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Welcome back to "The State Of Affairs", where we fill you in on what's been happening of late in the local and international music and arts industries. From break ups to make ups, from firings to hirings... you'll read it all here.
In This Issue: Strike Hard Bookings shuts shop, Hilltop Hoods sign to Fontana U.S, Nada Surfs sign with Stop Start,the ARIA Charts, James Vincent McMorrow joins Dew Process. Livescene launches App to promote live music, Adele holds her position at #1 in the ARIA charts, Inertia records introduces "Inertia Access" to help unsigned artists start out, Shock Records sign "While She Sleeps", Basick records partners with Prosthetic Records, Pressed And sign to Mush records, APRA AMCOS Song Summit announces key speakers, The Riff is back on Channel V!, The Holding Pattern helps launch undiscovered musicians. Katy Perry joins forces with The Sims, National Slam Day, Unsigned Only Music Competition, The 2011 Smac Awards, PBS 'Drive Alive 2012', Elefant Traks sign Sky'High, and Inpress organise a 'fun raiser' for Genny B.
STRIKE HARD BOOKINGS SHUTS SHOP
Strike Hard Bookings will be closing its doors as of 30th January 2012. Since 2007, the touring company has brought international acts The Black Dahlia Murder, Cruel Hand, Unearth, All Shall Perish and many more to Australian audiences.
Founder of Strike Hard Bookings, Daniel Misztal, has accepted a position with Destroy All Lines, as their National Booking Agent. While Oliver Cantion has chosen to launch his own hardcore label, Broken Hive Records, and continue to book local and international tours as well as manage local artist. Sam, Shane, and Chucky plan to continue their involvement with booking artists and promotional work, however Jesse King has opted to withdraw from the industry.
The final Strike Hard tour is currently underway with international acts such as Iron Mind, Backtrack, and Thy Art is Murder all on the bill, finishing up on January 29th.
HILLTOP HOODS (GOLDEN ERA RECORDS) SIGNS TO FONTANA U.S
Fontana, Universal Music Groups’s independent marketing, sales and distribution company, has signed an exclusive agreement with the Hilltops Hoods’ own label Golden Era Records for the U.S release of their 6th album “Drinking From the Sun”.
The Hilltop Hoods have successfully toured Canada, Germany, and Britain over the past few years, and manager Dylan Liddy sees their new relationship with Fontana as pivotal to ensuring the band’s success in the US. Fontana is an important player in the market, providing services to notable independent labels such as Vagrant Records, Rap- A-Lot, American Gramophone, and Savoy Label group.
"Drinking From the Sun" is due out on 9th March 2012.
NADA SURF SIGN WITH STOP START
Independent label Stop Start has signed US indie rock band Nada Surf. The band’s new studio album ‘The Stars Are Indifferent To Astronomy’ will be released February 24, followed by a re-release of their entire back catalogue.
Having formed in New York in 1994, and releasing their first album “High/Low” through Elektra Records, Nada Surf toured Australia over 10 years ago. The band have since issued a varied catalogue of work, including an album produced by Chris Walla (Death Cab For Cutie) and their most recent album “If I Had a Hi Fi” adapting works from favorite artists such as The Go-Betweens and Depeche Mode.
Their Single “Waiting for something” is due for release on 24th January.
THE LATEST ARIA CHARTS
Adele’s hit “21” maintains its #1 position in the ARIA Album chart, now only 9 weeks short of record set by the Dire Straits with “Brothers in Arms” in 1985/1986.
Flo Rida’s “Wild Ones” featuring Sia dominates the ARIA Singles chart this week, and local talent Timomatic’s debut single “Set It Off” has moved up to #2. French DJ David Guetta’s track “Turn Me On” has soared up to #3, while Simple Plan’s track “Summer Paradise” sits at #6.
As for the ARIA Album Chart, Foster the People’s album “Torches” has reached #3, while One Direction’s debuts album “Up All Night” climbs to # 4.
DEW PROCESS WELCOMES: JAMES VINCENT MCMORROW
Dew Process have picked up Irish solo artist James Vincent McMorrow and his self-recorded debut “Early in the Morning” which has already featured in a number of American tv dramas.
Morrow, who lists Steinbeck and F Scott Fitzgerald as his inspirations, has reached #1 in the Irish music charts, and played Glastonbury, as well as touring extensively in the United States. He will make his first appearing in Australia at Bluesfest, with possible sideshows to be announced in the coming weeks.
“Early In The Morning” will be out via Dew Process on March 2nd, 2011
LIVESCENE LAUNCHES APP TO HELP PROMOTE AND DISCOVER LIVE MUSIC
Brisbane-based startup LiveScene announces the launch of the LiveScene iPhone application, a gig guide in your pocket, available on the iTunes App Store for free.
LiveScene’s founder Sean Bunton states that their intention is “ to make it easy for anyone to discover and promote events. We want to bring the vibrancy back to the Australian live music scene. We do not want to see more live music venues struggle”.
