Industrial Strength: Feb 3
Sia heading for a UK #1 debut
Sia is heading for a UK #1 album debut this week with her seventh album This is Acting having top sales mid-week. The record is made up of songs she wrote for other acts, including Bird Set Free which was rejected by Pitch Perfect 2, Rihanna and Adele, Alive (Adele), and Reaper co-written with Kanye West (Rihanna).
Despite her prolific output, Sia has revealed that she only works four hours a week. “I’m trying to work out strategies for getting the most out of my life, so that I can spend time with my friends, my dogs and my husband,” she told Britain’s The Observer Music magazine.
Music part of Queensland Women’s Week
Queensland peak music QMusic and Brisbane Multicultural Arts Centre (BEMAC) jointly present a week-long run of mostly free events at the inaugural Queensland Women’s Week in March.
SingOUT Sista will be held at BEMAC at 102 Main Street, Kangaroo Point. It will “celebrate musical women from all cultural backgrounds” through panels, developmental workshops, networking drinks and performances.
March 7 to March 9 – SingOUT Sista development program:
It was developed to assist young and emerging female artists from diverse cultural and Indigenous backgrounds develop skills and establish professional networks. Participants will explore writing, voice, recording, performance techniques, social media, marketing and promotional strategies and what it takes to make a career in music. Facilitators include Roz Pappalardo, Toni Janke, Michelle Padovan, Deb Suckling and Ruth Ghee.
Wednesday March 9 – Women In Music Industry Development Panel:
It will explore the important contributions women make within the music industry, and how it can develop with working innovatively with each other. It also addresses the challenges women face within the industry both as artists and as industry workers. Facilitated by Chanel Lucas from Women in Docs, panels include female artists from a broad spectrum of genres and backgrounds including Ghee, Pappalardo, Carol Lloyd and Maggie Collins.
Friday March 11 – Women In Music Networking Drinks: at the QMC’s foyer bar for women to connect to their community.
Friday March 11 – SingOUT Sista Women Of The World Concert:
This is the result of putting six Queensland talents from various backgrounds in a rehearsal room for six days. Melody Jettoo, Pappalardo, Jackie Marshall, Janke, Ghee and Sudha Manian perform their own works and collaborations.
Catalyst reveals first three grants recipients
The Federal Arts Minister Mitch Fifield’s Catalyst, the alternate grant funding to the Australia Council’s, has revealed its first three recipients. It’s too early to tell if these are the nature of projects Catalyst will support. But all three choices have international engagement in a social, health and cultural context – and the Ministry fast-tracked them to meet those deadlines – and which will increase Australia’s reputation abroad as an international arts player.
Victoria’s Hush Music Foundation, which releases contemporary classical music pieces to induce calm in hospital patients received $50,000 to display their effectiveness at a medical congress in Hong Kong.
Perth independent theatre company’s compelling work on dementia, The Last Great Hunt, will be able to stage it in Canada as a result of a $14,840 bequest.
Brisbane indigenous Suzanne O’Connell Gallery got $485,450 to widen its collections in Australia and also exhibit them in Monaco and forge relationships in France.
Guvera claiming $1 billion valuation
Australian music streaming service Guvera is claiming a $1 billion valuation before its IPO to raise $100 million. The financial world raised its collective eyebrow at the figure, but attributes it to the optimism surrounding tech companies and Guvera’s global expansion to 20 countries in recent years.
New festival for Cairns
The Grass is Greener is a new music festival hitting Cairns in April. It is put on by industry veterans Johnny Eddings and Oli Frost who say Cairns desperately needs at event like this, so locals don’t need to journey to other parts of the state to get their festival fix. It is held at Fogarty Park on Saturday April 23 and targeting 7,000 music fans.
Will Sparks, Allday and Slumberjack will headline, with the full line-up announced once it’s finalised.
More Festival Updates: police clashes, live streaming success
* Victorian Police have against called out for Rainbow Serpent to be axed next year. They said there were four arrests for drug trafficking, four instances of sexual assault, 950 needing medical attention, six hospitalisations, two overdoses and 40 drivers caught with drugs in their systems afterwards.
Rainbow Serpent organiser Tim Harvey responded, “Crowd behaviour in general this year was wonderful with the vast majority of our 16,000 strong Rainbow community contributing to a very special international gathering.” A poll in the local paper found the public overwhelmingly supported the festival be staged next year.
