Christie Eliezer's Music Business News
Posted: 4:05PM, Tuesday 14th October, 2008. Updated: 7:10AM, Thursday 16th October, 2008.
Eight Days a Week
Now Yunupingu blitzes the Deadlys
In a stunning year, blind Arnhem Land musician Geoffrey Gurrumul Yunupingu bombarded the indigenous Deadly Awards in Sydney. He got artist of the year, single for “History (I Was Born Blind)” and album of the year for “Gurrumul”. This Sunday he’s up for three ARIAs including the coveted best male artist award.
The Deadlys celebrate achievement in music, sport, entertainment and community engagement by Aboriginals and Torres Strait Islanders.
In the music divisions, country singer Adam James got most promising new talent, and the band of the year award went to the Black Arm Band. Jodie Cockatoo-Creed and Andrew Farris won the APRA song of the year for “Never Let You Go”.
Other winners were Leah Purcell (Actor of the Year), Michael Cook (Visual Artist), central Australian play, Ngapartji Ngapartji (Theatre), Greg Inglis of Melbourne Storm (rugby), Hawthorn champion Lance Franklin (AFL) and basketballer Rohanee Cox (sportswoman).
Sound Alliance acquires Mess + Noise
Sound Alliance, independent online entertainment publisher, has acquired Melbourne-based music website Mess+Noise. It will introduce a full-time editor to increase the volume and relevance of the site’s content. Overseeing the development of the website will be Mess+Noise co-founder, Danny Bos, who will remain in Melbourne as general manager. Neil Ackland, Managing Director, Sound Alliance commented "This is an exciting addition to our group of category-leading niche music and lifestyle web communities. Mess+Noise is a respected, grass roots music brand with a loyal community all united by their love of music." Sound Alliance also runs inthemix, fasterlouder and samesame.
Bluesfest buy-out
Byron Bay’s East Coast Blues & Roots festival co-owner Peter Noble has bought out Michael Chugg from the event. Promoter Chugg came in four years ago after original founder Keven Oxford left. This leaves the festival with a solo boss for the first time since it began in 1990, which begs the question as to what changes will be made, if any.
“Media Watch” on Ten’s subliminal advertising: one blink and…
ABC-TV’s “Media Watch” this week highlighted concerns with the Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA)’s response to Network Ten’s use of subliminal advertising during the 2007 ARIA Awards. After a ten-month investigation(!), it found that despite the fact the broadcaster breached the Commercial Television Industry Code of Practice, it will not be penalised. It was also told not to do it again during this month’s ARIA awards. Ten, of course, shivered and shook with fear…
During the October 28 telecast, when nominees were being announced, Ten broadcasted rapid one-frame bursts of sponsor logos, which included Chupa Chups, Big W, Olay, Telstra Bigpond, KFC and Toyota. It came to light on “Media Watch”, and nine complaints followed. ACMA lumbered into action, and was told by Ten that the rapid process was adopted to match the quick-pace production values of the show.
This week “Media Watch” reported that this does not put an end to subliminal advertising. “ACMA's come up with a bizarre piece of reasoning,” the show reported. Two-frame flashes are deemed “near the threshold of normal awareness” and are not permitted. But a three-frame flash is OK. This arrant nonsense worries groups like The Parents Jury, which is lobbying to reduce advertising of junk food to children, “Media Watch” reported.
Creative Vibes moves
After five years, Creative Vibes has moved to 76 Applebee Street, St. Peters, NSW 2044. Phone: (02) 9517 4622.
Latest round of ARIA presenters
Latest to be announced to present awards at this weekend’s ARIAs are John Butler, Human Nature, Vanessa Amorosi, Natalie Bassingthwaighte, Josh Pyke, Ricki-Lee, Brian McFadden, Rove McManus, My Warhurst and comedian Chris Lilley.
Emma Louise, 17, wins NA2R quest
Emma Louise, the 17-year-old from Cairns, gave up attending her Year 12 school formal to play at the NA2R (new acts to radio) on the Gold Coast on the weekend. She won the Friday night heat, and played the next night before the radio heavies at the Australian Commercial Radio awards alongside The Living End and Faker at Jupiter's Casino. Her original composition 'Insomnia' was a major hit and will be supported with airplay from AC & CHR radio.
This year’s winners were Louise (AC), Boston Shaker (rock) and Ashleigh Mannix (pop). All three will share in $150,000 worth of radio advertising and airplay. This year all winners will be distributed through MGM; their singles go to radio with Media and Marketing support from VGM and Musicpoint early 2009.
Apter on Keith Urban
The prolific ex-“Rolling Stone Australia” editor turned author Jeff Apter has another book on the shelves in January — “Fortunate Son: The Unlikely Rise of Keith Urban” through Random House. It’s not authorised but Apter charmed himself into the country singer’s inner circle. Tommy Emmanuel tells the story when a teenage Urban (not sure if he still had the Billy Idol from Caboolture look at the time) caught a flight with him, and Emmanuel suggested he should move to America. On the return flight, Emmanuel sat next to James Blundell — and gave him the same spiel. We know how that rivalry ended up. More info www.jeffapter.com.au
Entertainment lawyer Brereton cops ban
The Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal has banned Melbourne-based entertainment lawyer Michael Brereton from legal practice in Victoria for five years. He was found guilty of nine misconduct counts and three of unsatisfactory conduct — including using clients' trust fund money as his own. The ban also prevents him from handling trust fund money until July 1, 2018. The VCAT said he misappropriated more than $2.3 million of investors' money from a retirement village project. In another he had borrowed money from such clients as Michael Gudinski and Zimm Records without proper documentation. The 52-year-old also must pay $145,000 legal costs.
In its decision, VCAT called Brereton's conduct disgraceful and dishonourable. "Brereton's misconduct rather reflected, to our mind, a brazen attitude that the trust monies were part of a common fund that could be borrowed or redirected to other of his business interests from time to time. The findings in most instances reflect an intermingling of Brereton's business interests and his role as a lawyer… Brereton simply operated his trust account as a business account, with scant regard to his fiduciary obligations."
Mollison scores entertainment for Australian Open
In a coup, Tennis Australia has granted Australian theatre impresario Ross Mollison and his Mollison Communications divisions the rights for live entertainment during its Australian Open in Melbourne (Jan 19 to Feb 1). The three-year deal sees Tennis Australia expand its move into live entertainment, with 600,000 people expected. Vas Katos, Melbourne-based general manager of Mollison Communications, says, “There’ll be 40 acts performing throughout the Melbourne Park precinct.” Katos, who started out working with promoter Paul Dainty also spent some time working in the New York live scene and managed acts for a time in Melbourne.
Among the entertainment is the Australian premiere of Ross Mollison’s Spiegelworld, which has run in New York for the last three summers. The 300-seat venue, with opulent décor of mirrors, wooden panelling and velvet, will host cabaret, circus and concerts. This includes the daring circus-meets-burlesque variety show “Absinthe”. The “Open Late” concert series will feature such acts as Claire Bowditch, Diesel, Renee Geyer, Tex Perkins, Mark Seymour, Abby Dodson and The Audreys. There are free sets from Stephen Cummings, Lowrider, True Live, Bobby Flynn, Mahalia Barnes and Custom Kings. At the SpiegelBall, such DJs as Grant Smillie, John Course, Vandalism & TV Rock spin discs while the Heineken Beer Garden hosts free daily concerts with a line-up including Jon Stevens, Mental As Anything, Daryl Braithwaite, Tim Rogers, Black Sorrows, Taxi Ride and Boom Crash Opera. The final weekend of the Open will feature “A Day on the Bass Line”: its format and headline acts to be announced later. More info, www.australianopen.com
Sentinel broadcasts Australia's first digital radio
Sentinel Content and Commercial Radio Australia (CRA) revealed they have begun live demonstration broadcasts of real-time traffic information on digital radio. Digital radio services begin in Sydney, Melbourne, Adelaide, Brisbane and Perth in the first half of 2009.
Plug pulled on Bliss N Eso Hobart show
Bliss N Eso have had their Nov 14 show at the Wrest Point Show Room in Hobart, cancelled. The act’s management said "Wrest Point Show Room has decided not to proceed with the Bliss N Eso performance due to the specific music genre not being in keeping with its overall mainstream entertainment offering." An under 18s show in Hobart and an over 18s show in Launceston still go ahead.
Chaos.com streamlines its site
Indie music service www.chaos.com has relaunched the site with a new design after it conferred with its 300,000+ users — referred to as Chaos Agents. They have an average age of 28. Chaos CEO Rob Appel said that many complained it took them almost an hour to buy a product.
“It was a wake-up call for the crew at Chaos and we got to work on every corner of the site that had seemingly served so well for years,” says Appel. “The new design takes the broadest range of feedback into account to deliver a shopping experience that feels like a swift and comfy armchair ride for any type of user.”
The new site now has one-click menu navigation, and pared back checkout pages for zero distraction. Members also get such features as artist watch, birthday bonuses, email-a-friend facilities, places where Agents can add their own reviews, latest news, and loyalty schemes which give discounts. Chaos.com, set up in 1995, was a pioneer in e-commerce in this country.
Whitehead, Messler, part
Axle Whitehead and manager Leonie Messler parted ways last Friday. The singer has not announced new management.
Henry Diltz returns for photo exhibition “California Dreaming”
Los Angeles photographer Henry Diltz last visited Australia in 1974 when he toured the world as David Cassidy's personal photographer. He returns to attend the exhibition of his photographs at Blender Gallery (16 Elizabeth Street, Paddington) in Sydney. “California Dreaming” runs November 20 to December 23. It features 50 photos of an era, including Paul McCartney, Jimi Hendrix, James Taylor, Crosby Stills Nash & Young, the Rolling Stones, the Monkees, the Eagles, the Doors, America, Janis Joplin, Linda Ronstadt, Mama Cass Elliot and Joni Mitchell.
WAM Song winners
Over 400 songwriters throughout Western Australia submitted 1640 songs into the WAM Song of the Year competition. 19 winners were chosen from 85 nominees. In alphabetical order they are:
Blues & Roots: Howl And Moan by Abbe May.
