Category: News

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

The Veronicas Headlining Royal Flying Doctor Service Fundraiser, Altitude

If you’re wondering how to spend your tax return, consider buying a ticket to this year’s Altitude event. While admission isn’t cheap, this annual fundraiser for the Royal Flying Doctor Service (RFDS) of Western Australia could really use your support. Your ticket doesn’t just buy you a dose of good karma; you’ll also enjoy performances from some of Australia’s finest female talents.

Sister power pop act The Veronicas are headlining this year’s event, ably supported by local songstress Reigan Derry, who received a rapturous reception at last year’s Altitude, and former Perth resident and musical theatre star Julia Jenkins, who’ll return from London to appear at the event.

“We’re honoured to be performing at Altitude for the Royal Flying Doctor Service this August at Crown Perth,” Jessica and Lisa Origliasso of The Veronicas said in a statement. “The RFDS is an iconic Australian organisation that needs support to maintain its 24/7 lifesaving services. Everyone that buys a ticket is helping support a charity that provides an integral service to the people of Western Australia. We can’t wait to perform for you, Perth. See you in August!”

Admission also includes a three-course dinner, premium beverages, superior service, and a chance to bid on money-can’t-buy items at the event’s charity auction.

Altitude 2016 will hit Crown Perth on August 20. Tickets are on sale now from the Altitude website.

Imag source: Eva Rinaldi Celebrity and Live Music Photographer

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Applications Wanted for Girls Rock! Brisbane

The rock music scene is a bit of a boys’ club. So it’s exciting to see The Foundry in Brisbane has teamed up with a great non-profit organisation called Girls Rock! Australia for the second ever Girls Rock! Brisbane event.

This music mentorship program looks to help self-identified girls, trans, and gender non-conforming youth aged between 10 and 17 nurture an interest in rock music within a safe space. Over five days participants will form their own bands, learn instruments, participate in creative workshops, write their own songs, and watch live performances.

Girls Rock! Brisbane will be held from Monday September 26 to Friday September 30. On October 1, all involved will get the chance to showcase their new skills with a live performance at The Foundry. Participant applications are due on Monday, August 1, so if you want to be a part of it you’ll need to be quick. Interested adults can also apply to become a volunteer for the event. Girls Rock! Brisbane needs people with a whole range of skills, so check out the application form to see whether you could play a part in this great initiative.

Image used with permission from Mucho Bravado

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

The Veronicas and The Avalanches Dominate Aussie Charts

When the Veronicas topped the singles charts last week with “In My Blood,” I was too swamped with paying gigs to cover it. Now they’ve repeated the feat, I thought I’d better make time to note their achievements. Will the sisters equal their longest reign at number one, achieved with “You Ruin Me” in September 2014, and stay at the top spot for another week?

Last week’s number one album, Wings of the Wild by Delta Goodrem has slipped to number two to make way for another homegrown Aussie act, The Avalanches. Sixteen years after the release of their celebrated debut album Since I Left You, the Melbourne electronic act has snared their first number one with the follow-up, Wildflower.

Another former one, Ripcord by Keith Urban, has shown it has real staying power. It has remained at number seven this week, 10 weeks after its debut. The always popular Hillsong United has risen to number eight with their latest release, Of Dirt And Grace – Live From The Land.

Here’s a closer look at this week’s top ten singles and albums.

Top 10 Albums
1. Wildflower – The Avalanches
2. Wings of the Wild – Delta Goodrem
3. California – Blink-182
4. 25 – Adele
5. Lemonade – Beyonce
6. The Getaway – Red Hot Chilli Peppers
7. Ripcord – Keith Urban
8. Of Dirt And Grace – Live From The Land – Hillsong United
9. Blank Face LP – ScHoolboy Q
10. Views – Drake

Top 10 Singles
1. “In My Blood” – The Veronicas
2. “One Dance” – Drake feat. Wizkid & Kyla
3. “This is What You Came For” – Calvin Harris feat. Rihanna
4. “Treat You Better” – Shawn Mendes
5. “Can’t Stop the Feeling!” – Justin Timberlake
6. “Too Good” – Drake featuring Rihanna
7. “Don’t Let Me Down” – The Chainsmokers feat. Daya
8. “Me Too” – Meghan Trainor
9. “Don’t Be So Shy” – Imany
10. “We Don’t Talk Anymore” – Charlie Puth feat. Selena Gomez

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

The Melbourne Guitar Show Returns in August

After a big first show last year, the Melbourne Guitar Show is heading back to Caulfield Racecourse on August 6 and 7.

Presented by Triple M and Australian Musician, the event will feature an amazing array of electric and acoustic guitars, effects pedals, amps, and so much more. In addition you can catch information seminars, demos, and live performances by some of Australia’s most exciting guitarists including Kevin Borich, Phil Manning, Daniel Champagne, Dean Ray, and heaps more. In addition to solo performances, there promises to be a Melbourne Guitar Show SuperJam where, according to AMA chief executive Rob Walker, “You never know who’s going to get up to play! It could easily be one of those rare ‘were you at the Melbourne Guitar Show when…’ moments.”

