Industrial Strength: September 11
EMINEM LANDS NINTH #1 ALBUM, ACCUSED OF STEALING
Eminem’s surprise album Kamikaze has given him his 9th chart topping album in Australia and the UK – but it’s also being accused on social media of nicking one of its tracks.
The track Not Alike is accused of sounding too close to Hi Bich by Bhad Bhabie, the rap moniker of 15-year-old Danielle Bregoli.
In the UK Kamikaze, broke the record for most consecutive chart-topping albums – a title previously held by Led Zeppelin and ABBA.
ARIA noted that Eminem’s other Australian chart topping albums have been The Marshall Mathers LP (#1 Mar. ’01), The Eminem Show (#1 Jun. ’02), Encore (#1 Nov. ’04), Curtain Call: The Hits (#1 Dec. ’05), Relapse (#1 May ’09) and Recovery (#1 Jun. ’10), The Marshall Mathers LP2 (#1 Nov. ‘13) and Revival (#1 Dec. ’17).
On the singles side, Eminem snares eleven entries in the ARIA Top 50 this week.
Debuting at #4 and #5 with Lucky You and The Ringer respectively, the American rapper brings his tally of Top Tens as lead artist to 20.
Further down the chart, Eminem has also frisbeed in Kamikaze (#13), Greatest (#15), Fall (#22), Not Alike (#23), Normal (#33), Stepping Stone (#34), Venom (#37), Good Guy (#46) and Nice Guy (#48).
In another Australian connection, Good Guy samples a track by Perth jazz singer Donna Burke. Her Glassy Sky is from the Tokyo Ghoul soundtrack.
NEW LIVE MUSIC VENUE FOR ADELAIDE
Adelaide is getting a new live music venue, Sparkke At The Whitmore, most likely in December.
Previously known as the Whitmore Hotel, it was bought out by the female-owned Sparkke Change Beverage Company, which set up two years ago.
It is to undergo a $1.8 million revamp and, aside from live music, will also host ‘politics in the pub’ sessions and will be environmentally responsible in all areas, including water, light, power and access.
NSW MUSICIANS SURVEY
Create NSW has developed a survey to collect vital information from NSW musicians and their reps to assist in the development of a contemporary music strategy for the state.
It aims to learn about the experiences and perspectives of musicians living and playing music in NSW.
To participate in the survey click here, it closes on Sunday, September 30.
QMF EXEC DIRECTOR STEPS DOWN
After ten years in the role, Queensland Music Festival executive director Nigel Lavender is stepping down in November.
Under his reign, the QMF staged five biennial festivals which reached 600,000 across the state, and increased government and private funding by 40% to $8 million.
CELINE DION AUSTRALIASIAN TOUR TALLY
Celine Dion’s Australian, New Zealand and Asian shows June 26-August 14 grossed $56.4 million and drew a total of 259,443 fans, Billboard reported.
These included four arena shows in Australia, one in New Zealand, and dates in Tokyo, Macau, Singapore, Jakarta, Taipei, Manila and Bangkok.
EDDIE PERFECT BEETLEJUICE SCORE HITTING BROADWAY
The stage adaption of the Beetlejuice musical makes its bow on Broadway in the northern spring of 2019 – afterits world premiere in Washington DC in November.
It’s a coup for Aussie musician and comedian Eddie Perfect who did the score – and also working on the music for the King Kong musical which will make its Broadway debut in the next few weeks.
ROB POTTS HONOURED IN US
The Nashville-based American Academy of Country Music’s has posthumously honoured Australian country music promoter Rob Potts, who died last October in a motorbike accident during a Tasmanian holiday.
The AACM gave him the Jim Reeves International Award, presented to an artist or industry leader for outstanding contributions to the acceptance of country music throughout the world. I
It was accepted by his son Jeremy Dylan, who now runs his father’s tour company. Potts discovery, Morgan Evans, performed the song Things That We Drink To, a tribute to Potts and written on the day of Potts’ memorial in Nashville.
Country music broadcaster Storme Warren paid tribute to Potts’ “unprecedented” presence in the US and global country music sector – and which not only helped him break Keith Urban decades back and now, and now also Morgan Evans, but helped bring US country superstars as Alan Jackson, Tim McGraw, Dolly Parton, Lady Antebellum and Dixie Chicks to Australia.
This has been the latest in posthumous awards. TMN lauded him at its Tinnie Awards for the way he broke Evans, The CMC awards renamed the best new artist award after him, and this year’s CMC Rocks merchandise also paid homage.
TKAY MAIDZA PORTRAITS WINS ARTS PRIZE
A painting of rapper and singer songwriter Tkay Maidza by artist Angus Hamra – they both hailed from Adelaide but he lives in Melbourne – has won him the $25,000 Kennedy Prize for 2018.
Using aerosol, enamel and brass on canvas, Hamra said of his painting “(Tkay)’s insightful music and striking appearance utilises the energy of what it is to be young.”
