Christie Eliezer's Music Business News
Posted: 3:57PM, Tuesday 11th November, 2008. Updated: 4:11PM, Tuesday 11th November, 2008.
Eight Days a Week
Promoter quitting?
The Australian $ slipping to 64 cents to the US$ causes problems for local tour promoters. One promoter has confided to associates he wants to sell or close down his business because touring is now too hard. Pink, MGMT and Bloc Party are successful, but Salt’n’Pepa cancelled and Dutch dj Fedde le Grand downsized his venues.
The Madonna tour is signed on but the tickets could be expensive. Counting Crows, David Byrne and Seal return next year. Boyzone will be back in August, they said during their promo tour last week.
Melbourne drops 2 am curfew
The Victorian state government has, duuuh, abandoned its 2 am lockout, appreciating that there were too many clubs for it to work. Instead it this week announced that it would introduce 150 more cops on the beat on the weekend — something that nightclub owners had long said was what was needed. Rather than apply their curfew to the hundreds of clubs and venues in the city, the new strategy is to focus on just the venues which are troublespots. Those places will also have to pay a higher licence fee.
Bowditch, Lunatic Entertainment, split
Clare Bowditch and Danny Rogers’ Lunatic Entertainment have parted ways. For the time bein for anything Clare Bowditch related, contact Marty Brown at marty@storybaker.com until other management arrangements are made.
Music Directory Forms Mailed Out & Online
The deadline is December 5 for free listings, artist entries, new and renewed submissions for the 2009 42nd edition of the AustralAsian Music Industry Directory with paper listing forms just mailing out this week to all current listings and online PDF forms available for download at http://www.immedia.com.au/amid/list.php. Each of the 70 sections has listing criteria that must be adhered to for ONE free listing (and a free copy or online subscription when published March 1) and there are only 11 personal service sections which are paid listings $77 inc free online or print versions including Artist Enhanced Listing, Songwriters Expanded Listing, Consultants, Producers & Engineers, Publicists, Freelance Journalists, Photographers, Graphic Artists, Music Video Producers/Directors, Event Producers and Production Management.
Music Directory Dud Forms—Indies & Managers
In the last minute rush to get the forms into the mail, a miscommunication between the new editor and eager intern resulted in the labels and forms for existing listings in Indie Record Companies and Managers getting out of sync. They were mailed out with the incorrect sorting but a new form for each one (with a clipped corner to identify them) and a purple rubber stamp on the envelope were mailed out the next day. So please check your forms if you are a previous listing in the 41st edition. Contact Paul Everett on (02) 9557 7766 or email paul@immedia.com.au
Golden Stave “Hall of Fame” report
Katie Noonan opened the inaugural Golden Stave Hall of Fame Awards at Sydney’s Four Seasons by previewing her “Blackbird” album. Founding Members Chris Gilbey, Ross Barlow, Peter Hebbes, Jack Argent and Kent Atkinson were inducted into the Hall of Fame. Awards were also presented to Maryanne Knight and Barry Chapman for their dedicated service the foundation over the past 30 years, to Norwest and Fifa from Alberts, and to Richard Clapton, Brian Cadd and Col Joye. In an emotional moment which had the crowd to its feet, actor Jack Thompson presented Lynn Thorpe with a special gong on behalf of Billy Thorpe. Announced as Golden Stave ambassadors were Guy Sebastian, Glenn A Baker and Jono Coleman, with a set by Guy and his 10-piece finishing off the night.
Sneakys go gold
Sneaky Sound System’s #1 debut album “2” and its single “Kansas City” which was in the ARIA Top 20 for two months, have both gone gold. SSS have just finished a run of UK dates with Sam Sparro and find “UFO” played on Radio One. The video for their new single “When We Were Young” features burlesque dancer Vivi Valentine.
Surfs up for Shore Thing
Fuzzy’s NYE party Shore Thing in Bondi Beach — with Underworld, Eric Prydz and The Presets — has sold out.
Forever Youngs
AC/DC’s ploy in America to sell “Black Ice” only through the Wal-Mart chain has worked, in that the album has sold 1 million units there in two weeks. But the strategy is falling apart. Rival retailers are buying the album cheaper from Australia and selling it there for a lower price. Meantime, the band is adamant about its “no digital” policy. It has told BigPond Music to stop selling its back catalogue online. In Australia, “Black Ice” has been accredited 3 x platinum status (210,000 units) according to Sony Music. The label says that “Black Ice” has shipped 5.3 million units globally and combined with over 5.1 million in catalogue sold this year, “AC/DC have surpassed The Beatles as the #1 selling catalogue artist in the USA for 2008.”
AC/DC kicked off their Black Ice World Tour on October 28 in Wilkes-Barre, PA. This first leg of the tour runs through April 23, in Birmingham, UK. The Wilkes-Barre Times Leader raved “If this is what AC/DC sounds like on opening night after a seven year layoff, later dates on the tour are going to be amazing.” The Chicago Tribune proclaimed their live show “a celebration of all that is great about rock ‘n’ roll,” calling the band’s music as “Rock 'n' roll that outlasts time.”
Yves Klein Blue record in America
Yves Klein Blue are heading to La La Land to record their debut album with producer Kevin Augunas (Cold War Kid, Vandals, Lost Prophets). The band’s singer Michael Tomlinson says, “We spoke to loads of people the world over, but we were already on the same page without having to explain it to each other with Kevin.” The band will do some shows during its stay to promote its “Draw Attention To Themselves” EP which has just been released digitally in the US.
My sweet (land)lord
The “Sydney Morning Herald’”s real estate section reveals that Human Nature’s Toby Allen has listed his one-bedroom investment property in Waterloo for $399,000 after nine years. He bought a warehouse place in St. Peters for $826,000 and earlier this year sold another investment property, this one in Roseberry, for $520,000.
Meantime, the “Sunday Telegraph” reports that former Savage Garden guitarist Daniel Jones fell victim to Sydney’s falling property market. His Neutral Bay waterfront place which he wanted $8 million for, was passed in without a single bid, despite the place having its own beach.
To market, to market: more anti-piracy raids
Victorian Police raided market traders on Sunday selling allegedly illegal music, movies and video games at one of Victoria’s largest markets, the Caribbean Garden Markets in Scoresby. The police operation, assisted by music and film industry anti-piracy groups, seized more than 10,000 optical discs. They contained releases by Mariah Carey and Chris Brown, popular movies Babylon and Burn After Reading and video games Mario Collection and NBA Live.
The successful raid follows active surveillance of targeted markets around Australia by a number of anti-piracy groups, including Music Industry Piracy Investigations (MIPI), the Australian Federation Against Copyright Theft (AFACT) and the Interactive Entertainment Association of Australia (IEAA). These associations say they have tried to work with traders to stop the trade.
