Christie Eliezer's Music Business News
Posted: 4:49PM, Tuesday 11th December, 2007.
COMMERCIAL ANNOUNCEMENT
Just a reminder that late listings for the AustralAsian Music Industry Directory 40th edition marking 20 years close on Friday, December 14. Listing forms are at http://www.immedia.com.au/amid/list.php and must be in our office this Friday or we can not enter them into the huge 20th annual book.
For those wanting to take out display advertising, the closing date for bookings is a week later, December 21, and this edition is being filled with great editorial looking back at 20 years of the Australian Music Industry, advice from top industry players, how-to and DIY articles and much more in addition to our current, comprehensive and correct listings.
See our rate card and specs at http://www.immedia.com.au/amid/advertising.php or contact Phil Tripp on tripp@immedia.com.au (02) 9557 7766
TEENS TURN TO RADIO
Radio continued to appeal to teenagers through 2007, according to annual ratings data by Commercial Radio Australia, released last Friday. Eight out of 10 teenagers and young adults tuning in each week across metropolitan Australia. Commercial radio appeals most to those aged 10 to 17, who reached nearly 82%. Those aged 18-24 and 25-39 also had a 80% penetration. Joan Warner, chief executive officer of peak industry body Commercial Radio Australia, said the ability to listen to radio via PCs, mobile phones and podcasts, was helping to attract a new generation of audiences "The baby boomers grew up with radio and remain very loyal, but it's great to see Gen X and Y, who have so many entertainment options to choose from, are also tuning in to radio."
Overall, commercial radio attracted an average cumulative audience of 8.74 million – or 77% of all people – each week during 2007. This figure was a 79,000 increase over 2006, when 8.66 million people tuned in on average each week. The figures are based on an average of the eight ratings surveys conducted by Nielsen Media Research in the five capital city markets during 2007, compared with the previous year.
Breakfast remained the most hotly contested time slot in radio, Warner said. Commercial radio remained the dominant medium at breakfast, with 6.7 million people listening each week during 2007 compared with 6.6 million last year.
Home was the main place to tune in, accounting for 45% of all commercial radio listening, while 28% of listening took place in the car, 25% at work and 2% elsewhere. Those aged 10-17 and those over 55 spent more than half of the time listening at home, while those aged 18-24 spent 41% of their listening time listening at work.
On average, Australians spent 17 hours and 17 minutes per week listening to commercial radio during 2007, or two hours and 28 minutes per day.
People in Adelaide topped the list for average time spent listening to commercial radio each day (2 hours 37 mins), followed by Melbourne (2 hours, 33 mins), Perth (2 hours, 27 mins), Sydney (2 hours and 23 mins) and Brisbane (2 hours 23 mins).
CHUGG, ELBOURNE, KEYNOTE AT FUSE
Adelaide's Fuse Festival has announced its two keynote speakers. Sydney based promoter Michael Chugg, was named Promoter of the Year at the International Live Music Conference and has been promoting acts for 40 years.
Martin Elbourne is the chief booking agent for the UK's Glastonbury Music Festival. He also talent buyer for Guilfest, Jersey Live, and the Lovebox Festivals. He is the co-promoter for industry events M for Montreal and The Great Escape. He is also credited with co-founding WOMAD and was agent for the Smiths and New Order.
WELSH TO HEAD AMPAL
Keith Welsh was elected chairman of the Australasian Music Publishers Association (AMPAL) at its AGM last month. He replaces Norm Lurie, managing director of Music Sales. Welsh is GM of The Music Network and GM of Rough Cut Music publishing. AMPAL works on behalf of its members to promote a better understanding of the value of music, both culturally and economically.
WILKINSON, KNIGHT, MAZZONE, FOR GOLDEN STAVE
The Trustees of the Golden Stave Foundation has been increased from five to eight with newly appointed former Golden Stave chairman Maryanne Knight, events producer Mick Mazzone and TV entertainment reporter Richard Wilkins. They join Graham Fear (Chairman), Michael Chugg, Peter Hebbes, Peter Anderson and Lucy Turnbull. For the past four years the Foundation has had an operating company and a twelve member board. Going forward this separate company structure has been dissolved and the vehicle will revert to purely a governing Trust format. We thank all twelve Directors for their contribution and commitment in the administration of the now wound up operating company.
In 2008, the Golden Stave celebrates its 30th Anniversary, with the first Golden Stave lunch at the Sebel Town House. The anniversary celebrations start with the first event, the 17th Golf Day at St Michael's Golf Course on Friday 14th March, the Luncheon to at the Hordern Pavilion on Friday 27th June and a new 3rd event being planned is a black tie dinner for the second half of 2008.
ASHA EXITS "MUSIC JUNGLE"
Asha Kuerten will not return next year as host of Nine Network's Saturday morning music show "The Music Jungle." She is moving to Los Angeles to pursue career opportunities, says the show's producer Sony BMG's Television division Headlock Media. The two might continue working together. The show went into summer hiatus on the weekend, and a host is being auditioned.
MAGUIRE LOSING HER VIBES
Alenka Maguire leaves the Promotions & Publicity Dept. of Creative Vibes in mid-January "to follow new opportunities." Promo Manager Liz Eve will announce a replacement early in the new year.
SKINNY'S SHUTS SHOP
Another iconic indie record store is biting the dust. Skinny's Music Brisbane, in Elizabeth St, is closing its doors this month after 30 years. Owner Simon Homer will concentrate on his Plus One Records (www.plusonerecords.com.au). home to Intercooler, Mary Trembles, The Gin Club, Black Mustang and Giants Of Science Skinny's has been a massive supporter of the local music scene, hosting regular live in-store performances (close to 500). "The industry is changing quite dramatically, so time to move with the industry," says Homer, who took over in 1987. "One of my favourite memories is just walking down the stairs the first time as owner instead of punter and thinking, well what do I do know? We're sad to be closing the shop but also very excited about the future and focussing on the label and the opportunities that may come from it. Skinny's All Stock Must Go Closing Down Sale ends 24th December. Skinny's Music, the business, is also up for sale, email info@skinnysmusic.com.au to make an offer. Finally, on Saturday 22nd December Skinny's will be hosting one last big in-store where the staff will be slinging on the guitars and hitting the drums and playing.
AC/DC DVD HITS 5 X PLATINUM
AC/DC's DVD boxed set "Plug Me In" was certified 5 x platinum in America. It entered the US charts at #1. As it did in 12 countries including Australia, the UK, Canada, France, Spain, Sweden, Belgium, Denmark, Ireland, Finland and NZ.
CLARKSON TO HEAD AUSTEREO MARKETING
Nikki Clarkson is Austereo's new National Marketing Director. She was most recently general manager of Melbourne creative agency The Foundry, and has run media campaigns including the Melbourne 2006 Commonwealth Games and the 2007 World Swimming Championships.