BRISBANE POWERHOUSE TICKET SALES UP 11%
Figures released by the Brisbane Powerhouse in New Farm show that its ticket sales in the 2017/8 financial year were up 11% to 171,314, and box office revenue expanded by 14% to $6.2 million from $5.4 million in 2016/17.
NEW BOARD ADDITIONS TO PAC AUSTRALIA
As the Performing Arts Connections Australia (PAC Australia) gets set to flex its muscle in next year’s federal election, it has made changes to its board.
The new chair is Helen O’Neil, former director of the British Council and senior adviser to one-time federal arts minister Simon Crean.
New board members are Adelaide Festival co-artistic director Rachel Healy, and Lyn Wallis, artistic director of regional performing arts company Hothouse Theatre.
BMG PRODUCTION MUSIC EXPANDS IN ASIA
BMG Production Music continues to expand in Asia. A new team headed by Andy Wong (ex- Universal Production Music Asia regional GM) has set up in Hong Kong, and one lead by Jeff Long (also ex-Universal Production Music Asia) for Malaysia and Singapore.
Both Wong and Long report to Andrew Jones, Sydney-based VP of Production Music, Asia Pacific.
POST MALONE: ‘GOD MUST HATE ME!”
Post Malone didn’t lose his humour although he certainly lost his $320,000 white Rolls Royce, which was written off in a car accident in West Hollywood on the weekend.
“God must hate me!” he quipped, noting that a few weeks ago, the tyres on his private jet blew up, prompting an emergency landing.
i landed guys. thank you for your prayers. can’t believe how many people wished death on me on this website. fuck you. but not today
— Beerbongs & Bentleys (@PostMalone) August 21, 2018
The Rolls was being driven by Malone’s assistant at the time, and police confirmed no alcohol was involved.
SCALPERS TARGET TAMWORTH DROUGHT CONCERT
The NSW government will go after scalpers making a killing on the October 27 star-studded John Farnham-headlined coming Hay Mate drought fundraiser in Tamworth.
$99 tickets were going for $220 on one reseller platform – and this is money that is not going to the farmers.
That’s not the only issue facing the concert. The same weekend where the concert is expected to draw 10,000 sees Tamworth also hosting the Jehovah’s Witness Convention at the TRECC, which brings 5000 visitors to town annually.
In other words, hotel and motel rooms are pretty much booked out already.
The council is talking about the possibility of opening up local sports grounds for camping.
TOWNSVILLE’S BANKS NIGHTCLUB SETS OPENING DATE
After an extensive renovation, the grand re-opening of Townsville’s Banks nightclub was set for July 13.
It didn’t make the deadline but owners have now set the doors to swing open on September 28.
It has VIP booths that seat 14—16 guests and a super booth for 25.
NORTHLANE BASSIST STEPS DOWN
On the eve of dates across Australia and Europe, Northlane bassist Alex Milovic is stepping down from the group.
“There have been a number of contributing factors over the past year that have led me to make this decision and although it wasn’t an easy decision to make, I feel this is the best thing for me,” he revealed.
The band is soon to announce a new lineup “which will include one of our oldest and closest friends in music.”
JEREMY NEALE ON VALEY WALK OF FAME
Brisbane singer songwriter Jeremy Neale was honoured with a plaque on the Valley Walk of Fame as part of the opening night of the newly re-vamped Valley Fiesta.
He received the plaque in recognition of his song Dancin’ & Romancin’, which took out song of the year at this year’s Queensland Music Awards.
Neale recently returned from a three month stint in New York after being awarded the Grant McLennan Fellowship at the end of 2017.
Previous Walk recipients have included The Bee Gees, Savage Garden, The Saints, The Go-Betweens, Regurgitator, Powderfinger, Amy Shark, Violent Soho, Ball Park Music, Cub Sport and Emma Louise.
SAN CISCO EXPLAIN NEW SINGLE WHEN I DREAM
Fremantle quartet San Cisco explain the sound behind new single When I Dream – their first new music since 2017’s The Distance and issued to coincide with their current tour with Ball Park Music and Ruby Fields.
Frontman Jordi Davieson recounted: “We have been writing When I Dream for a few years now.
“The early demos came from a period where we were super infatuated with the west coast sound of the 1970’s, listening to a lot of Fleetwood Mac, Doobie Brothers, Eagles etc.
“Lyrically it is one of my most honest and personal songs and it feels great to finally release it into the wild.”
POSTER ARTIST MATTHEW CLARKE LANDS ANOTHER
Warrnambool, Victoria poster artist Matthew Clarke who last year had a design on Melbourne’s Art Trams project, has landed the 2019 Adelaide Fringe poster design from 357 entries.
It depicts Clarke who identifies himself as having an intellectual disability, as a Fringe performer.
He said: “For me, painting is about wanting to express my happiness to others.
