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28 Jun 2006 :
ARIA has announced that Daddy Cool will be inducted in this year's ARIA Hall Of Fame on Wednesday August 16th at Melbourne's Regent Theatre.
"Eagle Rock"rewrote the books for Australian pop music when it stayed at Number 1 nationally for 8 weeks and Number 1 in Melbourne for a record- breaking 17 weeks. The debut album "Daddy Who? Daddy Cool"became the very first Australian album to sell 100,000 copies. The album toured America a number of times.
The Hall of Fame event will be telecast on VH1 on Sunday, August 20th at 8.30pm.
[Pictured is Michael Gudinski and Daddy Cool's Ross Wilson]
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23 Jun 2006 :
Mushroom Music Publishing's MD Ian James [pictured left] and Mushroom Marketing's MD Carl Gardiner [pictured right] have been invited to speak at the 'Advertising Marketing and Media Summit' to be held on the 27th and 28th of July 2006 at the Langham Hotel in Melbourne.
This summit is primarily for the advertising, marketing and media industries along with those serving these industries. This summit will look at where Australia's communication landscape currently sits and where the three sectors are looking to be at in 2020.
Ian and Carl will be speaking about the effective use of music with advertising - what music can bring to a brand, how music can help sell products, and providing some case studies on effective marketing via links to music.
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20 Jun 2006 :
Exciting buzz around the office is that Eskimo Joe's latest album Black Fingernails, Red Wine debuted at #1 on the ARIA Chart.
The album delivers reward after two years anticipation since their last release A Song is a City, and is proof that Eskimo Joe are one of Australia's biggest contemporary pop-rock outfits. It seems such a rarity for a band to still be at their peak after an eight year career and three albums. This achievement now lies amongst other career highlights which include multiple ARIA awards for A Song is a City and double platinum sales. And to think that's not enough, the lead single Black Fingernails Red Wine is still in the top 10.
The band is due to start a national album tour next month with tickets going on sale this Thursday 22 June [click on photo for all tour dates]. Black Fingernails, Red Wine is available now through Warners.
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16 Jun 2006 :
Mushroom Music proudly announces the signing of Devastations. Having previously worked with Tom Carlyon since the acquisition of Festival Publishing, the new agreement extends to the band's remaining members/writers; Conrad Standish and Hugo Cran. This follows from Devastations' recent signing to Beggars Banquet worldwide and news of their relocation to Europe.
Devastations' sound shines on their two highly respected and critically acclaimed longplayers; 2003's eponymous debut The Devastations and last year's brilliant sophomore effort Coal - which was shortlisted for the inaugural AMP Prize. Loaded with sad, beautiful and violent ballads, the beautifully arranged Coal features contributions from New Zealand songbird Bic Runga, and violinist Padma Newsome (Clogs). The band is familiar with collaborations, having previously worked with Alexander Hacke (Einsturzende Neubauten) on a score for German film Sehn Sucht, as well as providing backing tracks on German electro-cabaret act Cobra Killers third album 76/77.
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14 Jun 2006 :
The Mushroom Group of Companies would like to share the news with all and sundry that our fearless leader, Michael Gudinski, has earned the privilege of adding AM to the end of his name.
No, no - not for being an earlier riser (anyone who knows Michael Gudinski will agree that he's more of a PM kind of guy)!
This years' Queen's Birthday list saw Michael awarded the Member of the Order of Australia medal.
In the Australian honours system appointments to the Order of Australia confer recognition for outstanding achievement and service.
The Member of the Order of Australia is awarded for service in a particular locality or field of activity or to a particular group.
Michael was awarded for service to the entertainment industry through the promotion of Australian music recording artists, as an advocate for young people in the music industry, and to the community.
Michael is thrilled with the award and in true Michael Gudinski fashion celebrated the event backstage at a Split Enz reunion concert (with a very nice bottle of red wine).