Last year’s event attracted 5,000 guitar lovers, and organisers hope 2016 will be even better.

“It had such a great vibe – a really positive event. The exhibitors, the artists and the patrons were all enthusiastic about an incredibly friendly and well attended show,” Rob Walker recalled. “Last year, we had just over 50 exhibitors, including 20 local manufacturers and luthiers. This year we’ll have 70 exhibitors with more stands, and more great products.”

Whether you love your guitars mellow or cranked up to 11, you’re going to find it at the Melbourne Guitar Show. Tickets are on sale now from TryBooking.

Image source: brunoronner @ Flickr

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Leopold’s Treat Doing Good

I always love hearing music from exciting up-and-coming acts, but when they’re made up of people doing good in the community it’s doubly exciting. Gold Coast act Leopold’s Treat ticks both those boxes for me.

They formed in 2011, but are starting to gain some serious traction in their local area, culminating in taking home the Emerging Artist of the Year award at the recent Gold Coast Music Awards. One of their songs, “Houndogs and Bullfrogs,” was also a finalist in the Song of the Year category.

Watching this live video of the song with footage recorded at Leopold’s Treat’s album launch last October, it’s easy to see what a great energy the band has. They’re clearly loved by their community; the place is packed to the rafters.

While talent’s clearly a part of that love, I think there’s more going on. Kate Leopold (lead vocals) and Keiran Richardt (lap slide, harmonies, didge, other strings) work together as environmental educators at a local social enterprise that serves more than 32,000 kids every year.

“It is not uncommon for us to be playing at a market where a group of children are dancing to one of our songs and the band members are recognised as the educators that teach worm farming, water quality or how to identify and grow native plants,” Kate Leopold told me in an email.

If you want to dance with Leopold’s Treat, make sure you catch them at the following shows.

22 July 2016 – Soundlounge, Currumbin
September 2016 – NightQuarter, Helensvale (date TBA)
15 & 16 October 2016 – Buskers by the Creek Festival, Currumbin
16 December 2016 – Miami Marketta, Miami

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Temper Trap Score Second Aussie Number One Album

With the passing of another week we’ve got a brand new Aussie act on top of the ARIA charts. Thick as Thieves, the new album from The Temper Trap, sees the band scoring back to back number LPs.

The ARIA charts might state Jimmy Barnes’ Soul Searchin’ has slipped number three, but it’s worth noting that’s only because the charts consider digital sales. If you’re as old school as me, you might be interested to know Jimmy’s still selling more CDs than anyone else in the country.

Previous number ones Skin by Flume and Ripcord by Keith Urban are at numbers six and seven respectively. Flume’s “Say It” is also the lone Aussie single in the top 10 this week. It’s at number eight.

Here are all this week’s number ones.

Top 10 Albums
1. Thick as Thieves – The Temper Trap
2. 25 – Adele
3. Soul Searchin’ – Jimmy Barnes
4. Lemonade – Beyonce
5. Thank You – Meghan Trainor
6. Skin – Flume
7. Ripcord – Keith Urban
8. Views – Drake
9. Strange Little Birds – Garbage
10. Greatest Hits – Red Hot Chilli Peppers

Top 10 Singles
1. “One Dance” – Drake feat. Wizkid & Kyla
2. “This is What You Came For” – Calvin Harris feat. Rihanna
3. “Can’t Stop the Feeling!” – Justin Timberlake
4. “Me Too” – Meghan Trainor
5. “Too Good” – Drake featuring Rihanna
6. “Just Like Fire” – Pink!
7. “Don’t Let Me Down” – The Chainsmokers feat. Daya
8. “Say It” – Flume feat. Tove Lo
9. “Panda” – Desiigner
10. “Cake By the Ocean” – DNCE

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Jimmy Barnes Equals ARIA Record With New Soul Number One

In a weekend plagued by bad news, it’s great to see something good occurred: Jimmy Barnes earned his eleventh solo number one on the ARIA charts, with Soul Searchin’ hitting the top spot on debut. That draws Barnesy level with U2 and Madonna for the most solo number ones in ARIA charts history. This video gives you a little idea why this album is sitting at the top of the charts.

“I feel blessed to be making music after such a long time in the business and equally I feel privileged that people are still buying our records and coming to the shows – it’s very humbling,” Jimmy said on hearing the news. “As for another #1, it’s an absolute honour to be counted amongst such iconic bands and great artists.”

Soul Searchin’ has pushed last week’s number one, Skin by Flume, into the number two spot. He’s also fallen a little on the singles charts. “Say It” has dropped one to sit at number six. Keith Urban’s Ripcord has also slipped one spot, to number six.

Some Aussie acts are on the rise though. Classic Carpenters by Dami Im is back in the top 10, rising from 11th position to sit at number nine. The Wolfe Brothers round out the top 10 with This Crazy Life.

Here are this week’s complete top tens.