Café: Revien by Cloud Kollektiv
Country: Place Where I Belong by Phyllis Bennell
Electronic – Dance: Realizing by Cloud Kollektiv)
Gospel: Light by Lindsay Hamminga
Heavy Rock: Refuse The Sickness by R Felton, S Mitchell, D Anderton, M Kruit & C Mitchell (Chaos Divine)
Indigenous: Gundulla - We Dance by D Stokes, B Stokes, J Masters & R Martinez (The Yabu Band)
Jazz: Til Death Does Me Part by Johannes Luebbers
Mixed Bag: The Land by Abraham Dunovits (Funkalleros)
Pop: Feel by Roly Skender and The Tonics
Regional: Kaya by Charmaine Bennell (Warangka Band)
Roc: Howl And Moan by Abbe May
School – Primary: Shadows by Josephine Langford
School - Secondary Lower: Smile by Mike Nutt
School - Secondary Upper: The Pony And The Ark by Lyndon Blue
Urban: Behind The Curtain by Emcee Able
World & Folk: Kaya by Charmaine Bennell (Warangka Band)
Grand Prize: As judged by the competition judging panel from all category winners: Feel by Roly Skender and The Tonics
Most Popular Song: As judged by Sunday Times and PerthNOW Entertainment staff from all nominees: “Give Up Money For Music” by B-Syde
Radio ad market fluctuates
Metropolitan commercial radio stations generated advertising revenue of $164.67 million in the first quarter of this financial year. This was a drop of 0.52% compared to the same time last year, according to the 2008 Metropolitan Commercial Radio Advertising Revenue as sourced by Deloitte, and released by industry body Commercial Radio Australia.
Chief executive officer of Commercial Radio Australia Joan Warner called it “a steady performance… in what are tougher economic times and a period of uncertainty.”
In the three months of July, August and September of this year, Sydney generated $54.08 million (down 5.5%); Melbourne was $47.3 million (up 0.66%); Brisbane was $26.3 million (up 0.99%); Adelaide was $14.9 million (down 2.69%) and Perth generated $21.9 million (up 10.9%) compared to the same time last year.
Warner said the monthly growth was also patchy with July about even, August down by about 5% and September up by about 2%.
COG postpone Melbourne show
COG had to postpone their Melbourne show at Queensbridge last Friday to November 22. COG frontman Flynn Gowers and his partner are expecting a baby.
Campus winners for NSW, WA, Qld
The road to the October 23 grand final of the National Campus Band Competition (NCBC) at the CIT Music Industry Centre looms nearer. Last week, Wifey, representing the University of Sydney, won the NSW State Final at Sydney University.
Meantime, the Western Australian State Final was won by The Brown Study Band, representing ECU.
The QLD final was taken by Skara Brae & The Renegades, representing Griffith University, Gold Coast.
Meeting over “After Taste” shows
A row has broken out over plans by the Hobart City Council to hold three late night rock concerts as part of the Taste of Tasmania food festival (December 28 to January 4). They are aimed at an older crowd with a taste for world and indigenous music, with acts like Shane Howard and Archie Roach. Some grumbling came from Tassie cops and waterfront business operators about the shows, which end at 1am. This came as a surprise to Marti Zucco, chairman of the council’s Festivals and Tourism special committee, who had spoken to the relevant people and was told all was fine. A meeting will be held this Wednesday to sort things out. And we haven’t heard from the usual residents whinging about noise.
Victoria’s 2am lockout survey
The Victorian government has commissioned KPMG to run a survey on the effectiveness of the 2am lockout. If you’re concerned about it, go to https://www.surveys.kpmg.com/mmi/2wHK95C/Link.html
Catalyst funding safe
The funding for Queensland-based Catalyst Youth Arts is safe, despite calls for it to be axed. CYA organised the Rapid Festival. It received $43,506 from Arts Queensland to run youth arts projects in the Pine Rivers/Caboolture area, and $6700 from the Moreton Bay Regional Council. The show, which returned after a two-year break, was held Oct 4 at Lawnton Showgrounds with 35 bands like Avalon Drive and My Fiction. However the problem began when Cunt Offensive threw balls, red dye and condoms into the crowd. They were immediately thrown off-site but complaints were made to the council, with suggestions about axing funding and charging the band with assault. Fans affected were given medical aid, compensation and T-shirts. Cunt Offensive are banned by Rapid partners such as 4ZzZfm and Access All Areas.
How Musowiki.net helps musos
Musowiki.net is a Queensland company set up as a free global directory of music industry services. If a muso needs help to write better songs, learn to play or book their next tour of Europe, Musowiki contains services that bring their goals within reach. If you want to be added to the list of services, go to the site.
Australian finals for Global Battle of the Bands
The Australasian National Final of the Global Battle of the Bands (GBOB) Challenge will be held on Monday, November 3 at the Sydney Hilton State Room. The winner will be flown to the UK to battle it out for the GBOB 1st prize of US$100,000.
Among those duking it out are Slipton Fell (Port Hedland), Diamond Eye (Perth), Powerage (Newcastle), Vtribe and Neon Heart (NSW), All Guns Blazing (ACT), Purgatory (SA), Joni’s Plastic Sunday (TAS), ShiftLock (QLD), The Smart (QLD), Tomorrow Day (NZ) and Innerspace and Perfect Fit (VIC). Each will win a FujiFilm Z20 digital camera, a pair of Chuck Taylor Converse Shoes and a bag of goodies from Ernie Ball. Channel [V] will be broadcasting footage of the bands at the Australasian Final as well as following them to the World Final in London, and the winner of the Australasian Final will be featured across the Triple M network.
GBOB Australasia Director Dennis Burgess, of A Red Letter Day (Event Management) said, “GBOB is a competition for serious bands, and there is not one band in this contest that doesn’t fit the bill. These guys work hard, play hard and really go for it.”
Members of the public who buy tickets for the event through Moshtix go into the running to win an MM4 Ernie Ball/Music Man guitar valued at $550.
AirCheck adds three more
AirCheck Australia has announced it has included triple J and FBI 94.5 FM in Sydney in its Broadcast Monitoring line-up. Melbourne’s 3RRR goes on next month.
New Signings
Wonderlick expands roster with Jackson Mclaren
Gregg Donovan and Stuart MacQueen’s Sydney-based 360-degree Wonderlick Entertainment has signed 17-year-old singer-songwriter Jackson Mclaren. Mclaren is currently based in Warrnambool in country Victoria but plans to relocate to Melbourne early next year. He will record an EP in November with Josh Pyke (2007 ARIA Producer Of The Year) sitting in the producer’s chair.
“Jackson is an extraordinary talent with the ability to be a long term career artist,” says Donovan. Mclaren is the first signing to a new model that sees Wonderlick working with artists in all aspects of their career. “ We have worked hard to develop a structure that is both artist-friendly and acknowledges the new realities of the music industry,” adds MacQueen.
Of other Wonderlick acts, Josh Pyke’s album “Chimneys Afire” debuted at #3 on the ARIA chart. Airbourne are currently in Japan after playing some of the biggest summer festivals in the USA, UK and Europe. Their international hit ‘Too Much, Too Young, Too Fast’ has been included on the worldwide release of Guitar Hero 4.
Shock Publisher adds more
Shock Music Publishing has added more names to its roster. Sydney punk trio Fair Accompli have finished an EP called “666” produced by Pauly B. Queensland-based Ricki-Lee has had five Top 10 hits through Shock Records. Film, TV and jingle composers Jamie and Sean Fonti have signed to the firm joining Sam Fonti and completing the trifecta of Fontis who were founding members of Caligula and Primary. German/UK publisher Element Music (new offshoot company of publisher Magic Arts) signed to SMP for Australia/NZ.
Telstra, Prime Digital, sign deal
Telstra and outdoor digital operator Prime Digital Media (PDM) inked a three-year partnership. Telstra's Enterprise & Government Division and PDM will pursue opportunities for out-of-home digital media in Australia with their complementary products and services.
Waterfront representing Blink TV
Sydney-based marketing specialists Waterfront Entertainment Marketing will represent UK company Blink TV’s interests in Australia and New Zealand. Blink TV provides on-screen entertainment at major concert events around the world, including shows by Robbie Williams, Beyonce, Genesis, Kylie, Il Divo and most of Europe’s leading festivals. Its programming is 75% editorial, consisting of sports, fashion, animation, music, short films and street culture to maintain interest. Waterfront will handle Blink TV’s concert screen ad sales for upcoming events. The first will be Kylie Minogue’s X2008 tour in December, which is expected to reach 100,000 consumers under the age of 35. There are eight spots for sales, says Waterfront.
Red Brigades marches with Big Dwarf Music
New Melbourne revolutionary-rock trio Red Brigades has signed with veteran artist manager and music publisher Ron Brown’s Big Dwarf Music. The band, inspired by ‘70s New York new wave, has filmed a live video session to be given away at their gigs. Last year, Brown recorded 80 female singer/songwriters and female-fronted bands over a 20-week period at PopTarts nights at Eurotrash Bar which are used for promo clips and for upcoming TV series “PopTarts Live!”
Forgiven Rival lands Zildjian deal
Melbourne hard rock band Forgiven Rival’s drummer Simeon Dux signed an international endorsement deal with Zildjian. Other local Zildjian endorsees include Rob Nassif (Gyroscope), Lucio Pedrazzi (Faker), Andy Strachan (The Living End) and Ryan Caeser (Children Collide). The Zildjian endorsement sits alongside Dux’s new drum endorsement with Roulette Custom Drums (Australia). The rest of the band is endorsed by ESP, Hughes & Kettner and Dean Markley.
In Through the Out Door
EMI Australasia restructures A&R, marketing...
EMI Music Australasia has completed a restructure of its A&R, marketing and new channel, synchronisaton and licensing departments. Its new chairman, Mark Poston, who took over from John O'Donnell on September 11, last month upped head of A&R Craig Hawker to VP of A&R labels, while head of Capitol Karen Tinman became director of consumer marketing. Roddy Campbell was named director of new channel development.
As a follow-up, Poston announced that A&R representative Glenn Dickie is upped to A&R manager, with Dickie reporting to him. Mark Holland's part-time role as A&R representative becomes full-time after two years, reporting to Hawker.
