2nd Melbourne NKOTBSB Show!

The much anticipated national Aussie tour of New Kids On The Block with the Backstreet Boys has lifted a notch with the release of a 2nd show in Melbourne! Australia is limited to six shows only - Melbourne the lucky city to score the second show. Tickets will go onsale from 9am on February 8 for the Friday May 18 show at Rod Laver Arena!

K25: Finer Feelings 'The Original Video' 1992

Kylie Minogue has just released Finer Feelings in a specially arranged format, recorded from the studios of Abbey Road. For fans who have followed our Aussie pop queen for the whole #K25, this video is no surprise - for newer fans wondering where this song originated, here is the video clip of Finer Feelings, filmed in Paris in 1992. 

K25: KYLIE & JASON LIVE - Especially For You (Dec 1988)

A #K25FANS flashback also known as #K25blastfromthepast - Kylie Minogue and Jason Donovan with Especially For You performed in December 1988.

MARTIKA: Flow With The Go Press Release!

The official press release for Martika's latest track is out!


Flow With The Go has started making it's way around the airwaves and getting uploaded to music sites around the globe! Here is the official press release from The Michael Group. Follow the links and be one of the first to listen to the new track!

“FLOW WITH THE GO”

Martika, J8DED/DCR Media Release The Michael Group

“Flow with the Go” is now for immediate listen at:

http://www.michaelgroupltd.com/blog/2012/flow-with-the-go

Shortened Link:

http://bit.ly/wokTD8

The single is going to be available through the following portals: • iTunes (US) • iTunes (AUS/NZ) • iTunes (Japan)

• iTunes (Mexico) • iTunes (Canada) • iTunes (UK) • iTunes (Europe) • Virgin Mega

• Rhapsody • Spotify • Zune • Google Music • MySpace Music • Amazon MP3• iLike • Last.fm • MOG • eMusic • Tesco • Intertech Media • InMotion Entertainment • Synacor • Moozone • Deezer • 7digital • Nokia • Puretracks • 24/7 • Rdio • We7 • Immergent • La Curacao • Google Music • Thumbplay OTA • Guvera • Myxer • Aspiro • GetPlaylists • Secure Media

However, be aware that once uploaded to these sites, it could take anywhere from a few days to a full week for the song to be available, depending on the speed at which materials get into the system. For the time being, you’ll begin to hear the single on air and see Martika in interviews during the coming weeks!

We will be filming the video for “Flow With the Go” on January 16th, and once complete will immediately be serviced to the following:

• VEVO • MTV • COOL TV • VH-1 • Palladia • martikamartika.com • RetroRewind • Perez Hilton

Martika’s touring schedule will be announced shortly. All of us at The Michael Group, and on behalf of J8DED/DCR would like to thank all of you for your support of the lovely Martika.

BLUEJUICE Return With New Video 'Shock'

BLUEJUICE have returned with a brand new video, this one titled Shock does just that, it has something for everyone - seriously. Love the tune, love the vocals - great job boys!

Special Interview: Fools For Rowan

Erin, lead singer from Fools For Rowan was kind enough to catch up with me for TheAussieWord's blog interview...  Can I just say how great the track and video is for 'Dead'...must watch!

What can you tell us Aussies about you. How and where did it all begin? 

Well.. It all began in Nashville, TN.  I was there writing and working on a solo project and forming a band instead sounded like a great idea!  So that’s what I did!

What first got you interested in music? 

Oh man, I think I came out of the womb interested in music.  I think it’s either in you or it’s not.. music kinda chooses you!

Who inspires or influences your quest to make great music? 

Hmmm, well amazing artists that have paved the way inspire me.  Artists like Steven Tyler, Pat Benatar, Faith Hill, etc.  My family, however, inspire me to make it great!  If they’re watching and supporting something I do, I’m going to give it all I’ve got to make them proud.

Are there any tours or gigs planned for the future? 

We’ve got a few gigs coming up this spring, but our main goal right now is to start and finish our new record!  Really excited for that!

What are some of the biggest goals you hope to accomplish as an artist?
Just to be successful at it, ya know?! Not have to sacrifice my family, morals, etc, in order to make it in this business.  Also, I want to be an encouragement and source of strength to our fans and to put on the most amazing live show ever!!

