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09 Oct 2006 :
KYLIE'S HOMECOMING IS JUST ONE MONTH AWAY!
It's now just one month until Kylie's Showgirl Homecoming: Greatest Hits Tour opens in Sydney on Saturday 11th November 2006. Plans for the most anticipated concert event of the year are well underway with rehearsals for the tour started back in August.
The original idea was for Kylie to complete the postponed Showgirl (Greatest Hits) Tour by bringing the show back to Australia this summer. Instead, Kylie has pulled out all the stops and used the 2005 concert as the basis for a completely revamped show entitled Showgirl Homecoming.
Although remaining true to the original greatest hits theme, there'll be new songs in the setlist, new costumes, new choreography, new staging, new lighting... the list is endless!
Kylie has been reworking, rehearsing and overseeing each element of the new show to ensure this tour will be of spectacular proportions. The Showgirl Homecoming: Greatest Hits Tour will capture Kylie's excitement and desire for her, and her audience, to have a truly unique concert experience.
'Every tour has its own feeling and its own atmosphere. Each tour is a moment in time. Showgirl Homecoming will be about the people and the emotions on the night - it's that element which will be the most unpredictable and the most beautiful.' - Kylie Minogue
The revamped production will feature:
? Kylie has engaged not one, but three of the most innovative choreographers in the world. Kylie has brought together Michael Rooney, Rafael Bonachela and Akram Khan, three diverse and internationally renowned choreographers from the worlds of contemporary dance, Kathak and pop music. Michael Rooney is the leading American choreographer responsible for Fatboy Slim's famous dance videos, as well as the classic choreography for Kylie's Can't Get You Out Of My Head (recently voted best pop video ever in Smash Hits UK TV poll). Contemporary choreographer Rafael Bonachela, who has a longstanding association with Kylie, and notably worked on her 2002 Fever tour, has also come on board. Equally impressive is her engagement of the sought-after British-Bangladeshi Akram Khan, for a special new section of the show.
'The dancer/choreographer Akram Khan, sets out to blur boundaries. Mr. Khan gives a 500-year-old Indian dance tradition a contemporary flair. But if anyone could merge such drastically different elements, it's Mr. Khan, who is one of the few dance-fusion artists to have achieved vocal acclaim. The 30-year-old British-Bangladeshi artist was singled out as 'the greatest new hope in the dance world' by the Observer and has been hailed by critics as one of the most exciting fusion choreographers in the world.' The Asian Wall Street Journal, 11 June 2004
The world's leading designers are working on new, show-stopping costumes, including:
- Karl Lagerfeld for Chanel Couture
- John Galliano whose previous work includes Kylie's trademark Showgirl corset and feathers
- Dolce & Gabbana building on the celebrated collaboration that resulted in 2002's Fever tour
- London avant garde fashion maverick Gareth Pugh; the enfant terrible of the London fashion scene
- Perth born young designer Richard Niccoll
- Matthew Williamson for Emilio Pucci. This will be the first time that Pucci have lent their iconic and precious prints to be used on such a scale, which will help create Kylie's breathtaking finale
? The famed Lido of Paris are loaning Kylie's thirteen dancers spectacular headdresses and classic feather costumes, never before seen outside the Lido in France!
? Kylie is travelling with a video department who are responsible for a visual extravaganza comprising four separate video displays and an unprecedented $10 million of video hardware. Hollywood's Oscar-nominated Cinematographer John Matheson (Gladiator and Phantom of the Opera amongst others) has filmed this never-before-seen footage.
? The $2.5 million stage, which is already in Australia, is being rebuilt to accommodate the new elements in the show.
? Rehearsals will continue in London until the end of October when the entire production, including equipment, wardrobe, performers and crew of over 100 personnel, will be transported to Sydney.
Kylie's highly anticipated Showgirl Homecoming Tour kicks off in Sydney on November 11. Tickets are still available in Sydney, Brisbane, Melbourne and Perth. Don't miss out!
KYLIE SHOWGIRL HOMECOMING: GREATEST HITS TOUR
Tickets still available to buy in Sydney, Brisbane, Melbourne & Perth (click on image for all tour dates).
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03 Oct 2006 :
Superette have decided to do a couple of one-off shows to celebrate 10 years since releasing their debut (and only) album 'Tiger'. Playing alongside old chums Voom and Mestar.
