The darling that is Sarah Blasko has announced a large run of tour dates that will see her visit regional venues about the place, in an announcement that accompanies the release of her new video for the single, "All Of Me". The dates will no doubt be a welcome announcement for those Blasko fans who aren't able to see her at Splendour in the Grass. The tour, alongside Fletcher, will kick off this July, with tickets going on sale from June 11.

SARAH BLASKO - AUSTRALIAN TOUR DATES

I chat to Aussie musician Fletcher, who has recently been on a national tour with Sarah Blasko... so you may have already heard his name. Read ahead to learn how he starting writing music and find out what we can expect from the forthcoming album and tour.

Sarah Blasko’s Sydney Opera House show was not her debut at this iconic venue. But it was her first time performing there with an orchestra in tow. Her latest album, I Awake features a newer, “full” sound. It’s one she’s described as having given her all. While recording, she got the Bulgarian Symphony Orchestra to create an avalanche of sound and something she described as: soaring, shrieking, simple and striking. And that describes this show to a tee.

Pictured: Sarah Blasko.

On a balmy Valentines’ day eve, many flocked to the impressive Hamer Hall to watch Sarah Blasko perform with a 40 piece orchestra. Seeing rock acts perform with orchestras is not uncommon. Rarer is the partnering of certain modern acts with classical music creating something extraordinary. Given that Blasko wrote songs for acclaimed fourth album I Awake on a ukulele with an orchestra in mind, her vision is to be realised. Touring every capital city in Australia, Blasko is using the local symphony orchestra of each city to perform her latest album along with material from As day Follows Night , and What the Sea Wants the Sea Will Have .

Both bad and good news in this week's State of Affairs, with music venues not winning any awards by closing and Australian musicians winning actual awards overseas from a Prince. We also learn about Eskimo Joe's winning skills in fundraising and the industry's economic growth as a whole

In this issue: Hoodoo Gurus Dig It Up! First Line Up Announcement, Tex Napalm and Dimi Dero announce more shows, Bob Mould announces second Sydney show, Optus Flix in the Stix event times announced, Sarah Blasko announces support, Title Fight announce local supports and Sad news for Paul Greene and The Other Colours.

Hoodoo Gurus Dig It Up! First Line Up Announcement

Sarah Blasko is an accomplished musician and a greatly accomplished singer-songwriter from Sydney, Australia She began her solo career in 2002 after fronting Sydney-based band Acquiesce, between the mid-1990s and 2002 under the name Sarah Semmens, and her list of achievements in the music industry since are well rounded.

The nominees for the 2012 J Awards have been announced, showcasing some of the best releases from Australian talent this year. Over the past seven years, the J Awards have presented the best talent Australia has to offer, with past winners including Gotye, Wolfmother and Sarah Blasko.

Check out the full list of nominees below! The AU congratulates everyone nominated.

THE 2012 J AWARDS - FULL LIST OF NOMINEES

AUSTRALIAN ALBUM OF THE YEAR

In this issue: Sarah Blasko adds second Sydney show and announces special guest, The Good Ship changes Brisbane venue and announces festival dates, Dark Funeral announces support acts for their tour and much more!

Sarah Blasko adds second Sydney Opera House gig & announces special guest!

In the column this week: more awards of the triple j kind, Psy remains at the top (when will it end?), and classical musicians get an opportunity at to head to Austria.

In this issue:City Riots announce support acts for their Australian tour, After The Fall change Sydney date, Weezer to perform Pinkerton in full and more!

City Riots Announce Australian Tour Supports