Tuesday 31 July 2012

The ARIA #1 Chart Awards return to centre stage

Awards event will launch the new look ARIA Charts website - ariacharts.com.au




One of the key events on the Australian music industry calendar, the ARIA #1 Chart Awards, returns on Friday August 10 to honour those local artists who achieved a number one single, album or music DVD from August 2010 to August 2012.

Media, industry and musicians alike will converge on one of Sydney’s hippest venues, The Ivy Sunroom, for the afternoon event, to celebrate the recipients of the ARIA #1 Chart Awards, witness some very special live acoustic performances and launch the revamped ariacharts.com.au site.  This year’s master of ceremonies will be the enigmatic TV/music identity Chit Chat, and helping to bring the Awards to life is the soon to be launched digital music streaming service, Songl.

In the period from August 2010 to August 2012, a selection of diverse Australian acts spent 61 weeks in the #1 position across the ARIA singles, album or music DVD charts.  This includes chart stalwarts such as Powderfinger, Guy Sebastian, The Wiggles, AC/DC, Hilltop Hoods and Missy Higgins, alongside newer names such as Gotye, Reece Mastin, Karise Eden, The Temper Trap, Drapht and Bliss N Eso.

Over this same period, 84 singles from Australian artists were awarded gold, platinum or multi-platinum status, whilst 73 individual Australian albums were accredited.

Dan  Rosen, CEO ARIA said “A number one on the ARIA Charts is a wonderful achievement for an Australian artist and we are excited to be able to honour this accolade at the ARIA #1 Awards. This year’s recipients are a mix of established and new artists across a  diverse range of genres, demonstrating the ongoing vitality of the Australian music industry. ”

Denis Handlin AM, ARIA Chairman and Sony Music Entertainment Chairman & CEO Australia & New Zealand, President Asia - “ARIA is delighted to stage the Number 1 Chart Awards in recognition of the amazing array of Australian artists that have topped the charts. In this highly competitive business, with releases from all around the world vying for the publics’ attention, one of the greatest thrills for an artist and their record label is to reach number one on the chart in the journey of building a long and successful career.

That is what defines us all as record labels and these artists deserve the spotlight of attention and recognition.” Major sponsor Songl will be entering the local market soon,  providing  music fans with access to the music they love anywhere, anytime and in the way they want to hear it.

“We’re thrilled to be supporting this year’s  #1 Chart Awards,  especially given the large number of Australian music artists that are right up there with the best of them at the moment,” said Mark Shaw, CEO of Digital Music Distribution. “Increasing the visibility and access to Australia’s most loved artists is what we’re all about so it’s great to be a part of an institution such as the #1 Chart Awards that recognise their music and talent.”

Set to be revealed at the event is the new look ARIA Charts website, www.ariacharts.com.au, which will provide an essential hub for fans, media and industry alike to source all the latest chart information.

Produced by MCM Media with site design by Igloo, it will include brand new features, better social integration and a renewed focus on video.  The launch of the website precedes the release of the ARIA Charts mobile app later this year.

Monday 30 July 2012

MixFM Gets Up Close and Personal with Delta Goodrem

MixFM to host Up Close and Personal exclusive Delta Goodrem concert for Listeners



MixFM are thrilled to announce Delta Goodrem will perform an exclusive up close and personal concert for MixFM Listeners on Monday August 6 in the Darling Hotel at The Star, Pyrmont. 

Delta will perform her hits past and present including her hit single ‘Sitting on Top of the World’ and will also be performing her brand new single ‘Dancing with a Broken Heart’.  

Listeners can win tickets to this exclusive event by listening to Mix106.5’s Rosso & Claire in Breakfast and Ant & Sami in Drive on Mix101.1 Melbourne and Mix106.5 in Sydney weekdays from July 23.

ARN Content Director Duncan Campbell says “Delta Goodrem is an international superstar.  With so many hit singles on MixFM’s Play list, we are thrilled to have secured this Exclusive performance by Delta for our listeners”.

MixFM ‘s Up Close and Personal concert series has featured exclusive intimate performances with local and international superstars including Christina Perri, Jennifer Hudson, Lady Antebellum, Jessica Mauboy, James Blunt and Shannon Noll.

