Thursday 29 November 2012

Nicki Minaj launches 'Pink Friday' perfume - Sydney, Australia




Performing artist Nicki Minaj launches 'Pink Friday' perfume - Sydney, Australia; Myer City store...

This afternoon hundreds of people turned up at Myer Sydney to get a close up look at red hot celebrity and performing artist Nicki Minaj.

As you might expect, media buzz and security was at an all time high, as everyone jockeyed for the best position to catch a glimpse of the mega star.

Nicki Minaj was interviewed on stage about her debut fragrance Pink Friday and the creative and experimental process which pushed the boundaries to achieve her extraordinary vision.

This was Minaj's only public appearance outside of her Sydney concert and was a one-off chance for Australian fans to meet with the multi-platinum recording artist who continues to redefine pop culture through her groundbreaking influence on music, beauty and fashion.

Thank you to everyone who helped make today possible...Myer, media management, security, and the fans, and we might just see you at her upcoming concerts. Oh, nice perfume too so consider this for your Christmas list.






Websites

My Pink Friday - Nicki Minaj official website

Myer official website

Elizabeth Arden official website

Eva Rinaldi Photography Flickr

Eva Rinaldi Photography

Music News Australia

Wednesday 28 November 2012

International Music Competition - Call for Bands!




The Global Battle of the Bands (GBOB) (www.gbob.com) is heading to the Valve Bar and Venue for another Sydney Heat!  

GBOB is a huge international event with over 30 countries involved. Whoever wins the Australasian Final, will be flown to the World Final, where they will play off for a first prize is worth US$100,000 and the winner’s the title of ‘Best New Band in the World’!

Sydney bands looking for a head start in their music career, and a chance to play on the World Stage, should apply to take part in the Global Battle of the Bands. GBOB is looking for the next Midnight Oil, Rose Tattoo, INXS, Sneaky Sound System or Wolfmother, to continue the city’s history of producing top international acts. Great original bands that have not yet received the recognition they deserve, now have the chance to make it big through GBOB.

The Sydney Heat is on Sat 12 January, commencing at 7pm. It will be a wicked event that should not be missed! Bands wanting to take part in this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity need to contact organisers now by emailing redletter@bigpond.com or calling 02 9519 3978.

As well as the trip overseas, there are lots of other great prizes to be won in GBOB. These include GigLaunch subscriptions, FujiFilm cameras and Converse Chuck Taylor shoes…how cool is that?!

Music lovers should make sure they get to the show as well, so they can check out the best bands Sydney has to offer, and support the one they like the most! There will also be cool audience giveaways! It will be exciting to see which group gets through to the NSW Regional Final!

Date:  Sat 12 January
Place: Valve Bar and Venue, 900 Princes HWY Tempe
Time: 7pm – 11pm
Tickets: $15

Tuesday 27 November 2012

Universal Records and Island Records performing artists at Blue Beat club, Double Bay, Sydney



Universal Records and Island Records performing artists at Blue Beat club, Double Bay, Sydney, Australia...

A number of well known Sydney based celebrities braved the rain tonight to appear at the popular and luxurious Blue Beat nightclub at posh Double Bay.

Celebs in attendance included Hilltop Hoods, Boy and Bear, Brian McFadden, Tim Hart and Ricki-Lee, but no international celebs despite earlier media rumours tipping otherwise.

The bar was busy so we're guessing the club made a tidy profit tonight.

Well done to Universal Records, Island Records and Blue Beat for putting on a good night, and here's to more international celebrities next time... wet weather or not.



Websites

Blue Beat official website

Brian McFadden official website

Boy and Bear official website

Eva Rinaldi Photography Flickr

Eva Rinaldi Photography

Music News Australia

TWO OF AUSTRALIA’S BIGGEST MOVIE STARS HUGH JACKMAN & RUSSELL CROWE IN - LES MISÉRABLES.




Universal Pictures is proud to announce that Sydney will stage the Australian Premiere of one of the most anticipated films of the year - LES MISÉRABLES.

Leading man Hugh Jackman will attend the event after an extensive overseas promotional tour, bringing the extraordinary film to Australian audiences. Joining Hugh Jackman is Academy Award®-winning director Tom Hooper (The King’s Speech), Sir Cameron Mackintosh, producer of the much-loved stage production and the film, and producers Tim Bevan and Eric Fellner.  Russell Crowe is managing his schedule and also hoping to join the Australian tour.




