Category: Live Performances

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

The X Factor Live Shows Kick Off

With this year’s X Factor live shows kicking off tonight I figured it time I started to blog about the reality singing quest. I’ve caught bits and pieces up until this point, but with the competition heating up I’m starting to get switched on to the action. Once the judges treated us to a medley of their own hits it was down to business.

Tonight’s theme was Judges Choice, which was a smart move in my books. Let’s face it, few of the acts really know anything about anything at this point, so it makes sense to have the more experienced judges pulling the strings for now.

Reece Mastin kicked things off with 30 Seconds to Mars’ “Closer to the Edge.” He was one of my early favourites, but I must admit I was a little disappointed by his performance. The opening verse was really shaky, and while the chorus started to soar I didn’t get the big stadium confidence from him that I think this song needs. I’m hopeful he can grow from here, as it must be tough to be the first performer out of the gates. The judges seemed to love it, so maybe it lost something in the translation to TV.

Ronan kicked off his groups with Three Wishez. Their take on Lady Gaga’s “Telephone” was a real performance, spectacular and well put together. The vocals were a bit shaky from Sophia in places, but I really appreciated the entertainment value. There’s definitely room for this band to grow into a very slick unit.

Andrew Wishart headed up Nat’s team with The Script’s “The Man Who Can’t Be Moved.” This performance gave me the connection I’ve been longing for all night. There’s something so authentic about this guy, so believable, and I love the little sweet spots in his voice. It wasn’t perfect, but I really liked what he did with this song.

Continue reading “The X Factor Live Shows Kick Off” →

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Miami Horror Do “Sometimes” in San Fran

Miami Horror have been performing some killer shows in the United States, and this video is the proof! It shows the electro dance darlings wowing the crowd at San Francisco’s DNA Lounge with “Sometimes.”

That early support will no doubt serve Miami Horror well when they relocate to the sunny shores of Los Angeles later this year. We’ll get a chance to say goodbye on the band’s Summersun tour, which kicks off in Ballarat next Wednesday. Tickets are still available, but I’d get in quick if you want to be there!

29 June 2011 – The Karova Lounge, Ballarat
30 June 2011 – Runaway Tavern, Runaway Bay
1 July 2011 – The Zoo, Brisbane
7 July 2011 – Villa, Perth
8 July 2011 – The Gov, Adelaide
9 July 2011 – The Forum, Melbourne
14 July 2011 – The Entrance Leagues Club, Bateau Bay
16 July 2011 – Metro, Sydney

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Delta Goodrem Impresses on American “Dancing with the Stars”

Delta Goodrem got a lucky break recently, when she was asked to sing “I’m Not Ready,” her new duet with Michael Bolton, on America’s Dancing With the Stars. The unlikely duo stepped up when Adele pulled out of the slot due to illness.

The song’s a bit predictable and over-the-top, but I expect little else from a Michael Bolton production. It’s a great showcase for Delta’s vocals though, and with the ratings DWTS gets abroad it could be just the thing to launch her into the big time.

Dmitry Chaplin’s chest isn’t too bad either. Yes, this video really does have something for everybody!

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Happy Valentine’s Day

It’s Valentine’s Day folks, that time of year where the world gets a little bit sappier. I must admit, I’m not immune to this Hallmark holiday. We reject the way restaurants jack up their prices, so I’m preparing to spend the afternoon whipping up a three-course meal. Yep, entrée, main, and even dessert. I have no sweet tooth, yet I’m getting set to create something sugary just for him. If that doesn’t say “I love you,” I don’t know what does.

Given that love is in the air I figured I’d post an Aussie song with a bit of personal meaning for me, “You’re My Better Half” by Keith Urban. We actually cut the cake at our wedding to this song nearly five years ago. We’ve all heard that phrase “better half,” but unless you’ve really been in a good relationship you can’t fully understand what it means. I don’t buy into that idea of a person completing you, but I do think the right one can bring out your very best qualities. People who know me say I’ve blossomed since meeting my husband; I’m more confident and outgoing and generally happier. I like to think I’ve been just as much of an asset to him!

So to my husband Steve, you are my better half. You know how much I love you, but on days like this I get a license to make the public declarations. Here’s to many more Valentine’s Day together!

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Happy Australia Day!

Happy Australia Day Sounds of Oz readers! I hope that whatever you’re doing, whether it’s planning a big family barbeque or simply having a day off work, you’re enjoying it.