Delta Goodrem has sold in excess of 6 million units worldwide since signing her record deal at 15.  The 27 year old had her first # 1 single at 18, and has won many awards for her work including 9 ARIA awards, 13 #1 ARIA Chart Awards, 3 x MTV Awards,  Nickelodeon Kids Choice Award, 2004 Fave Music Act, 3 x World Music Awards, 1 x Logie, 1 x Mo Award.


ANTHONY LAPAGLIA, REBECCA GIBNEY & DIRECTOR P.J. HOGAN GO MENTAL!



It has been 18 years since the release of P.J. Hogan’s much loved classic Muriel’s Wedding and now his new anticipated Aussie film “MENTAL” starring Toni Collette, Rebecca Gibney and Anthony LaPaglia will hit cinema screens on October 4.

The film will officially Premiere over one weekend of MENTAL screenings, selected to close the 61st Melbourne International Film Festival (MIFF) on 18th August and open the 67th Australian International Movie Convention (AIMC) the following night.


The film’s stars Rebecca Gibney and Anthony LaPaglia will be in attendance to support the launch of their touching home grown comedy. Co-star Deborah Mailman, talented newcomer Lily Sullivan and the young cast of girls in the MENTAL family will grace the carpet in Melbourne along with Writer/Director P.J. Hogan and producers Jocelyn Moorhouse and Todd Fellman. Anthony, Rebecca, Lily & P.J. will take the carpet once again at AIMC on the Sunday night.


Mike Baard, Managing Director of Universal Pictures has said: We are so delighted that P.J. Hogan has chosen to tell this unique, funny and life-affirming story and that we will be able to celebrate its first public performances at these two events over one weekend. We can’t wait for Australians to have another reason to call each other “mental”.

Mental reunites writer-director P.J. Hogan with his original leading lady Toni Collette for the first time since Muriel's Wedding. Mental follows the story of the Moochmore girls who are certain they all suffer from some kind of undiagnosed mental illness - because if they’re not crazy then they’re just unpopular. Their mother Shirley (Rebecca Gibney) - unable to cope with her demanding daughters and unsupported by her philandering politician husband, Barry (Anthony LaPaglia) - suffers a nervous breakdown. After Barry commits his wife to a mental hospital (telling his constituents that “she’s on holiday”) he finds himself alone with 5 teenage girls he barely knows. Desperate, he impulsively picks up a hitchhiker named Shaz and installs her in his home as nanny to his daughters. Also with an incredible supporting cast including Liev Schreiber, Deborah Mailman, Kerry Fox, Caroline Goodall and Sam Clark, Mental promises audiences an outrageous original comedy with heart.



The Voice talent performs at The Metro, Sydney, Australia

A range of talent that previously appeared on the Australian version of 'The Voice' tonight performed at popular Sydney nightclub, The Metro.

The show was headlined by Melbourne based singer/songwriter Adam Martin, and was supported by Brittany Cairns.

The 24 Year old Martin, a contestant on the first season of the smash hit television show 'The Voice'.

Some of the praises the ultra talented artist has received include:

“There’s a great organic, authentic vulnerability in your voice.” – Country Music Award Winner, Keith Urban

“That kid is a huge star, he’s got something going on” – Benji Madden, Good Charlotte

His love for music kicked off when Adam, who comes from a family of seven, performed in family theatre productions established by his mother in order to keep the family together. Picking up a guitar for the first time at 19, it’s obvious that this young artist is right where he is supposed to be.

Adam entered the studio with multi award winning producer Mark Opitz (INXS, The Divinyls, Lenny Kravitz) on his debut EP “Never Know” – a collection of personal tracks about “Love, Life and The things that go with it.”

The decision to audition inevitably has helped to make Adam a household name with two of his singles debuting in the top 100 ARIA Singles Charts – his first with the cover of The Black Keys Lonely Boy'.

His second entry on the charts being his take of the Dire Straits 1981 hit 'Romeo And Juliet' entering the charts at No. 26 and No. 9 on the Australian ARIA Singles Charts.

The ability for a musician to make you reach deep inside your soul and connect is the rarest of all gifts and Adam shares that part of himself so effortlessly. It’s clear that this young artist is one to watch in 2012.