___________________________________________________________________________________________
ABOUT LES MISÉRABLES:
Les Misérables is the motion-picture adaptation of the beloved global stage sensation seen by more than 60 million people in 42 countries and in 21 languages around the globe and still breaking box-office records everywhere in its 27th year.  Helmed by The King’s Speech’s Academy Award®-winning director, Tom Hooper, the Working Title/Cameron Mackintosh production stars Hugh Jackman, Oscar® winner Russell Crowe, Anne Hathaway, Amanda Seyfried, Eddie Redmayne, Aaron Tveit, Samantha Barks, with Helena Bonham Carter and Sacha Baron Cohen.

Set against the backdrop of 19th-century France, Les Misérables tells an enthralling story of broken dreams and unrequited love, passion, sacrifice and redemption—a timeless testament to the survival of the human spirit.  Jackman plays ex-prisoner Jean Valjean, hunted for decades by the ruthless policeman Javert (Crowe) after he breaks parole.  When Valjean agrees to care for factory worker Fantine’s (Hathaway) young daughter, Cosette, their lives change forever.

In December 2012, the world’s longest-running musical brings its power to the big screen in Tom Hooper’s sweeping and spectacular interpretation of Victor Hugo’s epic tale.  With international superstars and beloved songs—including “I Dreamed a Dream,” “Bring Him Home,” “One Day More” and “On My Own”—Les Misérables, the show of shows, is now reborn as the cinematic musical experience of a lifetime.
___________________________________________________________________________________________

LES MISÉRABLES in cinemas BOXING DAY

THE SUPERJESUS REFORM FOR ‘ONE-OFF’ SHOW IN ADELAIDE


ANNOUNCEMENT: Tuesday November 27, 2012

TRIPLE M AND THE HARBOUR AGENCY PRESENTS: THE SUPERJESUS!

After a long hiatus, and years of constant requests from their fans, the multiple ARIA award winning rock band The Superjesus will reform for one night only and perform in their hometown of Adelaide, where it all began.

Best known for their smash hit singles including Shut My Eyes, Down Again and Gravity, The Superjesus fast became one of Australia’s iconic rock bands. The ‘Jet Age’ line-up -Sarah McLeod, Tim Henwood, Stuart Rudd, and Paul Berryman, will hit the stage at Adelaide’s The Governor Hindmarsh on February 1, 2013, presented by Triple M.

Life after The Superjesus has seen each of them focus on their own musical and personal journeys both here and overseas. Now for the first time in a long time, they are finally hanging in the same place (for now), so it was decided to come together for ‘one night only’ in Adelaide where their loyal fans can catch the band’s first show in almost 10 years.

Lead singer Sarah McLeod: “It's something we've always wanted to do but with Paul living in Washington all these past years it never seemed possible, once he returned and we started to entertain the thought the energy came flooding back within the four of us and it was clear that it was ON!”

TRIPLE M AND THE HARBOUR AGENCY PRESENTS:

THE SUPERJESUS
The Governor Hindmarsh
Friday Feb 1, 2013
www.moshtix.com.au  – 1300 438 849
www.venuetix.com.au – 08 82258888
Ticket: $40

***Tickets on sale Friday November 30.

Sunday 25 November 2012

Quartet red carpet movie premiere at Dendy, Opera Quays



Quartet red carpet movie premiere; Dendy, Opera Quays, Sydney, Australia...

'Quartet' enjoyed its Sydney, Australia movie premiere at Dendy Opera Quays this afternoon, appropriately with the Sydney Opera House in the background. 

A curious Sydney crowd of both Sydney-siders and visitors gathered to see what all the fuss was about on this very warm arvo. It was all about generating publicity for this new release from movie powerhouse, Paramount Pictures. The movie is not going to be everyone's cup of tea, but if your into sophisticated music, opera and that kind of thing, this movie is for you. You're either going to love or hate this movie which marks the directing debut for Dustin Hoffman. Last month Hoffman received the Hollywood Breakthrough Director Achievement Award at the 16th annual Hollywood Film Awards.