For the music trivia mob, Superette played their very first gig with Voom - a small and sombre, (is that sober?), at Auckland's Pod in the mid ninties. Superette released two EPs 'Rosepig' (1994) and 'Touch Me' (1996) and one album 'Tiger' (1996) on Flying Nun.
Greta Anderson (drums) currently lives in Sydney Australia, David Mulcahy (guitar, vocals) plays in more bands that we can keep track of (Black Snake, Raygunn, Eskimo and solo) and Ben Howe (bass) plays in White Swan and Fang as well as running indie label Arch Hill Recordings.
Voom have recently released their ace new album 'Hello Are You There' and Mestar are about to release their crunchy second longplayer 'Shut the Squizwot Factories Down' (out October 2nd).
Sounds like a good a reason for a party.
Superette, Voom and Mestar
Friday October 27th, San Francisco Bath House, Wellington
Saturday October 28th, Kings Arms, AucklandTicket presales will available from Real Groovy for $25 from Monday October 2nd.
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02 Oct 2006 :
'At heart, perhaps Peyroux herself is still the rather erratic Paris busker she used to be.
But good songs, delivered with sensitivity, intelligence and charm, are what an awful lot of us want.'
- The Independent -
Madeleine Peyroux has become a beacon in the music world. Soulful and enigmatic, Peyroux is often held up against Billie Holiday and Norah Jones; comparisons which are well deserved.
After capturing the attention of the world in 1996 with her first album, Madeleine Peyroux retreated from the spotlight. While continuing to perform, Peyroux was hesitant to do so under her own name until 2004 when she re-emerged with Careless Love, her sophomore release. Selling in excess of one million copies, Peyroux was thrust into the world's spotlight again. But this time she's here to stay.
Following her triumphant maiden voyage to Australia in 2005, Madeleine Peyroux returns in 2007, this time venturing to Perth, Adelaide and Auckland, in addition to return engagements in Melbourne, Sydney and Brisbane.
Peyroux has come a long way from the Paris street corners on which she used to busk. Instead, now she performs in theatres and clubs before enthralled audiences, each enraptured with the show being laid out before them.
Those who have had the pleasure of seeing Madeleine Peyroux live understand the extraordinary talent she holds. On stage Peyroux is beguiling and mysterious as she shares her poetic insight with her audience.
Peyroux returns to Australia in support of her third album, Half The Perfect World (available now through Universal). Containing just four originals, Half The Perfect World is an album of interpretations where Peyroux has convincingly made each song her own. Reaching into the soul of each song, Peyroux possesses it, fusing the emotions of the original with her own definitive style.
From Joni Mitchell's 'River', where she duets with k.d. lang, to her disarmingly sweet rendition of Charlie Chaplin's 'Smile' Peyroux has constructed one of the most satisfying and joyous releases of 2006.
Half The Perfect World has been showered with acclaim from critics and fans alike. The New York Times announced: '...on her new album, ''Half the Perfect World'', you can read whatever emotions you want in her sly, enigmatic interpretation.' Rolling Stone attested to its accessibility: '...you don't have to be a jazzbo or somebody's dad to appreciate its best parts...'
Experiencing Madeleine Peyroux is an opportunity not to be missed. Make sure you seize your chance to be enchanted and amazed when Madeleine Peyroux returns to Australia this January.
TICKETS ON SALE FRIDAY 13 OCTOBER
Tuesday 16 January
Concert Hall, Perth
BOCS Ticketing 08 9484 1133 or www.bocsticketing.com.auThursday 18 January
Norwood Concert Hall, Adelaide
Venuetix 08 8225 8888 or www.venuetix.com.auFriday 19 January
Hamer Hall, Melbourne
Ticketmaster 136 100 or www.ticketmaster.com.auSunday 21 January
State Theatre, Sydney
This concert is part of the Sydney Festival. Tickets on sale November 3 See www.sydneyfestival.org.au for more infoWednesday 24 January
Concert Hall, QPAC, Brisbane
QTIX 136 246 or www.qtix.com.auFriday 26 January
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ASB Theatre, Auckland
Ticketek 09 307 5000 or www.ticketek.co.nz -
27 Sep 2006 :
My Friend the Chocolate Cake is back and ready to roll with new songs and a brand new studio album. The new album 'HOME IMPROVEMENTS' combines a blend of songs and instrumentals, classic Cake chamber pop tunes with airs of a more reflective bent, pondering life, love and loss, imbued with the irrepressible MFTCC charm and wit.