Dean Mitchell, Investigations Manager of MIPI, said: “Market operators have a significant role to play in ensuring that pirate music is not sold through their markets. They must be vigilant and take a proactive stance against illegal traders. Whilst industry groups have repeatedly demonstrated that they are prepared to work with market operators, today’s police raid confirms that criminal action will be taken at markets that do not heed the warnings”.
Neil Gane, AFACT Director of Operations, said: “Every pirated movie or TV show sold at the Caribbean Market steals money from the legitimate businesses that employ the tens of thousands of Australians directly impacted by movie piracy. They are the victims of this crime.”
Ron Curry, IEAA CEO, said, “The IEAA takes the protection of intellectual property very seriously. It’s vital that we defend our industry so it can continue to deliver high quality, creative interactive entertainment. Copyright theft is against the law and we applaud the police for their successful operation at the Caribbean Garden Markets in Scoresby.”
Metal of honour: Aussie metal awards coming
The Association for Australian Heavy Metal will launch its awards on December 1. Categories and registration details are currently being finalised. Click on www.australianmetal.com.au.
The AMP grows bigger…
After three years of consolidating The AMP (Australian Music Prize) with the music industry here, organizers are going for a greater profile. The February 2009 announcement of the AMP Shortlist will be made on the main stage of the St. Kilda Festival in Melbourne — before a potential 10,000 fans. After that, one of the shortlisted acts will perform. In the past, the announcement was made at an invite-only party before 300 to 400 guests.
The idea came from Channel [V] who will be covering both the AMP and the St. Kilda Festival.
Shaun James, Sydney-based general manager of [V]’s parent XYZnetworks said, “In coming on board as media partner, it was our objective to promote The Amp outside of the music industry, taking it to the public. We felt that the St Kilda Festiva l would be the perfect arena to reveal the Shortlist and a fantastic opportunity for one of the finalists to perform in front of an audience of thousands of music lovers. Channel [V] will also continue to promote The Amp to a wider audience on-air.”
Tracey Grimson, the Prize Director of the Amp, said that it was a timely move for the prize to get more attention — especially at the St. Kilda fest with “thousands and thousands of community-minded music lovers, and where great acts play.”
Right from the start, the AMP has emphasized that the Short List is as important as the winner who gets $30,000 from the PPCA. Channel [V] will cover the shortlisted acts, and in the past, music retailers have given their current releases profile in their stores.
The AMP also announced this week that key sponsor Red Bull will again provide an award of $15,000 to one artist from The Amp’s Shortlist. Red Bull Australia’s Cultural Marketing Manager, Tom Sigelski, says: “Supporting Australian music is very important to Red Bull. In 2008 The Red Bull Award In Recognition of Outstanding Potential will, for the third year running, provide the platform to help a truly original act on their journey to success. We are excited to lend a helping hand to the recipient of the Red Bull Award for 2008.”
Previous recipients of the Red Bull award are Gotye
(2006) and Bluejuice (2007). The latter used their money for pre-production on their next album.
So far the AMP has got 150 entries. The deadline is November 21, and Grimson is sure it will reach the 180 who entered last year. Go to www.australianmusicprize.com.au.
At the announcement, made in Melbourne on Monday, were members of Augie March and The Drones, as well as execs Richard Moffatt who provides the music for the St Kilda Festival, retailer JB Hi Fi’s Mike Flynn, and Scott Murphy who came up with the idea of the AMP in the first place.
…and announces its judging panel
Andrew Mast (Street Press Australia) - Media
Bernard Zuel (Sydney Morning Herald) - Media
Chris Berkley (Redeye Records) - Retail
Dave Faulkner (Hoodoo Gurus) - Artist
Deborah Conway – Artist *New
Iain Shedden (The Australian) – Media *New
Jed Kurzel (The Mess Hall) – Artist *New
John Course (DJ) - Artist
Kathy McCabe (Daily Telegraph) - Media
Lorna Clarkson (DJ) – Artist *New
Ma
rtin Whybrow (Leading Edge Music) - Retail
Mike Glynn (JB Hi Fi) - Retail
Miranda Boyce (XYZ Entertainment) – Media *New
Noel Mengel (Brisbane Courier Mail) – Media
Patrick Donovan (The Age) - Media
Renee Geyer - Artist
Richard Moffat (3RRR) – Media *New
Robbie Buck (Triple J) - Media
Romy Hoffman (Macromatics) – Artist *New
Simon Collins (The West Australian) - Media
Tim Freedman (The Whitlams) - Artist
Tim Hardaker (inthemix.com) – Media *New
Tom Beaumont (Rocking Horse Records) - Retail
ID&T trance festival heading to Australia
The Inthemix dance site has broken the story that Dutch trance event ID&T — it’s been around for 15 years and draws 30,000 from across Europe — is heading to Australia over Easter 2009. It is the first time that it will be held outside Holland, co-organiser Duncan Stutterheim revealed. The festival will play Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane and Perth.
Anti-Flag unfurl
Anti-Flag’s 8-date visit (Dec 3 to 13) is postponed “due to personal reasons”. Promoters, the Frontier Touring Company, say new dates are still to be confirmed, and recommends that fans seek a full refund from their original point of purchase.
Vanguard publicity changes
Over at live music venue The Vanguard in Newtown, Sydney, all publicity enquiries are now to be directed to John Casaceli – 0400 403 878 or john@thevanguard.com.au. Meanwhile, Jo Corbett is focusing on various publicity projects including albums/tours from Dead Letter Chorus, The Whitlams, Peabody, Jon Cleary, Hawksley Workman and Canadian siblings Jill & Matthew Barber .Corbett is on 02 4971 5037 and jocorbett@aapt.net.au.
Triple j antics in Brisvegas: tambourines, trombones…
Triple J breakfast team Robbie, Marieke and the Doctor pulled a full house at the Brisbane Powerhouse (even the balconies were packed) when they broadcast from there last Friday. The Grates’ Patience Hodgson, dressed up as Alice In Wonderland as part of her role as a judge for the fashions, was also chuffed when the J-sters returned her tambourine which had been stolen during their recent tour. The Grates had gone on Triple J asking for its return, and the thief had second thought. She put it up on their website to raise money for children's charity The Song Room, which provides musical gear.
The John Steel Singers played Kylie’s “Confide In Me” — after which Robbie Buck drank beer through Pete Bernoth’s trombone.
On The Move #1: APRA|AMCOS
APRA|AMCOS’s head office is moving to new digs in Ultimo in mid December. All APRA|AMCOS offices will be closed on Tues 16 and Wed 17 and re-open for business on Thursday 18. Phone numbers and email addresses will remain the same.