Promo:

At a home for retired opera singers, the annual concert to celebrate Verdi's birthday is disrupted by the arrival of Jean, an eternal diva and the former wife of one of the residents.

Storyline:

Cecily, Reggie, and Wilfred are in a home for retired opera singers. Every year, on October 10, there is a concert to celebrate Verdi's birthday and they take part. Jean, who used to be married to Reggie, arrives at the home and disrupts their equilibrium. She still acts like a diva, but she refuses to sing. Still, the show must go on... and it does.

Director: Dustin Hoffman
Writers: Ronald Harwood (play), Ronald Harwood (screenplay)
Stars: Maggie Smith, Michael Gambon and Billy Connolly













Websites

Paramount Pictures Australia

Dendy Cinemas

Eva Rinaldi Photography

Eva Rinaldi Photography Flickr

ARIA Week begins - Sydney


The inaugural ARIA Week will see a week-long program of live music events, conferences, master classes and forums held throughout Sydney.

ARIA Week begins - Sydney
Date: Monday, November 26, 2012 to Thursday, November 29, 2012
Website: ariaawards.com.au
From the discovery of new and unearthed talent to exploring the world of electronic music, hip hop and dance, to recognition of Australia's best bands and artists, ARIA Week will celebrate all that encapsulates Australian Music.

For the next four days, some of Australia's best-known and most promising up and coming artists will perform at venues across Sydney, including the Oxford Art Factory, the Beresford and the Ivy Pool Club. These artists include Jessica Mauboy, Bertie Blackman, Alpine, The Rubens, Pez, Urthboy, Seth Sentry, Oh Mercy, Timomatic, Justice Crew, Johnny Ruffo and The Trouble With Templeton.

ARIA Week will conclude with the prestigious ARIA Awards, which will be held at Sydney Entertainment Centre on Thursday, November 29. The awards recognise excellence and innovation across all genres of Australian music, and have been held annually since 1987. Some of this year's nominees include:

Album of the Year: 360, Falling & Flying; Gotye, Making Mirrors; Missy Higgins, The Ol' Razzle Dazzle; The Jezabels, Prisoner; and The Temper Trap, The Temper Trap.

Best Group: Boy & Bear, Hilltop Hoods, Cold Chisel, The Jezabels and The Temper Trap.

Best Female Artist Kimbra, Lanie Lane, Jessica Mauboy, Missy Higgins and Washington.

Best Male Artist: 360, Angus Stone, Gotye, Guy Sebastian, Keith Urban and Matt Corby.

Best Live Act: 360, Cold Chisel, Dirty Three, Gotye, Hilltop Hoods, Kate Miller-Heidke, The Bamboos, The Jezabels, The Living End and Hoodoo Gurus.

Best International Artist: Adele, Bruno Mars, Coldplay, David Guetta, Ed Sheeran, Florence + The Machine, LMFAO, Michael Buble, One Direction and The Black Keys.

Sponsor: Nine Network Australia 02 9906 9999 (24 Artarmon Road, Willoughby, NSW, 2068) ID:1675


Thursday 22 November 2012

KillRockStar Big Dog Entertainment Present: Presidents of The United States Of America Announce 2013 Australian Tour Support




With tickets to all their 2013 Australian tour shows selling like crazy Presidents of The United States of America have announced that their special guests at all shows nationally will be Brisbane up and coming party starters Hey Geronimo.

Hey Geronimo have quickly built a loyal following thanks to their smash singles Why Don’t We do Something? and Carbon Affair- two massive indie-pop anthems which have seen the talented quintet’s ridiculously catchy, slacker tinged pop - dominate the airwaves and international blogosphere for the past few months. On choosing Hey Geronimo as support PUSA's Jason Finn said, “We're glad to have them on the tour, we love the videos, and with what we've heard so far...it's a good match, and makes the show an almost CRIMINAL good deal for the punters!“

The Presidents Of The United States of America will be playing their classic, 5 x platinum, self-titled debut album in its entirety along with all their greatest hits. In 1995 Presidents Of The United States Of America took the world by storm with their unique take on guitar based pop rock. Armed with their uniquely modified electric guitars, an arsenal of perfect infectious pop hooks and super-smart songwriting skills the band scored massive hits around the world with the singles Lump, Peaches and Kitty. Whilst there was no doubting the extreme catchiness of POTUSA's songs it was the undeniable sense of humor and fun with which they were delivered that really won the affection of music lovers of the decade.