SPEAKERS ANNOUNCED FOR WAM CONFERENCE
The WAMi Music Business Conference returns in 2008 and will run from Friday 22 - Sunday 24 February at the Perth Institute of Contemporary Art (PICA), Perth Cultural Centre, Northbridge. The 2008 WAMi Conference will feature local, national and international speakers plus roundtable sessions for regional, indigenous and young musicians. Speakers confirmed so far include Steven Schnur, Worldwide Executive of Music and Marketing, Electronic Arts, USA; Alicen Schneider, VP/ Head of Creative, NBC Universal Television Music, USA; Rev. Moose, Vice President of Content, CMJ, USA; Sabiene Heindl, General Manager of Music Industry Piracy Investigations Pty Ltd,
NOISEWORKS JOIN BON CELEBRATIONS
Noiseworks have joined the bill for the Aussie Rock Celebration Concert unveiling the Statue of Bon Scott will be held on 24 February at Claremont Showgrounds Perth starting from 3pm.
NINEMSN LAUNCHES THE FIX...
Ninemsn has unveiled a new entertainment site called The Fix. thefix.com.au will integrate ninemsn's Music, TV Guide and Movies sites under one brand. Ninemsn Music has doubled in audience size in the past six months, says the company. Ninemsn Director of Marketing Tony Thomas said The Fix would be Australia's leading online resource for pop culture and entertainment. "The point of difference with The Fix will be the combination of our exclusive editorial content, guest experts and our ongoing partnerships with the leading record labels," he said. "For music we will continue to offer our audience exclusive content like Roast a Rock Star and special offerings like the recent exclusive Kylie Minogue full album stream."
... AND DOES DEAL WITH BIG POND
A new deal struck will see Telstra's BigPond music, movies and games downloads available on ninemsn from next year. All ninemsn download transactions will go through BigPond.
CHARTS: TINA ARENA BACK AT #4
Tina Arena makes a return to the Australian charts, with her album of cover songs "Love And Loss" entering the ARIA chart at #4. Other Australian chart debuts this week are the new Powdefinger single at #63 and the Choir of Hard Knocks at #52.
Two major releases also posted big drops. Kylie Minogue's "X" fell to #9 from #1, and Jimmy Barnes from #3 to #10.
LIVE! BE IN IT
The Australian live scene is worth $834.3 million with an audience of 13.7 million. This is according to new Live Performance Australia annual Ticket Attendance and Revenue Survey covering the year 2005. It has ten categories — including contemporary music, classical, theatre, musical theatre, ballet & dance, opera — and collects its data via the major ticketing companies and the Australia Major Performing Arts Group (AMPAG) companies. It does not include the activity of self-ticketing venues and festivals, boutique ticketing agencies and regional performing arts venues. Contemporary music remains the largest sector, turning over revenue of $3.5 million (up 47.2%) with 4 million attendees (up 36.2%) .Multi-category and single festivals are only worth 1% and 1.4% according to the LPA. Full details at www.liveperformance.com.au
The LPA last week launched Hall of Fame with 100 pioneers of the live scene, covering actors, writers, directors, designers, singers (Farnham, Slim), instrumentalists, comedians and dancers, circus performers and puppeteers, theatre architects and entrepreneurs. These included Kevin Jacobsen, Brodziack James Cassius Williamson who inspired the JC Williamson special achievement category at the LPA's annual Helpmann Awards, and US born Lee Gordon whose tours of 1950s acts as Bill Haley & The Comets and Buddy Holly introduced rock and roll to Australia long before it hit the UK.
HENDRIX TRIBUTE FINISHES GUITARFEST
A star studded tribute to Jimi Hendrix called Kiss The Sky ended the inaugural International Guitar Festival in Adelaide. Blues fretmen John Hammond and Jorma Kaunonen told of their personal ianecdites of Hendrix — including Kaunonen's tale that they were jammed together and Hendrix later burned the tapes convinced they were possessed by the devil.
What was stunning about the show at Elder Park to 4,000 people was the different interpretations given to Hendrix material. The festival's artist in residence Jeff Lang, Magic Dirt's Adalita Srsen, Alvin Youngbood and Midnight Oil's Jim Moginie who turned up the fireworks. Kaki King turned "Hey Joe" into a bizarre conversatio while Fourplay gave their version a guitar-free string arrangement. Kaukonen's sidekick Barry Mitterhoff brought in his mandolin, The Audreys worked in a banjo.
Organisers say that 30,000 people attended performances by 70 international artists over 10 days. The festival''s Artist -In-Residence, former Jefferson Airplane member Jorma Kaukonen said, "I have never been involved with such an impressive and well-organised event. The calibre of artists and behind-the-scenes staff has been a joy to be involved with."
Many of the players have indicated they will return next year, says producer Christine Schloithe, who adds "bigger and exciting things" have been planned for the 2008 festival. is pleased with the response to the festival from both artists and audiences. They'll try again to break the "Guiness Book of World records" for the largest guitar band in the world. Less than 2,000 played "Smoke On The Water", setting a new record for Australia but unable to overturn the current world record in India.
Concerts by Slava Grioryan, Kaki King, Jeff Lang & Guests and Caliente were all sold out. The co-production between the Adelaide Symphony Orchestra and The Adelaide Festival Centre "Rhapsodie Espagnole" saw the Festival Theatre itself close to capacity each night. Vernon Reid was stunning, while Rips & Riffs", a look at surf guitar music in Australia, saw Richard Clapton team up with the Pigram Brothers.
FOOS TICKET MELTDOWN ...
The rush for Foo Fighters tickets in Brisbane melted down the Ticketek system. When the system came back online, tix then disappeared in an hour. Foo Fighters concerts have sold out in Auckland, Sydney, Melbourne and Adelaide where second concerts have been added and are now on sale to meet demand.
...WHILE TEGAN & SARA SELL OUT
Scorpion Entertainment and Custom-Made Touring announced that the current tour by Canadian twins Tegan and Sara sold out all its shows.
NSW BOOZE LAWS MOVE ON
NSW Labor, Liberal, Nationals and independents in the NSW Legislative Council voted to support new liquor laws for NSW. Virginia Judge (Strathfield and Parliamentary Secretary) told her fellow pollies that of the 900 submissions received during the consultation process, 650 were about the struggling live music industry. She said original musicians make about $2 an hour on average while plumbers get $75, and hoped to see more clubs to provide work. The bill was scheduled to then move to the Upper House and expected to be passed.
VERRALL HEADS EAST
Tim Verrall is moving to Melbourne. He says "I've ended my brilliant relationship with Austereo in Adelaide and will be joining Mix FM Melbourne from Jan 7."
INTERTIA PROMOTES THREE...
In the wake of hitting sales records during some months this year, Inertia managing director Colin Daniels has restructured the company to increase Inertia's services to artists and labels. Sales and marketing director Mike Tate is promoted to GM of operations, national sales manager Aaron Collier becomes head of sales and label manager Justin Cosby how has the title of head of A&R. The position of head of label, occupied by John Ferris, was made redundant.