On The Move #2: Bradyworks
Performer and jingles Mike Brady’s company Bradyworks has relocated from Port Melbourne to level 5/470 St Kilda Road Melbourne 3004. New phone is (03) 9821 5088, and fax is (03) 9821 5066. Email is bradyworks@netspace.net.au.
Gabriella cancels Melbourne show
Frontier Touring had to axe Gabriella Cilmi’s show at the Melbourne Forum on December 7. The reason is that in the wake of her “Lessons To Be Learned” going gold in Germany, her label there booked her for a major TV appearance that would reach an audience of 5 million. But it meant that Cilmi had to depart Australia on the morning of the Melbourne show. She will however play to her hometown crowd at an all ages concert date with The Cat Empire at Hisense Arena on Sunday 1 February as part of Tennis Australia’s entertainment program.
For those excitable readers in Sydney, Cilmi’s performance at Homebake will not be affected. See elsewhere for more Cilmi stuff.
Rihanna’s people hose down Sydney scare
Thousands of fans at Acer Arena in Sydney on Friday (Nov 7) saw Rihanna hold her stomach midway through “Umbrella”, as she and singer Chris Brown were finishing off the show. She then ran off stage, obviously distressed, leaving him to finish alone. Initially the singer’s representatives blamed the venue’s air conditioning saying it had got too hot onstage. A representative of promoter Michael Coppel Presents confirmed she was attended to by a doctor who was on-site. The singer and Brown cancelled a boat trip on Sydney Harbour the next day, and continued the tour without further dramas.
A video of her running off, taken by a fan on his mobile and posted on YouTube, sparked reports she was seriously ill. A representative released a statement stating that the singer “went offstage and needed to sit down, catch her breath” and have some water.”
On the Saturday show, Brown met a teenage girl Georgina Woods who listens to his music as she does painful rehabilitation exercises since being run over three and a half years ago. Her parents tried to get tickets for the show for her but missed out. But 2GB’s Chris Smith and Sony Music came to the rescue.
Dakota split
Adelaide band Fear in Dakota are breaking up, and play their last at the Jade Monkey on 29th November.
Festival Hall back?
Rumours are that Brisbane will get a new Festival Hall in Woolloongabba. The site will fall vacant after the government closes its unprofitable printing plant. It’s already close to train lines.
Cairns bad Kamerunga finds fans in radio
New seven-piece Cairns band Kamerunga’s debut album “The Push” is off to a strong start as far as radio exposure is concerned. One of the tracks, penned by guitarist Peter Ella, has been adopted by ABC Radio Far North as the new theme to its weekday “Morning Program”. It’s also the feature album on ABC Radio National’s “The Planet” on Thursday November 13. Getting interest in Northern Queensland is a tribute to local local explorer James Venture Mulligan, who opened up the Far North with his verification of the Palmer River goldfield in 1873. It was penned by band member Tony Hillier, a well known music journalist.
The band also features Yothu Yindi’s long-time drummer Ben Hakalitz. Kamerunga mixes Australian and Celtic folk music with elements of funk, reggae, rock, blues, classical and world music. “Kamerunga was specifically created for big festivals,” says Hillier. The album was launched at the Yungaburra Folk Festival, and will play Woodford and Port Fairy. They’re angling for the East Coast Blues Festival, The National Folk Festival and The Dreaming, and Hillier says they’re off to Denmark next year for a festival.
“The Push” was released on the weekend through Sydney distributor Planet and iTunes. It was produced by Cairns studio boss Nigel Pegrum, who drummed in British folk-rock pioneers Steeleye Span.
Keese go for the full download
Andrew Keese & The Associates will make their debut album "Desire" available as a free download from their website (http://www.andrew-keese.com/) and may also be located on the BitTorrent peer-to-peer network via Azureus Vuze. But packages with higher quality MP3s. bonus tracks and full album artwork are for sale from the site for $7.50. The album was produced by Tony Cohen (Cave, Beasts), and launched at the Northcote Social Club, Melbourne, Wed Nov 19.
Re-Opening #1: Obese store
The Obese store in Melbourne’s Prahran, has re-opened after a fit out. Aside from music, DVDs, and Obese merchandise, they get new lines of clothing and accessories from Obey, Crooks & Castles, The Seventh Letter, Dissizit, 10Deep, and Alife.
Re-Opening #2: Oh-Deago Studios
Melbourne’s Oh-Deago Studios (158 Johnston St, Collingwood) is re-opening for business, so owner Dylan-Thomas Locklear is throwing a massive party on Sat Nov 15 from 3 pm. There are eight bands, BBQ with giveaways including rehearsal time. See myspace.com/ohdeago.
One Point gossip
Princess One Point Five’s “With Light There Is Hope” aired in US series “Gossip Girl” on Oct 27. It’s from the album “At Long Last” which won Sarah-Jane Wentzki the Qantas Spirit of Youth in 2005.
Red Eyes do it live
After spending winter writing new tracks and some o/s travel, Red Eyes record a live album at East Brunswick Club on Friday Nov 14.
In Through the Out Door
Sony Change #1: Ken Outch returns
Ken Outch returned to Sony Music last week as Director, Commercial Music Group. He will develop its strategic marketing business, assist in sales and identify new catalogue opportunities. He reports to Tony Glover GM of the Commercial Music Group. He was last at Destra where he was CEO for five years. He was also Director of Marketing and Sales at BMG from 1987, at Columbia in 1997, at Mushroom / Festival in 1998 and in 1999 became General Manager at Sanity.
Sony Change #2: Emily Butler online
Emily Butler has joined as manager of online marketing, reporting to general manager of marketing John Parker and senior director of marketing for Australian artists, Grant Tothill. Butler was previously a marketing manager at Pacific Magazines working on "In Style" and worked at Warner Music in the UK and Australia.
Sony Change #3: Adriana Bakovic takes licence
Adriana Bakovic began as licensing manager, reporting to GM of legal and business affairs Raani Costelloe. She previously worked in licensing departments at EMI Music and Universal Music.
Young exits One Stop Country
Katania Young exits her post this Friday as manager of Qld-based One Stop Country, the country music distribution label of One Stop Entertainment. She plans to start her own business offering publicity primarily to independent country acts. She is contacted on 0409 090 104 or at info@katanialeemusic.com.au
Kate Ritchie re-signs with Nova
Kate Ritchie is returning next year to the Sydney Nova 969 Breakfast Show. Her "housemates" Merrick & Rosso also signed for another year of dragging their butts out of bed at 4am! According to Nova, the breakfast shift rates #1 with the under-40 demographic, and repeatedly leading with 18-39 year-old listeners.