What can fans expect from you in the coming months?
Well in the next few months we will be writing and recording like crazy and digging our heels into making a new record!!!

Success, what is the secret to success and what has been your biggest career highlight so far?
I think the secret to success is really dependent on how you personally define success.  The secret to success in the music business in my opinion is real talent + perseverance= success.

Our biggest career highlight to date for me would have to be opening up for Evanescence in Nashville!  That was amazing!!!

Fools For Rowan 'Dead'

Which current stars in the industry do you highly rate?
Evanescence ranks really high, Beyonce is right up there too.. she is a GENIOUS business woman!  And I know that they’re not exactly “current”, but I totally heart Aerosmith!

How would people best describe you and your music?
I’d like to think that passionate, intense, high energy, and strong are all words that they would use!

Tell us a bit about your first EP or album?
Our first record was called Twisted. Tied Up. Tangled. and we learned so much from it.  It taught us how to be better musicians, entertainers, etc.. we owe that album a lot.

Do you have any exciting projects in the works?
We’re working on our new album and that is very exciting!

The industry is huge, where do you see yourself a few years from now?
Playing sold out arenas to a swarm of screaming fans that we call our friends.  There’s always room for more in the music industry!

Name a few of your favourite Aussie artists.
I really love Delta Goodrem … and one of our producers is close friends with Jamie O’neal so I’ve had the pleasure of meeting her!   Both ladies have absolutely amazing voices!

The shape of the music industry has changed significantly over the years, including the use of social media, how do you feel about the industry as a whole and what it means to you in getting your records out into the public eye?
The industry is always changing.  In order to keep up with the changes, last year we gave away all of our cds at our shows to insure that our fans got to listen to our music!  Social media also plays a major role!  I personally feel like that’s really where the fans get to get close to the artists.  Take Facebook for instance, we get to interact and talk with our fans there all the time… it’s awesome!  It’s one on one, anyone can comment and you can really get to know your fans on a personal level.

Thanks for the interview! What can you leave fans with here on TheAussieWord blog today?
Thank you!  We’d love to get to know all of our Australian fans so come say Hi on our facebook page!  You can also get free music downloads there!!

Website: www.foolsforrowan.com

Facebook: www.facebook.com/foolsforrowan

Twitter: www.twitter.com/foolsforrowan

Demons Go Happy & Hard In January Training

Here are the boys looking sharp and in complete fully fledged training mode. Only weeks away from the NAB Cup in Brisbane where Melbourne will tackle the Lions and Suns up at Metricon Stadium on Saturday night - February 25.

Australia Day's TheAussieWord's Top 5 Tunes!

TheAussieWord's Top 5 Aussie tracks! Happy Australia Day!

K25: Kylie Minogue Finer Feelings (Abbey Road Recording 2012) - Officially Unlocked For Fans!!

Kylie Minogue fans have spoken, tweets using the hashtag #K25FANS has reached Twitter by the tens of thousands - the complete video for Finer Feelings now unlocked by KYLIE.com and made available worldwide! 

The re-recorded version of Finer Feelings is set to be released to celebrate Kylie's 25 year anniversary.

Watch the video here... and keep tweeting using #K25FANS

K25: Kylie Minogue 'Finer Feelings' Teaser Clip!

#K25 - the Twitter hashtag used by Kylie Minogue fans around the world to highlight the big anniversary year, today January 25 (UK time), Kylie will be revealing all! If this video is anything to go by, diehard fans who have stuck thick with their girl for the last 25 years are about to be rewarded in a very very BIG way! Reports suggest that should the tweet count for #K25Fans reach 25,000 from 7pm tonight, Kylie will unlock the entire video for fans! Get tweeting peoples! 

"Very big things happening tomorrow! Stay tuned to Kylie.com to see it all unravel… To whet your appetite please check out this sneak peak of one of the surprises we have in store for you!" ~ Kylie.com 

REVENGE - Best Show Of 2011/2012?

For those Aussies waiting with great anticipation for the upcoming new series REVENGE - here's the mouthwatering promo. It's full of twists, turns, drama and well... revenge. Sweet bitter revenge. You do not want to miss this one. Brilliant drama and outstanding acting from Emily Van Camp! Could this be the biggest show of 2011 and 2012? I think it is. 

TheAussieWord Australian Open Snaps!