* EDM event In the Summertime was shut down at Dalmorton was shut down when police found it didn’t have a permit for the 100 attendees. There was social media accusations of police brutality (with one guy allegedly having poured beer over his head and his tent pulled down) but police denied such claims. Instead, they said they were provoked by some aggressive punters.
* There’ll be more live streaming at Tamworth Country Music next year. Director Barry Harley said its inaugural trial this year of some events proved successful. In fact, while heavy rain kept the opening concert to just 3000 (instead of the expected 8000), it was watched by 4,500 online. About 11,000 streamed the Golden Guitar music awards and 2500 the finals of the Star Maker quest.
* Promoters of the inaugural Yaks Barbecue Festival in Sydney were ducking the heat this week after food ran out early and annoyed punters were left with the starvin’ marvins in long queues. However organisers MMJ Events have emphasised that Mothership Events, which was also getting some nasties, had nothing to do with their festival and had only contributed personnel.
* The inaugural Newcastle Fringe Festival will be back next year. But organiser and performer Phil Aughey admitted there were definitely “teething problems” with some shows drawing low numbers.
* Full attendance figures have still not been tallied. But the second Christian music Festival One in New Zealand’s Waikato drew people in the thousands. The event came complete with a cardboard cathedral, food store and even an old-style barber. There were more teenagers but it still retained a family vibe. Said an organiser, “The God that we know has his arms around us and is holding on us.”
AC/DC put voltage up bootleggers
As AC/DC’s latest US run started this week in Tacoma, it has struck hard at bootleggers who turn up at their concerts selling unofficial merchandise. As a result of a federal lawsuit, the pirates could face US Marshals and cops tearing into each venue to cart them off and seize their goods.
Radio Adelaide decision delayed
The University of Adelaide’s decision on the future of Radio Adelaide, originally to be finalised last month, looks like it faces further delays. The reason is that it needs to totally get the right new owner who can tick off all the boxes that ACMA will ask about why a licence is being transferred.
Polyester Books outlet closing
The Polyester Books outlet in Melbourne’s Brunswick St, Fitzroy, is shutting down and offering up to 50% discounts through February.
The one time mecca for those with radical alternate ideas and tastes said in farewell, “Our heart-felt thanks goes out to all the freaks, miscreants, perverts, psychonauts and truth-seekers for all your love and support over the last 30 years. In the words of Frank Zappa: ’Without deviation from the norm, progress is not possible’.”
Fremantle’s Fly By Night seeking public funding
Fremantle’s Fly by Night Musicians Club’s move to Victoria Hall from Drill Hall early last year hasn’t been a smooth ride. Delays with liquor licensing has cut into its operating finances. “As a result in the past year the club is accruing debt at level not manageable for the community arts venue to sustain,” admitted Chairman Steve Wells.
It’s asking punters to make donations, buy tickets, become a member, take out a sponsorship, volunteer to help out with graphics and social media and spread the word that the Fly is still a viable business. Just needing to get over a slight hump, that’s all.
More Venues Update: shortlists, returns, closures
* The Port Phillip Council knocked the current management of Palais Theatre in Melbourne’s St. Kilda out of the running for the venue’s next operator from 2017. No reason will be given until the final decision is made next month. The current shortlist includes Live Nation Australia and family business Playbill Venue Management Pty Ltd, which runs Sydney’s Hordern Pavilion and Royal Hall of Industries.
* Sydney Saturday club night Starf*ckers made its return on the weekend at rooftop of Home Nightclub. It was eight years at Club 77 before relocating to Tunnel in Kings Cross.
* A partnership between Sydney multi-arts space Carriageworks and the Sydney Symphony Orchestra will see new works by Australian composers Lisa Illean, Brett Dean and Gerard Grisey performed, as well as works by contemporary US composers Frederic Rzewski and Steve Reich.
* The curtain came down for Cairns Civic Theatre on the weekend with a sold out local production of Cats. The 41-year old building will go under the wrecker’s ball as it’s being replaced by the new Cairns Performing Arts Centre as part of Cairns Regional Council’s $76.5 million precinct project.
* Also coming to the end of its three-year run at the end of this month is one of New Zealand’s best live music venues, King Street Live. Owner Carl Schdroski said that while they had some huge nights with some major NZ acts and nominated for two industry awards, it had been a struggle since the start. He cited waning public support for new acts, lowering of drink driving limits and a low population in the area.