...AND ACQUIRES TWO LABELS
Inertia has acquired two more US indies for local distribution. Bloomington, Indiana-based Secretly Canadian Distribution handles labels as Sufjan Stevens' Asthmatic Kitty, Cloud Recordings, JagJaguwar, Temporary Residence, Dead Oceans, Secretly Canadian, Empyrean, and K Records. The other new Inertia label is Chicago-based roots inflected Bloodshot Records covering Detroit Cobras, Deadstring Brothers, Ha Ha Tonka, Graham Parker and The Silos.
OGIER MOVES ON
Melissa Ogier has moved on from Myer where she was National Advertising & Promotions Manager for Miss Shop, men's youth & The Basement. During her time there she founded the Shop & Rock series of events that saw bands such as Gyroscope, TV Rock, Youth Group, Children Collide and others launch/play in their youth shopping precincts around Australia. Ogier is working in youth marketing and can be contacted on molgier@optusnet.com.au or 03) 9486 7521.
STAFF CHANGE AT MUSICNT
Skye Raabe has come on board part time at Northern Territory music association Music NT to assist in its transition stage to new management. She is contacted at membership@musicnt.com.au
THATCHER EXITING MTV
Tim Thatcher is exiting MTV where he worked for two years as a producer, covering news, sports and travel. He is contacted at thatchertime@gmail.com.
KIDD SWITCHES TO VEGA
Triple M Melbourne assistant music director Rob "The Bear" Kidd has joined Vega 915 Melbourne as Assistant Music Director/Announcer, replacing Greg Edgeworth who is moving home to Perth.
NEW SIGNING #1: RICKI-LEE IN EUROPE, JAPAN
Ricki-Lee Coulter has signed with the dance label Ministry of Sound in the UK and Europe, and Pony Canyon in Japan. "We are delighted to have signed Ricki-Lee and look forward to having success with her in the UK" confirmed Scott Simons of Miinistry of Sound in London. Ricki-Lee, who first emerged via "Australian Idol" and was a member of "Idol" offshoot Young Divas for a time, is signed locally to Shock. This year she had two Top 5 debuts with the singles "Can't Touch It" and "Love Is All Around" (they topped the AIR charts) and the release of her second album "Brand New Day". She got married to childhood sweetheart James Babbington in September and has a new management rep Lauren Brown. This week she also signed a deal to be part of Brisbane B105's breakfast team in mid-January. She will join Labrat and Stav in a split-shift role with new mum Camilla who will work one hour a day from home in a specially designed studio. Coulter Ricki-Lee will be in the chair for the rest of the time. Coulter filled in on the the Hot 30 Countdown last month and impressed Austereo executives.
NEW SIGNING #2: NATIVE TONGUE CUTS OFF HAND
Native Tongue Music Publishing has signed Kiwi indie pop quartet Cut Off Your Hands.The band have had a hugely successful year which has seen them play CMJ, co-headline the Airwaves Festival in Iceland and a 5 week tour of the UK leading NME to name them "indie's hardest working band". Alas, they had to cancel three clubs dates in Australia after band member Nick broke his ankle after jumping off a 15-foot balcony during a show in the UK. They'll still make it for the Falls Festival and Big Day Out. Their Blue On Blue EP is out now through Levity. Their debut album is due next year on Speak n Spell in Aus/NZ and 679 Records in the UK (The Streets, Futureheads).
NEW SIGNING #3: HAL LEONARD, FREEHAND, IN DISTRO DEAL
The Australian subsidiary of Milwaukee-based print and digital sheet music publisher Hal Leonard Corp. has signed an agreement to distribute a digital music computer tablet produced by California company FreeHand Systems Inc. The two companies already have a distribution deal in the US. Now the new signings will allow Melbourne-based Hal Leonard Australia Pty. Ltd. will distribute FreeHand Systems Inc.'s MusicPad Pro and accessories to its network of about 600 active dealers in Australia and New Zealand, mostly musical instrument retailers but also bookstores and colleges/universities. The MusicPad Pro, first launched in 2003, allows for the display and publishing of digitally delivered sheet music. The deal also allows FreeHand to sell music from Hal Leonard on the FreeHand consumer digital sheet music site at www.freehandmusic.com which has 100,000 titles.
NEW SIGNING #4: LOOP MOBILE TEAMS WITH OPTUS
Loop Mobile Limited cut a new agreement with Optus for the launch of Loop's mobile chat and user content generated MOKO Mobile Community. Scheduled to launch in the first quarter of 2008, MOKO on Optus will be an advanced version of Loop's mobile chat and social networking platform to date and will introduce major new initiatives as MOKO Music. MOKO Music connects artists with their fans within MOKO's mobile community environment, including streaming music, video and audio. Artists can even host live chat sessions with their fans, all via the mobile device. It will focus on amateur and unsigned bands as well as the major labels. At the time of the Optus launch, MOKO will also incorporate an online version that is currently in development. This will mean that MOKO users can interact with each other whether they are accessing MOKO via the mobile or the web. The MOKO community on Optus Zoo is a monthly subscription based service with day pass use also available.
"Loop is excited to be working with Optus and connecting its Australian customers with MOKO users around the world," outlined Martin Hoffman, Loop's CEO and Managing Director. "We are confident that the full integration of the MOKO community and MOKO Music on Optus, will provide the most compelling mobile community networking experience available today." Loop Mobile's MOKO community has already generated over 4.5 million MMS, over 76 million instant messages, over 3 million private messages and over 35 million video downloads. In the last 12 months, the average user session time has doubled to reach 75 minutes per user session.
PANICS, YOUNG & RESTLESS, WIN J AWARDS
Perth-born Melbourne-based The Panics won this year's J Award for Australian Album of The Year for their third album, "Cruel Guards". Main judge Richard Kingsmill said of the album, which the band produced with Scott Horscroft, "'Cruel Guards is an album that spoke to us from beginning to end. With a definite Australian flavour in its atmosphere, the album realises The Panics' unique vision and contains the most consistent songwriting – both lyrically and musically – of any local album this year.'"
The Panics beat off a strong field of contenders including Silverchair, John Butler Trio, Pnau, Bumblebeez, Grinspoon, Urthboy, Josh Pyke, The Vasco Era, Architecture in Helsinki, British India, Katalyst and Midnight Juggernauts.
The Unearthed J Award — awarded to an Unearthed artist who demonstrated the most musical growth and shows the greatest potential — went to Melbourne-via-Canberra band Young & Restless. Other nominees in this category were Leroy Lee, Institut Polaire, Illzilla and Cuthbert & The Nightwalkers.
BLACK KEYS CANCEL...
The Black Keys have had to cancel their Australian shows, including their performance at The Pyramid Rock Festival. "Family health complications prevent the band from being so far from home over the New Year's period," is the explanation given. The band plans to return next year.
...SO DO BONDE DO ROLE
Brazilian baile-funk outfit Bonde Do Role have cancelled their Australian tour over December and January. Blown out are appearances at Falls Festival, Field Day, Southbound Festival, Sydney Festival and headline shows in Adelaide, Melbourne or Brisbane. Promoter Handsome Tours said, "The band will be making their own statement shortly, which will make their reasons apparent."