A couple of my photographs from this years Australian Open visit last week. A few big names and a couple of unknowns... can you make out who they are? Umm, let's start with Juan Martin Del Potro...

'WEEKEND' Movie - Opens January 26!

Thanks to Cinema Nova in Melbourne for the advanced screening of the new flick Weekend. The movie opens on January 26.

An amazing film featuring Tom Cullen as Russell and Chris New as Glen, written and directed by Andrew Haigh - this movie is a must see. Remember folks to support the genre!

"Winner of best actor and best feature at Nashville Film Festival, Tom Haigh’s modern love story follows the budding romance of young Englishman Russell (newcomer Tom Cullen) and artist Glen (Chris New). What starts out as a casual Friday night tryst at a nightclub unexpectedly becomes something more as the two young men spend the next 48 hours together; sharing stories and reliving experiences with one another. Affecting and naturalistic, Weekend is a beautifully realized story of human connection that has deservedly earned comparisons with Richard Linklater's beloved Before Sunrise." ~ Cinema Nova

Berdych & Almagro Spat - Australian Open 2012

Tomas Berdych is digging quite a hole for himself. A spat with Rafael Nadal not so long ago, and now this with Nicolas Almagro at the Australian Open. Surely Nicolas didn't mean to hit the ball 'intentionally' at Tomas - or did he? You be the judge. To not shake hands after the match....well that's another story. Don't think the Aussie fans liked that  at all.... booooo? Guess who Tomas plays next? Rafael Nadal....

Special Interview: Dejon Piere

TheAussieWord caught up with Dejon Piere for this unique interview..

What can you tell us Aussies about you. How and where did it all begin?

IT BEGAN IN 2002 I WAS ALWAYS FASCINATED WITH RECORDING MUSIC BUT DIDN’T THINK I HAD THE VOCALS TO SOUND GOOD ENOUGH WHERE PEOPLE WOULD ENJOY LISTENING TO ME, BUT IT ALL STARTED ON MYSPACE IN 2006.
 
What first got you interested in music?
WELL I ALWAYS ENJOYED WRITING SONGS FOR OTHER FRIENDS WHO HAD AMAZING VOICES BUT I GOT FED UP OF BEING IN THE BACKGROUND ALL THE TIME, SO I GOT SOME SINGING LESSONS AND BOOKED A PRODUCER I MET IN THE STAGE NEWSPAPER AND STARTED PENNING IDEAS

Who inspires or influences your quest to make great music?
SPICE GIRLS, MICHAEL JACKSON, PRINCE, BEYONCE AND TLC

K25: Kylie Minogue Videography Special!

A K25 special. So many great memories in this 17 minute video featuring the best of our very own Aussie sweetheart KYLIE. Here's what Kylie Minogue had to say about this years K25 anniversary... 

"I am astounded to be still around after 25 years. That is the truth. I've been doing quite a bit of reminiscing which is not a usual thing for me to do - just because we're preparing for what we're calling K25. I've been looking back through a load of old photos and footage. It isn't normal to still be here and looking forward to great things I have planned for next year. I feel very, very fortunate."

WEEKEND (Official Trailer)

Advanced screenings at Cinema Nova in Melbourne this weekend for the movie Weekend! Opens January 26.

Watch the official trailer here...

Bloodstained Heart EP Out Now!

The exclusive iTunes bundle for Darren Hayes’ next UK single ‘Bloodstained Heart’ is available for pre-order today (UK). The official release is on Monday, 27th Feb. The EP features 3 mixes of the stunning Bloodstained Heart and an exclusive, never before heard track ‘Ending Before I Begin’.  Click here to pre-order now! 

1. Bloodstained Heart (Radio Mix)
2. Bloodstained Heart (Monsieur Adi Mix)
3. Bloodstained Heart (Kryder Club Mix)
4. Ending Before I Begin

WHAT'S HOT: 'Wild Ones' - Flo Rida ft Sia

Wild Ones... this dance track bound to be the biggest track of the Aussie summer. Flo Rida featuring Sia... sorry to say Flo Man, but without Sia, this track would be n o t h i n g. Brilliant!

The Graham Norton Show To Air Down Under

The Graham Norton Show will finally air on Australian commercial television - all thanks to Network Ten!

New Album for Aussie Jason Donovan!