Top 10 Albums
1. Soul Searchin’ – Jimmy Barnes
2. Skin – Flume 
3. Thank You – Meghan Trainor
4. 25 – Adele
5. Lemonade – Beyonce
6. Ripcord – Keith Urban
7. Views – Drake
8. The Very Best of – Prince
9. Classic Carpenters – Dami Im
10. This Crazy Life – The Wolfe Brothers

Top 10 Singles
1. “This is What You Came For” – Calvin Harris feat. Rihanna
2. “One Dance” – Drake feat. Wizkid & Kyla
3. “Can’t Stop the Feeling!” – Justin Timberlake
4. “Just Like Fire” – Pink!
5. “Me Too” – Meghan Trainor
6. “Say It” – Flume feat. Tove Lo
7. “Don’t Let Me Down” – The Chainsmokers feat. Daya
8. “Cake By the Ocean” – DNCE
9. “Panda” – Desiigner
10. “No Money” – Galantis

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Flume Scores Third Number One Album

Flume continues to dominate the albums charts, debuting at number one on the ARIA charts with his new album Skin. It features three top 30 singles and counting, “Never Be Like You,” “Smoke & Retribution,” and “Say It,” which currently sits at number five. This album follows Atlas and Bloom, which also topped the charts.

Keith Urban’s Ripcord has fallen two positions but still sits at a credible fifth spot on the albums chart this week. No doubt we’ll see it rise again when Keith hits our shores later this year.

Here are the other singles and albums in the Aussie top ten.

Top 10 Albums
1. Skin – Flume
2. All Our Gods Have Abandoned Us – Architects
3. Lemonade – Beyonce
4.  25 – Adele
5. Ripcord – Keith Urban
6. The Ride – Catfish and the Bottlemen
7. Thank You – Meghan Trainor
8. 7/27 – Fifth Harmony
9. Dangerous Woman – Ariana Grande
10. Views – Drake

Top 10 Singles
1. “This is What You Came For” – Calvin Harris feat. Rihanna
2. “One Dance” – Drake feat. Wizkid & Kyla
3. “Just Like Fire” – Pink!
4. “Can’t Stop the Feeling!” – Justin Timberlake
5. “Say It” – Flume feat. Tove Lo
6. “Cake By the Ocean” – DNCE
7. “Don’t Let Me Down” – The Chainsmokers feat. Daya
8. “Panda” – Desiigner
9. “Me Too” – Meghan Trainor
10. “No Money” – Galantis

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Keith Urban Still on Top of ARIA Charts

After a couple of weeks out of the country, I’m thrilled to return to see an Aussie act on top of the album charts. Keith Urban’s album Ripcord has notched up its second week at the top of the charts, which no doubt bodes well for his upcoming Aussie tour.

The Living End and Paul Dempsey have made respective debuts, with Shift and Strange Loop sitting at numbers four and five respectively. Both are long awaited albums coming five and seven years after their last recordings.

Dami Im’s Eurovision appearance has done her no harm on the charts. “Sound of Silence” sits at number five on the singles charts while her album of Carpenters’ covers is at number ten.

Flume’s collaboration with Tove Lo is also paying dividends. “Say It” sits at number nine this week.

Here are all this week’s top tens.

Top 10 Albums
1. Ripcord – Keith Urban
2. Lemonade – Beyonce
3. Thank You – Meghan Trainor 
4. Shift – The Living End
5. Strange Loop – Paul Dempsey
6. A Moon Shaped Pool – Radiohead
7. 25 – Adele
8. Views – Drake
9. Eurovision Song Contest Stockholm 2016 – Various
10. Classic Carpenters – Dami Im

Top 10 Singles
1. “One Dance” – Drake feat. Wizkid & Kyla
2. “This is What You Came For” – Calvin Harris feat. Rihanna
3. “Can’t Stop the Feeling!” – Justin Timberlake
4. “Don’t Let Me Down” – The Chainsmokers feat. Daya
5. “Sound of Silence” – Dami Im
6. “No Money” – Galantis
7. “Just Like Fire” – Pink!
8. “I Hate U, I Love U” – Gnash feat. Olivia O’Brien
9. “Say It” – Flume feat. Tove Lo
10. “Panda” – Desiigner

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Build Homes with the Baby Animals

The Baby Animals are heading to Indonesia to build houses for the needy, and they want you to help. The initiative called Rock the House is part of the band’s vital work with Habitat for Humanity.

The 25 homes built from October 22 to 29 in Yogyakarta will benefit locals living in shelters without access to water, electricity, or sanitation. The campaign also aims to provide a clean water facility for the new community.

“Our rock community is built on the power of music, so let’s call on that passion and unite to empower others,” Baby Animals frontwoman Suzi DeMarchi said. “Join us and help to build a rock solid future for generations to come.”

The Baby Animals hope 300 Aussies will volunteer their services by the application deadline of July 22. You can read more about the project and the application process on the Rock the House website.

Image used with permission from Social Family Records