The Presidents Of The United States of America's connection with this country has been a long and fruitful one with the band wholeheartedly embraced by Australian music lovers with their first two albums going five times and two times platinum respectively. Off the back of their 2004 album Love Everybody The Presidents toured Australia to packed houses selling out all shows in record time, so much so that they were back in the country playing to adoring fans some six short months later.

Presidents Of The United States Of America welcome Hey Geronimo on board for what is sure to be one of the most enjoyable and fun-filled tours of 2013.


*All tickets purchased include a *FREE* digital download of the exclusive Presidents Of The United States Of America 2013 Australian Tour EP



KillRockStar Big Dog Entertainment Present:

Presidents Of The United States Of America
                                                                              Australia 2013                                                                                             

Playing their classic, 5 x platinum, self-titled debut album in its entirety along with all their greatest hits!”

*All shows selling fast!!!

All tickets purchased include a *FREE* digital download of the exclusive Presidents Of The United States Of America 2013 Australian Tour EP

8 March Brisbane @ HiFi
with special guests Hey Geronimo
9 March Gold Coast @ Coolangatta Hotel
with special guests Hey Geronimo
10 March Melbourne @ Palace
with special guests Hey Geronimo
14 March Adelaide @ HQ
with special guests Hey Geronimo
15 March Sydney @ Roundhouse
with special guests Hey Geronimo
16 March Fremantle @ Metropolis
with special guests Hey Geronimo

I DREAMED A DREAM : THE SUSAN BOYLE STORY


Direct from the UK, the extraordinary story of Susan Boyle is brought to
life in this thrilling new musical which boasts Susan's unique
personal endorsement.
Charting Susan's climb from humble beginnings to a standing ovation
at her audition for Britain's Got Talent, through to her global superstardom,
I Dreamed A Dream
features many of the hit songs from Susan's
multi-platinum selling albums.
Leading an outstanding cast and orchestra is Elaine C Smith in an unmissable production that will make you laugh, cry and dare to dream...
but most of all prove that dreams really do come true.
 "Funny and touching"
Sunday Telegraph
 "Riveting"
The Times
 "Sheer theatrical magic…a hugely uplifting evening."
Daily Express


Book your tickets now before sales open to the public
at 9am on Monday 26 November.


Melbourne
5 weeks only
From Friday 30 May, 2013
 (no password required)


Sydney
5 weeks only
From Thursday 4 July, 2013

Slam Summer Launch Party at Bondi Beach, Sydney




SLAM SUMMER BEACH VOLLEYBALL FESTIVAL kicking off ; Bondi Beach, Sydney, Australia...

SummerSlam Beach Volleyball Festival is kicking of its 13th national tour with an exclusive media launch.

Music industry, celebrities and media will mark the start of the season at Sydney’s most iconic beach venue, The Bucket List in Bondi.

With Giaan Rooney as MC and live entertainment throughout the evening the VIP’s are in for a real treat.

The main act was Van Hoorn, a rock and blues band formed by international model!singer Cheyenne Tozzi and Australian guitarist Josh Mullane.

Their first recordings were garnished out of a barn in the South of Sydney that has accumulated a huge response. Opening for shows such as Vogue, David Jones, Menstyle, Van, She, The Troops tour, The Kooks and the Melbourne Cup.

The launch also introduced new SLAM ambassadors, the gorgeous Mowen Sisters, Justine and Jordan, who are currently training for the Brasil Olympics in beach volleyball and enthusiastic supporters of how SLAM highlights the sport in Australia.

WHAT– Slam Beach Volleyball Media Launch
WHERE– The Bucket List, Bondi Pavilion, Queen Elizabeth Drive, BONDI.
WHEN– 5:30pm – 9pm, Wednesday 21 November 2012.

The SLAM launch announces five tournaments across the nation to create an interactive health and well being environment. SLAM and it’s sponsors Corona!Extra, Midori, Women’s Fitness, Schick, Reef, Channel V and Mossimo will be visiting Noosa Beach QLD, Cronulla Beach NSW, St Kilda Beach VIC, Scarborough WA and Coolangatta QLD over summer.