March is the likely date for Jason Donovan's sixth studio album, his first in years. Jason made a statement saying “It feels great to be going back in the studio. I know exactly how I want the new album to sound and I’m as excited as I’ve ever been about a record.” Let's not forget that Jason's debut album from 1988 Ten Good Reasons went five times platinum in the UK!

We look forward to it Jase! With love beside us, nothing can divide us!

Australia Day 2012: "Barbie Girl" - Sam Kekovich, Melissa Tkautz & Justice Crew

This message from Sam Kekovich on Australia Day 2012...

"Pop culture's now rife with unAustralian behaviour. Sam's only antidote is to create 'Chop Culture' and go viral himself with his 'chop song': "Barbie Girl". Help Sam get as many hits as possible for his chop hit Barbie Girl to get it to the top of the Nova Australia Day Countdown. You know it makes sense" 

(Starring pop starlet Melissa Tkautz, Australia's Got Talent winners Justice Crew and pop guru Richard Wilkins).

Series Premiere: ALCATRAZ

Alcatraz is the brand new series to premiere on January 16, the series to debut on the Nine Network in Australia. Watch the trailer here!

New Video: AUTOHEART 'Control'

The new music video for Autoheart is out now! This one is 'Control' - you can read our interview with the group here => Autoheart Interview. This video is amazing!

Exclusive Interview: Nathan Leigh Jones

He's the man behind Beautiful You, the #1 most requested song on Foxtel channel MAX, the video, perfectly directed and edited by Josef J.Weber.... join with me in this very special interview with Nathan Leigh Jones!

What can you tell us about Nathan Leigh Jones?
I'm a singer/songwriter/piano player who spends far too much time writing music. I love producing, I love co-writing, and I love travelling… luckily I'm doing all three at the moment. If you're in Australia, you've probably unknowingly heard my voice on TV — I'm currently the promo voice for Nickelodeon and Eleven — but behind the scenes I love jamming it out on the keys and singing up a storm. Nice to meet you!

How would people best describe you and your music?
Think John Mayer meets Savage Garden, with a hint of Beatles pizazz. Lyrically it's less "baby baby you're so sexy" and more "I'm gonna make it though this, dammit!". I tend to write my music in some of my darkest moments, and it always manages to bring me hope and inspiration. So it's positive piano-powered pop. And apparently it's brought to you by the letter P.

What got you first interested in music?
Well, my first memories of music weren't always pleasant. My older brother and sister were forced to attend piano lessons on Saturday mornings, and I was dragged along as a little kid to join in the fun too. It was in a cranky old lady's house and was boring as hell. I've since found out that I only went along because she had some kind of "buy two, get one free" deal going on with my folks. Anyway, I'm glad I had an early kickstart, because that knowledge pushed me into songwriting throughout my teenage years. Since then I've been addicted.

Tell us your experience about starting out on the music scene and getting your music noticed...
I cut a rough demo while I was still living in my hometown of Adelaide back in 2004, and entered it into a national music competition. In the end I won the 'Artist Of The Year' award, which gave me a great leg up in the local industry. Looking back it's odd that I won over fellow finalists Bliss n Eso — not sure if that makes any sense whatsoever — but it resulted in the recording of my first record '10 Letters' and my first music video. In 2008 I relocated to NYC for a year and learnt a lot more about co-writing and producing, which inspired me to work on my latest record without relying solely on a manager or label. I'm still on the journey and having a blast.

Do you have any tours planned for the coming year?
No official tours planned at this stage — I'm taking a little breather as we head into 2012 — but ready to jump back in when the next single arrives. In 2011 I released my album Sooner Or Later and beat my personal best of "most shows in a year"! I owe myself a medal or something. The official launch was at New York City's iconic live music venue Joe's Pub, with other shows that followed at Rockwood Music Hall and Duane Park. Back here in Australia I've headlined some of my favourite Sydney venues like Slide, The Basement and The Vanguard, along with The Promethean in Adelaide. It's been a hugely productive year on the live front and I'm looking forward to playing just as many shows in 2012.