“I like using bold, bright colours so it attracts people and makes them feel happy about art.
“I have a disability, so I’m quite proud to show there’s no barriers between that and making artwork.”
The design will appear as a mural around town and on trams. The Fringe runs from February 15 to March 17.
NEW ED FOR CHAMBER ARTS & CULTURE WA
Shelagh Magadza takes over as new executive director of the Chamber of Arts and Culture WA from October 23.
She replaces Henry Boston, its inaugural ED and was at its helm for five years.
New Zealand-born Zimbabwean-raised Magadza was artistic director of the Perth International Arts Festival between 2006 and 2011, and more recently, held that position at the New Zealand International Arts Festival.
With a Bachelor of Arts in Politics and a Masters in International Relations, Magadza stated, “The ten years spent in Perth has given me a lifelong passion and respect for the unique and diverse voices across Western Australia.”
SA HALL OF FAME INDUCTION
The next induction into the South Australian hall of fame is Neville Clark, who set up his audio and mastering services Disk Edits back in 1993.
Three of his biggest fans and clients, the Hilltop Hoods, endorsed the honour.
REVAMP FOR SYDEY VENUES
Public House Management Group is revamping two of its Sydney properties – the Woollahra Hotel, and tive music venue the Royal Paddington which will start in late 2019.
APPLICATIONS OPEN FOR FOUNDRY658
Victorian artists and creative businesses can now apply for Foundry658, a Victorian government-backed intensive business program designed by State Library Victoria and ACMI (Australian Centre for the Moving Image), specifically for the creative sector.
Foundry658 will enable entrepreneurial artists and creative teams to transform their business ideas into thriving enterprises by providing significant cash and in-kind investment, mentorship, coaching and practical expertise.
Two deep-dive bootcamps, taking place in November 2018 and February 2019, will provide access to the Library and ACMI’s expertise and networks, as well as mentorship, training and support.
Up to 25 individuals and teams will participate in each bootcamp, after which 10 high potential businesses will be selected to transition to the accelerator program.
The three-month accelerator will additionally offer each selected business a $20,000 financial investment, as well as deep immersion, tailored coaching and access to the vibrant co-working communities within State Library Victoria and ACMI X.
Applications for Bootcamp One close at 5pm on Sunday, September 30.
AND A FEW OTHER THINGS….
Kylie Minogue stepped back in time during her headline slot at Radio 2 Live in Hyde Park in London. She started warbling Especially For You with a gospel choir singing the lines that Jason Donovan took on their duet. After the second chorus she sighed, “I need a dance partner,” at which point Donovan walked onto the stage, gave her a spin around the stage and finished off the song.
A homeless man, Kieren Gallagher, 31, has been charged with stalking triple j presenter Gen Fricker entering enclosed lands without permission and common assault, the Sydney Morning Herald reported. He allegedly sneaked into j’s Ultimo headquarters by tailgating an employee, forced his way into the studio, grabbed and kissed Fricker and fled when security became aware.
Court documents seen by Fairfax Media show that Gallagher had been stalking the New Zealand national for months “with the intention of causing her physical or mental harm”. He is currently being assessed under the Mental Health Act, and will return to court at a later date.
John Legend, as well as the songwriting team of Lord Andrew Lloyd Webber and Sir Tim Rice, have reached EGOT status after winning at the Emmys last Sunday. It means they’ve won an Emmy, Grammy, Oscar and a Tony. Legend is the youngest, at 39, and the first black man to do so.
Robbie Williams and Ayda Field have become parents through a surrogate. The new child is Colette (Coco) Josephine Williams. They already have two other ankle shredders, Teddy, six and Charlton, four.
There’s been a huge demand for tickets for Tim Minchin’s national tour next year, with new shows added in Adelaide, Canberra, Perth, Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane. We hear computers at Canberra Theatre Centre went into meltdown because of the demand.
Texas metal band The Sword have cancelled their Australian tour…because they decided to go on a hiatus instead after 15 years of being on the road.
After the brawl #1: fans of 16-year old Chinese pop star Justin Huang and his band Nine Percent fought at a Gold Coast resort with his video team, with one person sent to hospital. Three men and two women had their passports seized while they are being investigated.
After The Brawl #2: Victorian police are searching for five people who are said to have gatecrashed a Melbourne warehouse gig in Prahran and assaulted patrons. One man was hospitalised after being slashed on his face.
Melbourne artist manager and TV producer Jack Strom home in Caulfield South went over its expected $2.1 million after a brisk bidding between three groups. The place held some massive entertainment parties in its day.
The ANU School of Music is scrapping its pre-uni course for high school students after the government scrapped its 275,000 a year funding. The plan is for Arts ACT to give more funding to a wider range of music courses, the Canberra Times said.
In the meantime, budding theatre actors from Tasmania will have to swim across to the mainland after the University of Tasmania cut the state’s only theatre degree.
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