Tickets for headline shows in Adelaide, Melbourne and Brisbane will be available for refund at the point of purchase.
LIFELINES
Married: Brisbane singer songwriter Kate Miller-Heidke and Keir Nuttal of the band Transport.
Ill: A benefit called the Foggy Fundraiser was held in Sydney for Bluebottle Kiss bassist Ross Dickie who's battling cancer.
Ill: Divinyls singer Chrissy Amphlett has revealed she was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis five years ago but kept it a secret from the world.
Fined: Brooke McClymont of country trio The McClymonts was fined $238 for doing an interview with a Brisbane journo on her mobile phone while driving.
Arrested: 29 people were arrested for drug offences at Homebake, Sydney on the weekend, mostly for MDMA, cocaine, LSD and cannabis.
In Court: Olivia Newton-John has settled her $1 million lawsuit against Universal Music, alleging they underpaid her royalties from the "Grease" soundtrack.
AIM RECORDS GETS TWO GRAMMY NODS
In what is claimed to be a first for an Aussie indie label, Byron Bay-based Aim Records has two of its signings nominated for a Grammy. Aim is owned by Peter Noble who is a co-director of the East Coast Blues & Roots festival. Cubanismo earned a nomination for Best Tropical Latin Album for "Greetings From Havana". Terrance Simien & The Zydeco Experience are up for Best Zydeco Or Cajun Music Album for their Live! Worldwide.
Noble says, "We believe this is history in the making – the first time any absolutely independent Australian record label has been nominated for a single Grammy, let alone two! It's certainly a first for an Australian blues and roots focused label." Noble insists a difference is that Aim is truly indie, with no affiliation or licensing agreements with major labels in Australia or overseas. Aim Records uses various independent distributors in global territories.
Last year, Modular act Wolfmother won a Grammy; Modular is partly owned by Universal Music. This year Keith Urban is up for a pointy feller, as are The Greencards, a Texas-based trio which includes Adelaide's Kym Warner and Carol Young.
AUSSIES ABROAD #1: NOLL ANNOUNCED FOR DEEP ROCK DRIVE
Shannon Noll is confirmed as the first Australian artist to perform on Deep Rock Drive, a show that is broadcast on the Internet. Set to take place at 8pm AEST on 19th January, people log on to www.deeprockdrive.com and vote for Noll to play. Once 1,000 votes are reached, fans can start to buy their US$7 (A$8.017) tickets. They can then watch Noll perform live from Las Vegas with his band. Usually a donation of 50 cents per ticket sold is returned to a charity of the act's choosing. Noll specified Rainy Day Foundation, www.rainyday.org.au, whuch provides relief to drought-hit Australian farmers.
AUSSIES ABROAD #2: ANGUS AND JULIA START BUZZ IN U.S.
Angus and Julia Stone's UK buzz is just now making its way Stateside, where their EP "Chocolates & Cigarettes" has been released through iTunes. It is gaining some rave reviews Stateside. One of their tracks, "The Beast", was chosen by actress Natalie Portman for her hand-picked compilation, Big Change: Songs For Finca, an iTunes exclusive playlist with net proceeds going to benefit FINCA, an international microfinance organization that provides financial services to the world's lowest-income entrepreneurs. US dates are expected soon.
AUSSIES ABROAD #3: DUKES OF WINDSOR GET SWEDE
Melbourne guitar band Dukes Of Windsor have signed with Island Records, and head off overseas early next month. They commence recording their second album in Umeå Sweden in January with good friends and producers Pelle Henricsson and Eskil Lövström (Refused). Dukes of Windsor are back in Australia in March and gear up for their album release and a national tour.
AUSSIES ABROAD #4: KYLIE
Kylie Minogue's "X" only came into the British charts at #4, but she remains a live drawcard. Her UK tour sold out in under two hours, and seven more shows added. The dates are part of a European tour which starts in Paris in May and includes concerts in Germany, Finland and Sweden, amongst others. Rumours are she'll headline the Glastonbury Festival. Chris Sam, columnist with the Sydney Sun-Herald says she's got confirmation that Minogue will tour Australia next year some time.
In the meantime in New Zealand, Kyle's lawyers sent off a stern letter to Garth Rosson, owner of Wellington strip club Santa Fe Dream Girls. It was over a picture in his window of someone who looks very much like Kylie and sporting a wet T-shirt. Rosson pulled the photo down but told the legal eagles they'd have to prove it was their star client, or it'd go up again.
AUSSIES ABROAD #6: MINK
Things are moving forward for expatriate rock band Mink. They have signed to Japanese label Avex Entertainment Corporation. Avex will release Mink's self titled debut album including three unreleased bonus tracks early next year. The band get over to Japan for a tour in April. "It's a dream come true for us to be involved with such a revered record label. We can't wait to head over to Japan and rock their socks off!" - Stella Mozgawa. In other news, NYC producer DJ's, Devlin and Darko (aka - Spank Rock), have remixed Mink's single "Talk To Me" and was sitting at # 8 on the US dance Charts nestled between Krafty Kuts and Fatboy Slim. Their current single Dematerialize has also enjoyed some US chart action for 4 weeks! They got a wrap up from Alice Cooper who played their song "Get It Right" on his Throwback Thursdays radio show and said "Cool old-school influences comes right from a band called Mink... They're based in New York... Mink have a pop punk sort of sound with a great but appropriate snotty vibe."
AUSSIES ABROAD #2: KINGWELL ON PRIME TIME
Tracks from Aussie rocker Leanne Kingwell's "Show Ya What" album have been included in ABC America's latest hit comedy "Samantha Who" starring Christina Applegate. The show has been the surprise hit of the Fall season and attracting an average viewing audience of 15 to 20 million on prime time.
VIRGIN MOBILE BRINGS BACK "GARAGE TO V"
"Garage To V" — the Virgin Mobile competition which gives an unsigned band the chance to play to 100,000 people at the four shows of V Festival — is back next year. Last year the comp drew 900 entries and was won by Newcastle six piece The Seabellies. This time, Virgin Mobile has teamed with FasterLouder.com.au & Modular and the stakes are higher. Bands in each state will initially battle it out in local shows for the chance to be flown to the Sydney final, where they'll hope to impress the industry judges. However, one band that doesn't make it through this way will be given a second chance by being voted back into the final by the public! This wildcard entry will then have an equal chance of winning the prize as the other lucky four that made it through originally.
Bands can enter the Garage to V competition by uploading their music to http://www.garage2v.com.au/ and entries close on the 23rd January. Judges will be announced shortly.
Victoria Heat – Wed 27 Feb at The Toff
WA Heat – Thurs 28th Feb at The bakery
QLD Heat – Thurs 6th March at The Troubadour
NSW Heat – Wed 05th March at The Spectrum
Final – Thurs 13th March at the Oxford Arts Factory
GETTING IN WITH REGIONAL ARTS CONFERENCE
The 2008 Regional Arts Australia Conference is to be hosted in Alice Springs between the 3rd and 5th of October. Proposals are sought from artists and those who work in the arts, including volunteers, with ideas for presentations, exhibitions, displays or performances. While traditional presentation formats will be considered, "art at the heart" are particularly interested in ideas that are receptive to audience participation or involve new ways of sharing ideas and information. More info see www.artattheheart.com.au or contact Kieren Sanderson, conference coordinator on phone: (08) 8951 1151 or emai kieren.sanderson@nt.gov.au<.> Expression of interest close Jan 31.