Ms Cairns, also on tour, performed both covers and originals and proved to be a worthy support act.

Well done to everyone associated with the success of tonight's entertainment. 






















Websites

Adam Martin official website

Brittany Cairns official website

Kelsie Rimmer official website

Metro Theatre, Sydney

Eva Rinaldi Photography Flickr

Eva Rinaldi Photography

Music News Australia




Thursday 26 July 2012

Nekromantix American psychobilly horror legends Nekromantix return to our shores this October for their 2012 Australian tour



Danish American psychobilly horror legends Nekromantix return to our shores this October for their 2012 Australian tour.

Led by misfit rock 'n' roll rebel Kim Nekroman, Nekromantix have forged their own unique image and identity in the world of modern punk rock. The trio including guitarist Franc and the band’s first female drummer Lux, inhabit a world of the undead, a place where the decaying roots of early rock 'n' roll provide the skeleton for a musical monster that spews forth reverb-drenched punk rock bile, bone chilling riffs and a level of energy and intensity that can only be described as dangerous.

The story of Nekromantix began way back in 1989 when Kim Nekroman founded the band after an 8 year stint as a submariner in the Royal Danish Navy.  After only two local gigs the newly minted outfit appeared on a major festival in Hamburg which resulted in a record deal and the release of the band's first LP Hellbound.  While the psychobilly scene at the time was mainly dominated by British acts, fans across the world welcomed the new and exciting style that was to become Nekromantix trademark.

Eight full-length albums later Nekromantix have risen as preeminent purveyors of a powerful and haunting psychobilly sound which features an intoxicating mix of anthemic punk and seductive, twang- laden rockabilly. Their latest record What Happens In Hell, Stays In Hell - out now on Hellcat Records - offers up frantic energetic romps like lead off track Bats In My Pants, the riotous revelry moves along with the ominous anthem Sleepwalker With A Gun followed by a tribute to the immortal Hollywood horror legend with Bela Lugosi’s Star.


Nekromantix - What Happens In Hell, Stays In Hell – is out now on Hellcat Records

Nekromantix
Australia 2012

Oct 2 - The Rosemount, Perth

Oct 4 - Hifi, Brisbane

Oct 5 - Hifi, Sydney

Oct 6 - Hifi, Melbourne

Tix On Sale Thursday 2nd August

Tuesday 24 July 2012

Nicholas Hammond Attends 'The Sound Of Music' 4K Digital Restoration Australian Premiere, Melbourne



Nicholas Hammond (who has the staring role as Friedrich von Trapp in 'The Sound Of Music') attended the first session of the Australian Premiere of 'The Sound Of Music' in 4K digital restoration.

It all took place at Melbourne's The Astor Theatre and he met and mingled with audience members plus participated in a Q&A session.

An American-born Australian actor, Nicholas Hammond's extensive work spans across film, television and theatre. He is best known for his roles as Friedrich von Trapp in 'The Sound Of Music' and as Peter Parker (Spider-Man) on the late '70s television series 'The Amazing Spider-Man'.

Nicholas Hammond currently stars in the Melbourne Theatre Company’s production of 'Queen Lear'.

Rodgers and Hammerstein’s wonderful musical classic 'The Sound Of Music' screened for the very first time in Australia on 4K DCP digital format at The Astor Theatre (July 8-14).

Winner of four Academy Awards, 'The Sound Of Music' transcends generations and it is indeed a cause for celebration to see this timeless classic return to the big screen as radiant as the day it was premiered. 

For more information visit www.astortheatre.net.au

Websites

The Astor Theatre

Chapel Distribution

Potential Films

Sunday 22 July 2012

VIRGIN MOBILE ROLLS OUT THE RED CARPET TO HOMES ACROSS THE NATION WITH EXCLUSIVE LIVE STREAM



Virgin Mobile to stream headline acts from Splendour in the Grass - Kimbra, Miike Snow, Ladyhawke, Cast of Cheers, Band of Skulls, Bleeding Knees Club, Last Dinosaurs and more...


