Melbourne FC: Brad Green Interview

Demon Brad Green talks with Matt Burgan about that sickening collision that left him in hospital at the weekend after the Blues match. Amazingly, Green has been named to play this weekend against the Bombers at the MCG this Saturday night - can the Demons cause a major upset, notch up their first win and kick start their season!

Prince's Secret Melbourne Gig!

Prince jumped on stage at 2am for a surprise gig at Bennetts Lane Jazz Club in the heart of my home turf Melbourne on May 29th! Fans recieved a tweet from Prince DJ Rashida at 1am "This just in ... Prince on stage @ bennetts lane jazz club < Melbourne 2nite! 200$ @ door *secret show* just starting ... <3” ... As you can imagine, the fans went nuts arriving at the show which went from 2am - 4am. Here's is some of the audio from the secret gig...enjoy!

Gurrumul's Diamond Jubilee Performance

Aussie indigenous superstar Gurrumul Yunupingu will perform for the Queen at the Diamond Jubilee Concert on June 4. Gurrumul will take to the stage with names like Paul McCartney, Tom Jones, Elton John and Cliff Richard, he'll perform the track 'Sing' which is a track penned by Andrew Lloyd Webber and Gary Barlow... Finally, some worldwide recognition for an Aussie musician who is well and truly underrated. 

Michael Jackson's BAD 25th Anniversary

To celebrate Michael Jackson's 25th anniversary of BAD, Sony will release a special three CD and one DVD edition of the original release this coming September. Included, a CD of unreleased material, the original Bad record remastered as well as a live album from the 1988 Bad Tour! The DVD to be the entire Wembley show from July 16, 1988 infront of 72,000 fans! The footage, discovered in Michael Jackson's hidden collection... I wonder what else is stashed away?

Sandi Thom Returns!

We all know the song I Wish I Was A Punk Rocker (With Flowers In My Hair) from 2006... well Sandi Thom is back to release her fourth album Flesh And Blood. The first single Sun Comes Crashing Down will be released on August 27. Here's Sandi talking about the new album... 

Y&R: Cassie Remembered

Soap fans would remember that heartbreaking moment when Nick and Sharon said goodbye to daughter Cassie. Cassie's death, one of the biggest storylines in Young and the Restless history is remembered when family and friends gather to remember Cassie on the anniversary of her passing. I don't think there was a dry eye in the house when this went to air...

Cassie's Death Scene - The Young and the Restless

Kylie Minogue Drops A TIMEBOMB on The Voice UK!

Kylie Minogue has performed her latest single Timebomb before a massive UK audience on The Voice!



DAYS: The End Of Stefano DiMera?

Is Stefano DiMera's reign of terror about to end on Days of Our Lives? Watch this powerful promo! 

EUROVISION 2012: Congratulations Sweden!

All the best to Loreen from SWEDEN who took out the 2012 Eurovision Song Contest with her 'euphoric' performance of Euphoria! 

Rocky Ground! New Bruce Springsteen!

The new video from Bruce Springsteen, this one is Rocky Ground taken from his latest album Wrecking Ball!

Barry Gibb's Tribute To Brother Robin

Barry Gibb has been grieving in private since the death of beloved brother and fellow Bee Gee Robin Gibb, on the back of this, Barry has released the following video, a compilation of scenes taken from the lives of all the Gibb brothers - set to the soundtrack Heart Like Mine. RIP Robin.

Eurovision 2012: Malta's Kurt Calleja

Just incase you missed Kurt Calleja and his rendition of This Is The Night, Malta's entry into the 2012 Eurovision Song Contest! Malta is being labelled the 'dark horse' of the competition! Viva Malta!!

K25: Kylie Minogue's TIMEBOMB!

The new one from our KYLIE is here! TIMEBOMB is out now and it's very very catchy! Kylie Minogue sent Twitter into a frenzy yesterday with a record worldwide 25,000 trending tweets in 43 minutes using the #KylieTimeBomb hashtag, unlocking the brand new single! WOW!

KYLIE CANNES MINOGUE!

A few snaps taken of our Pop Princess Kylie Minogue at the Cannes Film Festival. The French film Holy Motors, tipped to win the Palme d'Or alongside Director Leos Carax and lead actor Denis Lavant. Good luck to our girl!

EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW: Stedman

Check out my interview with Stedman!

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

My singing Career started in 1983 with my brother and 3 sisters in a town called Romford, Essex. My mother formed us into a singing group and my father came up with the name "Five Star".

What first got you interested in music?

I guess growing up and listening to music constantly in our Family seemed like the most natural thing to do!! I've always wanted to be in music, whether it be singing or dancing... It's just that something in your soul...

Who inspires or influences you to make great music?

I get inspired by all sorts of music and artists!! My influences are some of the greats like Ella Fitzgerald, James Brown, Mavin Gaye, Luther Vandross, Prince, Michael Jackson, Janet Jackson and Denise Pearson.. I love to listen to Classical Music, soft Rock, Pop music and l love Kylie, she's awesome!!

Are there any Tours or gigs planned for the future?