Lisa Spunner, Brett Morgan, Craig May and Tara Carter become consumer marketing managers. Liz O'Rourke becomes project manager for Domino Records and continues to report to Domino Records UK. Emma Salmon becomes artist relations manager, Leah Campbell consumer marketing coordinator, Lee Evans promotions & consumer marketing coordinator and Kara Mukerjee online projects coordinator.
In the new channel, synchronisaton and licensing sector, Kellee Quinn joins as manager of new channel development. Vanessa Pickens is promoted to the newly created role of global account manager to maximise digital accounts including Apple, Telstra, Hutchison, Nokia, Optus and Vodafone. Liesl Fitzpatrick is upped from music licensing coordinator to manager, synchronisation and licensing, after the resignation of Adriana Bakovic.
Poston, in a statement, said, "Apparently some people have been saying that EMI Australia has been in some kind of 'crisis'. It's news to us..." He added, "We've scored 23 ARIA nominations (for the Australian Recording Industry Association music awards in Sydney on October 19), and hit our highest radio and digital shares in some time. We have the best and most talented people in the marketplace to drive the business forward with the most forward-thinking structure of all the labels. We've never been more focused about getting on with the business of delivering great music to the people."
However Cassie Cannon is leaving next month, while Lucy Lugton and Cameron Elkins of the marketing division have left.
Herd at Oz Council
The Australia Council for the Arts has appointed Dr Nick Herd to the newly created position of Director, Research and Strategic Analysis. He has extensive experience in research, cultural policy, strategic leadership and industry advocacy, and has worked in senior posts with the Australian Broadcasting Tribunal, the Australian Broadcasting Authority, the Screen Producers Association of Australia, and works currently with Screen Australia. For many years, he worked as an independent consultant on a range of communications and cultural policy issues. Dr Herd will be responsible for the Australia Council's strategic priority of being 'the knowledge centre of the arts in Australia'.
Bracks named new ASTRA chairman
Former Victorian premier Steve Bracks has been named chairman of subscription TV body ASTRA — replacing former NSW Premier Nick Greiner who leaves after five years to pursue business interests. Bracks says that he will smoke the peace pipe with the Free Television Association. In recent times, the two sectors have bickered about first rights to buy some events but Bracks believes new technology could be their common ground.
Universal changes
Universal Music has promoted Meagan Henderson to GM of Business Development while Mia McLeod, formerly with SonyBMG, returns from a UK stint to take Henderson's old role.
Edwards heads to XYZ
Kate Edwards, Head of Integration, and formerly Network Promotions Director, is leaving MRN to take up a role at XYZ Networks as Head of Client Services and Strategy.
Kate was with MRN for over 3 years and only last Saturday was awarded the ACRA for Best Promotions Director (Metropolitian Radio) for her work across 2GB and 2CH last year. Kate's last day at MRN is Thursday 6th November.
Hemsworth exits Sound Alliance...
After five years, Jay Hemsworth is this week exiting online publisher Sound Alliance as its PR and Communication Manager. "You gotta turn the page and make it happen, pick a road and find your way," he says. New contacts: 0404 398 512 and jay.thekollective@gmail.com.
Sound Alliance runs inthemix, fasterlouder and samesame.
...while Grennan moves to triple j
Ruby Grennan takes over as Marketing Manager at triple j next month. She will look after the triple j brand across radio, JTV, Jmag, online and merchandise. She was previously marketing manager at the InTheMix site, which has over 100,000 subscribers. They're looking for a replacement to develop and execute the brand and marketing strategy. Ideally they are looking for an experienced online marketer with a thorough understanding of the local media, music and online landscape. Formal qualifications will be highly regarded. Send your resume to jobs@thesoundalliance.net by 24th October.
Minicola to head Hybrid TV
From Channel News: Robbee Minicola joins Hybrid Television Services as Chief Executive Officer. Hybrid TV is the convergent media platform of the Seven Media Group (SMG) and for growing the TiVo brand in the local market. Minicola says, "The fight for penetration isn't about volume; the fight is about content, services and a better user experience." She comes from a background in digital services and delivery specialising in marketing across broadcast television, online and mobile. She holds an Advanced MBA from Adelaide University and is a Fellow and CPM of the Australian Marketing Institute.
Brown at 4ZZZ
Michelle Brown has joined 4ZzZfm in Brisbane as a Sponsorship & Promotions executive. She can be contacted at (07) 3252 1555 and by email at michelleb@4zzzfm.org.au. Brown was previously Advertising Manager at Scene Magazine.
Things We Hear
* Which record label is about to lose its A&R chief?
* Woolworths came close to taking over JB Hi Fi in August but they fell out over the price of the bid, the autonomy of the JB management team, and keeping key execs' roles.
* Guy Sebastian sang "Amazing Grace" at R&B singer Levi Kerama's funeral in Brisbane.
Lifelines
Peacock baby
A son Archie William was born to Dave and Fiona Peacock. Dave is the manager of Shock Records' Australian music division/ local A&R. She is in Publicity & Artists Relations at SonyBMG.
Marriages
* SonyBMG national publicist Angela Crews and musician/ producer Phil Ceberano in Sydney on the weekend.
* Sea FM Sunshine Coast morning announcer / Music Director, Matt Sutton, 27 and Margaret Howe, 30. They met whilst working together at Nova 919 in Adelaide, 3 years ago.
* Nova 106.9 morning announcer Whippy and gal pal Karen.
Engaged
Adelaide manager Alistair Cranney and Sally Sexton got engaged on the weekend. They met a year ago at the Big Sound conference in Brisbane. Cranney is managing director of SongFront, ran this year's Fuse Festival and is Australian rep for UK's Great Escape festival and conference. Sexton is cellar door manager at Samuels Gorge winery.
Hospitalised
Lucky Oceans in intensive care.
Perth-based Grammy-winning musician and broadcaster (ABC radio's "The Planet") Lucky Oceans is in intensive care in Pennsylvania. He was visiting family in America and was diagnosed with Guillaine-Barres Syndrome, a rare disorder which attacks the nervous system for no apparent reason.
Henricks has surgery
Macquarie Southern Cross Radio news director Greg Henricks was hospitalised in the Gold Coast for surgery for osophogeal cancer.
Skills and Thrills
ANZ exporters' forum
ANZ, in conjunction with Austrade, Sadleirs International and National Credit Insurance Brokers, hold an information and networking breakfast Thursday 23 October in Perth, 7:00am - 9:00am. You learn about risk management strategies which will assist to protect and enhance your bottom line, you receive information about trade credit insurance and risk mitigation, learn about Austrade services and government assistance, hear about current exchange rates and their effect on your business, understand the realities of managing your working capital, learn ways to use foreign exchange rates to gain business advantage and network with others interested in export.
For details on speakers and to secure your place, visit www.austrade.gov.au/anzforum
Indent advice forum
Indent's 2009 Partnership Grants, to help young people hold all-ages concerts across NSW, close on October 31. To get applicants through the process, and offer last minute tips, Indent is holding an online forum on Wednesday, October 15, 5-6pm, to enable discussion with staff and past recipients. Log on to www.indent.net.au/chatroom at 5pm and enter a username. If you can't make it at the time, pre-register questions and send them to knocknock@indent.net.au
Jazz guitarist, sax workshops
Perth jazz guitarists and saxophonists, aspiring and professional, can hone their craft by learning from the world's best when American jazz greats John Scofield and Joe Lovano conduct music workshops at the Western Australian Academy of Performing.
These are held on Monday 20 October, The Roundhouse Theatre, WAAPA, Edith Cowan University, 2 Bradford St, Mt Lawley.
The Scofield workshop runs 5.30pm-7.00pm
The Lovano workshop runs 7.30pm-9.00pm
It's $40 per workshop or $70 for both. Book at www.waapa.ecu.edu.au/explore or phone Jay Auty on (08) 9370 6007.
"Face The Music" forum
The Push and Victoria Rocks hold a free interactive forum for emerging artists, called Face The Music 08, on Saturday, November 8 at The Arts Centre. It runs from noon till 5pm. It will look at professional artist management, regional and interstate touring, music promotion, publishing, industry mentoring and achieving radio play. To top it all off, APRA is hosting a songwriting masterclass (profile artist to be announced). See www.thepush.com.au
Marketing workshop for small businesses
The Small Business Centre – Stirling, and the Small Business Development Corporation (SBDC) in WA have a free workshop providing 10 basic steps for starting a small business. It looks at assessing your goals and abilities, issues associated with buying a business, starting from scratch or franchising, market research, business licenses and regulations, tax, accounting and insurance requirements and budgeting. The first of the sessions were held on Monday, and the others on Monday 27 October, Monday 10 November, Monday 24 November and Monday 9 December between 9:30am and 11:30am.
Booking is essential - call (08) 9240 6337, or visit www.stirlingbec.com to book directly online.
MRC's Pro Tools, sound design workshop
The Media Resource Centre in Adelaide hosts a Pro Tools and sound design workshop on Saturday 18 October, 10am - 4pm. It covers the basics of Pro Tools from simple professional set-ups for home studios and recording to more advanced editing techniques.
The art of sound design is covered by Best FX's Scott Illingworth and Pete Best. The MRC is at 13 Morphett Street (back of the Mercury Cinema). It's $40 for MRC members, $50 for others. Bookings: (08) 8410 0979, see www.mrc.org.au.
"Regulating The Notes"
Regulating the Notes is a research study looking at how the government's regulation of Perth's live music industry has affected the live music performances of Perth musicians since 2001. It will be focusing on the following regulations:
* Liquor Control Act 1988
* Environmental Protection (Noise) Regulations '97
* The Australian Performing Rights Association Live Music License and associated musician memberships and the Copyright Act regulations.
* Government funding grants (i.e. Department of Culture and the Arts funding)
The first part of this research is the collection of data via an online survey to be completed by up to 50 musicians who perform original pop/rock, indie/alternative, blues/roots and heavy metal/punk. The online survey consists of a maximum of 19 questions with the majority simply requiring a yes or no response. It takes a maximum of 15 minutes to complete.
This study is being conducted for the fulfillment of an honours degree and has received ethics clearance from the Edith Cowan University Faculty Ethics Sub Committee. You must be 18+ to participate, can remain fully anonymous and withdraw your participation at any time.
For further information, contact Christina Ballico cballico@student.ecu.edu.au - participant recruitment is taking place until the end of October, unless the quota is reached prior.