SLAM lives and breathes beach volleyball and is the largest touring active beach party for the summer so please join us for the much anticipated launch.


















Websites

Slam Summer beach Volleyball Festival

Bondi Pavilion website

Eva Rinaldi Photography Flickr

Eva Rinaldi Photography

Music News Australia

The Living End plays The Hi-Fi Sydney, Moore Park


The Living End plays The Hi-Fi Sydney...

The Living End played at popular Sydney club, The Hi-Fi, Moore Park, Wednesday, and will be back there again tomorrow night for the hardcores.

News...

THE LIVING END are thrilled to announce that they will embark on an unique and ambitious tour this year. THE RETROSPECTIVE TOUR will see Australia’s legendary rock’n'roll sons play each of their six albums IN FULL, back-to-back, start to finish, across 35 shows in five capital cities.

This will be the very FIRST TIME each album has been performed live from start to finish, and the feat will almost certainly be the first time any Australian band has undertaken such an inspired tour. The Retrospective Tour will not take in stadium-sized venues either. Perth, Adelaide, Sydney, Brisbane and of course Melbourne will get seven shows across seven nights in intimate club venues, each with a limited capacity. Seven shows and only six albums you ask? Well, eponymous Australian classic album 'The Living End' will get two airings in each city.

The idea of The Retrospective Tour is to give a big TLE-style 'THANK YOU' to all those fans who have bought the albums, come to shows, shown their support and been intensely loyal to the band over the past 15 years. There is something there for everybody, whether you are a die-hard fan of the seminal 'The Living End' album or fell prey to the hard-rockin' riffage presented on The Ending is Just the Beginning Repeating, or something in between. This will be the fans only chance to watch TLE pull out their most memorable, fiery live shows, performing some never-played-before favourites alongside career classics.

When The Retrospective Tour rolls into Sydney in the last week of November the band will be joined by Melbourne indie rock stalwarts EVEN for three consecutive nights, Sydney locals CABINS will take support duties for two shows and AREA 7 will once again join TLE for both performances of their debut self titled album. Spinning tunes each night during the Sydney stint will be 2manyPJs more commonly known as PHIL JAMIESON from GRINSPOON.

Set List:

How Do We Know 
Raise The Alarm 
White Noise 
Moment In The Sun 
Waiting For The Silence 
Make The Call 
Loaded Gun 
Kid 
21st Century 
Hey Hey Disbeliever / Most People I Know (Think That I'm Crazy) 
Sum Of Us 

Biography

Six albums. Each one, a milestone: The time we thought we were indestructible. The time we lit a fire under the establishment. The time we wondered if it was all worth it. No.6, if we put it under the scalpel, is the album that hunts down the truth, asks the big questions and demands answers. THE ENDING IS JUST THE BEGINNING REPEATING is The Living End’s most honest album yet.

Chris Cheney, Scott Owen and Andy Strachan have always forged their own path, irrespective of passing fads, haircuts, and any vogue for keytar-wielding debutantes. Their songs require of the listener a social conscience and mosh pit stamina, and give in return a visceral experience that’s flawlessly executed. It’s this attitude that’s earned the band four platinum and one gold albums.

Winding up the tour cycle that followed 2008’s WHITE NOISE, Cheney went to New York to buckle down and write, before the songs were jammed out organically in a South Melbourne rehearsal room. Finally the demos were taken to 301 Studios in Byron Bay and Chris’s studio Red Door Sounds in Collingwood for a reworking with producer Nick DiDia — who has put the Midas touch on records by The Living End-approved Bruce Springsteen and Rage Against the Machine — imported especially for the occasion from Atlanta. Brendan O’Brien (Pearl Jam, Powderfinger, AC/DC) took the reigns as mixer. The results are astonishing.






Websites

The Hi-Fi official website

The Living End official website

Eva Rinaldi Photography Flickr

Eva Rinaldi Photography

Music News Australia

Tuesday 20 November 2012

Missy Higgins Razzle Dazzle Summer Tour, Sydney, Australia




Missy Higgins Razzle Dazzle Summer Tour, State Theatre, Sydney, Australia

Missy Higgins brings her Razzle Dazzle Summer Tour to Sydney tonight.