Mackellar heads Noosa Longweekend
Ian Mackellar is announced as GM of the Noosa Longweekend. He plans to introduce initiatives to draw people to it from outside Qld. Mackellar comes from a background of musicals and TV, and his production "Moments" premieres at The J in January.
Ninemsn hires McCabe
Ninemsn has appointed a new commercial director, Kerry McCabe, effective Dec 1. He was formerly general manager of sales at Eye Corp Australia and New Zealand, and replaces Jason Scott after he resigned in July. The commercial division includes advertising sales for display, performance, mobile and video, commercial creative production, sales operations, partner management, market research and trade marketing.
Ninemsn has lost top executives including Head of mobile Chris Noone, marketing director Tony Thomas, and head of content and network innovation Jane O'Connell, with Joe Pollard replacing Tony Faure as CEO in late September.
Kerley, Compton, full on at Nova
James Kerley and Maz Compton who have been "fill-ins" at Nova 969 Sydney have gone full-time on air. Compton worked as a reporter for MTV and Kerley is also a presenter on Channel [V].
Kidd upped at Vega
Vega 915 Melbourne has promoted Rob Kidd to Music Director. He replaces Kate Mason who left Vega, and continues Afternoon shift.
Things We Hear
* Was Snoop Dogg paid $30,000 for his half-hour appearance at the Birdcage marquee on Cup Day in Melbourne?
* November 28 is declared AC/DC Day in Vancouver, Canada.
* Adelaide glamsters Former Child Stars have relocated to Sydney.
* Ashley McConnell of Operator Please signed as model with Sydney agency Chadwick, and in a shoot for Minty Meets Munt boutique.
* After their round of reunion dates, Noiseworks plan to record.
Lifelines
Radio's baby boom
Nova 969 Sydney's Cal Wilson and husband Chris Woods are expecting their first, while Nova 100 Melbourne's Dave Hughes and journalist wife Holly Ife also announced this week they're in the family way for the first time. Both the Nova tin lids are due in May.
Vega Melbourne's Dave O'Neil and his partner are expected to have their third kid any day now, and his co-host Chrissie Swan is due at the end of the month.
Karen Prate of Mix102.3 Adelaide has just gone on maternity leave.
Pete Watson, GM of 2LT Lithgow and wife Melissa had a son, Daniel Alan, earlier this month.
Lawrance recovering
John Lawrance, singer from Melbourne band Go Public, had a massive heart attack during the band's gig at the Pint On Punt, and was rushed to hospital for surgery. He's expected to make a full recovery.
Born: son Sophocles Iraia to Jemaine Clement, of Grammy-winning NZ duo Flight of the Conchords, and wife Miranda Manasiadis.
Hospitalised: Greg Henriks, news director of Macquarie Radio Gold Coast was operated on for oesophageal cancer for the second time. The first operation was aborted due to complications arising from fluid entering his lungs. The cancer has now spread to his liver.
Died: Robbie McGready, announcer on Byron Bay's Bay FM, 83.
New Signings
Bluejuice score Wagstaff as manager
Bluejuice have signed a management deal with Todd Wagstaff. He has in the past worked with You Am I, The Vines and Pnau and currently manages Damn Arms and Mercy Arms. He is
contacted via todd@parkerandmrfrench.com
Universal signs with Play MPE(R)
Universal Music Australia is the latest to sign on to The Shooting Star Picture Company’s Play MPE(R) to deliver its contents digitally to radio and other media. This follows Warner’s adoption of the system last week; the two majors command 50% of tracks played on commercial radio. Universal already had a deal with SSPC’s D-Star Spins which tracks radio airplay. Other labels using Play MPE(R) include EMI, Shock, MGM, Liberation and Inertia.
Indian management for Sydney jazz trio
Indian-based W.O.A. International signed the Danny John Trio, a jazz rock fusion trio from Sydney to a three-year management and marketing deal. This partnership will see W.O.A Management represent the band across India and the Middle East. Pete Saunders, V.P. Artiste Management says “We see immense potential for an act like this in India and Dubai.” The act will tour within two years.
Grand Wazoo go to market
Melbourne soulsters Grand Wazoo have signed with Black Market Music to release their next album. On the weekend Wazoo teamed with Olivier Owney of Jook Joint Productions to throw a Obama Victory Party during their Sunday Session @ The Blue Diamond.
My Fiction get their Sugarrush
Brisbane’s My Fiction have pacted a deal with Sugarrush Records to release their EP “Your Tokyo” for download.
Court in the Act
Adelaide bouncer guilty of manslaughter
Paul John Edwards, 32, was found guilty in the Adelaide Supreme Court of the manslaughter of Dominic Esposito, 25, in February 2005. The court heard that Esposito and friends got into a fight inside the Ramsgate Hotel at Henley Beach. Edwards, one of the hotel's security, tried to break up the fight and put Esposito in a headlock. He died from asphyxiation. Justice Robyn Layton ruled that Edwards had acted beyond his authority. He was found guilty by a Supreme Court jury in December 2006. He won a retrial after his conviction was overturned on appeal. Justice Layton heard the case by judge alone.
Good Works
Keytone raises for Red Cross
Brisbane label Keytone Productions and one of its acts Tim Loydell and The Deckchairs raised $2,000 for the Australian Red Cross. This was raised on the All Hands on Deck tour of four venues, during which they were joined by acts as Light Noise, Repeat Offender, Ooh La La, The Hungry Kids of Hungary, The Andi and George Band and The Traveling So & So's. The Red Cross will use the money to continue building houses in poor areas in Asia.
Take This Job and Love It
Program coordinator needed for Adelaide Cabaret Fest
A two year full time contract will be offered to the right program coordinator for the Adelaide Cabaret Festival to help the executive producer on various projects. These range from new programs and special events to touring to commissioning new work. Full details at www.adelaidefestivalcentre.com.au, deadline is Nov 14.
Awards and Honours
Lowe, Corbett, dominate Newcastle event
Singer -songwriters Jason Lowe and Bob Corbett were multi-winners at the seventh 1233 ABC Music Awards ceremony at the Civic Theatre in Newcastle. Lowe, 19, took out artist of the year and best male vocalist. He has the chance to get a CD released through ABC Music, $1233 to help with touring costs and a half-day session with a publicist. He’s just returned from an overseas trip.
Corbett, who’s got an album out called “Storyboard” won the blues & roots, pop, Hunter broadcaster's choice and the ABC Music Publishing and APRA songwriters and composers recognition awards.
Lucy Hearn, aka the Understudy, won best female vocalist.