Ballico also runs the cool blog Isolated Sounds (http://isolatedsounds.wordpress.com/) on WA acts and execs.
Court in the Act
Battle looms over "Downunder" and "Kookaburra"
A copyright infringement case between two of the best known Australian songs - Men At Work's "Downunder" and the children's song "Kookaburra Sits In The Old Gum Tree" - is heading for the Federal Court next month, reports Nui Te Koha in the Sunday Herald Sun. Apparently Larrikin Music Publishing, which brought the action against Men At Work's Colin Hay and Ron Strykert, SonyBMG Music Entertainment Australia, Sony DADC Australia, EMI Records and EMI Music Publishing Australia, says there'd always been some muttering that the flute section in the 1981 song had lifted bits from the 1934 song. But it took a recent question on ABC-TV's quiz show "Spicks and Specks" in which the similarity was mentioned, to prompt Larrikin to call its lawyers.
Eleven arrested at God's Kitchen
Eleven clubbers were arrested on drug charges at the weekend's God's Kitchen rave in Sydney. Two of these were charged with selling. The drugs were mostly E and pot. The event drew 2,000 to the Olympic Park precinct.
Associations
WAM announces 2009 festival and conference, introduces WA indigenous awards
The 2009 WAMi Festival will take place from Wednesday 6 May to Sunday 10 May for the 16th year and introduces the WA Indigenous Music Awards as part of the run-up festivities.
"Moving the WAMi Festival to May gives us the opportunity to create new partnerships and pilot new events that celebrate and draw focus to Western Australian music in innovative and highly relevant ways," explains WAMi Festival Director Sarah Norton.
Aside from the new Indigenous awards, other events surrounding it include the WAMi Awards Night, a series of shows called WAMi Warm-ups, starting in November, a rock photography competition and exhibition, a classic 'one-take' recording studio project and surprise gigs.
The WAMi Music Business Conference will run from 8-10 May in Northbridge. Now in its fourth year, the program pitches to music managers and artists in all career stages. Running in a similar vein to last year’s "Live Music Pitch" is a new initiative called "Bill Me" - a session for artists and managers to pitch their act to a panel of national and international music festival bookers in front of a live audience. Earlybird conference registrations will be available at www.wam.asn.au in November.
WAM Chief Executive Officer Paul Bodlovich says, "It's exciting that the direction in which Sarah is taking the WAMis will ensure that it continues to be the best showcase and conference event in the country for many years... with our non-commercial goals ensuring that the content is targeted at developing our local artists and industry."
To join the WAMi Festival mailing list, email sarah@wam.asn.au
New Grooves and Initiatives
Billy Thorpe Foundation set up
The Billy Thorpe Foundation has been set up to continue the late rock musician's vision to raise funds for Support Act Ltd through major events and specific projects. At the inaugural Music In The House lunch in 2006 Thorpe outlined his plans. Last year, he joined SAL's board - two weeks before he died.
This year his manager Michael Chugg used the Music In The House lunch at NSW Parliament House (September 24) to announce the establishment of the Foundation, to be administered by SAL. The lunch also lauded Don Spencer for his work with his charity, The Australian Children's Music Foundation. Guest speaker was Helen Reddy. It was hosted by Virginia Judge MP, Minister for Fair Trading, Minister for Citizenship and Minister Assisting the Premier on the Arts. Rai Thistlethwayte of Thirsty Merc did a solo set. See www.supportact.com.au.
Ninemsn, Austereo: kissing Heidi
Ninemsn and Austereo jointly created a social networking tool on Windows Live Messenger around Top 30 chart songs. It features Heidi, a "Windows Live Agent", who is a 19-year-old blond surfer girl who answers questions about the Hot 30 countdown.
Intelematics tests traffic flow info
Intelematics Australia has begun testing a new free-to-air service which would allow radio stations to deliver traffic flow information snapshots directly to motorists' digital radios, including time taken to travel along motorways and major arterial roads. The service was demonstrated at the National Radio Conference on the Gold Coast, and is due for consumption next year. Motorists will need a digital receiver or device with a Digital Audio Broadcasting (DAB+) chip to tune in to a supporting radio station. Patrons heading for a major concert or sporting event, for instance, can be told what the traffic lines are like.
Listen to the Brand
Nokia bringing Comes With Music
At its Remix event in Singapore, Nokia Music announced its customers would from the first quarter next year be able to use its "Comes With Music" online service. But it hasn't explained how, as both Vodafone and Telstra are refusing to sell the new music service. Comes With Music allows its customers to keep the music they download — but it can only go to a Nokia phone and a PC. If you change either of those, you lose all the music.
Jameson Irish, Hallway, team up for short films
Communications agency The Hallway and Jameson Irish Whiskey have set up a joint film production company John Jameson Productions. It launches their first short film event, of films created by a scriptwriting competition. The venture is to increase the Jameson Irish Whiskey brand with the 25 to 34 male demographic.
Venue Vibes
Another step to Gold Coast stadium
The Gold Coast "Bulletin" reports that the local council has kicked in $20 million for the planned AFL stadium on the Gold Coast - which will also host music events. It will initially have a 27,000 capacity. The rest of the money will come from state and national governments, as well as the AFL. Mayor Ron Clarke specifically saw the stadium as the QLD home for Big Day Out.
Riverside Theatres installs system for hearing impaired
Riverside Theatres at Parramatta (Sydney) has installed new state-of-the-art hearing systems, the "Listen" hearing technology, in all three theatres to assist audience members who are hearing impaired. Audience members can choose from a single ear earpiece, a neck loop attached to their own hearing aid or their own headphones, to amplify the sound from the stage. "It is important that theatre venues such as Riverside invest in equipment that will make theatre accessible and benefit all people in the community," said Riverside Theatres Director, Robert Love.
Riverside Theatres publicist Michelle Guthrie is hearing impaired and has already tested the new system. "I plugged my own small earphones into the new system," she said. "It was great - I heard every word of The Wharf Review."
Metal detectors for Adelaide nightclubs?
The Adelaide police want the SA government to introduce regulations which would force licensed entertainment venues to put in metal detectors. There have been three shootings on the Gouger Street strip in the past five months. In the last incident, a customer had been in a nightclub before allegedly shooting outside, and police believe detectors will stop people carrying guns and knives.
Clapton playing winery
Michael Hope wasn't kidding when he announced recently he planned to bring some big names to launch his new 19,000-seater amphitheatre at his Pokolbin winery in the Hunter Region in NSW. Last week it was announced that Eric Clapton would kick off his tour there in March. The Clapton tour is through Michael Coppel Presents. See tour section for full dates and venues.
$50 million extension for Adelaide Entertainment Centre
The South Australian state government will go ahead with a planned $50 million extension of the Adelaide Entertainment Centre. It was announced in June, and will include a large glass dome at the lobby and a smaller 2500-capacity venue to draw smaller acts. However, the "Adelaide Advertiser" discovered, the government still quietly regards it as a "high-risk" project - blaming rising steel costs, the complex design and the tight project deadline for the assessment.
Good Works
Country hunks in charity calendar
Country music hunks James Blundell, Adam Brand and Lee Kernaghan have thrown their support behind the new "Men of Country 2009 Charity Calendar" which has just gone on sale. Others flexing their muscles are Rob Black, Paul Costa, Lee Forster, Adam James, Jonah's Road, Troy Kemp, Drew McAlister, Stephen Rowe and Matt Scullion. The funds, says organiser Karen Waters from Red Rebel Music, go to brain tumour organisations Brain Tumour Australia (www.bta.org.au), Sydney Neuro Oncology Group (www.snog.org.au) and the Cure For Life Foundation (www.cureforlife.org.au).
Eat to the beat: "Buffet for Fair Trade"
Buffet for Fair Trade is a new style of event that aims to raise awareness of unfair trade practices happening throughout the world, as well as raise money to assist Oxfam Australia in helping to make the world a fairer place for poorer nations. This will be done all while providing free food and an array of entertainment including live music, photography, films and an auction. It is on Wednesday 8th October, 6.30pm - 11.30pm, at Loop, 23 Meyers Place, Melbourne.
Items up for auction include a double pass to see Simple Plan at Festival Hall on Oct 2, No Sweat shoes from Etiko Fair Trade and CDs and DVDs from Liberation Music. Live music from Marlee Dalton, Pete Broadway, Matthew La Corcia and Josh Earl. See www.myspace.com/buffettofightforfairtrade.
Amorosi behind Perth telethon
Vanessa Amorosi gave a little bit more than the other acts who appeared on the Seven Network's telethon in Perth on the weekend. She donated her song "The Simple Things" to use for promo, and did an in-store signing. Trax Music stores donated half of the price of her single for sales over the weekend.
Awards and Honours
Nominees for APRA-AGSC Screen Music Awards
APRA (Australasian Performing Right Association) and the AGSC (Australian Guild of Screen Composers) announced the nominees for the Screen Awards, held in Sydney on Monday, November 3rd. It features rock musicians including David Hirschfelder, Clive Harrison who played with Avalanche, one-time Models keyboard player Roger Mason, Boom Crash Opera's Richard Pleasance, Josh Pyke, one-time Hush guitarist Les Gock, Nick Cave and Warren Ellis (Dirty Three).
A live orchestra, conducted by celebrated musical director Cezary Skubiszewski will perform a selection of nominated compositions at the event. H.G. Nelson will host.