Little could anyone guess that the combo of strings, piano, drums, guitar and mandolin that started back in 1989 as a side project for Helen Mountfort and David Bridie would prove to be so successful, drawing devoted crowds in the UK and NZ, all corners of Australia, with occasional forays to unexpected quarters such as Vietnam. Today MFTCC's line up is a seven piece that also boasts double bass.
The title track of the new album 'HOME IMPROVEMENTS' is the first single to be released, available on Liberation in September 2006. This fetching tune plays on the theme of the champagne lifestyle - getting caught in the trap of a consumerist society, a reality check in a world increasingly dominated by DIY 'fix it' shows that claim to have the perfect solution for your house, your garden and your life. You can't always get what you want, indeed!
My Friend the Chocolate Cake's trademark organic sounds and lush orchestrations create a sense of reflective melancholy. Paired with rollicking tunes featuring madcap gypsy strings, it's a great sense of fun that draws the audience in.
"The lyrics are exemplary, subtle and cutting social commentary interspersed with the politics of personal relationships."CWAS
MY FRIEND THE CHOCOLATE CAKE is appearing at:
Ruby's Lounge, Belgrave, Sun 15th Oct
Spiegeltent, Melbourne, Mon 16th Oct
Theatre Royal, Castlemaine, Sat 18th Nov
East Brunswick Club, Brunswick Sat 25th/Sun 26th Nov
@Newtown, Newtown (Sydney), Fri 1st Dec
Tilley's, Canberra, Sat 2nd DecLet the emotion swirl you away - join the Cake in their newest adventure as they hit the road to trumpet new tunes and old favourites!
MFTCC are:
David Bridie - piano and vocals
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Helen Mountfort - cello
Hope Csutoros - violin
Greg Patten - drums
Andrew Carswell - tin whistle, mandolin
Andrew Richardson - acoustic guitar
Dean Addison - double bass -
27 Sep 2006 :
Mushroom Music NZ Ltd has further strengthened its position as New Zealand's leading publisher of local songwriters, signing two acts that add richness to an already diverse catalogue.
Die! Die! Die! is a three-piece band originally from Dunedin which has solidified its reputation as one of the most exciting live bands to emerge from this part of the world. Die! Die! Die! left New Zealand in March 2005 for an extensive tour of the USA where they recorded their debut album with Steve Albini (Nirvana, Pixies, Shellac) at his studio Electrical Audio in Chicago. The band's desire to work overseas, whilst doing it rough sleeping on couches, has led to New York based management and a gruelling touring schedule. The band is currently touring in the UK to support their first UK single release. Come early November, Die! Die! Die! will return to New York City for CMJ and then will tour New Zealand and Australia from November through January 2007 to support their upcoming EP.
Singer, songwriter, scorewriter, musician and producer, Sean Donnelly [pictured] is a classic New Zealand artist who diversifies beyond writing and releasing albums. The 2005 b-Net Awards saw Sean and his latest album 'Southern Lights' nominated for an unprecedented 6 awards including Best Album, Best Song, Best Male Vocalist and Most Outstanding Musician. Sean was also a finalist for Best Male Artist at the New Zealand Music Awards 2005 and won the award for Best Producer. Don McGlashan, award winning songwriter in his own right, has covered Sean Donnelly's song 'I Will Not Let You Down' which is used over the closing credits in the New Zealand feature film 'Out of the Blue' that opened at the Toronto Film Festival last month. Sean is currently writing for his new album.
Mushroom Music NZ is excited to sign Die! Die! Die! and Sean Donnelly who join an extensive catalogue boasting household names such as Neil Finn, Tim Finn, Salmonella Dub, The Mint Chicks, Scribe, Elemeno P, The Feelers, Anika Moa, Nathan Haines and King Kapisi amongst others.
Mushroom Music Publishing opened the New Zealand office in January 2005 to have a local A&R presence, to increase licensing income for its songwriters and to keep New Zealand residents' money in New Zealand. Jackie Dennis, Managing Director[picture]of the NZ office states, 'after just 20 months we've had incredible results, which confirms the value of a local office for our writers.'
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21 Sep 2006 :
New Zealand's APRA Awards (called Silver Scrolls) were held last night in Auckland.