Queensland Government locks in on lockouts
The battle over Queensland’s proposed lockout laws continued this week as a parliamentary committee preps up to make its report next week.
Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk stood hard that the lockouts have the support of the “entire” caucus and the state’s population according to a Galaxy poll. She was firm that the proposals would not be watered down.
LNP spokesman Ian Walker dismissed the poll, saying the Opposition still needed convincing. His colleague, Teresa Gambaro, whose family has been in hospitality for decades, launched a Change.org petition. She says lockout laws will not reduce violence but would cost “up to 6000 jobs and $150 million.”
Europe beckons Radio Birdman…
After the success of their 2015 European tour, Radio Birdman head back there in June to play the festival circuit. These include Spain’s Azkena Rock and Belgium’s Sjock. After they sold out their London show they’ve been invited back to play more English cities. Before these shows, they play four Australian cities on the East Coast.
…as well as The Adam Eckersley Band
The three-guitar attacking country rock act The Adam Eckersley Band are heading to Europe in the northern autumn. They start in Belgium in September and conclude in Germany in October.
The European shows come at the tail end of an extensive Australian run, which begins in March through to September. These include appearances at the Snowy Music Festival, CMC Rocks Qld and the Broadbeach Music festival as well as an opening slot for Steve Earle and The Dukes at Rooty Hill RSL on March 16.
The band’s 2016 began on a positive note when it won its second Golden Guitar country music award in January for best group. Their first was last year for best newcomer, showing how rapid their ascent has been. Following the release of The Second Album through Lost Highway Australia, they toured heavily, including performances at the CMA Festival in Nashville including the Global Artist Stage.
Folk Alliance looking for next generation
Folk Alliance Australia has opened applications for its Young Artist of the Year award for performers aged 25 and under. The award will be held at the National Folk Festival, held at Canberra’s Exhibition Park March 24 to 28.
The award is to develop the winner’s career with 12 months of mentorship and the opportunity to perform at three national festivals. Applications close on Feb 8.
Dead Daisies revolving door continues
Australian/US hard rock band The Dead Daisies have gone through another lineup change. Guitarist Richard Fortus and keyboardist Dizzy Reed have left, presumably to join the reunited original (well three of them) Guns N’Roses.
Former Whitesnake axeman Doug Aldrich has joined the band in Nashville as it records its follow up to Revolución with producer Marti Frederiksen, and for release on SPV Records later this year.
“Doug was Richard’s first pick to replace him,” said Sydney-based guitarist and founder David Lowy. “He’s a highly accomplished musician, performer and songwriter and we’re really looking forward to Doug joining us as the Dead Daisies adventure rolls on.”
9Now officially counts in
After a soft launch last week, Nine has officially gone live with its 24/7 streaming and catch-up video service 9Now.As is becoming popular with TV networks, it will also generate interest in high priority new shows by previewing them online first.
WA music continues fire relief fund
The West Australian music community is finding new ways to raise funds for bushfire victims.
The state’s Events Industry Association is running the We Care South West Bushfire Relief Concert on Sunday February 7 at Gloucester Park from 2pm-10pm. Names include Eskimo Joe (acoustic set), Dave Warner’s From the Suburbs (who reunite as former drummer Howie Johnstone’s uninsured home in Yarloop was destroyed taking his guitar, drums and awards collection as well as his classic cars), Daren Reid, Slim Jim & the Phatts, Mental as Anything, Angry Anderson and Dave Gleeson from the Screaming Jets. All funds raised will go to the Lord Mayor’s Distress Relief Fund.
WA musicians are encouraged to join the WA Loves David Bowie Soundcloud where any Bowie cover recorded within three hours is available for free download with the musicians encouraged to donate $5 to the Fire Relief Appeal.
FBi Click to curate Musica Copa
The Sydney music industry’s charity soccer tournament Musica Copa on Friday (February 5) has appointed FBi Radio’s digital station FBi Click to provide the soundtrack music. On music curating duties are Adi Toohey, Andy Garvey, Bad Ezzy, Kato, Luen, Nes, Ribongia, Sandro Switch and Sports.
Meanwhile, this year’s competing teams are Audiopaxx, Falcona, FBi Radio, Future Classic, Groovin the Moo, inthemix, Lucky Ent, Ministry of Sound x Mustard, MTV Australia, Mushroom Group, Pedestrian, Red Bull Music Academy, Sony Music, Sweat It Out x MAKER Agency, Sum Management x Refuge, the projects*, UNDR Ctrl, Universal Music and WME, with one more team to be announced.