For a full list of the Mushroom Group of Companies go to: www.mushroomgroup.com.au
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13 Jun 2006 :
Following a massive UK tour with the uber-hot Editors & rave reviews in the UK press, Howling Bells make a triumphant return to Australia to celebrate the release of their acclaimed self-titled debut album; released locally on July 1. NME called the Ken Nelson (Coldplay, Gomez) produced album "extraordinary"and duly rated it a rare 9/10, Drowned in Sound boasts "Yeah Yeah Yeahs have nothing on this grace", whilst Mojo, The Guardian and The Metro have all given the record four stars and similarly lavish praise.
The band will play a handful of select Australian dates to support the release, before heading back to the UK for the summer festival circuit, including slots on the monstrous Reading and Leeds Festival bills. Based upon the spectacular reviews coming out of the UK, this is certainly one show not too be missed.
'They're on the verge of unequivocal magnificence' THE GUARDIAN (UK) ****
'By turns, beguiling and enthralling, this is an extraordinary album' NME 9/10
'Classy, self titled debut that comes across as a more wistful version of early Yeah Yeah Yeahs. Gorgeous.'
THE METRO (UK) ****
'their blues-noir desolation is allied to a firm grip of melody' MOJO ****
HOWLING BELLS TOUR DATES
Thurs 29th June - Northern Star, Newcastle www.bigtix.com.au
Fri 30th June - The Rev, Brisbane
Thurs 6th July - Annandale, Sydney Venue - 9550 1078 www.annandalehotel.com
Fri 7th July - ANU, Canberra Ticketek 13 28 49 www.ticketek.com.au ANU Union - 6125 2446
Sat 8th July - East Brunswick Club, Melbourne Venue Box Office - (03) 9388 9794 www.eastbrunswickclub.com
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12 Jun 2006 :
Mushroom Music are pleased to announce their latest signing, futuristic pop chanteuse Tania Bowers, better known on stage as Via Tania.
From her beginnings in Sydney all-girl indie outfit Spdfgh and since adopting the Via Tania moniker, Bowers has proven herself as a highly versatile and adventurous songwriter. While difficult to label stylistically, Bowers' work is deeply textured ranging from electro-country to dark glitchy cabaret pop and beyond. Her catalogue includes her phenomenal debut long-player 'Under a Different Sky', a star studded affair which featured guest work from the likes of Prefuse-73, Giant Sand's Howe Gelb and various members of Tortoise, alongside several EPs. Via Tania is released locally by Trifekta, in the US via Chocolate Industries and in Japan via P-Vine.
Permanently based in Chicago, Bowers is in close proximity of her frequent collaborators. Bowers is currently finalising the work on her sophomore album, a release which is bound to sink deep into the soul and position Via Tania as one of our finest independent exports.
'Sings with an extraordinarily breezy, half-lidded and dreamy timbre... Via Tania will be a major contender.' Julianne Shepherd www.pitchformedia.com http://www.pitchformedia.com/
'Alternately layered and stark, with Tania sounding like a sweeter, tech-savvy Chan Marshall.' Richard M. Juzwiak, CMJ New Music Monthly (US)
"Via Tania is a revelation."Junkmedia Magazine (US)
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31 May 2006 :
In the midst of on-going success and rigorous touring, critically acclaimed Melbourne songstress Clare Bowditch signs with Mushroom Music.
Still riding the amazing response of last year's album 'What Was Left' and its subsequent national radio hits; 'Divorcee at 23' and 'On This Side', it's a wonder how she ever found the time. Bowditch recently embarked on a solo tour of Europe leaving The Feeding Set behind, her band comprised of Marty Brown (Art of Fighting) and J Walker (Machine Translations) amongst others, before heading home on a high note to receive personal invitations to support singer-songwriter heavyweight James Blunt and to play the coveted Splendour in the Grass festival. All this seems hardly a surprise considering Bowditch's amazing talent for crafting hypnotically beautiful and heart stopping pop-folk gems. The songwriter has an unmistakeable natural ability to unravel complex narratives, delivering them in an achingly personal and powerful way in which nothing remains sacred. Such talent has been evident since her 2004 debut album 'Autumn Bone'.