Songwriters from Mushroom Music's roster took home the following awards:
2005 Most Performed Work in New Zealand - James Reid (The Feelers) for 'Stand Up'. [pictured left]
2005 Most Performed Work Overseas - Neil Finn for 'Don't Dream it's Over". [pictured right]
2005 APRA Maioha Award (presented for the best Maori waiata of the year) - presented to Richard Bennett (Mai Music) for his waiata 'E Hine'. Wai 100% performed a version of the waiata during the evening.
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21 Sep 2006 :
Kate Ceberano keeps getting 'Higher and Higher.' All three Australian Hard Rock Cafe locations will honour iconic performer Kate Ceberano with a milestone achievement award.
The three separate Hard Rock Cafe events in Surfers Paradise, Sydney and Melbourne will support and raise awareness for a cause close to Kate's heart - breast cancer. Guests are encouraged to purchase a limited edition Hard Rock Breast Cancer pin with proceeds benefiting breast cancer charities worldwide.
Kate Ceberano is a born entertainer with a number of titles under her belt including singer, songwriter and actress. This multiple ARIA award winner also boasts an outstanding career achievement of exceeding 1.5 million in Australian album sales.
See Kate as the Hard Rock Cafe honours her on the following dates:
Queensland
6pm Tuesday, 3rd October
Hard Rock Cafe Surfers Paradise
Cnr Cavill Ave. & Surfers Paradise Blvd
Surfers ParadiseSydney
6pm Wednesday, 4th October
Hard Rock Cafe Sydney
121 Crown Street
East SydneyMelbourne
6pm Thursday, 5th October
Hard Rock Cafe Melbourne
1 Bourke Street
MelbourneEntry is Free - all ages welcome
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18 Sep 2006 :
The Coca-Cola LIVE 'N LOCAL Tour 06 has stamped itself as the "must have"concert ticket of the year, as the five big name performers are revealed.
The tour's stellar line-up of Mushroom Music's After The Fall and The Hot Lies as well as Evermore, The Veronicas and End Of Fashion, will take their diverse styles to five capital cities across Australia in a five-hour arena show, kicking off in Perth on October 25 and winding up in Brisbane on November 5.
Now in its third year, Coca-Cola LIVE 'N LOCAL Tour 06 continues to take the best in local artists directly to Australian music fans.
Tickets for the Coca-Cola LIVE 'N LOCAL Tour 06 will be available to redeem online at www.coca-cola.com.au from 6.00pm EST (5.30pm SA, 4.00pm WA) Thursday September 28.
Collect specially marked tour labels from PET bottles of Coca-Cola, Coca-Cola Zero, diet Coke, Sprite, Sprite Zero and Fanta. The labels carry a unique code for points to be redeemed exclusively at www.coca-cola.com.au for tickets. Simply register online, begin collecting points, use your points to claim tickets, then take your confirmation email to your local Ticketek outlet and exchange it for your Coca-Cola LIVE 'N LOCAL Tour 06 ticket/s. Tickets are available as singles or doubles - maximum ten per person. Tickets are GA Floor or GA Seated on a first in best-dressed basis. Your ticket claim only becomes valid once exchanged at Ticketek for a ticket, so fans need to get in quick - the tour sold out in record time in 2005!
After The Fall is one of the most unashamedly "rock"acts you will come across, as much influenced by AC/DC, The Angels and Midnight Oil as their modern day punk rock contemporaries. With their second album "Always Forever Now"released earlier this year and entrenched in the ARIA top 40 for over 8 weeks, they have continued to shore up support from the likes of JJJ, NOVA, Channel V and MTV, and recently headlined their "Outta Mind"national tour. They can't wait to hit the road again saying, "We are really looking forward to the tour and playing the bigger venues. ATF really loves playing All Age shows so that's a bonus too. We've been locked in the studio writing for our new album so we will be trying out some of the new tracks on the Coca-Cola LIVE "N LOCAL Tour as well, which will be great "
Adelaide 5-piece The Hot Lies are one of this country's hottest emerging young acts, demanding attention as they won Yahoo's "Who's Next"competition back in May. Tipped as breakout band of '06 by Rolling Stone, they've quickly added all the right elements to their rock'n'roll CV - Homebake, Pushover, Big Day Out and Come Together performances, supports for Silverchair, Shihad, My Chemical Romance and Millencolin, thousands of myspace streams - and all before they've even released their debut album, slated for early next year. Jared Brown, drummer for The Hot Lies, expressed the band's excitement about being a part of it all ..."We are pumped to be part of the Coca-Cola LIVE "N LOCAL Tour we are sure it will be a blast touring with this great line-up of Aussie bands".