The popular singer returned to the biz with 'The Ol' Razzle Dazzle - in June.

Higgins, 29, commenced her latest tour with a stopover in Hobart and did the State Theatre in Sydney tonight, and will also do Sydney on Wednesday and Thursday nights, such is demand, and then its off to Canberra's Royal Theatre on Friday.

Higgin's told News Limited "I'm really excited about this tour. My full band is over from Nashville, I've got two string players and six people on stage with incredible voices. It's going to be the biggest sound I've had live so far."

Higgins has enjoyed rave reviews for her new album after all but giving up on the music biz.

Like many artistic talents, she had a bout with depression, and started to question her abilities as a singer and songwriter. Those questions has certainly been answered.

Higgins lept into the Australian music biz back in 2004 when, at the age of 20, she released her debut album, 'The Sound Of White'.

That resulted in Higgins snatching seven ARIA Awards and a million album sales.

The singer - songwriter was also nominated for a swag of ARIA Awards, the ceremony to be held at the Sydney Entertainment Centre on November 29.

Higgins's told News Limited she is focused primarily on her national tour.

"We'll be doing heaps of new songs that we've never played before, which always keeps us on our toes".

"The theatres we are playing in are some of my favourites in Australia, so it's all perfect. It's such a privilege to have such great support acts too. If my fans haven't seen Gurrumul (Yunupingu) or Emma Louise play live before, they're in for a real treat if they get there early."

Biography...

In her first new song in five years - "Unashamed Desire" - Missy Higgins defiantly sings "I've got nothing to hide". It's a bold clarion call for where she's at these days. But just a few years ago the acclaimed singer/songwriter was keeping one pretty big secret: "I quit".

After selling million of albums with “The Sound Of White” (2004) and “On A Clear Night” (2007) and touring the world performing her much-loved songs like "Scar", "Steer", "The Special Two" and "Where I Stood" Missy privately made the decision to turn her back on music and do something else.

Jump cut to three years later, and her new album "The Ol' Razzle Dazzle" – which debuted at #1 on the ARIA Album chart - tells the unvarnished story of that journey. While her previous albums leant heavily on her personal relationships, this album delves deep into Missy's relationship with making music. And as the tongue-firmly-in-cheek title implies, it's been a tumultuous affair.

The album’s opening couplet sets the scene around the time she finally finished touring in 2008 ... "I've got a lot to say, I just don't know how to say it". Blocked. Burned out. The album then traces her journey back to music through the pressure of expectations ("Everyone's Waiting"), some dark days ("All In My Head", "Watering Hole"), the loss of a loved one ("Cooling Of The Embers") and ultimately back into "The Sweet Arms Of A Tune". It's an album about a break up and a newfound love but this time the other party isn't a person ... it's music itself.

Ironically the catalyst for bringing her back to music was a one off decision to play a handful of acoustic gigs in America. "I got asked to do 5 shows on the Lilith Fair tour during my Uni holidays in the middle of 2010", says Missy. "I'd always wanted to see that festival as so many of my favourite artists had played on it.” 

Over the months that followed the floodgates opened and the songs poured out again. More than 30 songs in the back half of 2010. And the key collaborators turned out to be in an unlikely place ... Nashville. In keeping with Missy's credo of just doing what felt right she shunned the big name producers who were keen to work with her and teamed up instead with some mates: ex-pat Australian Butterfly Boucher and local engineer/producer Brad Jones (Josh Ritter, Bob Evans).

The next step for Missy Higgins? Returning to the road: “Performing has always been my most favourite part. I’m most excited about playing new songs, that’s the best part of playing live.”

And she’s coming at it fresh and hungry...re-born.

"Soul-baring honesty, razor-sharp songcraft and swooning pop hooks." - Courier Mail

"A brilliant re-entrance...glowing with unself-conscious charm. 4 stars" - Rolling Stone

"Full of brave songwriting & impressive new soundscapes." - West Australian









Missy Higgins

Gurrumul




Websites

Missy Higgins official website

State Theatre

Eva Rinaldi Photography Flickr

Eva Rinaldi Photography

Music News Australia