Leah Barclay wins Premier of Qld scholarship
Qld arts identity Leah Barclay has scored the $25,000 Premier of Queensland’s National New Media Art Scholarship to help her with her travel next year. The 23-year old plans to play festivals in South America, the USA, Mexico and New Zealand. She’s already going to India courtesy a John Butler JB Seed grant. Barclay is a member of Sunshine Coast Creative Alliance, worked at The J’s radio station, is a director for next year’s Ignition New Media and Film Festival and is building a foundation for new-media artists on the Sunshine Coast.
Sparkadia get J nom
Sparkadia scored the latest J Award nomination for their debut “Postcards”. Triple j’s Music Director, Richard Kingsmill says. "I remember when we got Sparkadia’s first demo years ago when they were called The Spark. We had a feeling here that they would be a band to watch. But I don't think any of us back then imagined how accomplished a debut they would finally offer up. The songwriting is perfectly balanced on ‘Postcards’ and there is no shortage of killer tunes. It's a finely crafted pop album."
Yunupingu leads EG race
The rise and rise of Geoffrey Gurrumul Yunupingu continues. He logged four nominations at the EG Awards, held in Melbourne at the Prince Bandroom on December 4. The Living End, the Presets, Sam Sparro and Eddy Current Suppression Ring each received three nominations. The awards are completely decided by readers.
Sydney music, arts and culture awards announced
Time Out Sydney and FBI 94.5FM partnered to create the inaugural Sydney Music Arts & Culture Awards to recognize artists, musicians, performers, creators and culture makers. See www.smacawards.com to view nominations and cast your vote. They’re on Sunday Dec 7 at the Sydney Opera house hosted by The Chaser’s Chris Taylor.
Brisbane’s Brave win global contest
Brisbane band The Brave won the global 100% Music Songwriting Contest with their song "Gravity and Grace". Applications are open for the 2009 competition which gives away US $40,000 in cash and prizes to 45 category winners and 3 overall winners.
Media Wash
How rock music got the "Australian" sound
There's no such thing as an Australian sound — but various forces come into play to create a sensibility. "Wide Open Road" is a four part ABC radio series which looks at the four areas in environment which gave Australian rock its "sound" — the open road, the suburbs, the coast and live performance. It's more raw. It was produced by Tom Morton and Cath Dwyer, and narrated by triple j's Richard Kingsmill. "Wide Open Road" is on Saturdays, on Triple J at 2pm and Radio National at 5pm. The website abc.net.au/wideopenroad with longer interviews, accounts from the public about legendary gigs and a lyrical map of Australia linking places with songs.
XYZ buys retro series
XYZ Networks in Australia has bought pop video retrospective Video Killed The Radio Star from the BBC.
"OK!" shifts dates
Publishers Northern & Shell Pacific and ACP Magazines have shifted the release day of celeb mag "OK!" from Monday to Friday. Its TV campaign, by the Banjo agency, stresses how the magazine's stories come straight from the celebs themselves.
Noongar's 100.9FM's launch date confirmed
Western Australian Indigenous media company Noongar Media Enterprises will be on air as of January as 100.9FM. The station wants albums and tracks to play. Priority will be given to Indigenous artists, but they have a culture of inclusion, and want to play as much local material as possible. Send a good quality CD recording of original material and a one-page bio to Gina Williams, Programming Director/Events Coordinator, Noongar Media Enterprises (NME)
PO Box 8462, Perth Business Centre, Perth 6849. Williams can also be contacted on (08) 9228 0606 on Tuesdays and Wednesdays, or Mobile: 0407 049 651.
The day Tony The Pony came to Nova
Brisbane Nova 106.9 station manager Sean Ryan felt sorry for the staffers who couldn't get away from work to attend Melbourne Cup Day events. So overnight, he arranged for the Nova offices to be turned into a racetrack with 130 square metres of turf and even brought in some ponies in the morning. First to see the sight was morning presenter Kip Whiteman who peered as the lift doors opened and thought he was hallucinating.
Planet Urban reports higher traffic
Urban music site "Urban Planet" says its September and October traffic has been among its highest. In August, they claim, they averaged 18,900 unique hits, 289,488 page views and 944,884 hits per month. In September they did 21,533, 364,795, 1,119,236 and in October 31,197, 482,066, 1,332,072 In November they are looking at projected stats of 34,200, 526,000, 1,550,000 which will then push them toward a total of 240,000 unique hits for the year, 3,700,000 page views and 10,800,000 hits.
Sheer Chart Attack
Potbelleez, Tenors, Noonan in
The Potbelleez's debut album enters at #17 while they have two singles in the Motorola ARIA Top 100.
Brisbane's Ten Tenors enter at #27 with "Nostalgica". Two previous albums (they have released five) entered the Top 10: "Tenology" (2005) and "Here's To The Heroes" (2006).
Katie Noonan's "Blackbird", her jazzy renditions of Lennon-McCartney numbers enters at #43, and Triple J's latest "Like A Version" at #47.
This is a bit left of field but there is an Oz connection. Chris Isaak, who considers this place to be his second home anyway, debuts at #29 with "Live in Australia". His Best Of returns to the Top 50 in the wake of his visit.
Aussies Abroad
Gabriella readies U.S. debut of album
Universal Republic Records is setting up the launch of Gabriella Cilmi in the U.S. market. Her hit "Sweet About Me" goes to radio this month, while the “Lessons To Be Learned” album will be released on March 17. The US version includes a remake of the Martha and the Muffins classic, "Echo Beach." Bouyed by her success in Europe and Australia, VH1 will feature Cilmi as one of the first VH1 'You Oughta Know' selections of 2009. The 17-year old is playing New York’s Carnegie Hall with Geoffrey Gurrumul Yunupingu and Lior on January 20 as part of the Oz Government’s D’day Australia celebrations. She is also eying the possibility of playing at South By Southwest in Texas in March.
Airbourne wins UK award
Aussie band Airbourne won Best New Band at the Marshall Classic Rock Roll of Honour awards, organised in London by “Classic Rock” magazine. Other winners were Foo Fighters (band of the year), Ozzy Osbourne (living legend), Slash (“services to balls-out guns-blazing rock n' roll"), Whitesnake (album), Jeff Beck (outstanding contribution), Led Zeppelin (event of the year for their reunion show), Kiss’ Paul Stanley (showman) and Floyd’s Syd Barrett (inspiration).
Canada loves Brad Cole
NSW country singer Brad Cole received a gong at the Ontario Independent Music Awards in Canada for his single “Hits Me Like Lightning”. The awards primarily recognise the achievements of Canadian independent acts. The International category recognizes indie artists and their achievements from around the world. Aside from Australia, this year’s 5 international finalists were selected from the USA, Brazil and Japan. Cole says, “Things just seem to keep better for me in Canada; I am also in discussions about a Canadian tour next year.”
