Tag: k.d. lang

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Queen, Alice Cooper, and k.d. lang Lead Fire Fight Australia Line-Up

{TEG} Dainty and {TEG} Live promised us a big bushfire benefit show and they haven’t disappointed. This morning they dropped their star-studded line-up for Fire Fight Australia headed up by international acts Queen and Adam Lambert, Alice Cooper, and k.d. lang.

Of course, plenty of Aussies have also rushed to help including hot young things Amy Shark, Baker Boy, Conrad Sewell, and Illy, and absolute legends including Daryl Braithwaite, Icehouse, Olivia Newtown-John, and John Farnham. There are plenty more artists announced and others that will be added to the bill before the big event at ANZ Stadium on February 16.

Ticket sales benefit rural and regional fire services, Red Cross disaster relief, and the RSPCA Bushfire Appeal. You can get yours from Ticketek from noon today.

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

k.d. lang Sings it Loud in Australia

Regular visitor to our shores k.d. lang is coming back for another tour this November. She’ll be here to promote Sing It Loud, the follow-up to her number one album Watershed.

k.d. lang will share the stage with her new outfit, The Siss Boom Bang. k.d. handpicked all the musicians who also play on Sing It Loud. It’s the first time k.d.’s played with a personally selected band since she recorded her second record more than two decades ago, so I’m expecting her to have some amazing chemistry with these musos.

It’s hard to imagine what you’ll be doing in November, but I definitely recommend penciling one of these shows in. I’m sure you won’t be disappointed by these shows. Tickets go on sale on April 18.

5 November 2011 – Sandalford Winery, Swan Valley
7 November 2011 – AIS Arena, Canberra
9 & 10 November 2011 – State Theatre, Sydney
12 November 2011 – Sidney Myer Music Bowl, Melbourne
13 November 2011 – Entertainment Centre, Adelaide
22 November 2011 – Riverstage, Brisbane

Image source: Mandy Hall @ Wikimedia

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

k.d. lang Replaces Susan Boyle on Logies Line-Up

The 18th Annual Elton John AIDS Foundation Academy Award Party!


When Susan Boyle pulled out of the Logies last week, I wondered whether the organisers would be able to match her star power. It seems they have, with the announcement that k.d. lang will be stepping in. The Canadian crooner’s appearance follows the release of her recent number one selling greatest hits CD, Recollection.

“I’m honoured to be included in the TV Week Logie Awards because Australia feels like my second home,” k.d. said in a statement. “I’m also looking very forward to being in Melbourne again.”

k.d. joins John Mayer, Gabriella Cilmi, and Rogue Traders on the rather healthy looking Logies line-up. Susan who? Personally I’d much rather watch k.d. and Mr Mayer!

You can catch the Logie Awards on the Nine Network on May 2.

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Gabriella Cilmi Tops Singles Charts

It seems Australia’s sweet on Gabriella Cilmi. The teen sensation has topped the ARIA charts this week with her catchy tune “Sweet About Me,” knocking Flo Rida’s “Low” from the number one possie.

The bluesy pop number, which the talented 16-year-old co-wrote, is the debut single from her soon to be released first album Lessons to be Learned. If “Sweet About Me” is any indication, this album’s going to be massive.

Faker’s “This Heart Attack” has had another lease of life, jumping from number 18 back into the top 10. It’s sitting pretty at number 9.

Canadian crooner k.d. lang’s earned her first number one for Watershed. What I’ve heard of this album is breathtaking, so it’s really well deserved.

Cut Copy are the only Australian band to make an appearance in the top ten. Their former chart topper In Ghost Colours is hanging onto the tenth position.

Here’s all this week’s chart action.

Top 10 Australian Singles

  1. “Sweet About Me” – Gabriella Cilmi
  2. “Low” – Flo Rida feat. T-Pain
  3. “4 Minutes” – Madonna feat. Justin Timberlake
  4. “Bubbly” – Colbie Caillat
  5. “With You” – Chris Brown
  6. “Tattoo” – Jordin Sparks
  7. “Don’t Stop the Music” – Rihanna
  8. “Work” – Kelly Rowland
  9. “This Heart Attack” – Faker
  10. “Dream Catch Me” – Newton Faulkner

Top 10 Australian Albums

  1. Watershed – k.d. lang
  2. The 100 Most Beautiful Melodies – Andre Rieu
  3. Step Up 2: The Streets – Soundtrack
  4. Dreaming Out Loud – One Republic
  5. Sleep Through the Static – Jack Johnson
  6. Exclusive – Chris Brown
  7. Pretty. Odd. – Panic at the Disco
  8. Hand Built By Robots – Newton Faulkner
  9. Good Girl Gone Bad – Rihanna
  10. In Ghost Colours – Cut Copy

Image source: Lee Jordan @ Wikimedia Commons

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

k.d. lang @ Tempus Two Winery, Hunter Valley – 12 April 2008

Last night I joined my parents at the first concert of k.d. lang’s Watershed tour in the Hunter Valley. It was a beautiful night, pleasantly cool and clear, the weather kind to the thousands of devoted fans who made their way to the natural amphitheatre of Tempus Two Winery.

The night opened with King Curly, a strange but compelling band. I don’t recall ever seeing a quartet with a big double bass and trombone, but it somehow worked. Their harmonies were sublime, but the dark lyrics about avenging zombies and homeless bumblebees were unusual to say the least! I lapped up their half hour set which was over far too quickly.

Next up was Slava Grigoryan. He’s such a talented classical guitarist, but this wasn’t the right venue for him. His introverted personality couldn’t fill the large open space, and it was a great shame. It was technically brilliant, but ultimately boring.

Sunrise co-host Melissa Doyle came out to introduce k.d., telling us that her latest album Watershed had just gone to number one. This happy news ultimately set the tone for the evening, one of celebration of one of the world’s greatest vocalists.

I’ve never been a massive k.d. lang fan. I’ve happily listened to her records while visiting my parents, but I’ve never gone out to buy the CDs or see her live before. But I remember catching a concert on the ABC a few years ago and being utterly compelled by her performance. I’m thrilled to say that entrancing presence I saw on the television was just as strong in person.

I was in awe as she delivered heartfelt performances of her originals and famous covers. Her smoky, husky voice just soars, and it’s amazing to behold. “Hallelujah” was such a highlight, but I also loved the vulnerability she brought to “Helpless” and the bittersweet yearning of “Constant Craving.”

k.d. has an amazing ability to inhabit a song. There were plenty of tracks I didn’t know, but her presence is so strong that matters little. She forces you to listen to the lyrics, to hear the stories, and to glory in the music.

What a performer, what a concert. Australian k.d. fans are in for a real treat as she makes her way around the country.