TRIPLE J UNVEILS 2008 LINEUP
Melbourne based blogger Marieke Hardy joins The Doctor (Lindsay McDougall) and Robbie Buck in triple j's new weekday breakfast shift. She said, 'I'm very much looking forward to dragging Messrs. Buck and McDougall down to 'street' level with my patented lowbrow banter, as well as tittering during inopportune moments to ably fulfill my duties as token breakfast radio bimbo.' Zan Rowe does mornings, sport-loving trivia fiend Vijay Khurana moves from weekend breakfast to weekday lunch, and Scott Dooley and Linda Marigliano team for drive. Weekend warriors are comedian and former zookeeper Sam Simmons (Sat, Sun 6 am to 10 am), Brisbane based Sarah Howell will do weekend lunch and continue to present her weekly Thursday night program, Roots n All.
GORMAN DEPARTS SONYBMG
SonyBMG national publicity manager Jemma Gorman is leaving after four years to take a breather.
KIRKWOOD AT FBI
Jasmine Kirkwood is new sales and promotions manager at Radio FBi, contacted at jasmine@fbiradio.com. She was previously at tour company RCP.
STRONG LEAVING AUSTEREO
Austereo's Interactive General Manager Mark Strong is leaving in the wake of the company absorbing interactive functions within its operational division.
FIELKE TO HEAD AHA
The next head of the Australian Hotels Association is Sally Fielke, who headed the association's Darwin operations. She replaces Brian Ross who retires next year. The job was heavily speculated to go to former Labor minister Gary Punch, who withdrew after media reports of his interest.
KD SINGS FOR MELBOURNE
What does kd lang's new single "I Dream Of Spring" have in common with Wall of Voodoo's "Crazy Crazy Melbourne", Tom Waits' "Town With No Cheer" and the Stones' "Brown Sugar"? The first three are by non-Australians about Melbourne, the last penned IN Melbourne. Lang previewed her song on the final "Parkinson" episode, with its lines "I return from the streets of Melbourne, I return my love."
MIDEM BUSINESS #1: DEADLINE FOR OZ
Deadline to register for the Australian Stand at MIDEM Cannes is Dec 14. Fee of $1900 provides a branded place to hold meetings, market to extensive network in Europe and North America and get Austrade support group. Half the Aussie participants this year' made sales, register with matthew.proft@austrade.gov.au
MIDEM BUSINESS #2: MORE FRENCH TIES
Austrade will reprise the "French-Australian Encounter", at the Australian Embassy, Paris, on 25 January. Cost is $190, contact Matthew Proft. This year,
more than 30 French labels participated and only 6 Australian companies, so the opportunity to do business with French labels is readily apparent.
THINGS WE HEAR
* Velvet Revolver are trying to reschedule their tour for February, says Duff McKagan. Paul McCartney says he's trying to include Oz in his 2008 world tour.
* One time live music venue Rose Shamrock & Thistle in Paddington has been sold for $4.6 million, to hotelier Peter Sullivan.
* Australian Idol" is back next year but with a severe revamp after losing viewers this year. But TV stations are still looking at cashing in on the current popularity of music. One of the six new Aussie shows being funded by Seven Network is a reality series called Battle Of The Choirs.
* Kiss tongue flasher Gene Simmons' reality series "Family Jewels" debuts in Oz on the Bio channel on January 9.
* Newspaper reports this week suggested that Sneaky Sound System earned $200,000 from playing a corporate Christmas break-up in. The figure remained unconfirmed by the band. The Sneaks, incidentally, won two awards — including best independent act — at the Jagermeister AIR awards in Melbourne on Monday.
VENUES #1: MELBOURNE METRO GETS LICENCE
Police have agreed to allow a 24-hour licence for the Metro in Melbourne's CBD. They had twice knocked back applications from its new owner Jerry Pilarinos (ex-owner of the Palace) because the application had the name of the company's accountant and not theirs. Pilarinos' brother is convicted drug dealer Peter.
VENUES #2: PURPLE SNEAKERS MOVING
The Abercrombie Hotel in Broadway in Sydney, home in the last two and a half years to the Purple Sneakers club, is about to close for a major facelift. The club will therefore move to Hermann's Bar (City Road corner of Butlin Avenue) , with its first show there on Friday Dec 21. Hermann's has an indoor and outdoor sound system. Abercrombie is expected to return in March, over 3 levels and taking in an art space as well.
VENUES #3: SOCO LANDS IN ST.KILDA
Mobile music fun box, SoCo Cargo, will set up camp this summer at the St Kilda triangle next to the Palais Theatre from 15 Dec to 10 Feb. Created from modified cargo containers, SoCo Cargo is a transportable, pop-up performance venue that can be erected and operational within 24 hours. See www.sococargo.com.au.
QUOTE OF THE WEEK
"We're here to celebrate 25 years of Lionel Richie surviving Nicole Richie — and it ain't been easy, folks!" — Pa Richie during his show at the Sydney Entertainment Centre.
ELTON HONOURED BY MAORIS
The members of the Ngati Te Whiti tribe in New Zealand made Elton John an honorary member for his loyalty to their country. They presented him with a specially made bird-feather cloak - called a Korowai — after his show in the city of New Plymouth. A spokesperson said, "(The Korowai) was gifted as recognition of the enjoyment Sir Elton John's music has give to Maori over the years and his loyal continuance to return to Aotearoa (Maori name for New Zealand) to entertain."