Dannii getting the boot! squawk the UK tabloids
Reports from the UK tabloids is that Dannii “the other one” Minogue won’t be asked to return as judge for the next series of reality show “X Factor”. They say the show’s producers think the 37-year old “no longer serves a purpose." According to these reports, attributed to an “impeccable” source, Minogue was brought in as a younger counterpart to Sharon Osbourne. However, Cheryl Cole has proved to be far more popular and usurped the Minogue role. There were also reports that Rachel Hylton, the contestant that Minogue was supposed to mentor has dumped her, saying she made bad choices of songs and was never around long enough to learn from. All these reports have been officially denied, and that Minogue has a problem trying to get Hylton to take advice.
Listen to the Brand
Jim Beam throws weight behind StageBound
Drinks company Jim Beam is behind StageBound, which is held at Perth's Amplifier Bar on Thursday, November 20. Six acts will play:
The Scotch of Saint James, Streetlight, Will Stoker & The Embers, New Mono, The Lazy Railway and The Veescars. Finalists will be in the running for a $5,000 equipment prize from Jim Beam & Jands and be battling for a spot on the Southbound festival.
Festivals
Second round for Big Day Out
Added to the Neil Young-headlined Big Day Out’s bill: System of a Down front man Serj Tankian, Dropkick Murphys, Florida five piece Black Kids, London synth-wielding Hot Chip, Lupe Fiasco (how true the rumours that he plans to stop recording), Brooklyn duo Holy Ghost!, LA dj Z*Trip, Died Pretty, The Vines, Infusion who’ll be previewing their third album, Pee Wee Ferris, Sparkadia, The Getaway Plan, Little Red, Mammal, Mercy Arms, dj Ajax. Andee Frost and The Drones.
More for Falls Fest
Falls Fest has added Art V. Science; Aussie dance scene stalwarts John Course and Grant Smillie; Illzilla, fusing their divergent range of hip-hop, reggae, rock and blues; Katalyst Sound System; KillaQueenz; the three-drummer-strong tribal rhythms of Percussion Junction; The Soccer Mum’s DJ’s; Snob Scrilla; The Holidays; genre slaying party starters the Yacht Club DJs and Playing With Knives.
Woodford launches: 580 acts
The 23rd Woodford Folk Festival presents 580 acts and 2600 performers. Festival Director Bill Hauritz says “It’s our most ambitious programme in our 23 year history…”. The festival runs from Thursday the 27th December through till late on Monday the 1st January on a 360acre site.
This years highlights include festival favourites such as Lior, John Williamson, Dya Singh, Doch, Katie Noonan, Ash Grunwald, Augie March, Katie Miller-Heidke, Katie Noonan, Josh Pyke, That 1 Guy, Kristina Olsen, Waiting For Guinness, Backsliders, The Bird, Jeff Lang, Alistair Hulett and David Rovics, Martin Pearson, Wild Marmalade, Ernie Dingo, The Herd, Miguel, Leah Cotterell, Mr Percival, Bluegrass Parkway, Mic Conway¹s National Junk Band, the Amazing Drumming Monkeys, and Oka. Also there’s the captivating Mama Kin and a solo appearance by Harry Angus, the Cat Empire¹s trumpeter and vocalist who this time will bring his guitar.
From overseas come KoPAS to perform their magic on the lake, multi-instrumentalist Asim Gorashi from Sudan, horse-head fiddle player Baatarsukh Batsukh from Mongolia, singer Grace Barbe and her reggae/afro-funk band from the Seychelles, singer-songwriter Dougie MacLean and Frightened Rabbit, both from Scotland.
This year Hauritz and general manager Amanda Jackes will present the Woodford Chronicles and an outline of the 500 year plan to be further developed via community consultation and a series of open forums at the festival. The festival streets will be lined with more than forty cafes and restaurants and 160 vendors.
Golden Plains rides again
Designed, constructed and executed by the team behind Meredith, in only her second year of operation, Golden Plains sold out months in advance then went on to win the top award – Best Festival – at the recent Australian Festival Awards. She also won Best Management and Facilities.
Acts are: Mogwai, Fela Kuti’s music director Tony Allen, Gary Numan, Black Mountain, Of Montreal, The Drones, The Church, Dan Deacon from Baltimore, Nashville-based American roots Old Crow Medicine Show, Brant Bjork and The Bros, a team up of former boxer, surfer and film maker Jim White with massively influential LA punk band X bassplayer John Doe (known to his mum as Nommensen Duchac) New Orleans duo Quintron and Miss Pussycat who play a light-activated drum machine, The Black Seeds, Luluc whose debut album this year brought forward words as “exquisite”, and You Am I.
Thredbo blues returning
The 15th Thredbo Blues Festival to be held in Thredbo Village from 16th-18th January in the Snowy Mountains. Acts as Foreday Riders, Mal Eastick Band, Chase The Sun, James Southwell Band and the Joe Geia Band are among those playing in in bars, restaurants and outdoors throughout spectacular Thredbo Village. It is organised by community organisation Tourism Thredbo which is part of the Thredbo Chamber of Commerce. See www.thredboblues.net.au.
Blue King Brown, Hibiscus Stage, added to Sunset Sounds
Sunset Sounds have a new third stage called the Hibiscus Stage. Blue King Brown head the list of eight new acts. The others are banjo-toting Skipping Girl Vinegar; TinPan Orange; dramatic folkist Kat Frankie; a 7 piece mash up of traditional Eastern European, Latin, rockabilly and tango sounds from The Barons of Tang; the Boat People; The Gin Club; Violent Soho and The Rocketsmiths.
Ali Campbell joins Raggamuffin, Marley drops out
Former UB40 singer Ali Campbell will return to Australia in early 2009 to join the Raggamuffin reggae festival. He and UB40 headlined the inaugural festival earlier this year, which marked the band’s final shows together. Since then Campbell has been touring with his own 9-piece band called the Dep band promoting ‘Running Free’.
Promoter Andrew McManus Presents announces that Stephen Marley has had to withdraw from the tour due to a knee injury. Marley’s European tour is also cancelled, as he is under doctor’s orders to rest his knee whilst awaiting surgery. It is hoped Marley will join the 2010 Raggamuffin line-up.
More international names for CMC Rocks The Snow
CMC, Rob Potts Entertainment Edge and Chugg Entertainment announced that Joe Nichols, Deana Carter, Old Crow Medicine Band, Jonah’s Road, Mike Carr and new 18-year old pop/country sensation Sinead Burgess will play at CMC Rocks The Snowys. It is held on Friday Flat in Thredbo (NSW), over the weekend of Friday 6th March and Saturday 7th March.