Toyota Star Maker turns a Page
This year’s Toyota Star Maker competition was won by Perth’s Karin Page, after a performances at the Toyota Concert for Rural Australia in Tamworth which saw her win against Missy Lancaster and Allison Forbes.
The prize includes the recording of three singles and videos, a new Toyota vehicle with an unlimited fuel card for 12 months, and guaranteed performances at major festivals.
OzTAM introducesinternet-delivered TV measurement
OzTAM’s Video Player Measurement (VPM) reporting service will commence this Sunday (February 7). While OzTAM measures viewing of broadcast TV content on in-home TV sets, VPM is Australia’s first official measure of the devices playing internet-delivered TV content like tablets, smartphones, smart TVs, desktop and laptop computers and games consoles. Next year OzTAM intends to include demographic data.
Number Crunching
4000 signatures in the first six days in a petition to get Shannon Noll on the Groovin’ The Moo festival.
785,000 tuned in this week for the return of Australia’s Got Talent – it lowest debut ever, and down on the 1.08 million that welcomed it back in 2014.
14.9% of Australians admitted they no longer watch commercial TV in a Roy Morgan study – compared to 6.9% seven years ago.
Music SA workshop: the kits are alright
Music SA and APRA AMCOS’ latest professional development forum is Get Your Kit Together: Preparing For Your Record Release. Those imparting advice are Jess Beston (Tiny Monster), Emily Cheung (On The Map PR) and Adam Callen (Made In Katana). It’s held at Adelaide’s Mercury Cinema on Tuesday February 23 from 6 to 8 pm.
Aussie saxplayer blows up UK awards
Classically trained Australian saxophonist Amy Dickson was named the 2016 Young Australian Achiever of the Year in the UK by the Australia Day Foundation. Sydney-born Dickson, who made her concerto debut at 16 and a record deal at 18 with Sony Classical, studied at the Royal College of Music in London and at the Conservatorium van Amsterdam.
Vale
Karl Von-Bamberger started out playing in bands in his native Tasmania before he moved to Melbourne. He played in the bands Mad Nanna, Secret Valley, A Band Called Life, Eli & Bev and Horsemania in between studying psychology and pursuing his love for poetry. He was posted missing for a few days before his body was found at Merri Creek in North Fitzroy. Police are not treating his death as suspicious. Von-Bamberger was 37.
And A Few Other Things…
Mariah Carey and her new rich toyboy James Packer haven’t revealed where they’re tying the knot (well, someone has to give that huge ring a name) but that hasn’t stopped rumours from flying through North Queensland tourism circles that it’s taking place in Hamilton Island. The fact there have been absolutely no bookings or inquiries hasn’t put the speculation to rest.
Will Illawara’s Jamberoo Pub part owner Jamie Warren be the next Bollywood star? Probably not, but he did get a small speaking role when the Indian production of The Return of the Sardaar Ji landed in town to shoot scenes, including inside the hotel. Brett Lee who made his Bollywood film debut last year in UnIndian, has reportedly got a role too.
Ill Will: Gurrumul’s four TRIBE2tribe shows this month were cancelled after his long time health issues resurfaced … Nova 106.9’s Katie Mattin revealed she’s been battling MS for seven years after she signed on as an ambassador for the Multiple Sclerosis Society of Queensland … a song about Newcastle based Catherine Britt’s battle against breast cancer – written with Beccy Cole and Lyn Bowtell – is called F U Cancer. Its humour is reflected in lines like “My bald head is looking like one half of Beccy Cole’s breast”.
Troye Sivan tweeted “Just drove past the Hollywood sign at sunset after performing on @TheEllenShow. please never let me forget this moment.” During his debut on the DeGeneres show to 4 million, the host introduced him saying, “Happy birthday to me, because I love him so much.”
These tourist folks don’t miss a trick, reports the Adelaide Advertiser. Last month Alice Cooper posted a blog on outback SA opal mining town Coober Pedy on his official Facebook page, calling it “possibly the coolest small town on the planet” and stated “I need to visit this place!” Someone from he Real South Australia has via social media invited him to visit the town and play a round at its famous golf course. Bet they change the name to Cooper the day he arrives.