What are some of your biggest career goals that you hope to accomplish as an artist?
Hmm. My answer for this is continually changing. Several years ago it would have been to go double platinum with an album and to see my billboard illuminated above the Virgin Megastore in Times Square. Well, that would still be nice, but I'm not sure it's my goal anymore. That, and the Virgin Megastore in Times Square no longer exists… ha ha. With the advent of all things social media, my greatest satisfaction comes from my music connecting with listeners from around the globe. My latest single Beautiful You has been used for over 15 weddings and civil unions this year, at least that I know of. It's those kind of numbers that resonate with me on a personal level and inspire me to push my music as far as it can go.

Nathan Leigh Jones - Beautiful You

Tell us more about your latest track 'Beautiful You'.
This track is perhaps the most simple and understated song on the album, but it's probably why people are drawn to it. We all wish we had the right sentiments to explain that weird fuzzy sense of gratitude, and Beautiful You is an effort to communicate that emotion in a song. When recording this track with the live string section in the studio, I definitely got goosebumps and knew there was something special going on. An amazing Christmas present for me was seeing the Beautiful You music video featured on MAX and having it currently stand as the #1 most requested song on the channel. Super excited!

K25: KYLIE - It's No Secret (Live - 1989)

Kylie Minogue performs It's No Secret live at the The Arsenio Hall Show in 1989. A favourite track of mine from her debut album Kylie. Embrace yourself for more spontaneous K25 videos on TheAussieWord. We're celebrating 25 years of Kylie!

Dees Training Session January 9

A couple of snaps from the Dees training session today...they're looking good!

Icehouse Gearing Up For Hall & Oates Show

Not long now till the Hall & Oates / Icehouse show hits Aussie shores. Here's Icehouse in a flashback from 1988!

KYLIE: K25 Flashback Tribute

Keep your eye out on the blog for some very special K25 flashback videos - just like this one! A tribute in this landmark K25 anniversary year! Viva Kylie!

The Walking Dead - Special February 12 Preview!

I just can't believe that I have to wait till February 12 to see this. The Walking Dead, such a bloody fine damn show, great cast and gripping storylines. Need I even mention Frank Darabont? Watch the sneak peek video here...

Patti Smith's Dedication to Amy Winehouse 'Pissing In A River'

Patti Smith has dedicated the song Pissing In A River to the late Amy Winehouse. The track was performed live at FreeFest.

Kylie & Madonna Duet? Will Kylie & Jason Reunite?

Will they? Won't they? Kylie Minogue has tweeted to fans saying that the rumour of a duet between herself and legendary Madonna is just that - a rumour. She said "It's just a rumour, but of course it would be amazing!! maybe one day:) #MadonnaKylieDuet."  

In Kylie's 25th anniversary year, the worldwide web has gone into overdrive with nostalgic video pictorial specials and likely duet rumours. Other names dropped for likely partnered duets was Nick Cave, sister Dannii Minogue and former Neighbours co-star Jason Donovan!

Can't Get Kylie Out Of Our Heads!

Can't Get You Out Of My Head, the dancefloor smash from our girl Kylie Minogue was named this centuries most played tune in a British radio poll. The track, released in 2001 was not only rejected by Sophie Ellis-Bextor, but has also trumped Britney Spears' Toxic and the famous Angels by Robbie Williams. Congrat's girl!

AQUA Announce Aussie Tour!

AQUA, the group that gave us Barbie Girl, Doctor Jones, Lollipop (Candyman), Turn Back Time and My Oh My have announced a tour Down Under! The new album Megalomania is out now.

March 8, Brisbane, Hi-Fi
March 9, Coolangatta, Cooly Hotel
March 11, Adelaide, HQ
March 15, Melbourne, Palace
March 16, Sydney, Hi-Fi
March 18, Fremantle, Metropolis

War Horse (Official Trailer)

Steven Spielberg is about to tell us all an epic story set during the European & English First World War. War Horse is out now, starring Jeremy Irvine and Emily Watson.

EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW: Ezra Axelrod

I caught up with the recording artist from the "middle of nowhere cowboy town of America's west..." - but now based in London - Ezra Axelrod! Check out this exclusive one one one interview!

So tell us, who is Ezra Axelrod, and is that your real name!?
Indeed it is! My parents made it easy and just stamped me with a stage name the second I came out of the womb! I’m always having to prove it’s my real name, I’m like, “It’s real, I swear! Look at my passport!” Anyway, I’m a recording artist from a middle-of-nowhere cowboy town in the American West, now based in London, which is pretty much the antithesis of where I’m from!