All tomorrow’s parties: second round
As on-site accommodation at Mt.Buller being all but sold, All Tomorrow’s Parties announce a new range of options for the aspiring ATP punter seeking off-mountain accommodation; hotels, chalets and camping designed to fit all budgets and needs, from couples to groups and families.
Curators Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds have made a second announcement: LA’s Dead Meadow, ‘70s Sydney band The Reels, Greek legend Psarandonis who is a personal face of Bad Seeds’ violinist and mandocaster player Warren Ellis, singer/songwriter Bill Callaghan aka Smog, The Dirty Three playing their one and only Australian show, country-folkists Small Knives, Perth seven piece The Holy Sea, Sydney’s Hunter Dienna, and the one man act Passenger of Shit who plays terrorcore, hardcore gabba or Screaming Vox and who’s released through Shitwank Records.
Grace Jones for Sydney Festival
Grace Jones is among the performers for January’s Sydney Festival — the first under new director Fergus Linehan who says that the point is to show that dance music is not “just for the young or the inebriated.” Over 200,000 will do the largest choreographed event.
Brisbane to host Comedy Festival
The inaugural Brisbane Comedy Festival takes over Brisbane Powerhouse Friday 6 – Sunday 29 March, curated by 21-year old comedian Josh Thomas. Performing are Tim Minchin and Danny Bhoy, with more to be announced over the next weeks.
Soundscape for Hobart
Behind Crimson Eyes, The Getaway Plan and Mammal have been added to the Soundscape bill. Joining Pnau, Cut Copy, British India, Muph and Plutonic, Bomba, Phrase and D' Opus and Roshambo. Local acts Let The Cat Out and The Frets will also perform. The all-ages event is held at the Hobart Regatta Grounds on January 17. See www.thesoundscapefestival.
Brisbane Fest, Riverfest, merge
The Brisbane Festival and River Festival will be merged next year The new event will be called Brisbane Festival, and it will be held annually between Sat Sept 12 to Sat Oct 3. It will include features of the two festivals like the Riverfire fireworks, the Spiegeltent, the Across Brisbane community program, RiverBBQ, theatre fringe festival, indigenous events and the Brisbane Backyards series.
Its $5.29 million funding will come from the State Government and Brisbane City Council.
A word from East Coast bluesfest director Peter Noble…
“In case some of you haven’t noticed – here at Bluesfest we’re very excited to be turning 20 in Easter 2009, and celebrating our 20th Anniversary Birthday Bash with one of our best lineups to date!
“Before we announce the amazing international and local talent in store for Easter 2009, I’ve been asked to put together a summary of what this milestone means to me and our team at the Bluesfest office. The first thing to say is, wow, I honestly never thought we’d turn 20! We’ve achieved some great milestones during this incredible journey, and it’s been a wonderful experience that always provides new insights, learnings and a deeper faith that music really is the language of the spirit – it knows no boundaries, and it does not discriminate.
“Bluesfest really has been a trailblazer for blues and roots music in this country. We’ve inspired similar festivals in Australia and, importantly, we’ve always sought to broaden our pallet while retaining the musical integrity that first ignited us.
“The event began of course with a particularly purist blues heart, a core which we hold dear to this day in every lineup we present. It was probably in 1996 when Ben Harper first broke in Australia and played in Byron Bay, that we saw an opportunity to present this new remarkable music that appealed to a younger audience, but which still retained the flavour and spirit of the roots, reggae and soul music I’ve loved all my life. Michael Franti and Spearhead also embodied this broadened appeal. And then we opened our arms to the planet’s best indigenous and roots music from Africa, Cuba, the Caribbean and beyond – making our event more exciting still. I’m also very proud that a number of exceptional artists - people like Kasey Chambers, Jack Johnson and John Butler have been discovered by wider Australian audiences through Bluesfest. And that a number of international luminaries, such as Ben Harper, Buddy Guy, Taj Mahal and Lee Ritenour consider Bluesfest to be among the top two or three festivals in the world.
“This has prompted me to think why is this the case? People here in our community of Byron Bay often say the same thing about Bluesfest being the top event in the country, to which I often respond, why? I believe the answer has something to do with the creative musical integrity of the event. Sure, music taste is subjective – but the reality is this. You’re probably not ever going to play at Bluesfest if you’re not either:
a) Able to play your instrument at the highest level
b) Saying something truly important in your music and words
c) Or a fantastic singer-songwriter of the highest caliber
“It’s probably as simple as that. Bluesfest is at heart a family event. We strive to be inclusive of everyone while remaining an event that holds no more than 18,000 people per day (much less than most of Australia’s big festivals). That’s why we celebrate a diversity of cultures, ethnicity, musical spirit, blues, roots, soul, world, reggae, jazz, Latin, fusion, funk, swing, gospel, African, hip-hop, vi ntage R&B, swamp rock, folk, alt-country and so on. This is the lifeblood of Bluesfest, and everything we stand for.
“The great thing is being recognised for all this. I won’t go into detail on every award we’ve won – but in summary: we’ve been twice recognised as an international winner in The Greener Festival awards for our long term commitment to environmental and sustainability practices. We’ve also had the honour of twice being nominated as Best International Music Festival by US concert bible “Pollstar” in 2005 and 2006 alongside world renowned events such as Britain’s Glastonbury and Switzerland’s Montreux Jazz Festival. And closer to home, Bluesfest has twice won the prestigious Helpmann Award for Best Contemporary Music Festival in Australia.
“And while, then, we might naturally think that good things come in twos, I’m pleased to say that the Rhythms Magazine readers poll has consistently awarded us ‘Australia's Best Music Festival' every year between 1994 and 2008, the exception being 1997, when we came second.
“Awards of course make good rewards. But the greater reward is knowing that people have the time of their lives here as we’ve become a safe harbor for what is, in our opinion, the world’s finest music.
“So, what’s new in 2009? For starters, our first artist announcements coming soon will feature a top array of amazing local and international talent – standby for that. I’m also proud to say I now own the event outright, which is an exciting prospect for me and the team going forward.
“We’ve also been awarded a grant from Events NSW which is going straight into creating a dedicated Indigenous showcase stage featuring the very best of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander artists. I’ve long supported Indigenous Australian arts, music and land rights, so I am extremely proud to see this wonderful fruition of all our efforts to date – especially in the very year of ‘the nation’s official apology’ to our Indigenous peoples.
“Thanks for reading folks, that’s it for the director’s rave this year. Until Easter, stay well, happy and safe, and we look forward to welcoming you for our massive 20th Anniversary birthday party over Easter 2009.”
