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

ROUNDING UP THE BEST SOUNDS, CREW AND ALL THINGS MOO FOR 2013



Groovin’ the Moo (GTM) loves this time of year! With fond memories of GTM 2012 still fresh in mind, from Maitland to Canberra, Bendigo to Townsville and Bunbury, new music is pumping through the offices, bands are being booked, artwork is being crafted, event site planning is underway and the team is coming back into the GTM fold.

And while all the good news can’t be shared just yet, GTM can hatch a handful of the plans in store for 2013 around Australia’s regional centres and the centre of the ACT region.

Signalling a return to its roots, Maitland Showground NSW on Saturday 27 April hosts the first event on the 2013 tour, followed by University of Canberra ACT on Sunday 28 April. Then it’s off to Bendigo’s Prince of Wales Showground VIC on Saturday 4 May, Townsville’s Murray Sports Complex QLD on Sunday 5 May and last but certainly not least, Bunbury’s Hay Park WA on Saturday 11 May 2013.

To experience this trademark fun and value-packed day complete with a twist of country hospitality, Groovin’ the Moo is pleased to announce tickets will be on-sale from Tuesday 5 February and Wednesday 6 February 2013 for $99.90 + bf with the 2013 Artist Line-up coming to life on Wednesday 30 January. Be first to get all the news and festival updates, by signing up for the Moos Flash at www.gtm.net.au. Sign up by 5.00pm, 31 December 2012 and by the time the New Year ticks over you could have won tickets for you and two friends to your local GTM, a merch pack and a poster signed by artists from the 2013 line-up.

"....Groovin’ the Moo was a great success that packed a hell of a punch for its price tag… the efficiently run venue and friendly crowd is what sealed the day’s success. The festival was an udder triumph and hopefully it doesn’t moove on anytime soon” - Faster Louder 

In the meantime, GTM is inviting all local artists, graphic designers, students, professionals and amateurs to submit work for the annual cotton and ink muster – GTM TEE. In 2013 GTM is asking participants to respond to the theme “Homegrown” for a single sided t-shirt graphic. Whether you graze in the grass or pound the pavement GTM wants you to share the informal, local, homespun, warm, old-school, daggy and wonderful world of your homeland – it could take in sustainability, agriculture, sport, nostalgia, local history or celebrities.

Along with a swag bag full of prizes for a major winner, a runner up from each state, the mini moo for the young people and the people’s choice award - the lucky major prize winner will have their artwork etched in GTM “merch-lore” for the 2013 events. Entries for GTM TEE open 28 January 2013, for further information and to get your creative juices flowing visit the Competitions page at www.gtm.net.au.
Event Information:

Caterers and Stall Holders:
Expressions of interest are now being sought from local caterers and stall holders for GTM 2013. Visit www.gtm.net.au  to download an application form.

Media Accreditation:
Media Accreditation applications for all 2013 Events open from Wednesday 30 January 2013 to Friday 16 March 2013, however enquiries are welcome prior to this date. Please get in touch directly with National Event Publicist, Paula ‘jonesy’ Jones from jones PR… on jones@jonespr.com.au

Save the date! Here is the official 2013 GTM tour diary:

Saturday 27 April 2013 – Maitland NSW
Maitland Showground
Blomfield St, Maitland NSW 2320

Sunday 28 April 2013 – Canberra ACT
University of Canberra
Kirinari St Bruce ACT 2617

Saturday 4 May 2013 – Bendigo VIC
Bendigo’s Prince of Wales Showground
42 – 72 Holmes Rd, Bendigo VIC 3550

Sunday 5 May 2013 – Townsville QLD
Murray Sports Complex - Townsville Cricket Grounds
Mervyn Crossman Dr & Murray Lyons Cres, Idalia QLD 4811

Saturday 11 May 2013 – Bunbury WA
Hay Park
(off) Parade Rd Bunbury WA 6230

RONAN KEATING ‘FIRES LIVE 2013’ AUSTRALIAN TOUR WITH SPECIAL GUEST BRIAN MCFADDEN


McManus Entertainment is excited to announce that Ronan Keating will be returning to Australia next March for a concert tour across the country. Joining Ronan will be very special guest, good friend and fellow Irishman, Brian McFadden.

Ronan will play shows in Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane, Adelaide and Perth. Tickets go on sale on Monday 26 November at 9am.

“I’m thrilled that Ronan is playing shows in Australia next year,” says promoter Andrew McManus. “He is so popular here – an honourary Aussie and I can’t wait to see what mischief he and Brian get up to! The lads are going to put on a great show … to be sure!”

As a solo artist Ronan Keating has sold more than 25 million records worldwide, alongside 30 million records with Boyzone. Add this to Brian McFadden’s sales of 40 million records worldwide and that’s a serious amount of records the two artists have sold between them.

Ronan’s soulful pop voice has won him millions of fans around the world and Australia is no exception. As one of the X-Factor’s most popular mentors, he considers Australia a second home. 