Artists can utilize the app as a cost effective and highly targeted marketing tool, using Licescene’s Push notification system, which can schedule notifications to go out 30 minutes before an event begins in the user’s area. Events can be uploaded straight from the app, and shared via social networks.
Learn more about LiveScene at: http://livesceneapp.com/about-us/
INERTIA ACCESS – SERVICES PLATFORM FOR UNSIGNED AUSTRALIAN ARTISTS
Taking a proactive approach Inertia are launching their “Inertia Access” service, aimed at offering new talent unprecedented access to the label’s services in the form of digital distribution, media servicing, merchandise and poster manufacture, and more.
Inertia’s “Access” artists will own the master recording rights and be entitled to the majority of income. Agreements will have no minimum terms or long term commitments like traditional contracts.
The new branch will be headed by Inertia A&R and Australia Music Manager Mark Dodds, in addition to Head of A&R Justin Cosby, and company Managing Director Colin Daniels.
Any queries can be directed to access@inertia-music.com
UK’s 'WHILE SHE SLEEPS' SIGNS TO SHOCK RECORDS
Shock Records have signed UK 5 piece “While She Sleeps”, who have recently supported the likes of Bring Me the Horizon, Silverstein, and Your Demise.
The band released their debut mini album the “North Stands for Nothing” in late 2011 and are currently recording their new album with the influential Carl Brown (Trivium) and Colin Richardson (Machine Head).
Watch the Be(lie)ve video http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8Q2vZamh4mA
BRITISH BASICK RECORDS PARTNERS WITH PROSTHETIC RECORDS / RED FOR NORTH AMERICAN DISTRIBUTION
Britain’s metal label BASICK RECORDS, has partnered with Los Angeles based label, PROSTHETIC RECORDS.
For Basick, the deal will see all of the label’s forthcoming releases and selected back catalogue serviced by SONY’s Red Distribution, and will also allow the British label the opportunity to sign American talent.
The first band to experience the benefits of the partnership will be Chimp Spanner, with their new release “All Roads Lead Here”, available in the U.S and Canada on 14th February 2012.
OVERSEAS SIGNING - PRESSED AND SIGNS TO MUSH RECORDS
Pressed And, the collaborative work of Andrew Hamlet and Mat Jones described as “post-chillwave” and part of America’s southeastern electronic scene, has signed to Mush Records.
Mush Records are currently promoting the band’s debut LP “Imbue Up”, which sees the band touring the United States from January through to March 2011.
You can listen to Pressed And's Neighborhood Tapes Mix HERE.
2012 APRA SONG SUMMIT - DATES AND FIRST SPEAKERS ANNOUNCED
Launched by APRA|AMCOS and the NSW Government through Destination NSW, and now in its third year, Song Summit with be held at Sydney Convention Centre 26 -28 May, 2012
The three day event is designed to provide local artists with networking and business opportunities, educational support, workshops, Q & A sessions with the industry’s leading experts, as well as including live performances from local and international acts.
Guest set to feature at Song Summit 2012 include:
Andrew Jenkins (UK): Universal Music Publishing UK
Arnthor Birgisson (SWE): Acclaimed songwriter & producer
Gary Calamar (US): 5 time Grammy nominated Music supervisor known for his work on the TV series True Blood, Dexter and Six Feet Under
Imogen Heap (UK): Grammy Award winning singer
Steve Cropper (US): International songwriter and legendary guitarist
Bill Cullen: Director, One Louder Entertainment
Graham Ashton: Director, Frogstomp Music
Guy Sebastian: ARIA & APRA Award winning artist
Jake Stone: Member of Bluejuice
Kevin Mitchell: Member of Jebediah
P Money (NZ): Hip Hop DJ & producer
Rob Hirst: Founding member of Midnight Oil
Registration opens February 2012 guest list and programme details can be found at Song Summit’s official website, www.songsummit.com.au.
THE RIFF IS BACK FOR 2012 ON CHANNEL [V]!
Channel [V]’s Live music show The Riff returns in 2012 on Saturday 21 January at 10:30am. Featuring Billy Russel, Danny Clayton, Jane Gazzo, and Carissa Walford, who will be discussing music, pop culture, breaking news, and more.
THE HOLDING PATTERN GIVES CONTROL TO UNDISCOVERED MUSICIANS
The Holding Pattern have launched their online service which enables independent musicians to host, share, and sell their work digitally, while controlling their own copyright. The service acts as a one stop shop, removing licensing issues, thereby allowing production companies easy access to and purchase of music for their creative projects.
Consumers will also experience the Holding Pattern’s innovative 3D graphical discovery engine, which allows the user to access and sample music from every genre.
The Holding Pattern is now live, visit and uploads your music at www.theholdingpattern.com.au
KATY PERRY JOINS CREATIVE FORCES WITH EA'S THE SIMS
Electronic Arts Inc has announced the collaboration between Katy Perry and the high selling gaming series The Sims™. Perry will work with Sims Studio to design accessories, clothing, hairstyles in The Sims games that reflect her persona, and taste.