* Best Music for an Advertisement
Title: Australian Rugby Union – Men of Gold
Composers: Mark Rivett and Haydn Walker
Publisher: Song Zu Publishing Pty Ltd
Title: Herringbone - Hands
Composer: Elliott Wheeler
Publisher: Nylon Publishing Pty Ltd
Title: LMFF - Loreal Melbourne Fashion Festival - 2008
Composers: Robert Burke and Benjamin Grayson*
Publisher: Mushroom Music Pty Ltd*
Title: SBS Station ID - Six Billion Stories & Counting
Composers: Roger Mason and Bryony Marks
Publisher: inSync Music Publishing
* Best Music for a Documentary
Title: Halal Mate - Episode 1 -Afifas Match
Composer: Michael Den Elzen
Title: Last Trimate
Composer: Caitlin Yeo
Title: Night
Composer: Cezary Skubiszewski
Publisher: J Albert and Son Pty Ltd
Title: Secrets Of The Forbidden City
Composer: Brett Aplin
Publishers: Universal Music Publishing MGB Australia Pty Ltd on behalf of Lion Television Limited
*Best Music for a Short Film
Title: Noir Drive
Composer: Geoffrey Russell
Title: Shot Open
Composer: Rachel Gaudry
Title: The Funk
Composer: Paul Gillett
Title: The Ground Beneath
Composers: Jonathan Nix and Miles Nicholas
* Best Soundtrack Album
Title: East of Everything
Composer: Greg Walker
Publisher: Mushroom Music Pty Ltd
Title: Rogue
Composer: Francois Tetaz
Publishers: Universal Music Publishing Pty Ltd on behalf of Weinstein: Company Music
Title: The Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford
Composer: Nick Cave and Warren Ellis
Publishers: Warner/Chappell Music Australia Pty Ltd on behalf of Warner-Barham Music LLC
Title: The Black Balloon
Composer: Michael Yezerski
Publisher: inSync Music Publishing
* Best Original Song Composed for the Screen
Title: Free Falling 2 - Night
Composers: Cezary Skubiszewski*, Jan Skubiszewski, Andy
Baldwin, Clairanne Brown and Jules Pascoe
Publisher: J Albert and Son Pty Ltd*
Title: It's a Jungle Out There – Underbelly
Composer: Burkhard Dallwitz
Title: The Greatest Act in History – The Black Balloon
Composer: Michael Yezerski
Publisher: inSync Music Publishing
Title: When We Get There – The Black Balloon
Composers: Josh Pyke* and Michael Yezerski^
Publishers: Ivy League Music/Mushroom Music Pty Ltd* and
inSync Music Publishing^
* Best Music for Children's Television
Title: Animalia: "Butterfly Winter"
Composer: Christopher Elves
Publishers: Fintage Publishing and Collection Australia on
behalf of Animalia Productions Pty Ltd
Title: Dogstar - Episode 24
Composer: Yuri Worontschak
Publisher: Mushroom Music Pty Ltd
Title: Gumnutz! A Juicy Tale
Composer: Clive Harrison
Title: Pirate Islands the Lost Treasure of Fiji
Composer: Art Phillips
* Best Television Theme
Title: Elders
Composer: David Chapman
Title: Underbelly
Composer: Burkhard Dallwitz
Title: Summer Heights High
Composer: Chris Lilley
Publishers: Princess Publishing and Distribution Pty Ltd
administered by Mushroom Music Pty Ltd
Title: The Gruen Transfer
Composer: David Chapman
* Best Music for a Television Series or Serial
Title: City Homicide – Episode 14
Composer: Richard Pleasance
Publisher: Mushroom Music Pty Ltd
Title: Summer Heights High – Episode 8
Composers: Jason Catherine, Chris Lilley and Bryony Marks
Publishers: Princess Publishing and Distribution Pty Ltd
administered by Mushroom Music Pty Ltd
Title: Underbelly – Episode 5
Composer: Burkhard Dallwitz
Title: Who Do You Think You Are? – Episode 2
Composer: Ash Gibson Greig
* Best Music for a Mini-Series or Telemovie
Title: East West 101 - Episode 1
Composer: Guy Gross
Publisher: Mushroom Music Pty Ltd
Title: Emerald Falls
Composer: Richard Pleasance
Publisher: Mushroom Music Pty Ltd
Title: Indonesia a Reporter's Journey - Episode 1
'A Difficult Engagement'
Composer: Scott Saunders
* Best Feature Film Score:
Title: Children of The Silk Road
Composer: David Hirschfelder
Title: Rogue
Composer: Francois Tetaz
Publishers: Universal Music Publishing Pty Ltd on behalf of Weinstein: Company Music
Title: The Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford
Composers: Nick Cave and Warren Ellis
Publishers: Warner/Chappell Music Australia Pty Ltd on behalf of Warner-Barham Music LLC
Title: Unfinished Sky
Composer: Antony Partos
*Most Performed Screen Composer – Australia
Composer: Les Gock
Composer: Jay Stewart
Composer: Neil Sutherland
Composer: Dinesh Wickremeratne
* Most Performed Screen Composer – Overseas
Composer: Alastair Ford
Composer: Guy Gross
Composer: Chris Pettifer
Composer: Neil Sutherland
MTV clients win pencils
Two Australian ad agencies associated with MTV won gongs at the One Show Entertainment awards in Los Angeles. Lowe & Rivet's "Welcome Snoop" campaign for client MTV Networks Australia won a Gold Pencil for its scripted series on the attempt by US rapper Snoop Dogg to get into Australia to host the MTV awards in Sydney after being banned by the Howard Government. Coleman Rasic Carrasco's "Different Lives" campaign for MTV Exit won two Bronze Pencils. The awards were created by the One Club to recognise creative work in entertainment including TV, film, games and other electronic and online entertainment.
AC/DC rocks top 20 picks from Northern Territory
The Northern Territory News was a mite peeved with the results of the "Australian Weekend Magazine" readers' vote for the best Australian songs released in the past 20 years. It sniffed that The Church topped the list, Crowded House won six slots in the top 20 and had the "Australian" readers heard of Midnight Oil, Paul Kelly and Kylie Minogue?
What's with that? So the paper ran its own poll. AC/DC's "Thunderstruck" not only won their list (it was #20 in the "Australian" poll) BUT a huge storm came over Darwin on the day the list was announced!
This was the NT list:
1. Thunderstruck, 1990, AC/DC (41 votes)
2. Never Tear Us Apart, 1994, INXS (36)
3. My Happiness, 2000, Powderfinger (34)
4. Can't Get You Outta My Head, 2001, Kylie Minogue (32)
5. Under the Milky Way, 1988, The Church (31)
6. From Little Things Big Things Grow, 1993, Paul Kelly (29)
7. Israel's Son, 2001, Silverchair (27)
8. The Dogs Are Talking, 1990, The Angels (25)
9. When The River Runs Dry, 1989, Hunters and Collectors (23)
10. Weather With You, 1991, Crowded House (22)
11. Blue Sky Mine, 1992, Midnight Oil (21)
12. Treaty, 1988, Yothu Yindi (19)
13. Chemical Heart, 2005, Grinspoon (15)
14. Chained To The Wheel, 1989, The Black Sorrows (14)
15. Truly, Madly, Deeply, 1997, SavageGarden (12)
16. Berlin Chair, 1994, You Am I (10)
17. The Ship Song, 1990, Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds (8)
18. Streets of Your Town, 1988, The Go-Betweens (7)
19. All Torn Down, 2005, The Living End (5)
20. Heatseeker, 1988, AC/DC (4)
Amber Lawrence dominates indie country awards
Sydney-based singer/songwriter Amber Lawrence took out four wins in the 2008 Southern Stars – Australian Independent Country Music Awards held in Mildura. She took Independent Artist of the Year, Female Vocalist of the Year, Independent Album of the Year ("The Mile") and Single of the Year ("Gonna Fly"). See www.milduracountrymusic.com.au for the other winners.
Opshop, Conchords, dominate NZ awards
Opshop and comedy duo Flight of the Conchords dominated the New Zealand Music Awards, bagging four Tuis each. The event was held at Auckland's Vector Arena. Opshop's "One Day" took single of the year, highest-selling single and radio airplay record of the year as well as the highest-selling New Zealand album for "Second Hand Planet" their album inspired by global warming.
The Conchords took the best group, breakthrough artist of the year and album of the year for their self-titled debut. They shared the international achievement award category with Savage, whose "Swing" single is a hit in America and certified gold there. His debut US album "Savage Island" is out this December.
Anika Moa took best female artist, and Liam Finn the male equivalent. Straitjacket Fits were inducted into the NZ Music Hall of Fame. An ad hoc group, Fast Women, Julia Deans (Fur Patrol), Anika Moa, Lani Purkis, (Elemeno P) and Greta Anderson (Superette) did a rendition of Straitjacket's hit "She Speeds".
Australian Commercial Radio Award winners
The ACRAs were held at the Gold Coast on the weekend. The categories are divided into C (country), P (provincial) and metro (M).