Sydney, 20 July 2012 – Splendour in the Grass sold out quicker this year than you could say “Splendour Bender Weekend Extender”, and knowing that there are more disappointed people that missed out on tickets than ever before, Virgin Mobile today announces that it will once again be delivering a live stream of the festival. Continuing its commitment to dish out even more content for music loving Aussies, Virgin Mobile has announced a stellar line up expanding the live stream to a whopping 8 hours of exclusive content direct from field phone.

Following on from last year’s success where over 46,650 music fans tuned in to be part of the action, Virgin Mobile will be streaming performances from the likes of Kimbra and Miike Snow directly from the Mixup and Supertop stages at Splendour in the Grass 2012, on Saturday 28th from 3pm.

The exclusive Virgin Mobile Live Stream 2012 will bring non-festival goers uninterrupted live access to the festival’s gigs with a mix of live and pre-recorded performances and backstage artist interviews, bringing ‘music to the masses’ via its YouTube channel (YouTube.com/VirginMobileAus) and the official Splendour in the Grass app.

Those on the move won’t miss a beat this year. Thanks to Virgin Mobile, music lovers can experience the live stream on mobile devices via the free Splendour in the Grass app – available for Android and iPhone. Furthermore, the Virgin Mobile Facebook page and website will be regularly updated with all the latest Splendour in the Grass news.

Virgin Mobile’s Marketing Director, David Scribner, said, “We’re really excited to once again be offering this exclusive access to fans and music lovers who can’t make it to the festival. We have been pioneers in live-streaming ever since we first live-streamed the Temper Trap in 2010 and are proud to once again be offering viewers a real feel for this year’s festival with an excellent collection of music and behind-the-scenes interviews streamed directly from the festival to wherever you are.”

In its third year of sponsorship, Virgin Mobile will for the first time extend its activations beyond the festival grounds, offering festival goers the chance to pull over and revive in style and comfort at Virgin Mobile’s Star Treatment Stop. The Star Treatment Stop (stylish pit-stops), located at 171 Pacific Highway Broadwater, en-route from Sydney to Bryon Bay, will offer drivers and their mates free coffees, massages, comfy beanbags and chilled DJs tunes for a refresh with a difference.

Dedicated to enhancing the overall experience for those at the festival, Virgin Mobile will offer a host of customer benefits to Virgin Mobile customers attending Splendour in the Grass 2012. Customers will be asked to register before the festival for them and a plus one via a Facebook app and when they get on site they can pick up their Near Field Communications (NFC) wristband. Virgin Mobile festival benefits include:

•       Access to the Posh Pit fancy bathroom (clean and fresh – oh the joy!) plus 5 minute makeovers to keep punters looking and feeling like a star throughout the festival

•       Fast Lane express bar queue - Virgin Mobile thinks it’s only fair that customers spend more time watching bands, and less time queueing at the bar

·       Power Point Recharge Station – Running out of juice on your mobile? Can’t send that last photo of you in the mosh pit to make all your friends jealous? Virgin Mobile have you covered with the recharge station

·       Bandstand daily prizes – These babies are your key to fun times at Splendour from food vouchers to phones there’s a whole lot of love to give. Customer simply tap their wristband throughout the festival to see what they have won

·     The chance to win tickets to the exclusive Channel V party: 50 Virgin Mobile customers and their friends will win access to the VIP section at the Channel V Party at the Beach Hotel in Byron Bay on Saturday the 28th July where they will be treated to a recovery breakfast, drinks and great tunes from the likes of Alice Wonderland and other Splendour artists. Another 100 Virgin Mobile customers will win access to the party and two drinks tokens.

Virgin Mobile customers can now pre-register for all the benefits at: 

For more information on the Virgin Mobile live stream and festival benefits for Virgin Mobile customers visit: http://www.virginmobile.com.au/splendour-in-the-grass 

Virgin Mobile & Music
As a Virgin company, music is a part of our heritage and our brand DNA. Since we launched 11 years ago, Virgin Mobile Australia has been a key player in the music scene undertaking initiatives to enrich the music experience for our customers.