Live music lovers of Australia you have been warned - with a lineup this massive, make sure you get in fast to claim your tickets for the Coca-Cola LIVE 'N LOCAL Tour 06 - before they are all gone!
Don't miss the Coca-Cola LIVE 'N LOCAL Tour 06 juggernaut when it rolls into your town ...
PERTH - WEDNESDAY OCTOBER 25 - BURSWOOD DOME
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ADELAIDE - SATURDAY OCTOBER 28 - ENTERTAINMENT CENTRE
MELBOURNE - THURSDAY NOVEMBER 2 - ROD LAVER ARENA
SYDNEY - SATURDAY NOVEMBER 4 - ACER ARENA
BRISBANE - SUNDAY NOVEMBER 5 - ENTERTAINMENT CENTRE -
14 Sep 2006 :
High profile US indie label Matador Records signs Melbourne art-rockers Love Of Diagrams.
The label has signed two new bands to its ever-expanding roster: Chicago's Ponys and, seemingly out of the blue, Melbourne's Love Of Diagrams. Matador Records has an impeccable indie repertoire, as it was once home to legendary indie rock acts like Interpol, Modest Mouse, Liz Phair, Pavement and currently home to Belle & Sebastian, Cat Power, Mogwai, The New Pornographers and Yo La Tengo.
The mostly instrumental Love Of Diagrams have announced the release of a self-titled EP on September 18. It's features two tracks from their forthcoming 2007 album as well as outtakes, live tracks and a cover of a Pylon's 'Cool'. The album was recorded with Bob Weston (Archers Of Loaf, Polvo) in Chicago during an overseas trip in late 2005. During the jaunt they played SXSW in Austin, as well as shows in London and New York.
The plan is for Matador to re-released the trio's new self-titled EP as a precursor to the album, which is tentatively slated for March 2007.
News item from www.undercover.com.au
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13 Sep 2006 :
This year's nominations for the 2006 ARIA Awards including the following Mushroom Music songwriters:
Eskimo Joe
Album of the Year - Black Fingernails, Red Wine
Single of the year - Black Fingernails, Red Wine
Best Group - Black Fingernails, Red Wine
Best Rock Album - Black Fingernails, Red Wine
Best Music DVD - Eskimo Joe - The DVD
Dane Lovett & Dave Snow - Black Fingernails, Red Wine
Best Video - Bart Borghesi - Black Fingernails, Red Wine
Engineer of the Year - Matt Lovell - Black Fingernails, Red Wine
Producer of the Year - Eskimo Joe - Black Fingernails, Red WineYouth Group(Ivy League Music)
Highest Selling Single - Forever Young
Breakthrough Artist - Single - Forever Young
Single of the year - Forever Young
Best Video - Andy Cassell - Forever Young
Producer of the Year - Wayne Connolly - Casino Twilight DogsLior
Best Blues and Roots Album - Doorways Of My Mind
Best Independent Release - Doorways Of My Mind (Senso Unico)The Audreys (ABC Music)
Best Blues and Roots Album - Between Last Night and UsClare Bowditch
Best Female Artist - What Was LeftNick Cave
Best Original Soundtrack/Cast/Show Album - Nick Cave and Warren Ellis - The PropositionDirty South (Vicious Music)
Best Dance Release - Dirty South EPThe Fairies (ABC Music)
Best Children's Album - Fairy MagicNeil & Tim Finn(Songwriters)
Various Artists - She Will Have Her Way: The Songs of Tim & Neil FinnGyroscope
Breakthrough Artist - Single - Fast GirlThe Hooley Dooleys (ABC Music)
Best Children's Album - SmileDan Kelly - Pirate Radio
Best Male ArtistMagic Dirt
Producer of the Year - Lindsay Gravina & Magic Dirt - Snow WhiteKylie Minogue
Best Music DVD - Showgirl - The Greatest Hits TourTex Perkins
Best Adult Contemporary Artist - Tex, Don & Charlie - All Is ForgivenJosh Pyke
Best Pop Release - Feeding The WolvesThe Vines(Ivy League Music)
Engineer of the Year - Wayne Connolly - Vision ValleyWeapon X And Ken Hell
Best Urban Release - Sneakerpimpin' Ain't EasyYou Am I
Best Rock Album - ConvictsThe Awards will be held Sunday, October 29, 2006 at the Acer Arena, Sydney Olympic Park (formerly Sydney SuperDome) and Broadcast on Network Ten at 7.30pm.