BEST ON-AIR TEAM
The Juice with Jase and Josh, Jason Scheidl and Josh Torney, 96.1 Star FM, Mount Gambier, SA, Macquarie Southern Cross Media C
Scotty and Nige for Breakfast, Scott Masters and Nigel Johnson, FM 104.7,Canberra, ACT, ARN/ Austereo P
The Hamish and Andy Show, Fox FM 101.9, Melbourne, VIC, Austereo M
BEST TALK PRESENTER
Craig Huth, 2RE, Taree, NSW, Super Network C
Mike Welsh, Mike Welsh Drive Show, 2CC, Canberra, ACT, Capital Radio P
Neil Mitchell, 3AW Morning, 3AW, Melbourne, VIC, Fairfax Radio Network M
BEST MUSIC PERSONALITY
Cameron Williams, 97.7 Snow FM, Cooma, NSW, Capital Radio C
Peter 'Scooter' Carter, Sea FM, Sunshine Coast, QLD, Macquarie Southern Cross Media P
Mike Fitzpatrick, Triple M, Melbourne, VIC, Austereo M
BEST CURRENT AFFAIRS COMMENTATOR
Derryn Hinch, 3AW, Melbourne, VIC, Fairfax Radio Network
BRIAN WHITE MEMORIAL AWARD
Laura Tunstall, 2GB, Sydney, NSW, Macquarie Radio Network
BEST SPORTS PRESENTER
Geoff Mann, 2DU Sports, 2DU, Dubbo, NSW, Super Network C
Steve Allan, 2GO Good Sports, 2GO FM 107.7, Gosford, NSW, Macquarie Southern Cross Media P
Ray Hadley, 2GB Sports, 2GB, Sydney, NSW, Macquarie Radio Network M
BEST NEWS PRESENTER
Lois Chislett, 3YB, Warrnambool, VIC, ACE Radio Broadcasters C
Rod McLeod, 92.5 Gold FM, Gold Coast, QLD, Macquarie Southern Cross Media P
Steve Blanda, 2UE, Sydney, NSW, Fairfax Radio Network (AM) M
Kristy Warner, Nova 969, Sydney, NSW, DMG Radio Australia (FM) M
BEST PROGRAM DIRECTOR
Damien 'Will' Willoughby, 93.5 Star FM, Dubbo, NSW, Macquarie Southern Cross Media C
Andrew Very, KO FM/ NX FM, Newcastle, NSW, Austereo P
Jamie Angel, 2Day FM, Sydney, NSW, Austereo M
BEST MUSIC DIRECTOR
Karina Singer, Sea FM, Maryborough, QLD, Macquarie Southern Cross Media C
Olivia Belvedere, 90.9 Sea FM, Gold Coast, QLD, Macquarie Southern Cross Media P
Kate Casey, Nova106.9, Brisbane, QLD, DMG Radio Australia M
BEST SHOW PRODUCER – ENTERTAINMENT & MUSIC
Chae Rogan, The Bigger Breakfast, 96.5 Wave FM, Wollongong, NSW, Grant Broadcasting NM
Sam Cavanagh, The Hamish and Andy Show, Fox FM 101.9, Melbourne, VIC, Austereo M
BEST SHOW PRODUCER – TALK & CURRENT AFFAIRS
Michael Thompson, Mike Welsh Drive Show, 2CC, Canberra, ACT, Capital Radio NM
Justin Smith, 3AW Mornings - Neil Mitchell, 3AW, Melbourne, VIC, Fairfax Radio Network M
BEST DOCUMENTARY
The Killer Highway, Brooklyn Hulands, 2EC/ Power FM, Bega, NSW, Grant Broadcasting NM
Remembrance Day, Sideshow Mike Andersen, Triple M, Sydney, NSW, Austereo M
BEST MUSIC SPECIAL
The Life and Times of Michael Hutchence, The Sea FM Morning Crew, Sea FM, Bundaberg, QLD, Macquarie Southern Cross Media C
Blue Suede Cadillac - 51 Years of Elvis, Rob Sharples and Lachlan Kitchen, i98, Wollongong, NSW, Win Corporation P
Jabba and Foo Fighters, Stefan Mitchell and Daniel Pearson, Nova 969, Sydney, NSW, DMG Radio Australia M
BEST SPORTS EVENT COVERAGE
2007 South West Football League Finals Series, Daniel Leach, 6TZ RadioWest, Bunbury, WA, Macquarie Southern Cross Media NM
Melbourne's New Home of Footy, 1116 SEN Football, 1116 SEN, Melbourne, VIC, Victorian Radio Network M
BEST STATION PRODUCED COMMERCIAL
Get the Right Translation - Books Plus, Katrina Brown and Christopher Baskerville, 1503 2BS Gold/ B-Rock FM 99.3, Bathurst, NSW, Bathurst Broadcasters C
Chooks Chickens - The Movies, Rob Sharples and Clinton James, i98, Wollongong, NSW, Win Corporation P
QLD Racing 'Jockeys', Nathan Russell, Nova 106.9, Brisbane, QLD, DMG Radio Australia M
BEST PROMOTIONS DIRECTOR
Tania Kimmins, i98, Wollongong, NSW, Win Corporation NM
Kate Edwards, 2GB/ 2CH, Sydney, NSW, Macquarie Radio Network M
BEST STATION PROMOTION
Counting Down the Countdowns, David Bauche and Louise Poole, 2NM, Muswellbrook, NSW, Grant Broadcasting C
NX FM's Save Wayne Campaign, NX FM Promotions Team, NX FM, Newcastle, NSW, Austereo P
Caravan of Courage, The Hamish and Andy Show, Fox FM 101.9, Melbourne, VIC, Austereo M
BEST STATION PRODUCED COMEDY SEGMENT
Ben Cousins Nasal Delivery, David Greensmith, Sea FM, Maryborough, QLD, Macquarie Southern Cross Media C
Organ Donation, Luke Bradnam, 102.9 FM, Gold Coast, QLD, Hot Tomato P
Help I'm An Ant, Matt Hale, 96 FM, Perth, WA, Fairfax Radio Network M
BEST NETWORKED PROGRAM
The Dirty 30, Trent McCurdy, ACE Radio Broadcasters C
The Benchwarmers, Ant and Becks, Macquarie Southern Cross Media P
The Hamish and Andy Show, Today Network, Austereo M
BEST SYNDICATED AUSTRALIAN PROGRAM
Cover to Cover, MCM Entertainment, Melbourne, VIC
BEST STATION SALES ACHIEVEMENT
Esperance Radio Centre, 747 RadioWest, Esperance, WA, Macquarie Southern Cross Media C
Flow FM Sales Team, Flow FM, Kapunda, SA, W&L Phillips P
Radio 4BC Sales Team, 4BC, Brisbane, QLD, Fairfax Radio Network M
BEST AGENCY SALESPERSON
Paul Friend, Sydney, NSW, Regional Mediaworks, Macquarie Southern Cross Media NM
Melody Rowe, Mix 102.3, Adelaide, SA, Australian Radio Network M
BEST DIRECT SALESPERSON
Jenni Puccini, 6MM/ Coast FM, Mandurah, WA, West Coast Radio C
Michelle Imbruglia, 90.9 Sea FM, Gold Coast, QLD, Macquarie Southern Cross Media P
Sean Jenkins, Nova 969, Sydney, NSW, DMG Radio Australia M
BEST SALES PROMOTION
Mount Gambier 4 Hour Sale, Rosangela Crispino, 5SE/ 96.1 Star FM, Mount Gambier, SA, Macquarie Southern Cross Media C
Sea FM's Brain Freeze with McDonald's Frozen Coke, 90.9 Sea FM , Gold Coast, QLD, Macquarie Southern Cross Media P
Unilever 'Win a Desperate Housewives House' Promotion, Scott Player, 2Day FM, Sydney, NSW, Austereo M
BEST COMMUNITY SERVICE PROJECT
Plasma For A Plasma, Liana Lambert and Stephany Winter, Sea FM, Bundaberg, QLD, Macquarie Southern Cross Media C
Marty and Erica's Camp Quality Convoy for Kids, Marty Haynes, Erica Hodge and Tania Kimmins, i98, Wollongong, NSW, Win Corporation P
Girls Bike Convoy, Merrick Watts, Tim Ross, Kate Ritchie, Tim Dwyer and Emily Murch, Nova 969, Sydney, NSW, DMG Radio Australia M
BEST ACHIEVEMENT IN PRODUCTION
Trent McCurdy, 3WM/ Mixx FM, Horsham, VIC, ACE Radio Broadcasters C
Mike Young, The Edge 96.1, Western Sydney, NSW, Australian Radio Network P
Sideshow Mike Andersen, Triple M, Sydney, NSW, Austereo M
ENGINEERING EXCELLENCE
John Pearce, Paperless Creative Production, Sea FM 101.3/ 2GO FM 107.7, Gosford, NSW, Macquarie Southern Cross Media NM
Bryan Amos, Playout System Remote Audio Import System, Triple M Network, Austereo M
BEST MULTIMEDIA EXECUTION - SALES
The Thank You Project, Eric Stephens and Claudine Hall, Mix FM Network, Australian Radio Network
BEST MULTIMEDIA EXECUTION - STATION
Matt and Jo's Nude Wedding, Fox FM 101.9, Melbourne, VIC, Austereo
MOST POPULAR STATION MANAGER
Paul Gadsen, 3SH/ Mixx FM, Swan Hill, VIC, ACE Radio Broadcasters C
John Williams, Sea FM/ 92.7 Mix FM, Sunshine Coast, QLD, Macquarie Southern Cross Media P
Richard Barker, B105/ Triple M, Brisbane, QLD, Austereo M
BEST NEWCOMER ON-AIR
Simone Jade Kelly, FM 104.7, Grafton, NSW, Super Network C
Brad Blissett, Sea FM, Sunshine Coast, QLD, Macquarie Southern Cross Media P
Ian 'Dicko' Dickson, Vega 91.5, Melbourne, VIC, DMG Radio Australia M
BEST NEWCOMER OFF-AIR
Josie Hand, 93.5 Star FM, Dubbo, NSW, Macquarie Southern Cross Media C
Rebecca Bell, 92.7 Mix FM, Sunshine Coast, QLD, Macquarie Southern Cross Media P
Jacqueline Levett, 2UE, Sydney, NSW, Fairfax Radio Network M
Finalists announced for community radio awards
The finalists for the 2008 Community Broadcasting Association of Australia (CBAA) Awards have been announced. Winners will be revealed during the Awards Gala Dinner on Saturday 15 November, to coincide with this year's conference, located in Alice Springs. The night will have a unique setting under the stars with the MacDonnell Ranges in the backdrop.
* Best New Program or Content Initiative
FBi Radio – FBi's Beforecast
2MBS – Pet's Choice
Koori Radio – Indij Hip-Hop Show
* Excellence in Community Participation
3CR
4ZZZ – Airplay Educational Tours
2NBC – Tales From Dragonhurst
* Excellence in Digital Media
FBi - FBi's Beforecast
CAAMA - CAAMA Radio Online News
JOY - Bourke Street Blitz
*Excellence in Training
CAAMA
4ZZZ
3SYN
*Excellence in Ethnic and Multicultural Broadcasting
2NBC – Tales From Dragonhurst
3NOW – Viva Italia
* Contribution to Local Music (Sponsored by APRA)
Koori Radio – Indij Hip-Hop Show
Artsound FM – Friday Night Live
Gove FM – Local & Loud
* Excellence in Music Programming (sponsored by PPCA)
Koori Radio – Indij Hip-Hop Show
Artsound FM – Friday Night Live
Radio Adelaide – Rhythm Stick
* Contribution to Indigenous Broadcasting Koori Radio – Blackchat 4K1G
* Excellence in Spoken Word, News & Current Affairs Programming (sponsored by Deutsche Welle)
3CR – The National Apology
4NSA – Tribute to Gary Neaves
6DBY – Books in Homes
* Best Initiative to Build Station Capacity
JOY FM – Unacceptable
2NBC – Tales From Dragonhurst
4ZZZ – Radio Times Project
* Troy Garner Excellence in Sports Programming
3WAY – Football 2008
Fresh FM – Fresh Football
JOY FM – The Sports Lounge
The Tony Staley Award for Excellence in Community Broadcasting and the Michael Law Award will also be presented on the night.