We’ve been a major sponsor of Splendour in the Grass festival since 2010, offering customers a host of benefits to enhance their festival experience. We also brought music to the masses as the first brand to live web-stream from an Australian music festival, broadcasting Temper Trap’s set from Splendour in the Grass 2010. We then gave you Australia’s longest-ever festival live web-stream from St Jerome’s Laneway Festival in 2011.

In 2012 we are also excited to be sponsoring music legend George Michael’s national tour later this year. Stay tuned for more music news from us at www.facebook.com/VirginMobileAus or www.twitter.com/virginmobileaus

Websites

Splendour in the Grass

Virgin Mobile - Splendour in the Grass

One Green Bean

The Century opens at The Star



Golden Century Group reveals The Century

New Cantonese restaurant at The Star now open

Sydney:  The Golden Century Group today opened its new Cantonese restaurant at The Star, THE CENTURY, with a traditional Chinese dragon ceremony for over 200 Sydney siders. Greg Inglis and Sam Burgess from the Rabbitohs, Dr Charlie Teo and Sami Lukis were amongst those to enjoy the colourful display and get a sneak preview at the new restaurant which opens to the public at 6pm on Sunday 22 July.

THE CENTURY, which when translated in Cantonese means, ‘essence of Golden Century’, is the latest dining experience from The Golden Century Group, which has opened some of the most popular dining institutions in Sydney since 1989.  THE CENTURY still retains the menu and seafood offered by Golden Century restaurant in Chinatown, but also showcases a new interior concept, which has been designed by Paring Onions based in Hong Kong.  THE CENTURY’s new look playfully incorporates symbolisms of Chinese culinary culture with a refreshing and modern twist. 

Innovative design features that visitors will experience at THE CENTURY include:

·         The Great Wall of Chopsticks! The interior of THE CENTURY features a Great Wall of Chopsticks that pays respect to this imperative Chinese dining utensil. Paring Onions designed a series of handmade wall tiles compiled by 82,320 chopsticks, creating a unique wall surface and subtle texture
·         Over 300 tea cups and 5kms of fibre optics to create an eye catching light feature that again pays its tribute to a symbol of Chinese cuisine
·         Fifteen double glazed aquarium tanks line the entrance, emphasising the use of the very best fresh and live seafood, prepared and served multiple ways by the award winning chefs

Alex Wong, Director at Pairing Onions said, ”When designing THE CENTURY, it was critical to keep the Golden Century’s unique culture in mind, but it was also a great opportunity to introduce a refreshing modern side of the group, inspired by a creative take on Chinese dining customs.”

THE CENTURY offers a menu designed to highlight the use of live seafood and fresh ingredients in creating authentic Cantonese classics and favourites of the well-known and original Golden Century.


Following on from the acclaim and recognition of the Golden Century wine list by Australian Gourmet Traveller Magazine and Wine Spectator, THE CENTURY has also compiled a wine list worthy of the modern design concept and setting of the new restaurant.

Frederic Luvisutto, managing director of The Star, added, ”We’re delighted to have such a well respected and much loved business, like the Golden Century Group, join our award winning suite of restaurants here at The Star. From the modern design to the delicious menu, we’re predicting THE CENTURY will be a must visit destination for our guests.”

THE CENTURY is located on the ground level of The Star on Pirrama Road and completes The Star’s culinary collection of restaurants following its $870 million redevelopment. THE CENTURY now joins David Chang’s Momofuku, Teage Ezard’s BLACK by ezard, Stefano Manfredi’s Balla, and modern Japanese restaurant Sokyo, as well as Zumbo Patisserie, Flying Fish and Chips, Fat Noodle and Bistro 80.

The restaurant seats 220 people and houses stylish private and semi-private dining rooms for groups of 6 to 70 people. It serves lunch and dinner seven days a week.




Saturday 21 July 2012

Sarah De Bono opens Kiehl’s store in Chatswood, Sydney, Australia



Sarah De Bono opens Kiehl’s apothecary health and beauty store in Chatswood, Sydney, Australia...


Saturday the 21st of July reality TV superstar Sarah De Bono dazzled the northshore shopping mecca of Chatswood Chase with the official ribbon cutting and opening of the Kiehl's boutique.

Kiehl's since 1851 is a quintessential New York label with an apothecary line up that will satisfy ant skin care need.

Backgrounder...

