Melbourne Gets Another Weekend in the Gardens

After the massive success of A Weekend in The Gardens in March, organisers have decided to do it all again this November! And what a line-up they’ve assembled for the three-night event!

The Friday night show brings us Paul Kelly, still flying high on the recent release of his number one album Life is Fine, who’s ably supported by Steve Earle and Middle Kids. The Saturday show is all about hip hop, with Illy, Thundamentals, Spit Syndicate, and Birdz all on the bill. The final night will be a folky affair with Missy Higgins, Dustin Tebbutt, All Our Exes Live in Texas, and Harry Jakamarra doing their thing.

In addition to superb music, you’ll be treated to some of Melbourne’s finest foods in The Eatery, including Royale Brothers, Willy’s Fried Chicken, and Proper Fish & Chips.

“The artists and audiences have responded enthusiastically to having a beautiful, intimate outdoor concert space in the Royal Botanic Gardens in the middle of this amazing city,” said promoter Michael Newton of Roundhouse Entertainment. “The lineup of acts is first-class, and the food and beverage options are fantastic. Along with the Royal Botanic Gardens, we are very proud to be presenting another weekend of great entertainment in the gardens.”

Developed by the good folks behind a day on the green, the first A Weekend in the Gardens attracted nearly 12,000 people. Will the next event be even bigger?

A Weekend in the Gardens hits Melbourne’s Royal Botanic Gardens on November 17, 18, and 19. Tickets go on sale from Ticketmaster at midday on August 28.

Image used with permission from Roundhouse Entertainment

Missy Higgins and Justine Clarke Announced for 2017 Barunga Festival

One of Australia’s most beloved and eclectic cultural events, the Barunga Festival, has announced its 2017 program. Missy Higgins, Bunna Laurie, Skinnyfish Sound System, and Justine Clarke will all take the stage during the three-day celebration. In addition, there are opportunities to learn traditional dance, spear throwing, weaving, damper making, and how to play the didgeridoo.
Barunga is an Indigenous word for “a happy place for families to live,” and that’s exactly what this event represents. Parents can breathe easy bringing their kids, knowing the event is 100 percent drug, alcohol, and smoke free. More than 4,000 people attend every year to hear some amazing music, learn more about the nation’s Indigenous culture, and discover all the delights of the Katherine region.

The Barunga Festival runs from June 9 to 11. Tickets are available now from Moshtix.

Image used with permission from SGC Media

The Veronicas Claim Number One Single

It seems like forever since we’ve seen an Aussie acts topping the singles charts, but The Veronicas have done it with their stunning newie “You Ruin Me.” I’ve had fun with songs from their last album, but I missed that strong emotional core that I felt ran through their earlier releases. They’ve rewarded my patience with this song, which I think is their best work. I’m so glad Australia’s embraced it!

After a few lean months in the singles charts, it’s great to see The Veronicas are one of a few local acts making their presence felt. Nathaniel’s super-fun ditty “Live Louder” has climbed one place to sit at number four this week. Timmy Trumpet feat. Savage have slipped a couple of spots to sit at number five with “FREAKS”.

It seems I missed the news that Missy Higgins had a new album coming out, but Australia hasn’t. Oz sits at number three on debut. Rock veteran Jimmy Barnes rounds out the top 10 with 30:30 Hindsight.

Click through to see this week’s top ten albums.
Continue reading “The Veronicas Claim Number One Single”

Guy Sebastian Stays at Number One

Guy Sebastian stays at the top of the ARIA singles charts this week with “Battle Scars.” With four weeks at number one, the song is his most successful to date. His breakthrough single “Angels Brought Me Here” was only at number one for three weeks.

Guy’s keeping company in the top ten with fellow Aussies, Justice Crew. Their song “Boom Boom” shows no signs of fading. It’s at number four this week, a great effort after ten weeks in the charts.

The Sapphires soundtrack is still the best of the Aussie albums, although it’s dropped to number three this week. It’s outselling Missy HigginsThe Ol’ Razzle Dazzle, which sits at number six, andd Karise Eden’s My Journey, which is at number eight.

Click below for this week’s top tens.

Continue reading “Guy Sebastian Stays at Number One”

Guy Sebastian Equals Chart Record

Guy Sebastian has retained the top spot on the ARIA singles chart for the third consecutive week with “Battle Scars.” That equals his best chart performance, as “Angels Brought Me Here” also stayed at number one for three weeks way back in 2003. Do you think “Battle Scars” can eclipse its success?