Mushroom are excited to have the opportunity to share such a talent and look forward to watching it flourish.
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22 May 2006 :
Red Hot Chili Peppers 'Stadium Arcadium' is the fastest selling album of 2006 so far in Australia.
'Stadium Arcadium' sold a massive 52,800 units in it's first week, beating Human Nature's 'Reach Out' at number two with sales of 15,090 although with 'Reach Out' already 28 weeks into the chart, Human Nature have the biggest selling album of 2006 so far.
Although the Chili Peppers put in a magnificent first week effort, 'Stadium Arcadium' fell short of Human Nature's Christmas week sales figure of 58,147 and just behind Il Divo's Christmas week figure of 52,842.
'Stadium Arcadium' also topped the year's previous first week best seller, '10,000 Days' by Tool, which sold 39,278 on the May 8th chart.
'Stadium Arcadium' is now number one in 27 countries including Israel, Argentina, Finland, Slovenia, Czech Republic, South Africa and Greece.
The band will start their world tour in Barcelona, Spain on May 30th.
News item from www.undercover.com
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17 May 2006 :
From 1974 to 1987 at 6pm on a Sunday night the streets across Australia were deserted. Mums, Dads, kids, housemates, and sometimes complete strangers congregated in lounge rooms across the nation as everyone prepared for the hour long, almost religious, experience that was the ABC television show Countdown.
Fast forward to 2006 and The Frontier Touring Company is putting together the ultimate celebration of the iconic television show in the form of the much anticipated live concert tour, The Countdown Spectacular.
Promoter Michael Gudinski from The Frontier Touring Company said he was excited to be producing The Countdown Spectacular; 'I've been waiting to create this tour for years. I wanted to get the lineup and timing just right. I think everything has come together perfectly for this year and the positive response I've had from the artists has been overwhelming.'
The ABC's Director of Enterprises, Robyn Watts, said that 2006 - the year of the 50th birthday of television in Australia - was the perfect time to celebrate the landmark success that Countdown was... and bring it back to its countless fans in a live concert environment.
Across Australia this September, The Countdown Spectacular will enable fans to relive the glory years of Countdown as leading acts of the 70s and 80s come together in a three hour extravaganza performing the hits that made them Countdown favourites. Headlined by the specially reformed Sherbet, the tour will also include Hush, John Paul Young, Leo Sayer, James Reyne, Mondo Rock, Jon English, the Chantoozies, Cheetah, Joe Dolce, Choirboys, Jo Jo Zep, Swanee, Renee Geyer and Paul Norton.
Also appearing with a sizzling hot, house band are Alex Smith from Moving Pictures, Shane Howard from Goanna, Scott Carne from Kids In The Kitchen, James Freud & Sean Kelly from the Models, Brian Canham from Pseudo Echo, Dave Sterry from Real Life, Brian Mannix from Uncanny X-Men, Grace Knight and Bernie Lynch from the Eurogliders, Wendy Stapleton from Wendy & The Rocketts, Frankie J Holden & Wilbur Wilde from Ol' 55, Stephen Cummings from The Sports and Billy Miller from The Ferrets.
Of course it wouldn't be Countdown without the host Ian 'Molly' Meldrum, the voice of Gavin Wood and the legendary Countdown dancers. Former Skyhooks member Red Symons will narrate a special tribute segment in the show.
The Countdown experience will also be extended through a range of merchandise releases throughout the year. Australia Wide Licensing (AWL) will be releasing a great range of T-shirts, trivia/DVD games and various memorabilia. The interest in product is already very strong and AWL plan on introducing phased product ranges over the next 12 to 18 months. Other Countdown products include The Wonder Years book (available July), CDs, DVDs, audio and tour-branded merchandise.