De Bono from 'The Voice' fame, whose album is currently number 9 in the iTunes charts, cut the ribbon at midday.

Customers received 10 per cent off their purchases and Kiehl's is donating 10 per cent of sales to De Bono's chosen charity, Musicians Making a Difference.

It is the New York-based skincare brand's first Sydney store.

In case you didn't know Kiehl’s was founded as an apothecary in New York’s East Village neighborhood over 160 years ago, and they have been expanding the luxury franchise outlets around Australia over the past number of years.

Ingredients are the single most important component their their products and they have always proudly displayed theirs.

Ingredients are not chosen on their aesthetic merit – only formulas with ingredients that are truly beneficial to the skin are selected. They select many naturally derived ingredients for use in the formulations, and they are committed to utilizing only the most gentle and efficacious formulas for maximum benefit and results.

Kiehl's is a very community and philanthropic minded company. Giving is the embodiment of "The Mission of Kiehl’s". Written over 30 years ago by Kiehl’s founding family, their Mission clearly stated their belief in the importance of giving back to the communities in which they serve customers every day.

Background...

For the Holiday season 2010, in stores in Australia only, Kiehl’s was pleased to announce a collaboration with one of the foremost recognized Australian iconic artists, Ken Done who is using his creative genius to help children in need around the world. With the shared vision to help to create safer, stronger local communities for children, the Kiehl’s and DONE partnership raised awareness and funds through the sale of a Limited Edition Crème de Corps Holiday Collection, comprised of a three-product offering. Each product in the collection featured the artwork of ‘Postcard June’ (2007, acrylic on canvas, 91 x 122cm). 100% of Kiehl’s net profits from the sale of each product in Australia were donated to UNICEF, the United Nations Children's Fund, the world’s leading advocate for children. 

In Australia Kiehl’s continue to partner with leading charity, Red Kite. Every month they collect money to support children in need and organize shop for a cause events.

Today's special appearance has become a topic of conversation in the Australian beauty industry.

Kiehl's continues to innovate in an ultra impressive fashion - be it with products, services, or out of the box media and marketing campaigns.

Update...

Kiehl's makes a grand entrance at Chatswood Chase Sydney!

Since 1851, Kiehl’s has had a devoted group of patrons (models and moguls among them) flocking to their original Third Ave apothecary for medicinal and herbal tonics. Their herbal-based apothecary skincare formulas and tell-it-like-it-is packaging have garnered the devotion of generations of no-fuss types world-wide who like to keep their lives simple. 

Founded by John Kiehl, the store began as a homeopathic pharmacy. Its unique background represents a blend of cosmetic, pharmaceutical, herbal and medicinal knowledge and experience acquired through the family’s generations. All products are made by hand using the finest ingredients available (and Kiehl's "secret" formulations).



















Websites

Kiehl’s (Australia)

Chatswood Chase, Sydney

Eva Rinaldi Photography Flickr

Eva Rinaldi Photography

Music News Australia

Maxim magazine celebrates 1st birthday at The Star, Sydney, Australia



Marquee Sydney helps Maxim celebrate first birthday...


Last night at The Star popular men's magazine, Maxim Australia, celebrated its first birthday.

If you didn't know already, Maxim is a lad's mag, and this issue is blessed with Australian sports model, Lauryn Eagle. Did we mention Lauren is a boxer, kick boxer, water skier and more! She's also one of Australia's most popular sports models these days.

The magazine and is sponsors, advertisers, models and everyone else associated with it should be happy with tonight's turn out, and any print magazine out of Australia that is still in business does have something to celebrate.

Joining Lauryn were other names and celebs including Brittany Bloomer, Grant Dwyer, Rochelle Fox, Nacho Pop, Brittany and Anthony Cairns, Annalise Braakensiek.

Well done to everyone involved in tonight's birthday success.

Wrap Up...

The Star's tag line is 'There will be stories', and its a sure bet Star will keep living up to that if tonight was any indication. A casino matched with Maxim Australia, a media pack, models and more - that's going to make news.

















Websites

The Star

Echo Entertainment

Maxim Australia

Music News Australia

Eva Rinaldi Photography

Eva Rinaldi Photography Flickr