I always like to post a video on January 26 that makes me pause and think how good we’ve got it, and how special this country is. While watching Oprah’s Australian advertorials this month, I knew what I’d have to post in 2011. “I Still Call Australia Home” has always been a song that’s affected me. I honestly think it should be our national anthem, as it stirs me much more than “Advance Australia Fair.”

But that’s a discussion for another time. For now it’s just an amazing song made better by the presence of some of our best entertainers, and a great big Aussie flag.

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Guy Sebastian Reclaims ARIA Number One

After being ousted from the top spot last week, Guy Sebastian has returned to the number one position on the ARIA Singles Charts this week with “Who’s That Girl.”

Again he’s keeping company with Jessica Mauboy, who’s holding on to the top 10 by her fingernails with “Saturday Night.”

There doesn’t seem to be any stopping Altiyan Childs, who is again holding down the number three spot on the album charts with his self-titled debut. Guy Sebastian is nipping at his heels though, with Twenty Ten moving up two places to sit at number six.

Click below to see the entire ARIA top 10!

Continue reading “Guy Sebastian Reclaims ARIA Number One” →

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Icecream Hands Reunite for Sweeter Than the Radio

Melbourne’s Icecream Hands will play for their home town one more time later this month. The indie band hasn’t played together since their 2007 album, The Good China.

The one-off show will see Icecream Hands going back in the vault to play their 2000 release, Sweeter Than The Radio, in its entirety. The acclaimed disc was nominated for Best Adult Contemporary Album at that year’s ARIA Awards.

To mark this very special reunion, Dust Devil Music will sell the band’s rare live acoustic album Live at Manchester Lane at the show. If you want a copy, and to relive a bit of Australian music history, make sure you get down to the Northcote Social Club on January 29. And until then, check out this awesome video filmed at that Manchester Lane show!

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Bye Bye 2010, Bring on the New Year!

The bubbly is chilling and folks are getting together as we prepare to bid 2010 adieu. The year our Aussie artists produced some cracking tunes which should help get your NYE party started!

Sia has been a musical force for some time, but 2010 saw her step into the spotlight with her fab album We Are Born. It spawned so many singles, including the irrepressibly “Clap Your Hands.”

Washington was this year’s breakthrough artist and with good reason. Bucket loads of charisma, insightful lyrics, and some damned good tunes are a recipe for success in anyone’s language. “Sunday Best” was the song that had me dancing around my lounge room this year.

John Butler Trio’s “One Way Road” is a bit rootsier than the other tracks, but no less fun. I am in awe of the way JB manages to get his mouth around those rapid fire lyrics!

Amy Meredith definitely didn’t get the recognition they deserved this year. I enjoyed their first two singles, but they wowed me with the nostalgic “Young at Heart.” The fun retro feel sent me right back to my childhood! This is definitely the tune to play as the evening is winding down.

What will you be spinning tonight?

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Merry Christmas!

Merry Christmas Sounds of Oz readers! I hope you’re all enjoying the day, spending time with your families or friends, eating too much, and playing with a few shiny new toys. Unless you scored a new laptop, there’s probably no reason for you to be online reading my blog!

But if you are, thank you, and here’s some Tim Minchin for your trouble. This gorgeous Christmas tune, “White Wine in the Sun,” really captures the Aussie experience of Christmastime. It’s certainly more poignant than any songs about winter wonderlands, isn’t it? So enjoy dear readers, and have yourself a merry little Christmas!

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Musicians Go LIVE at Sydney Festival Art Installation

There are so many exciting musical acts winging their way to New South Wales’ capital for the annual Sydney Festival. Emmylou Harris, Sufjan Stevens, and Paul Kelly’s A to Z shows are grabbing all the headlines, but I think one of the most interesting events is LIVE: An Intimate Video Study of the Art of Performing.

It’s an installation which features some of Australia and the world’s most exciting musicians captured on film. Each artist has performed a song of their choosing against a simple white background. Visitors wear wireless headphones to choose the artists they want to hear, while they watch the visuals projected on one of four large screens.

The idea is that by stripping away the lighting, the screaming crowds, and the theatrics, we get closer to the heart of the song and the performer presenting it.  So many fantastic and fascinated artists are represented here, including Rufus and Martha Wainwright, Jarvis Cocker, Peaches, Juliette Lewis and our own Jimmy Little, Clare Bowditch, and as seen in this video snippet, Gareth Liddiard from The Drones.

Gareth will also perform on the LIVE opening night, along with Sarah Blasko, Kram, and Laura Jean. Tickets for the January 13 opening cost $45. If you can’t make it for that night you can see the LIVE installation from January 14 to 23 for $15, or $12 for concession holders. All tickets are available from the Sydney Festival website.