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11 Sep 2006 :
An all too exciting rumor we heard recently is that The White Stripes will be featuring on The Simpsons, helping Bart and Millhouse create a band! Keep your eyes out for Australian screening dates.
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11 Sep 2006 :
New ABC Music Publishing songwriters Merenia Gillies and Gianni Michelini, (Gian), had the opportunity to work with one time Prince
alumni Paul Peterson (aka St Paul) who was recently in Sydney while on tour.Paul Peterson - who has written, produced and performed with/for The Corrs, Paula Abdul, George Benson, Al Jarreau, Oleta Adams, Gavin DeGraw, Jesse McCartney and many, many more - has over 15 million sales as a writer and has had his work nominated for a Grammy Award.
The writers were enthusiastic about both songwriting sessions and created some great songs, which are currently being finished off.
Merenia, (who has recently been touring with both Paul Mac and DJ Stephen Allkins as part of his Love Tattoo tour), attended this year's Mushroom Music Writer's Workshop in New Zealand. Merenia's music appears on Allkins, 'Love Tattoo' CD as well as various Casa del Discos Record releases including Omegaman's 'I'm Alright' and the 'Mi Casa, Tu Casa' compilation. The latin-american inspired urban diva is currently preparing her first solo album.
Gian was last year's stand-out multi-award winner at the 1233 Music Awards including Artist of the Year. His flamenco and classical guitar background fuses with his love of funk and soul to deliver music that has already made an impact on iTunes Us where his instrumental, 'Aire' was a top-selling track. Gian's album is planned for release early next year.
ABC Music Publishing's roster includes The Audreys, Andy Clockwise, Rephrase and Omegaman.
Pictured is Gianni Michelini and American songwriter/musician/producer Paul Peterson, in Sydney
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01 Sep 2006 :
Michael Gudinski AM, Chairman Of The Mushroom Group of Companies was last night awarded the Southern Region Champion of Entrepreneurship 2006 at the Southern Region Entrepreneur Of The Year 06 awards night in Melbourne.
The judges of the Southern Region Entrepreneur Of The Year awards are eminent business leaders in their own right and are: Peter Kahan, Finance Director, The Gandel Group of Companies; John Marriott, Head of Business Acquisition Group Victoria, Westpac Banking Corporation; Polly Mazaris, Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director, Baxter Group Ltd; Tim Norton, Non-Executive Director, IWL Ltd; Alison Watkins, Executive Chairman, Mrs Crocket's Kitchen; and Maureen Wheeler, Co-Founder and Director, Lonely Planet Publications.
Commenting on the recognition awards Ernst & Young Managing Partner Mary Waldron said:
'Michael Gudinski has put Australian music on the world map. His focus, drive and discipline have built a diversified music empire, practically from nothing, which in turn has helped build the careers of many aspiring and established artists. Michael's receipt of the Champion Of Entrepreneurship award in recognition of his long-term record of outstanding entrepreneurial achievement is truly deserved.'
Michael Gudinski said: 'I'm proud to receive this award as I believe it also acknowledges the hard work of the team around me and the talents of the many great artists I've worked with from the start of their careers.'
This latest award follows on from Michael's Member of the Order of Australia medal for service to the entertainment industry earlier this year, his listing in The Bulletin's '100 Most Influential Australians' issue and International music industry magazine Billboard's recognition of his touring company, The Frontier Touring Company, as Australia's #1 concert promoter.
In upcoming months Michael Gudinski's The Frontier Touring Company will bring some of the world's top acts to Australia; including the Foo Fighters, Billy Joel, Rockstar? Taste Of Chaos 06, and Kylie Minogue - to name just a few. The enormous arena tour The Countdown Spectacular kicked off in Newcastle on Wednesday night and tours Sydney, Melbourne, Adelaide, Perth and Brisbane over the next two weeks.
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29 Aug 2006 :
Urge Overkill, 1994 Big Day Out tourists, Pulp Fiction soundtrack icons, matching suit and medallion wearers, and owners of some of the finest pop-rock songs to emerge from the early nineties breakthrough of alternative as mainstream crossover artists (ie: Nirvana, Smashing Pumpkins, Beastie Boys et al), return this Spring at the invite of the annual Canberra Stonefest and for a series of East Coast club shows.