Opportunity Knocks
Victoria Rock's touring grants
Victoria Rocks, a division of Arts Victoria, has announced a round of touring grants for Victorian musicians. The categories are Regional Victorian Touring (up to $5000), Interstate Touring (with up to $10,000) and International Touring (up to $15,000). A new category is Professional Travel (up to $2,000 for domestic activity and up to $10,000 international activity available to artists and managers) designed to facilitate professional business meetings or attend a music conference or festival with the intention of doing business.
Applications close on November 3 for projects commencing after February 1. You must be a professional, Victoria-based original contemporary music artist or act with a track record of live performance and ongoing touring. Go to http://www.arts.vic.gov.au/arts/funding/programs/2009/victoria_rocks.htm
Get into WAM's events calendar
WAM (West Australian Music association) are putting together a calendar of major music-related events for 2009. These include deadlines for festivals, competitions, awards, grant/funding deadlines, music exams, workshops, enrolment dates, anniversaries, major club events, AGMs and curiosities of interest to musicians and the music industry throughout WA. If you have dates, information, or news to share, contact communications@wam.asn.au or phone (08) 9227 7962 (regional WA toll-free 1800 007 962) 9:00am to 5:00pm (WST) Monday to Friday.
All I Need is the Hair That I Breathe
Lavish Channel broadcasts into a number of hair and beauty salons. They produce short entertainment features like fashion & music videos, news headlines, lifestyle segments and reviews covering fashion and celebrity gossip, fitness, beauty and travel. If you are an independent musician, or part of an up-and-coming band unsigned by a major label, and you would like to have your music heard, then please feel free to submit a CD to us for screening purposes. For further enquiries contact Mel Conn on (08) 9473 2500 or email: melanie.c@lavishchannel.comwww.lavishchannel.com
Adelaide Festival Centre offers arts admin fellowship
The Adelaide Festival Centre is offering a 12-month fellowship for arts administrators, from January 2009. It covers programming, marketing, audience development and production functions of arts administration. Go to www.adelaidefestivalcentre.com.au. Enquiries: Mary-Ann O'Leary on 08 8216 8572 or email Maryanne.oleary@adelaidefestivalcentre.com.au. Deadline Oct 31.
Country songwriting awards
Entries are now open for the Tamworth Songwriters' Association Songwriters' Salute Awards of Australia, New Songwriter Award, and National Country Songwriting Contest. Information and entry forms can be found at www.tsaonline.com.au or by calling Vicki Walsh on (02) 6382 3035 - applications close on Wednesday 15 October.
Want to play at Falls Festival?
If you're attending Falls Festival in Lorne or Marion Bay as a ticketed punter but want your moment in the sun, the APRA People's Stage is looking for musicians, comedians, poets, street performers, everyone. Send a demo and bio to Con Kalamaras, c/ APRA, 3 & 5 Sanders Place, Richmond, VIC 3121, by Monday 22nd December. Call Kalamaras on 03 9426 5200.
Cottonmouth calls out
Cottonmouth is a monthly performance night and publication in Perth. It is calling writers, poets, wordsmiths, sound artists, performance types, playwrights, musicians and nu-media creatives. The publication promotes new writing with a national focus. Every Cottonmouth night features a spoken word open mic session at the end of the night. If you wish to take part, show up between 7 and 8 to pre-register. Performers will be drawn randomly. Musical acts interested in being a part of the Cottonmouth project are encouraged send an email to info@cottonmouth.org.au - the emphasis is on lyrics and narrative within music. One major music act is selected to play 2x15 minutes to start each night. One minor music act of 5 minutes also plays during the curated section of the evening. Cottonmouth returns to the Rosemount's 459 Bar on Wednesday 15 October. Visit www.cottonmouth.org.au for details.
Design your own camper van, meet the Potbelleez
Newcastle's Fat As Butter festival and Wicked Camper Vans are giving people the chance to design their own camper van. Your design should include a reference to Fat As Butter and Potbelleez (wording or graphic) and a Newcastle landmark. See www.fatasbutter.com.au. Deadline is Oct 17. Winner gets two tix to the November 2 festival, some goodies and the chance to meet Johnny Sonic and Dave Goode from The Potbelleez.
Aboriginal Australia Day submissions
Submissions are invited from organisations to present an Aboriginal Cultural and Community Event in Supreme Court Gardens on Monday 26 January, 2009 as part of Perth City's Australia Day Skyworks and Community Celebrations. Go to www.perth.wa.gov.au/tenders. Deadline is 2pm Thursday 23 October.
Should you wish to discuss the submission contact Zoe.Morgan@cityofperth.wa.gov.au or call Zoe on (08) 9461 3254.
Want to open at Southbound festival?
WA's Southbound Festival (January 2 and 3 at Sir Stewart Bovell Park, Busselton) is looking for a band to open the show. Winner treads the boards on the same stage as Franz Ferdinand, The Hives, The Kooks, The Cat Empire, Sharon Jones And The Dap-Kings, etc. They get to choose between the following two state-of-the-art sound equipment prize packs, worth $5,000, thanks to Jim Beam and Jands. Go to www.sunsetevents.com.au. Deadline is 31 October.
Aussies Abroad
Chase the Sun enters Billboard charts
Sydney-based independent band Chase The Sun’s self-titled debut album has entered the US Billboard Blues Album Chart at #13. This follows an iTunes promotion which saw the lead single “You Gotta Go” available as a free download from the iTunes US homepage. The band also just signed a licensing deal in Japan.
Temper Trap getting spins
Melbourne band Temper Trap’s single “Sweet Disposition” is scoring spins on Indie103 in Los Angeles and receiving “significant label interest on both sides of the Atlantic,” reports the Australian Music Office in Los Angeles. The band will showcase at MUSEXPO in London on October 28 before heading Stateside for shows in NY on November 3 and LA on November 5.
Angus & Julia turn sights to America
Sydney siblings Angus & Julia Stone will, after opening for Martha Wainwright on a 23-date UK and European tour this month, will then turn their sights to the United States market. Recently signed to the Nettwerk Music Group, they have a digital-only EP release of “Just A Boy” available there now. A full-length album is set for release in March 2009 with US shows scheduled for LA on November 18, SF on November 19, and NY on November 22.
Gin Wigmore showcases in LA
Gin Wigmore (yes, yes, we know she’s a Kiwi) performed at the Viper Room in Los Angeles on 14 October in anticipation of her US release on Universal Motown Records in November.
Coates, Morgan honoured in America
Victorian country singer Graeme Coates accompanied good mate and fellow singer Des Morgan to the National Old Time Music Festival in Iowa, to keep him company. To his surprise, the two of them were inducted into the American Traditional Country Music Hall of Fame.
Festivals
Sold-out Homebake adds more acts
Sydney festival Homebake, which sold out in August, has added more acts. They include End Of Fashion, Children Collide, Die! Die! Die!, Brisbane garage rock band Violent Soho, Subaudible Hum, 78 Saab, former 1200 Techniques frontman N’FA, Mercy Arms, Numbers Radio, Grafton Primary, the ELF aka Darren Cross (previously of Gerling), Hamish Macleod and The Holidays.
More acts to be announced through their various competitions with triple J and the Hopetoun Hotel.
Two more for Good Vibrations
Added to the Good Vibrations bill are the original lineup of The Pharcyde (they reunited this year after breaking up in the ‘90s and have never toured Australia), and 22-year-old Melbourne DJ and producer Miami Horror.
Big Day Out: first releases sold out
Tickets were always going to move fast, what with just Neil Young, The Living End, Arctic Monkeys and The Prodigy in the Big Day Out lineup. The festival has announced that the first release tickets for Sydney (45,000) and Gold Coast (50,000) sold out.
Now they’re moving to random ballots where one day of the week they will draw a ballot until mid-December. BDO only allows you two tickets in Sydney and four for the Gold Coast. So if you’ve already got your quota and try and get more through random ballots, you will not get any. Tickets sold on auction houses will also be scrutinised and you may not be allowed to enter. See their website.
Bloc Party selling out, Van She, Mission Control added
Bloc Party’s Intimacy tour reports that the Brisbane show at Riverstage sold out after being on sale less than one week. Both nights in Sydney have sold out, and organisers Secret Sounds say tickets for the second Melbourne show on Friday, November 21, are close to vanishing. At the same time, Van She are added for all shows, and Mission Control to the Brisbane and Perth gigs only.
The Orb Lounge makes Sydney debut
The Orb Lounge, a 360° Full Dome immersive cinema makes its first Sydney appearance at Earth Festival 2008 – Saturday 29 November, Centennial Park, Sydney. The hemispheric projection system completely surrounds the audience with vision and sound. Viewers will experience flying, floating and falling through virtual environments that take them into a micro world and then out into the infinite space of the universe.
“The Orb Lounge creates an all-encompassing effect and the viewer feels absorbed in full hemispheric vision. It engages your peripheral sphere, so you are literally surrounded by sights and sounds,” said Paul Von Bergen, Director of Earth Festival. “It’s an awe-inspiring sensory feast for people of all ages.”
The Orb Lounge will be easy to spot on the day; it stands at 13 metres in diameter and seats 25 people. There will be a range of 30-minute nature- and science-inspired films being shown, in 40-minute intervals. Seating is limited, so bookings are required on the day.
The interior of the dome surface is filled with real-time animations, live capture images and virtual environments. Films on show at Earth Festival include Black Holes: Journey into the Unknown, with narration by Geoffrey Rush, this film delves into how black holes form, how we discover them and why they exist; Dark Star Adventure - a movie for the family, this animated film follows the adventures of a young girl who gets stranded alone in the universe; Astronaut - what does it take to become an astronaut? - and Fractal Shows which are complex geometric shapes that mirror the organic forms of nature, made with mathematical formulas.
See http://www.earthfestival.com.au/orb
Queenscliff Music announces additions
Added to the Queenscliff Music Festival bill (Nov 28 to 30) are Oh Laura direct from Sweden, musical comedians Tripod, Bluejuice and James Blundell. The Unconscious Brothers Spectacular will feature Rebecca Barnard and Josh Owen. Jeff Lang is on the bill along with Lisa Mitchell while Vulgargrad have a guest singer in Zulya.