INDENT GETS $110K IN GRANTS
The NSW government has given $110,000 in grants for 44 events teams to stage all-ages, drug and alcohol-free music events. This is done through Indent, an all-ages music program and project of MusicNSW. For eight years Indent has provided funding, advice, workshops and resources to young people interested in staging all-ages entertainment. NSW arts minister Frank Sartor said, "The 2008 Partnership Grants will fund 110 events taking place across the state, offering a platform for approximately 350 emerging bands and artists to perform to an expected audience of 27,000 young people. These grants will help ensure that people of all ages get to enjoy live entertainment in a safe environment." More info www.indent.net.au
The recipients of the 2008 Indent Partnership Grants are as follows:
METRO & SURROUNDS
• Central Coast Indent Team 2008 - Gosford
• Bryce's Crowd - Blacktown
• Robz Mums Productions – East Blaxland
• Youth X - Canterbury
• The Gong Youth Festival - Wollongong
• Dapto Youth Indent Committee - Dapto
• Access All Ages - Glebe
• Loft Music Events Team - Newcastle
• The Undaground Team - Padstow
• Entertainment Reference Group - Campbelltown
• Ignite Version 2.0 – Pymble
• The Burbs '08 Committee - Blacktown
• Northo Entertainment Crew – North Richmond
• PLAY Committee - Sutherland
• The Noisy Crew – Burwood
• Bondi Blitz Planning Committee – Bondi
• Live at the AV Team – Hurstville
REGIONAL
• Rock Up Committee - Dubbo
• Liquidfest 2008 Indent Committee - Queanbeyan
• The Drift Youth Committee - Lithgow
• Youth Entertainment Committee - Cessnock
• FYRE– Kangaroo Valley
• Indent Committee - Kiama
• Youth Council - Deniliquin
• M.A.D Youth - Bowral
• Outback Indent Team – Broken Hill
• ALOUD – Raymond Terrace
• New Moon Productions - Tuncurry
• Rock Up - Orange
• YOGO (Next Generation) - Gunnedah
• Events Working Party - Bathurst
• Idle Team - Narooma
• Trial Bay Music Festival Team - Kempsey
• B-Sharp Stage 2 Productions - Gloucester
• Amplify Organising Committee - Moruya
• Dungog Youth Music Crew – Dungog
• Manning Indent Committee - Taree
• Pre AMPDT - Uralla
• PCYC Youth Committee – Coffs Harbour
• Head On - Lismore
• Awesome Sauce Indent Team - Bega
• Muswellbrook PCYC – Muswellbrook
• Gow Live! - Lithgow
• NYC Event Management Group – Nowra
CMC, PROMOTERS, TEAM UP
XYZnetworks' Country Music Channel is launching the inaugural "CMC Rocks The Snowys" in autumn, and teamed up with promoters Rob Potts Entertainment Edge and Chugg Entertainment. The two day roots and country music festival is held in picturesque Friday Flat, Thredbo, on Friday 14th March and Saturday 15th March. Acts announced are John Butler Trio, Gary Allan (US), SugarLand (US) Adam Harvey, Brian Cadd, Catherine Britt, Steve Forde, Taylor Swift (US), The McClymonts, Morgan Evans and Shea Fisher. CMC will air a one-hour documentary on the making of the festival a month later. More info, www.countrymusicchannel.com.au
KERNAGHAN SCORES SIX NOMS FOR COUNTRY AWARDS
Lee Kernaghan picked up six nominations for the 36th CMAA Country Music Awards of Australia, announced in Sydney's Dalton House last week. Kerneghan already has a record 24 of these awards. Beccy Cole, Gina Jeffreys and Sara Storer scored four nominations each. They literally share one of these with their recording of John Williamson's "Galleries Of Pink Galahs" in the Vocal Collaboration of the Year category. Adam Harvey and James Blundell took three each.
Of the relative newcomers, four fresh acts each claimed two Finalists positions, including Lou Bradley (Maton New Talent of the Year and APRA Song of the Year for "One Shoe"), Newcastle's Morgan Evans (Maton New Talent of the Year and Video Clip of the Year), 19-year-old Kirsty Lee Akers (Maton New Talent of the Year and Female Artist of the Year) and Sydneysider Amber Lawrence (Maton New Talent of the Year and Female Artist of the Year).
Full list:
Album of the Year
Adam Harvey - I'm Doin' Alright - Produced by Rod McCormack - SonyBMG
Beccy Cole - Live @ Lizotte's - Produced by Rod McCormack - ABC Music
James Blundell - Ring Around The Moon - Produced by Graham Thompson - Compass Bros Records
Dianna Corcoran - Then There's Me- Produced by Graham Thompson - Compass Bros Records
Gina Jeffreys - Walks Of Life - Produced by Rod McCormack - Ocean Road Music
Male Artist of the Year
James Blundell - Ring Around The Moon - Compass Bros Records
Troy Cassar-Daley - Everything's Going To Be Alright - EMI Music Australia
Travis Collins - Yeah She Does - ABC Music
Adam Harvey - Someone Else's Dream - SonyBMG
Lee Kernaghan - Sassafras Gap - ABC Music
Female Artist of the Year
Kirsty Lee Akers - Little Things - Compass Bros Records
Beccy Cole – Lifeboat - ABC Music
Dianna Corcoran - Then There's Me - Compass Bros Records
Gina Jeffreys - Truth About Lies - Ocean Road Music
Amber Lawrence - Things That Bring Me Down - MRA Entertainment
Group or Duo of the Year
Carter & Carter - The Best Things In Life Are Free - Crestway Music
Jetty Road - Real Smooth Cowboy - Independent
Jonah's Road - Counting Down The Days - Bunza Entertainment
The McClymonts - Save Yourself - Universal Music Australia
The Noll Brothers - Shining Star - Emporium Music
Vocal Collaboration of the Year
Karl Broadie & Dianna Corcoran - Count Your Blessings - ABC Music
Rose Carleo & Drew McAlister - Sometimes You Just Know - Independent
Beccy Cole, Sara Storer & Gina Jeffreys - Galleries Of Pink Galahs - ABC Music
Travis Collins & Kevin Bennett - Heart Of Blues - ABC Music
Lee Kernaghan, Adam Brand & Steve Forde - Spirit Of The Bush - ABC Music
Bush Ballad of the Year
Brian Letton - Driving Through A Postcard - Written by G Sidebottom/S Leigh - LBS Music
Jeff Brown - In The Wings Of The Yard - Written by K & M Dixon/Jeff Brown - Independent
Amos Morris - Sign Of The Times - Written by Ian Quinn - Nulla Records
Peter Pratt - Sons Of The Snowy - Written by Peter Pratt - Independent
Graham Rodger – Thunderbolt - Written by Graham Rodger - Independent
Heritage Song of the Year
Sara Storer - Land Cries Out - Written by Sara Storer - EMI Music Australia
Troy Cassar-Daley - Last Mile Home - Written by Troy Cassar-Daley - EMI Music Australia
James Blundell - Nature's Gentleman - Written by James Blundell - Compass Bros Records
Lee Kernaghan, Adam Brand & Steve Forde - Spirit Of The Bush - Written by L Kernaghan/C Buchanan/G Porter - ABC Music
Peter Denahy - The Ringing Of The Steel - Written by Peter Denahy - Compass Bros Records
Instrumental of the Year
Ruckus - Black 'n' White - Independent
Michael Fix - Hobbity Hoi - Independent
Steve Passfield - Stump Jumpin' - Independent
Alisha Smith & Charley Boyter - Tanami Track - Kross Cut Records
Crakajak - The Lunger - Independent
Maton New Talent of the Year
Kirsty Lee Akers - Little Things - Compass Bros Records
Lou Bradley - One Shoe - Independent
Morgan Evans - Big Skies - SonyBMG
Harmony James – Tailwind - Independent
Amber Lawrence - Things That Bring Me Down - MRA Entertainment
Video Clip of the Year
Morgan Evans - Big Skies - Directed by Myles Conti - SonyBMG
The Pigs – Crazy - Directed by The Pigs - Independent
Matt Scullion - Giddy Up - Directed by Duncan Toombs - MRA Entertainment
Lee Kernaghan, Adam Brand & Steve Forde - Spirit Of The Bush - Directed by Ross Wood - ABC Music
Gina Jeffreys - Stepped Right In It - Directed by Ross Wood - Ocean Road Music
Single of the Year
Troy Cassar-Daley - Everything's Going To Be Alright - EMI Music Australia
Sara Storer - Land Cries Out - EMI Music Australia
Adam Harvey - Someone Else's Dream - SonyBMG
Lee Kernaghan, Adam Brand & Steve Forde - Spirit Of The Bush - ABC Music
Carter & Carter - The Best Things In Life Are Free - Crestway Music
APRA Song of the Year
Everything's Going To Be Alright - Written by Troy Cassar-Daley/Don Walker - EMI Music Publishing
Land Cries Out - Written by Sara Storer - ABC Music Publishing
Lifeboat - Written by Beccy Cole - ABC Music Publishing
One Shoe - Written by Lou Bradley - Control
Spirit Of The Bush - Written by L Kernaghan/C Buchanan/G Porter - Orient/Universal/Control
GOOD WORK #1: LIGHTHOUSE FOUNDATION CHRISTMAS DRIVE
In the last few years, Pure Pop Records has supported the Lighthouse Foundation. They support homeless youth from 16-25 years old. This time of the year, they get donations from the music industry, like CDs, DVDs, posters etc. Last year they donated 650 items. They're down a bit this year in goodies. Send stuff to Pure Pop Records, 221 Barkly Street, St Kilda Vic 3182 by Dec 19.