The collaboration kicks off with a limited Collector’s Edition of The Sims™ 3 Showtime, which includes downloadable content, guitars, hairstyles and a variety of Perry themed stage props.
Pre-orders are now available, The Sims™ 3 Showtime will hit stores in March 2012.
ADELE'S 21 CELEBRATES ITS FIRST BIRTHDAY
A year since its release Adele’s “21” holds its place at #1 in the ARIA chart.
The 11 times platinum album has become the 7th most successful album in Australian Chart history to date, also earning 6 Grammy Award nominations.
National SLAM DAY
It’s a month till National SLAM Day, February 23rd 2012 to get inspired tune into ABC 2, Jan 25th at 8.30pm to watch the documentary of how it all began, Persecution Blues: The Battle for The Tote.
The Tote Hotel in Collingwood, Victoria has been the centre of live music for over 30 years, hosting both international and local artists.
However, the Victorian Government’s new liquor licensing laws have threatened the venues ability to stay afloat.
Shot over 7 years, with interviews from owner Bruce Millne, musicians, promoters, journalists, punters, managers, and politicians, the documentary captures the spirit of this landmark and the people it inspires, and questions what can be done to save the Tote, is it too late?
Don’t forget to register you National SLAM Day show here http://www.slamrally.org/register
UNSIGNED ONLY - MUSIC COMPETITION
An international music competition designed for ‘unsigned’ solo artists, bands, and singers. The winner will experience the benefits of a mentoring programme from a group of record company presidents, A&R reps, and more.
Categories include: AAA (Adult Album Alternative; AC (Adult Contemporary); Christian; Country; Folk/Singer-Songwriter; R&B/Hip-Hop; Rock; Pop/Top 40; and Vocal Performance.
SMAC AWARDS 2011 WINNERS
FBI Radio’s 2011 SMAC Awards took place last Thursday 19th January at the National Art School in Darlinghurst, to recognise the achievements of those who have contributed to Sydney’s Music, Art, and Culture scene. The show included performances from Matt Corby, Oliver Tank and Catcall.
Millie Millgate (Export Music Producer, Sounds Australia) was awarded the prestigious SMAC of the Year. The award reflects Millie’s hard work and contribution to Sydney music, especially her work promoting Australian talent at overseas festivals. Previous to her role at Sounds Australia, Millie was a booker at The Annandale and The Hopetoun, and Creative Director of MusicNSW.
The winners of the night are as follows:
Best Visual Artist: Daniel O'Toole/EARS
Best Arts Event: Outpost
Best Collective presented by Pedestrian.TV: Dirty Shirlows
Best Live Music Act presented by Allans Music + Billy Hyde: The Jezabels
Best Major Festival presented by The Brag: Harvest
Best Music Event: Goodgod Long Birthday Nights
Best On Screen: Sam Bennetts for "Act Your Age", Bluejuice
Best On Stage: Nick Coyle
Best Song: Matt Corby, 'Brother'
Next Big Thing presented by Alberts: Matt Corby
Record Of The Year: Lanie Lane, 'To The Horses'
Remix The City: Jurassic Lounge
Best Eats presented by The Thousands Sydney: The Dip
SMAC Of The Year: Millie Millgate
THE ELEFANT TRAKS SIGN SKY’HIGH
Slightly outside Elefant Traks’ usual repertoire, the label have recently signed local hip-hop artist Sky’High, releasing her debut album in May 2012.
Sky’High has been voted Best Female MC in the 2011 Ozhiphop Awards, and lists Bobbi Sykes, Betty Davis and The Last Kinection as her influences. The 5-track “Your Highness” EP is available now for free on www.skyhighforever.com
PBS 106.7FM 'DRIVE LIVE 2012'
PBS’ Drive Live is broadcasting from Monday February 6th – Friday 110th at during ‘drive time’.
Featuring live in studio performances from Graveyard Train, Howl At The Moon, and Stella Angelico, and many more to be announced. PBS Members have the perks of coming down to the studios to witness the acts live, sink a few free Coopers, and socialise.
RSVP from Jan 30 and keep a watch at www.pbsfm.org.au to get your name on the door.
GEN FEST 2012 - A FUN RAISER NIGHT FOR GENNY B
Inpress are throwing a “Fun Raiser” night for Melbournite Genny B, known for her regular role on RRR and as Livewire co-host, guitarist of Your Wedding Night and The Bites, who has been battling cancer over the last year. In an effort to relieve some of the financial pressure of costly treatments, a variety of artists are rallying together to lend their support:
AIH DJs (Architecture In Helsinki),
Alan Brough (Spicks and Specks), Chapter Music DJs,
Dan Kelly, Dan Luscombe, Davey Lane, Glenn Richards,
Jess McGuire (RRR Breakfasters),
Teeth & Tongue (solo), Trifekta Records DJs
The Corner Hotel, Richmond, Thursday the 16th of February, 2012
Tickets are available directly from the Corner Hotel www.cornerhotel.com/ or Box Office 10am–8pm Mon–Sat, 03 9427 9198.