Do yourself a favour and snap up your tickets to The Countdown Spectacular when they go on sale on Monday 29 May!
THE COUNTDOWN SPECTACULAR TOUR DATES 2006
Wednesday 30 August
Newcastle Entertainment CentreFriday 01 September
Acer Arena Sydney (formerly the SuperDome)Thursday 07 September
Rod Laver Arena MelbourneSunday 10 September
Adelaide Entertainment CentreWednesday 13 September
Burswood Dome PerthSunday 17 September
Brisbane Entertainment CentreTICKETS ON SALE 9AM MONDAY 29 MAY
ALL SHOWS THROUGH TICKETEK 132 849
OR WWW.TICKETEK.COM.AU
Mushroom Music Publishing's acts in Bold
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16 May 2006 :
In what has become the greatest success story in the history of digital music, Gnarls Barkley's debut CD 'St Elsewhere' has topped the iTunes Pop chart the week before the CD hit the shelves in its physical format.
The musical concoction that is Danger Mouse and Cee-Lo Green is fast becoming one of the finest artistic symbioses of recent times. Single 'Crazy' remains atop the UK singles chart for the sixth consecutive week, and now the album from which it is taken looks set to follow a similar path of success.
Despite the duo's American heritage, their homeland has been slightly behind in partaking in the Gnarls Barkley phenomenon, though this now looks set to change. The single has reached the top ten in the Modern Rock chart, and is now well and truly making a stir across American radio.
News item from www.undercover.com.au
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11 May 2006 :
The first Writer's Bloc song writing sessions to be held in New Zealand have proved a resounding success. Held in the first week of New Zealand's music month May by the stunning panorama of Bethells Beach, the sessions saw 22 well known songwriters from Australia and New Zealand converge to do exactly what they do best - write songs.
Over the course of the week, 32 new songs were written and recorded, spanning genres from rock to hip hop. Writers attended the sessions for two to three days across a one week period. Temporary recording studios were set-up in cottages to help facilitate the writing process. A work experience MAINZ student engineered one studio supplied by Protel and Apple and the other was helmed by award winning engineer Luke Tomes.
The sessions were put together by Mushroom Music New Zealand's Managing Director Jackie Dennis. 'We achieved what we set out to do - to inspire our writers and give them the opportunity to create new working relationships and new opportunities.'
Staying a few nights at this west coast location meant creativity flowed; the writers didn't have to think about everyday concerns. They were turning out more than one song a day which is the minimum hoped for and laptops and microphones were pulled out to catch the spontaneity of the moment when two or more writing duos converged at the end of the day.
Michael Gudinski, head of the Mushroom Group, whole-heartedly believes in the importance of the sessions. 'One of the most important things we can do for our songwriters is to give them the opportunity to express themselves creatively. These sessions do just that. They're brilliant.'
Writer's sentiments similarly reflect the success of the event:
Whilst Robert Scott [The Bats] commented,'I would just have to say that weekend is in my mind all the time, the inspiration was flowing you could feel it in the air. I had such a ball. And the contacts I made were cool. I will be using some of the songs I wrote.'
Adalita from Magic Dirt - 'I had three fantastic writing days with three great talents: Greg Walker, Ashley Anderson and Robert Scott. I was blown away by how relaxed everyone was and how everyone created such a supportive and nurturing environment for us all to be able to sit down and write a song (sometimes 2, 3 or 4 songs!!!) a day. And I am thrilled to say that Greg, Ashley and Robert and myself, have all exchanged contact details and are continuing our work outside of the Bloc'.
Angie Hart: 'I had such a monumental time at the writers bloc. It created a major shift for me, got me out of a rut and moving again. I had no idea how much I needed the experience I received at Bethels.
