauboy – “Been Waiting”
10. Jessica Mauboy – “Up/Down”
9. Stan Walker – “Black Box”
8. Empire Of The Sun – “Walking On A Dream”
7. Natalie Bassingthwaighte – “Someday Soon”
6. Hilltop Hoods – “Chase That Feeling”
5. Jessica Mauboy – “Burn”
4. Evermore – “Hey Boys And Girls”
3. Vanessa Amorosi – “This Is Who I Am”
2. Kate Miller-Heidke – “The Last Day On Earth”
1. Guy Sebastian – “Like It Like That”

Image source: ARIA