Harry Angus of Cat Empire & Jackson Jackson will perform solo, Jeremy Jay from the US , The Kahn Brothers, Root!, Ella Thompson , Elana Stone, Kaya, Guy Blackman , Rose Bygrave & Friends, Kerri Simpson, The Town Bikes, The Little Stevies, Carus, Paul Greene, Marshall & The Fro, Loren, The Guild League, Claymore, The Wilson Pickers, Jess McAvoy, Andrew Morris, Ragee And The Foghorn (Jeff Raglus & Friends), The Currency, The Bedroom Philosopher, Fireside Bellows, Austin, Scott Edgar & The Universe, Georgia Fields & The Freeways, George Kamikawa, Luke Watt, Nigel Wearne, Lia, Avene, Sambrose Automobile, Sweet Delores, Tides Of Welcome Soul & Gospel Choir and The Boneyards. See www.qmf.net.au.
Camper, VIP, tix disappear at Southbound
Sunset Events announce that just a few weeks after officially going on sale the Southbound Festival is nearing a complete sell-out. The newly introduced Two Day Pass, which have completely sold out.
Pampered Camper tickets have completely sold out, as have all VIP tickets. See www.sunsetevents.com.au.
Partnerships headline Brisbane Jazz Festival
The second Brisbane Jazz Festival at the Powerhouse Theatre (Oct 31 to Nov 6) is headlined by a string of almighty partnerships. Tenor saxophonist Joe Lovano and master jazz guitarist John Scofield reunite for the first time in 20 years as The John Scofield and Joe Lovano Quartet. Australian pianists Mark Isaacs and Thirsty Merc’s Rai Thistlethwayte join forces to show what jazz piano can become.
Tenor saxophonist David Murray returns to Brisbane for the first time in 17 years.
St. Jerome’s Laneway; bows in Perth, moves in Brisbane
Boutique street party the St Jerome's Laneway Festival is this year expanding to Perth for the first time (thanks to the City of Perth, West Australian Department of Culture and the Arts and EPRA) and moving to a new site (Alexandria St., Fortitude Valley) in Brisbane.
The first round of acts, announced this week, were Girls Talk, Stereolab, Architecture in Helsinki, Brooklyn’s The Hold Steady, The Drones, UK-based NZ band Cut Off Your Hands, Four Tet (aka Kieran Hebdon) who fuses harps and folk instruments with electronica, Tame Impala, El Guincho from Barcelona, Portuguese trio Buraka Som Sistema, Memphis pop punkster Jay Reatard, The Temper Trap, No Age, The John Steel Singers, Canyons (aka producers/DJs Leo Frostwave and Fred Cherry), Pivot, Port O’Brien, Holly Throsby, Canadian trio Born Ruffians, John Lee’s project Mountains In The Sky, Brooklyn’s Tim Fyte (he co-wrote a track on the Drones new album), San Francisco-based roots act Still Flyin’ (their debut album “Never Gonna Touch The Ground” is set for release in Australia on December 6 and was mixed by members of Architecture in Helsinki), and UK rave inspired Daedelus whose “Vote Obama” is a YouTube hit). See www.lanewayfestival.com.au.
Saturday, 31 January 2009 BRISBANE - Alexandria St off St Paul's Terrace, Fortitude Valley
Sunday, 1 February 2009 MELBOURNE - Lonsdale St, Caledonian Lane and Little Lonsdale St, Melbourne
Friday, 6 February 2009 PERTH - Perth Cultural Centre, Northbridge
Saturday, 7 February 2009 ADELAIDE - Fowler's Live, Northern Terrace
Sunday, 8 February 2009 SYDNEY - The Basement, Macquarie Park & Reiby Place, Circular Quay
Media Wash
Nova vs. 92.9: going beyonce a joke...
What was meant to be a gentle jibe between Perth stations Nova 93.7 and 92.9 turned distinctly unpleasant through the week. It was all over the new Beyonce single. Nova's Nathan and Nat reckon they played it first in Perth and that the version 92.9 played had Nathan on it. In other words, Nova inferred that 92.9 recorded their version and played it on their station. Audio versions were sent to Perth media. These had Morris' voice at the 4.18 mark. But Media Monitors, which heard the original, concluded there was no Nova voice on the 92.9 version. 92.9 growled that Nova's promotions and marketing director Andy Milne had doctored it to get publicity. SonyBMG said both stations were delivered the track at the same time. Milne suddenly wished he was a thousand miles away...
When photographers feud
Photographers working for international agencies do tend to spoil the shots of their rivals when a big name is about — a little elbowing here, a hand stuck there — or, as in the recent case, a little gouging of the eyes and pushing the rival into traffic. It all happened, reports the Sydney Daily Telegraph, outside the 2DAY FM studios when Katy Perry sauntered out. According to rival clickers Jamie Fawcett and Guy Finlay, some argybargy happened. Too bad all this happened before a video crew following Perry around, so that flashed on to the Internet. A complaint was made and police are investigating.
New entertainment outlet "ESP" for QLD
The Sunshine Coast Daily has introduced a new free entertainment insert called "ESP". It covers music, gigs, films and a TV guide. The first issue, out last Friday, featured Kate Miller-Heidke. "ESP" replaces "The Entertainer" and is a bigger format.
Seven sets up SMG Red
The Seven Media Group has launched a cross-media advertising sales unit called SMG Red. It's for advertisers who want to run campaigns on Seven's television, print, online and mobile platforms. It is headed by former Yahoo7 national sales director Jenny Hosie.
Spaceship relaunching
WA's Space Ship News will be closing down for the next few weeks for renovations. They will be back for the festival season when they are launching a new Local Archives page for Perth and WA acts. These are asked to supply band name, genre, bio, image, website addresses, a fun/interesting fact about the band and contact details. Send to spaceshipnews@iprimus.com.au
Stripe radio stations now on Optus
Following its successful launch to the Australian public this month, Stripe continues to move into the mobile market by going live on Optus Zoo. The first 3G carrier to utilise the service, Optus is now broadcasting 25 commercial-free radio stations from "Stripe Station" available to all Optus 3G customers via Optus Zoo. Customers can pay $7.95 per month and that includes data charges and access to all 25 premium stations. Optus customers simply press the 'Stripe Station' link on the Optus Zoo portal from their 3G-enabled phone to enjoy simple and quick access to the Stripe content.
Michael Smith, Group Marketing Director, Optus, said, "We know there is a big demand for music applications on 3G. Stripe offers variety for our customers, with it covering a large range of music genres at a very compelling price."
Sheer Chart Attack
Josh Pyke debuts at #3
Josh Pyke’s “Chimney’s Afire” debuted on the ARIA charts at #3 — beating the #4 peak of his 2007 album “Memories & Dust”.
Empire Of The Sun, the project by Luke Steele of The Sleepy Jackson and Nick Littlemore of Pnau, bowed at #8 with “Walking On A Dream”.
Other arrivals were Dave Hobson’s “A Little Closer” (#51), the “Easy Fever” tribute album to Stevie Wright and The Easybeats (#52), country singer Steve Forde’s “Guns And Guitars” (#56) and Perth hip-hop band Downsyde’s “All City” (#76).
On the singles side, Kate Miller-Heidke’s “Can’t Shake It” arrived at #38.
Take This Job and Love It
Marketing Manager – inthemix.com.au
Sound Alliance, the parent company of inthemix.com.au, is looking for an experienced Marketing Manager to join its thriving Sydney (Surry Hills) team. The website consistently ranks as the most visited music website in Australia with over 300,000 unique browsers per month and over 100,000 subscribers making it a powerful and attractive advertising property in the local marketplace. Your job is to develop and execute the brand and marketing strategy. Ideally, you are an experienced online marketer with a thorough understanding of the local media, music and online landscape. Formal qualifications will be highly regarded. Send resume to jobs@thesoundalliance.net by 24th October.
Choir needs music director
Fremantle-based Band of Angels Gospel Choir is looking for a new musical director. The choir describes themselves as "a secular community gospel choir that sings African and African-American Gospel Music. While neither black nor African American, we aim to bring spirit, passion and accuracy to our interpretation of this rich musical tradition. We have an open door policy and believe that this music encourages everyone to sing and sing well!" Interested persons are invited to contact Kenn Martin, Choir Manager, info@bandofangelsgospelchoir.com - this is a remunerated position. Visit the.bandofangelsgospelchoir.com for more info.
Mix Adelaide wants casual announcer
Mix102.3 Adelaide needs a casual announcer for the upcoming festive season. They want a metro standard announcer (two years exp.) who lives in Adelaide with reasonable flexibility to be called on for shifts at any time and can relate to the 24-54 demo. Send your current aircheck and details to Program Director Stuart Endersby stuartendersby@arn.com.au with Casual Announcer in the subject line.
Promo staff for Orchard Lane Music
Orchard Lane Music is looking for promo staff in Melbourne to work at regular events. They are looking for an all-rounder who is self-motivated and has a 'can do' attitude. Must have own transport. This role would suit a music student or someone with a background in promotions. For more information on this role, email brad@orchardlane.com.au
IMMEDIA! Seeks Graphic Design/IT Professional
IMMEDIA! is seeking a multi-disciplined individual to join its dynamic team and work on a diverse portfolio of projects, full-time, in its Newtown office.
Key responsibilities:
* Assisting the Managing Editor in the production of the print AustralAsian Music Industry Directory. You will also help in the migration of the Directory to a database format and produce an online edition
* Content management and continued development of company's sites; immedia.com.au; themusic.com.au and its subscribers
* The creation of promotional print and online material for IMMEDIA!'s books, the Directory, South by Southwest and the upcoming 2009 AustralAsian Music Business Conference
* Overseeing and maintaining the company's Mac computer network and mail server
Required skills and experience:
* Apple OS X familiarity
* Accurate keyboard skills, with an educated approach to grammar and spelling
* A strong knowledge of Microsoft Office, FileMaker and the Adobe suite with the ability to produce compelling print-ready ads
* Skilled in online technologies; MySQL; HTML and PHP. Ability to develop an online store and work with complex databases desired
* At least 2 years professional experience in the interactive field
You should be self-motivated, focused, and be able to deal with multiple tasks in a frenetic environment. If this sounds like you register your interest by submitting your CV with short cover letter to mark@immedia.com.au