Paul Barrett: I had such a great time... as a matter of fact I'll be using "Falling Out with You"(which I wrote with Justyn Pilbrow) for my next album. I've also been talking to Luke about his engineering and mixing my album.
The first Mushroom Music Writers Bloc was held in 1994 at Mt Macedon in Victoria, Australia and was also run by Dennis and has been a regular event ever since. With Dennis opening a Mushroom office in Auckland last year, the time was right for New Zealand to host Writers Bloc.
The success of this year's sessions has helped ensure their continued return for years to come.
Writers who attended in alphabetical order:
Ashley Anderson - Katalyst
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Paul Barrett
Rueben Campbell - RuCL
John Chong Nee
Annie Crummer
Jamey Ferguson - Katchafire
Flowz
Renee Geyer
Merenia Gillies
Anthony Gold
Nathan Haines
Angie Hart-Holidays on Ice and ex-Frente
Andy Kelly - Andy Clockwise
Chris Knox
Justyn Pilbrow - Elemeno P
James Reid - The Feelers
Boh Runga - Stellar*
Robert Scott - The Bats
Adalita - Magic Dirt [PICTURED]
Bill Urale - King Kapisi
Tama Waipara
Greg Walker - Machine Translations -
11 May 2006 :
Put simply, the APRA Music Awards are about honouring composers and songwriters. In it's 15th year, APRA is also paying tribute to songwriters representing urban and blues & roots music for the very first time.
Mushroom Music's nominees include:
- Most Performed Blues and Roots Work - Daniel by Lior
- Most Performed Foreign Work - Since U Been Gone - Lukasz Gottwald (Kobalt Music)
- Most Performed Dance Work - I Am Tha 1 - Mr Timothy featuring Inaya Day (Vicious)
- Most Performed Country Work - Rainbows Dreams and Butterflies - Beccy Cole (ABC)
The 2006 APRA Music Awards will be held Monday June 5th at the Four Seasons Hotel, Sydney.
Visit www.apra.com.au for further information.
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11 May 2006 :
Mushroom Music are delighted to announce their latest signing, singer/songwriter Lior.
Lior's debut album, Autumn Flow, was released in late 2004. Being an independent release with no marketing budget, Lior set out to tour the album until people took notice. He played back to back shows throughout late 2004, then in early 2005 Triple J picked up the album opener, This Old Love, and put it on high rotation on the station. The response was amazing. Occasionally, a track comes along that needs no fancy gimmicks or incentives to make itself heard - and This Old Love was one of those. Shortly after, Nova 969 picked the track up and put it on high rotation. No one had asked them to, as Lior's budget still didn't allow for a radio plugger - but the audience continued to phone in, tracking down the album, and sending it up to the top 5 of the AIR charts where it has stayed ever since.
Early in 2005, Lior played to a packed out Basement nightclub in Sydney (still some what shell-shocked!) - then three months later his fans pack out Sydney's Metro Theatre on the home run. Venues around the country follow suit. Another song goes to radio titled Daniel, and Lior's star continues to rise.
Now, his reputation as one of Australia's finest singer songwriters and live performers is cemented. His album has been certified Gold and continues to sell, his latest tour culminates in a show at Sydney's Enmore Theatre, and his song Daniel has been nominated for an APRA award.
We are looking forward to a long and fruitful relationship with this incredibly talented writer.
Pictured is Ian James (Managing Director), Paul Harris (A&R Sydney), Lior and Nick Boshier (Lior Management).
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04 May 2006 :
Due to the finalisation of production information for the upcoming Split Enz tour, The Frontier Touring Company has been able to put an extra 400 brilliant GOLD tickets on sale.
As all Gold tickets had previously been sold out they're guessing there will be some pretty excited Enz fans out there!
The new Gold tickets will go on sale at 9:00am this Monday 8th May.
Tickets will be available for both the Sunday 11 June and Monday 12 June concerts.
Show your True Colours and snap up these Gold tickets while you can!
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