I can’t wait to play songs from my new album Fires to my Australian fans,” Ronan says. “And to go on tour with one of my best mates is just a bonus!”

Apart from Ronan’s incredible work with Boyzone, he has had an extensive solo career. After Boyzone’s 1995 number 2 hit in Australia with Father and Son, Ronan burst back onto the Australian charts in 1999 with the Top 3 smash When You Say Nothing At All. This was followed with more hits, including Life Is a Rollercoaster, Lovin’ Each Day, If Tomorrow Never Comes and his latest single Fires. In 2009, Ronan released the poignant Songs For My Mother (recorded in memory of his late mother), which debuted at number 1 on the Australian ARIA album chart.

Brian McFadden is another Irishman who also considers Australia a second home. The popular judge from ‘Australia’s Got Talent’ will join good friend Ronan on his “Fires” tour. Australia first got to know Brian through popular band Westlife. Since leaving the band, Brian has gone on to carve out a successful solo career, reaching the top of the ARIA singles chart with Almost Here and Just Say So. In 2008 Brian released his top 5 album Set In Stone.  Brian will release his brand new studio album through Universal Music in February 2013 titled, The Irish Connection.  The album will include some of Brian’s favourite tracks with some of his favourite artists, including his very good friend, and touring partner, Ronan Keating!

My favourite thing to do is perform,” says Brian. “I can’t wait to play some new songs, some old songs and some classic favourites to Australian audiences.”

Ronan and Brian take to the road on Friday 1 March starting at Melbourne’s beautiful Palais Theatre and ending in Perth on Tuesday 12th March. 

Tickets for Ronan Keating’s “Fires Live 2013” tour go on sale on Monday 26 November at 9am.

Proudly presented by McManus Entertainment, Empire Touring, TV Week and Mix

Tickets go on sale from 9am Monday 26 November via the below outlets


AUSTRALIAN NATIONAL ‘FIRES LIVE 2013’ TOUR DATES: RONAN KEATING AND BRIAN MCFADDEN

Friday 1 March                                      Melbourne Palais Theatre                                                               www.ticketmaster.com.au 136 100
Monday 4 March                                   Sydney State Theatre                                                        www.ticketmaster.com.au 136 100
Thursday 7 March                               Brisbane Riverstage                                                          www.ticketmaster.com.au 136 100
Sunday 10 March                                 Adelaide Fringe Festival Adelaide, The Depot                www.venuetix.com.au         08 8225 8888
Tuesday 12 March                               Perth Crown Perth Theatre                                               www.ticketek.com.au          132 849

GUY SEBASTIAN ANNOUNCES ‘GET ALONG’ TOUR 2013


Guy Sebastian, is heading back on the road next March and April for his ‘Get Along’ tour. Guy will play shows in Perth, Melbourne, Brisbane, Sydney and his hometown, Adelaide. Tickets go on sale on Tuesday 27 November at 9am.

After nine successful years, Guy has earned a place in Australian music history as the Australian male artist with the most number one singles. His recent single Battle Scars (featuring US rapper Lupe Fiasco) debuted at number one on the ARIA singles chart, where it remained for an amazing six consecutive weeks. Battle Scars gave Guy his first American hit, peaking at number one on the Billboard R&B/Hip-Hip Digital Song Chart. Guy performed it on Late Night with David Letterman with Lupe Fiasco.

Guy is looking forward to playing songs off his latest album Armageddon, which was released in October, debuting at number two on the ARIA album chart. “I can’t wait to get back on the road again and play songs from my new album,” Guy says. “Of course I’ll play all the old favourites too!”

Guy is one of Australia’s greatest singer-songwriters and has proved his place as an Australian idol. After winning the first series in 2003, Guy captured the hearts of Australians with his unique and incredible vocal talent. Since then his success has carried over into seven multi-platinum albums and countless sell-out tours. Add to this his string of awards and the fact he is the only Australian male artist in Australian music history to achieve six chart-topping singles – Battle Scars, Angels Brought Me Here, All I Need Is You, Out With My Baby, Like It Like That and Who’s That Girl? – and you can see why Guy truly is a world-class talent.

Make sure you get along to Guy Sebastian … this is a show you don’t want to miss!

Guy’s new album Armageddon is out now through Sony Music.
Tickets on sale Tuesday 27 November from the below outlets.
AUSTRALIAN TOUR DATES: GUY SEBASTIAN

Thursday 28 March        Perth, Crown Theatre                                                     ticketek.com.au 132 849
Friday 5 April                            Melbourne, Palais Theatre                                             ticketmaster.com.au 136 100
Friday 12 April               Brisbane, Brisbane Convention Centre                           ticketek.com.au 132 849
Friday 19 April               Sydney, Hordern Pavilion                                              ticketek.com.au 132 849
Friday 26 April               Adelaide, Thebarton Theatre                                          venuetix.com.au 08 8225 8888