Original members (and songwriters) Nash Kato and Eddie "The King"Roeser are to be joined by a new rhythm section of drummer Bonn E and bassist Michael Hodgkiss as they blast their way through the hits from chart albums Saturation and Exit the Dragon - as well as a selection of both older and all new material - prior to the recording of a new album this summer.
In the age of flannel and fuzz, Urge Overkill championed shiny pop licks, slick white soul and hipster hedonism - like a Gen-X Cheap Trick. Indie label Touch and Go put out the early Urge Overkill releases including the eclectic Supersonic Storybook (1991) and their Stull EP featuring Neil Diamond's Girl, You'll Be A Woman Soon.
Soon after the band were picked up by major label Geffen, where they recorded the chart album Saturation featuring the hits Positive Bleeding and Sister Havana. Writer/director Quentin Tarantino then chose UO's version of Girl, You'll Be A Woman Soon as the musical muse in a key scene of his 1994 now-classic flick Pulp Fiction. Tarantino paired Urge Overkill's passionate Neil Diamond cover with Uma Thurman as Mia Wallace singing, dancing and ODing to the tune. If there was anyone who didn't know them by now, this key scene sealed the deal, boosting Saturation's record sales and bringing more fans to UO's live shows.
Exit the Dragon followed in 1997 but with the spoils of fame and fortune come the infections of indulgence, ego and insecurity. And with drug abuse and infighting beginning to tear at the band, our beloved UO imploded, cancelling tours and disappearing into semi-obscurity. Frontmen Nash and the King severed their ties and original drummer Blackie O sadly slipped into self-destruction. Like many musicians of the nineties who started with an independent DIY ethic, they suffered from trying to stay true to their roots while being bought and sold by the music industry.
Flash forward to 2004: Nash and Ed begin to rebuild their personal and working relationships, realising that behind the flash and front of Urge Overkill's past image there are a bunch of really incredibly songs.
And now, in 2006, the main men from Urge Overkill - Nash Kato and Ed 'the King' - are writing, touring (together as an acoustic duo and with a full band) and will soon be recording. A Touch and Go retrospective from their early releases is in the works and the band hopes to produce a DVD of their amazing acoustic live set, which strips their songs down to showcase their fine voices, guitar playing and melodies. Warming up with a few US dates, UO then head back to Australia with their new backup band.
What is this generation coming to? We think they'll join the band's loyal following and experience the passion and prowess of this iconic American rock band.
Tickets for all shows are on sale Monday 11th September.
[Click on image to view Australian tour dates]
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21 Aug 2006 :
Australian duo Black Cab is singer and producer Andrew Coates and guitarist James Lee. Black Cab's sound is a heady brew of raw guitars, early '70's style drums, plus electronic and industrial audio treatments inspired by late '60's and early '70's. Their 2004 debut album, Altamont Diary was released to great critical acclaim in Australia, UK and Europe, earning glowing reviews in Uncut, US Rolling Stone, Q Magazine, The Times, The Age and many others. Their second album, Jesus East, will be released in Australia in August 2006 and moves the bands' sound forward via pulsing '70's sounding Germanic drum grooves, multi-layered guitar loops and subtle eastern sounds.
Black Cab are scheduled to play live here in Australia over the next few months before touring Germany, Switzerland and Austria in February.
Some words on Black Cab's previous album Altamont Diary
8/10 "Black Cab delve into the black heart of rock'n'roll nihilism with beats, tripped-out psychedelia, electronica and samples from the event."- Guitar Magazine UK, Dec 05
"All swirling echo, raw as sushi chord slashing from guitarist James Lee, portentous big beats, and enough ideas to fill at least the last five Rolling Stones albums."- Rocksound UK, Dec 05
"Seethes with a simmering undertow of violence. Just stay off the brown acid"- The Observer UK, Nov 05
"A superb blend of electronica & rock...dramatic without being pretentious, intelligent but not humorless"- Sun. Age Sept 04
Jesus East is out August 26th.
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© Mushroom Music Publishing 2010.
A Member of the Mushroom Group Of Companies - Australia's Largest Independent Entertainment Group
A Member of the Mushroom Group Of Companies - Australia's Largest Independent Entertainment Group