GOOD WORK #2: ECOBEATS FOR WA FOREST ALLIANCE
Held on an monthly basis Eco-beats allows for environmental affiliated organisations to become recipients of Ecobeats:Live Music Fundraising initiatives at minimal cost. On Saturday the 15th of December Ecobeats is holding a fundraiser for the Western Forest Alliance (http://radicalhack.com/wafa) to raise some much needed funds for an struggling organisation. Some of Perth finest electronic acts are coming to together to help save WA's forests: Tsuki Lala, Beat Build Forms, Boogie Smash and Davien Leis vs Dinbot. It's at Swan Hotel, North Fremantle
AFI AWARDS DRAW IN RATINGS
The L'Oréal Paris 2007 AFI Awards, held in Melbourne before 1,000 guests, pealed at 841,000 viewers during the Red Carpet Arrivals coverage, which was presented by Richard Wilkins, Livinia Nixon and Sophie Monk. This was "a marked increase from last year", said the organizers. Awards Executive Producer Paul Dainty said: "Anyone who watched the L'Oréal Paris 2007 AFI Awards would have no doubt that it is a first class event with tremendous appeal across a broad demographic. We started this journey in 2005 and always said it will be a steady rebuilding of the AFI brand over 5 years. There is no question we are making major progress in both consolidating the passionate core audience while also introducing Australian content to a brand new audience. To pull over 800,000 viewers on a Thursday night in December is fantastic when you consider the ARIAs got just over 1 million viewers on a Sunday night in October. Planning is already underway for next year's 50th AFI Awards, and we hope very much that Nine will help us continue to rebuild the AFI brand by putting us in a prime time spot in November."
CARTER SURGERY
David Carter of award winning country duo Carter and Carter is to have surgery. A statement for the musician reveals, "David has a tumour of the nerve sheath on the spine, an extremely painful and debilitating condition that has prevented him from performing and obviously requiring further investigation and treatment." The tumor will be operated on. It means he won't be able to exert himself for three months. But the pair expect to be back on stage, performing at the Tamworth Country Music Festival in January.
FIREBIRD WIN WOTNEXT "INDUSTRY" PRIZE
Mildura band Jackson Firebird were announced Industry Choice winners of the inaugural Wotnext Music last Wednesday in Sydney. Their prize pack worth $50,000 includes recording and filming of video clip, A&R hook ups and publicity support An audio of their music is at www.wotnext.com.au. As reported last week, Brisbane's Little Vegas and the Fuzz Parade were the People's Choice winners. According to organizers, 200 bands entered the competition. There were 4600 downloads to mobiles, over 17,500 SMS votes and over 250,000 pages viewed since the competition opened.
THE ACMF NATIONAL SONGWRITING WINNERS ANNOUNCED
Lyrics written by a country schoolgirl about the hardship of drought and life on the land have won a key award in the ACMF National Songwriting Competition. 14-year old Melanie Dyer from Mount Russell in northwestern New South Wales, is among 45 school students who took out awards in the comp organised by The Australian Children's Music Foundation. Melanie's song "Life on the Land" relates her family's struggle with drought on their third generation grain and sheep farm near Inverell. The ACMF founder Don Spencer OAM, "The judges were deeply moved by both the words and the singing of this ballad and Melanie is a deserving winner."
Spencer adds that the winner of the instrumental category, Overture for Australian Youth written by 17-year-old Sydney student Joel Vouzakism, "is just a phenomenal piece of work. It could go straight to a symphony orchestra it's so good."
This year's comp — now in its fourth year — drew 1000 entrants from primary, secondary and specific purposes schools across Australia. For the first time some of the winning songwriters will perform their compositions at the Sydney Festival First Night in January. The entrants were judged by an independent panel of Australian music industry identities including Jenny Morris, Mark Callaghan, Allan Caswell, Marcus Holden and Rebecca Henry across competition categories including drought, hip hop, instrumental and specific purpose schools. First place winners in the competition receive a certificate for $750 worth of musical equipment with their schools also receiving $750 for musical equipment. A full list of winners can be seen at http://www.acmf.com.au
AUSSIETHEATRE.COM UP
Australian theatre website AussieTheatre.com, is celebrating its most successful year to date both in terms of advertising revenue and visitor levels. A statement from the site says October 2007 was its most successful month in its four year history, while November 2007 was the second most successful. Managing editor Troy Dodd says December's figures could equally be as strong with its major story where Peter Cousens talks in detail about the problems that hit national musical theatre company Kookaburra earlier this year.
HILLTOPS DVD
While Hilltop Hoods are back in the studio working on a new album their making and touring behind the Hard Road album — as well as the alliance between band and 31-piece Adelaide Symphony Orchestra for The Hard Road Restrung — has been released as a DVD called City Of Lights
FESTIVALS #1: NEW NAMES FOR SOUNDWAVE
Alexisonfire, Infectious Grooves, and City And Colour join Soundwave 08 as Coheed And Cambria and Ace Enders pull out due to US touring commitments.
FESTIVALS #2: QUEENSCLIFF UNEARTHS NEW TALENT
Part of the Queenscliff Music Festival (Nov 23, 24, 25) was the Freeza-sponsored Foot In The Door for unknown musicians. During the festival, five acts each competed for each category. Almacknjack from the coastal area of Anglesea won the Rock category after impressing with their multi-instrumental abilities. Georgia Fields and The Freeways won Acoustic with their use of intriguing instruments as glockenspiel, melodica, cello and even a can of soft drink. Ocean Grove band Sambrose Automobile won the roots section of the competition 10 points clear of the next act despite being their young age. Ed Gould Quartet won Jazz. To enter next year email info@qmf.net.au.