Peter Noble
Bluesfest Festival Director
Opportunity Knocks
Fretfest expands to Queensland bush
Brisbane's acoustic music talent-search Fretfest is branching out into regional Qld. Fretfest director Alan Buchan says: "I am hopeful that we can take the best of our new talent out on tour across SE Queensland. We're looking for venues to get behind us now." The venue needs to have a raised platform or stage area. Fretfest also will be featured at Woodford Folk Fest Dec 27 to Jan 1. For bookings contact Fretfest on (07) 3168 1606 during office hours or call 0438 386 237 or email alan@fretfest.com. New website www.fretfest.com,
Tassie comp for budding jazzers
The Clarence City Council's Young Jazz Players Competition — which turns five in 2009 — is open to musicians under 21. It provides performance and workshop opportunities. Entries are open for the 2009 Young Jazz Players Competition, the final of which will be held as part of the Clarence Jazz Festival on February 20. First prize is $1000, the encouragement award is $500, and an Audience Choice Award is offered for the first time. Entries close on November 14. Information and entry forms are available from www. ccc.tas.gov.au or by phoning 62458651.
Calling country music acts
Tamworth Country Music Festival's fourth Coca-Cola Battle of the Bands competition is calling all bands, trios and duos to enter. Winner receives a cash prize in addition to "bragging rights" with cash prizes also for second and third places. Heats are being held Monday 19th to Friday 23rd January, daily at 3pm, with the Final Playoff starting at 3pm on Saturday 24th January at Coca-Cola Park (Hands of Fame Park). Acts must play for 30 minutes each. More info from Rural Press Events on 02 6762 2399 or email rpeprojects@ruralpress.com.
Schonberger Management holding auditions
Ipswich, Qld-based music management company, Michelle Schonberger, is holding auditions on Nov 29 to find acts to represent. The auditions will be filmed for a documentary. See www.michelleschonberger.webs.com or www.myspace.com/mschonberger.
Unley, SA, wants young musicians
The Unley Council is looking for musicians aged 12 to 25 who live or work in Unley. It wants them to perform during its Summer Music Program in local shopping areas, cafes, markets, Christmas events and the Unley Swimming Centre. Last summer there were 80 such gigs. You do get paid, register at www.unley.sa.gov.au by Nov 21.
Skills and Thrills
"Building Business in the Creative Economy"
The Young Entrepreneurs Success program has been designed to provide a no-nonsense guide to business growth and marketing for the creative industry sector. Participants will receive a greater understanding of the necessity of multiple income streams and with practical survival tactics for creative business. Additionally, five entrepreneurs that participate in the program will have the opportunity to receive their own business mentor.
It's held at the NSW Department of State and Regional Development, Level 47, MLC Centre. 19 Martin Place Sydney. They're held Friday 28 & Saturday 29 November between 9.30am to 4.00pm Participants can register at www.yes.creativeeconomy.com.au or get more info from Creative Economy 1300 665 086.
Austrade masterclass: The State of A&R in the US
Austrade's latest in its series of interactive masterclasses looks at the state of A&R in the United States. It looks at what a record deal means these days, who's doing deals and which ones, how to be on the radar of the key decision makers, a look at 360 degree deals, what labels look for and whether artists need labels any more.
Speakers include Warner Bros Records' Lisa Nupoff, is an A&R rep working with such artists as Muse and Arctic Monkeys; Myspace Records' Tobin Watkinson; Deborah Klein a senior artist manager with the Los Angeles-based powerhouse management company The Firm; and entertainment attorney Todd Cooper of Greenberg Traurig. It's on Wed 26 November (cost $50) at Austrade offices in Adelaide, Brisbane, Canberra, Darwin, Hobart, Melbourne Perth and Sydney. See www.australianmusicoffice.com to register and find out exact times.
Renee Geyer workshop: how to move, not impress, a crowd
Renee Geyer holds a two-hour Master Class on Song Delivery on Wed 3rd December at the Black Box in the Arts Centre from 7.30 pm. Geyer says "There is a lack of this kind of a class where one teaches the 'moving of an audience' rather than wowing them with high notes and ridiculously complicated riffs" (a la La Carey and Aguilera). From Ticketmaster 1300 136 166 and www.ticketmaster.com.au
Peter Combe at APRA SA session
Songwriter and entertainer Peter Combe speaks at APRA SA's songwriting session. Combe wrote such kiddies klassiks as "Spaghetti Bolognaise", "Newspaper Mama", "Wash Your Face In Orange Juice" and "Juicy Juicy Green Grass". It's on Wed 12th Nov at the The Jade Monke (29A Twin Street Adelaide) 6.30pm - 8.30pm. It's free to members, RSVP To Matt Swayne on (08) 8239 2222 or email mswayne@apra.com.au.
Venue Vibes
New WA stadium scrapped?
The new WA state government is reviewing all its major projects — and one of them are the plans to build a new sporting and concert stadium in Subiaco. Premier Colin Barnett is leaning towards upgrading the existing Subiaco stadium slowly to 55,000-capacity and then to 60,000. This means he has rejected the findings of the
stadium task force under chairman John Langoulant that it would be more feasible to build a new stadium ... and that if the current economic climate is making the government have a rethink, it should just defer the new stadium for five years. The task force cost taxpayers $1.2 million and studied the issue for two years.
Wham! Bam! QPAC begins renovations
The Queensland Performing Arts Centre will be closed for four months while it undergoes $34 million worth of renovations. Affected are the two main theatres while the foyer undergoes a colour change to chocolate and caramel. But the Playhouse and Cremorne Theatres will stay open during this period.
New Grooves and Initiatives
Calvert Music Centre opens in Fremantle school
The Calvert Music Centre has just opened an outlet at South Fremantle Senior High School. It offers a 150-capacity music auditorium and studio hire out of school hours at affordable rates for outside musicians. There are four teaching studios and a percussion studio for tuition and practice, a seminar room for meetings and workshops and recording facilities. See www.calvertmc.com.
Event measurement agency Bravo launches
A new research agency called Bravo is launching to measure customer experience at events and promotions. It uses a tool called Onsite Insights which interviews customers at sponsored events, and feeds that data immediately into PDA technology.
Adelaide radio school unveils talent bank
The Australian Radio School, based in Adelaide, now has a new website www.australianradioschool.com The new site now contains an online talent bank of fresh new talent for radio and fresh new voices for commercials etc.
Mushroom upgrades its website
Mushroom Music has launched a new more user-friendly website. It breaks down each department (local, international, licensing) for a better idea of their achievements. When a songwriter releases a new album, their individual page will have a signature tune to stream.