The news isn’t quite as good for the cast of The Sapphires, as the soundtrack’s been bumped from the number one spot by Birdy. However it’s still at number two, which is no small feat.

Birdy’s doing great things on the singles charts too. She’s pushed Justice Crew out of the number two spot, but their track “Boom Boom” is still going gangbusters with a number three finish this week.

Timomatic’s enjoyed a big chart debut. His self-titled album has clinched the third spot on the albums chart. It’s sitting ahead of longstanding chart favourites The Ol’ Razzle Dazzle by Missy Higgins (4) and My Journey by Karise Eden (6).

Click below for this week’s Aussie top tens.

Continue reading “Guy Sebastian Equals Chart Record”

Guy Sebastian & The Sapphires Number Ones for Second Week

Aussie artists Guy Sebastian and the team from The Sapphires have maintained their dominance of the ARIA Charts this week. For the second week we see Guy’s “Battle Scars” at the top of the singles charts, and The Sapphires soundtrack at number one on the albums charts.

Justice Crew have also maintained the pressure on the singles charts. Their monster hit “Boom Boom” holds steady at number two.

Ricki-Lee’s new album Fear & Freedom has made a big impact in its first week with a number seven debut. Meanwhile Missy Higgins and Karise Eden are hanging onto the top ten by their fingernails. The Ol’ Razzle Dazzle is at number 9, and My Journey’s at number 10.

Click below for all this week’s top 10s.

Continue reading “Guy Sebastian & The Sapphires Number Ones for Second Week”

Temper Trap, Missy Higgins, and Bluejuice Play Soundscape

The fifth annual Soundscape Festival is shaping up to be the best yet, with The Temper Trap, Missy Higgins, and Bluejuice all taking their place on the bill.

Soundscape will settle into its new home at Prices Wharf Shed No. 1, on Castray Esplanade in Hobart on November 16 and 17. The location isn’t the only change this year. The festival’s moved from January to November to avoid stifling heat, and downsized the available tickets. That means fewer queues and more intimate performances.

Tickets are on sale now from the Soundscape Festival website.

Image used with permission from Heapsaflash

Guy Sebastian and The Sapphires Top ARIA Charts

There’s some local joy on the ARIA charts this week, with two local releases topping the singles and ARIA charts.

The Justice Crew’s “Boom Boom” vacated the number one spot on the singles chart, but Guy Sebastian was only too happy to take their place with his new one, “Battle Scars.” Justice Crew are still respectable at the number two spot.

Meanwhile The Sapphires soundtrack has jumped up to push Ed Sheeran off the top spot on the albums charts. It’s keeping company in the top ten with fellow Aussies Adam Brand, Missy Higgins, and Karise Eden. There Will Be Love sits at number four, The Ol’ Razzle Dazzle is at number six, and My Journey’s at number seven.

Click below for this week’s complete top ten.
Continue reading “Guy Sebastian and The Sapphires Top ARIA Charts”

Karise Eden Racks Up Six Weeks on Top

It’d be boring if it wasn’t so fabulous. Karise Eden has beat out the competition to take the top spot on the ARIA chart for the sixth consecutive week.

Her fellow Voice finalist Darren Percival has slipped to eighth position with his album Happy Home. It was happier news for Missy Higgins though, who jumped up to number five with her current album The Ol’ Razzle Dazzle.

It seems all my wishing and hoping paid off, as Justice Crew have jumped to the top spot on the ARIA singles charts with “Boom Boom.” It’s a good thing too, because again they’re the only Aussie act in the top 10!

Click below for all this week’s chart action.

Continue reading “Karise Eden Racks Up Six Weeks on Top”

Karise Eden Still Number One

Karise Eden’s album My Journey doesn’t seem ready to vacate the top spot on the ARIA charts any time soon. It’s again at number one, and with a tour looming I predict it’ll stay put for a while.

Her fellow Voice finalist Darren Percival showed he’s got staying power, with his album Happy Home retaining its number three possie. The other Voice finalists have slipped quietly out of the top ten, so it’s exciting to see the final two holding their ground.

While we don’t see the same glut of local talent in the albums charts this week, Angus Stone’s still doing great things with Broken Brights which sits at number four. Missy HigginsThe Ol’ Razzle Dazzle has risen to number six, while Keith Urban’s still hanging around with The Story So Far at number ten.

Justice Crew have jumped several places this week to land at number two on the singles charts with “Boom Boom.” Can they topple fun. next week?

Click below for this week’s charts.

Continue reading “Karise Eden Still Number One”