FESTIVALS #3: QUIKSILVER PRO SHOW MUSIC FESTIVAL
The Quiksilver Pro Show returns in March for the second time, as part of surfing's ASP Mens World Tour. It is held at Duranbah Beach and drew 2500 last year. Headlining are Midnight Juggernauts, Lior, Ash Grunwald, NZ reggae/dub/funk act The Black Seeds, North coast roots/rock collective Band Of Frequencies, Gold Coast DJ Duo, the Sure Cut Kids, and The Winnie Coopers' DJ Big Bad.
FESTIVALS #4: WEST COAST BLUES'N'ROOTS
After 2007's sell-out festival which welcomed over 30,000 punters, the
fifth annual West Coast Blues 'n' Roots Festival is returning to Fremantle for two days. It is presented by Sunset Events and Bluesfest, at Fremantle Esplanade Reserve on Saturday, March 15 and Sunday, March 16. 50 acts will play, with the first artist announcements including John Fogerty, Sinéad O'Connor in her first-ever Australian shows, Don McLean, Buddy Guy, Jools Holland & His Rhythm
And Blues Orchestra, KT Tunstall, Ian Brown, South Africa's Vusi Mahlasela,
Patty Griffin, Ozomatli, Xavier Rudd, Claire Bowditch And The Feeding Set, Eskimo Joe with a special surprise exclusively for the festival (to be announced shortly, G. Love & Special Sauce, Brandi Carlile, Keb' Mo', Galactic, Angus & Julia Stone, Gotye, ex-Tea Party mystic Jeff Martin, Lee Ritenour, London Community Gospel Choir, f Maceo Parker, Mia Dyson, New Zealand's Salmonella Dub, US hobo-tuned-hero Seasick Steve, Irish folkie Damien Dempsey, rising US country stars Sugarland, The Audreys, Lior, The Beautiful
Girls, US soul and rock greats The Bellrays plus retroheads The Basics.
FESTIVALS #5: PYRAMID LOSES KEYS, ADDS AP SCI
As reported elsewhere, the Black Keys have dropped out of the Pyramid Music Festival (Phillip Island, Vic, Saturday 29 December to Tuesday 1 January). A late addition to the bill is ApSci. The husband/wife team of Dana Diaz-Tutaan and Raphael La Motta met in New York and produce bass heavy, electro-influencedhip hop. They are signed to Quannam Projects, the label housing Blackalicious, Lyrics Born and DJ Shadow.
FESTIVALS #6: SOUTHBOUND EXPANDS GREEN COMMITMENTS
Promoter Sunset Events has i re-introduce EcoBound – WA's Southbound Festival's environmental programme. These include a Tree-per-Ticket policy expecting to plant over 20,000 trees, an Optional Green Fee which is $2 more, making the festival completely Carbon Neutral via the services of Eco Productions, introducing Green Money to reward punters who pick up empty cans and water bottles, utilising Bio-Diesel and Green Energy, reintroducing the Green Team, expanding on their Recycling Stations to achieve their aim of zero rubbish, introducing a Renewable Energy Arts Area in conjunction with Above Water – Busselton where energy is powered by solar, windy turbines, bio-diesel and punter pedal power, conducting a full Energy and Waste Audit with accredited industry professionals, facilitating and encouraging Car Pooling and Bus Transport, offering Solar Powered Mobile Phone Recharge Stations in conjunction with Solarwest in Nannup, facilitating a wide-variety of Environmental Groups with Eco Stalls, exhibiting art made from recycled goods, hosting an Eco-Art Sculpture Award and more.
FESTIVALS #7: BREAKTHROUGH RETURNS TO BLUES 'N' ROOTS
Sunset Events and THEIR partners in rock Jim Beam are on the hunt for a band to open the fifth annual West Coast Blues 'n' Roots Festival, to be held on the weekend of March 15-16 at the Fremantle Esplanade Reserve. Winning band also gets the chance to perform at the East Coast Blues & Roots Music
Festival (March 20-24) and also get the chance to choose between two state-of-the-art sound equipment prize packs, worth $5,000, thanks to Jim Beam and Jands. All equipment will be individually personalised with Jim Beam insignia.
The heats are as follows:
Heat 1: Friday, January 18 – Norfolk Basement, Fremantle
Heat 2: Saturday, January 19 – The Orient, Fremantle
Heat 3: Sunday, January 20 – Newport Hotel, Fremantle
Grand Final: Friday, January 25 – The Swan Basement, North Fremantle
Breakthrough is open to all musicians in Western Australia who fit into the blues 'n' roots genre and can make it to the heats. Head to www.sunsetevents.com.au to download an entry form. All entries must reach Sunset Events at PO Box 111, Fremantle WA, 6959 by 5pm on Friday, January 11. Successful bands will be notified by Tuesday, January 15.
FESTIVALS #8: THREE MORE FOR GOLDEN PLAINS
Added to Golden Plains are J Award winners The Panics, Swedish pop idol Jens Lekman and dj Kid Koala who made a splash at last year's Meredith.
FESTIVALS #9: INAUGURAL CORINBANK FEST IN ACT
The inaugural Corinbank Festival ("music, art, immersion") is held Feb 29 to March 2 at the picturesque Corin Forest Mountain Resort which is 20 minutes from Canberra. Acts include Xavier Rudd, The Herd, Murph & Plutonic, Koolism, Bamboos, Madviolet and Diaxfrix. For more info, or if you want to volunteer your services (it's a not for profit event) go to www.corinbank.com
QANTM COLLEGE EXTENDS SCHOLARSHIPS
Applications are now open for Qantm College's scholarship programme, offering six individuals fee free tuition across its multimedia, animation, games programming, graphic design or digital video courses at one of its three campuses. Previously only available to graduating year 12 students, Qantm has now extended its scholarship eligibility to include anyone who has graduated from year 12 in the past 24 months. Each scholarship is valued over $14,000.
Applications close on January 11, 2008 and will be awarded to one male and one female per campus in Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane. The scholarship recipients will be announced on January 18. See www.qantm.com
SCU SPONSORS SONGWRITING AWARD
From the Country music bulletin: Southern Cross University is sponsoring the Contemporary Country Song of the Year award at the annual TSA Songwriters' Salute Awards of Australia. The event, part of the Tamworth Country Music Festival in January features performances of the short-listed songs by the artists themselves. Dr Jean Griffiths, Head of the School of Arts and Social Sciences at SCU, said this was a unique partnership in that no other university had ever forged ties with the long-established and much respected TSA Awards. "Not many people would be aware of just how many graduates Southern Cross University has turned out in the past 10 years," she said, "many of whom are now making a professional living in the music industry." Among them are Glen Hannah (Kasey Chambers' band/Felicity Urquhart band), guitarist, songwriter and producer Sam Hawksley, Scotty Hills (The Flood) and singer/songwriter Jodi Martin.