There are quite a few gigs coming up in different Countries around the World as we speak!! Off to Africa, India, Abu Dhabi, Russia, Estonia, Latvia, China, Japan, Australia, Spain, Italy and most of Europe and the States!!

Fernando Verdasco Uncovered

I have a real soft spot for Fernando Verdasco... Something about him, here he is... 'uncovered'.

SPECIAL TRIBUTE: Donna Summer & Bee Gees Robin Gibb

The music world is in mourning with news of two very sad passings, Donna Summer the Disco Queen from the 70's passed away after a long battle with cancer, followed by the death of iconic Bee Gee Robin Gibb.

Between them both, they amassed millions of record sales and an amazing list of hits. Join with me as I visit some of the best tracks Donna Summer and Bee Gees Robin Gibb sang to the world... may they Rest In Peace.

New Derek Bishop 'Take Him Away'

Derek Bishop has returned with a new video! This one is Take Him Away which is out now! LOVE it Mr Bishop!

Gossip Perfect World Remix by Michael White!

Check out this mix and vote for our very own Michael White who has remixed Gossip's Perfect World! Vote here ...

Melbourne FC: Message From The President

Melbourne Football Club President Don McLardy has issued the following statement to club members.

Smooth FM 91.5 Melbourne

Melbourne relaunches the 91.5FM brand from 7am today (Monday May 21) transmitting as Smooth FM the station will feature shows from Jason Donovan, David Campbell, Michael Buble, Richard Wilkins and David Reyne.

“A major launch of a new radio brand is incredibly exciting not just for DMG Radio Australia, but for the whole industry. It underlines the vibrancy of commercial radio across the country and its importance in our lives. We’ve identified a gap in the market for a music position that is unique in the Sydney and Melbourne radio landscape and we’re confident that listeners will embrace smoothfm,” CEO Cathy O’Connor DMG Radio Australia said in a statement"

Michael Buble will be a special guest of both the Sydney and Melbourne breakfast shows next Monday and then host his own show for the next 6 weeks on Saturday’s at 9am.  

DAYS: Cat and Mouse!

Let the games begin on Days of Our Lives...

S Club 7 Party In Melbourne!

S Club 7 will be in town next week at Melbourne's Palace Theatre. The show, a one night only special will take place on May 23 - tickets still available...

Dees Ready For Sydney Challenge!

The Melbourne Football Club is preparing for the ultimate challenge, to win their first game of the season, on the road against Sydney at the SCG. The boys from Demonland would have to play like possessed Demons if they were to have any chance at upsetting the Swans. My boys are on the verge of turning that corner - I just want to be there to see it! I will be watching the game with my New South Wales supporter friends at the SCG on Saturday night...worth the trip, particularly when you MAY see some returning faces back on the field... Liam Jurrah, will he or won't he play... #Demonblood

Scissor Sisters Live On The Voice UK

The Scissor Sisters perform Only The Horses Live on The Voice UK! 

Boris Becker: Life After Tennis

ATP World Tennis catch up with Boris Becker for an insight into where he has been since retiring from tennis. #BoomBoom !!

DAYS Flashback (1986)

Let's take a 9 and a half minute trip down Days of Our Lives memory lane. This clip from 1986, Kimberly, Shane, Hope, Bo, Victor, Roman/John and Marlena all feature in what I think was a landmark episode for the soap. If only we got stories like this again...

Exclusive Interview: The Fuse

TheAussieWord meets with The Fuse in a very special blog interview!

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

It all began in Jake’s studio in Hackney in the hot August of 2006. Mike Varnava was the only bass player in either of our phone books, and he answered! He turned up with a bass he had last played 8 years before, complete with the same set of strings. That was the first jam of the band that would eventually become The Fuse.

What first got you interested in music?

As a kid it was all classical because my parents were into it. I basically missed most of the early 80’s music as all I heard was Mozart. I had a babysitter who was really into Michael Jackson though and I remember her listening to it. I didn’t like it. REM was the first band that really knocked me sideways – I clearly remember going into WHSmith and listening to Automatic For The People on one of those listening stations. Blew me away and I spent all my pocket money on it right then and there.  

Who inspires or influences your quest to make great music?

My all time hero is Freddie Mercury because I think to achieve what he achieved knowing what he knew takes incredible courage. Plus – Bohemian Rhapsody for me is the greatest song ever written.

Are there any tours or gigs planned for the future?

Yes! Gigs and festivals. We are playing our next London show on May 11^th, and we have recently been booked for 2 festivals, The Pembrokeshire Fish Week Festival in North Wales and Grabhamsbury Festival in Somerset.

What are some of the biggest goals you hope to accomplish as an artist?

My long term goal has always been to get in my car and hear one of our songs on the radio. Just casual, like. I also dream of playing to a sell out stadium crowd.

What can fans expect from you in the coming months?

We have a new single which is currently on a long list in a radio play competition on XFM – which is a big indie station in London. If we win that comp, fans can expect to hear us on XFM! Vote for us here if you like: http://promo.xfm.co.uk/danny-wallace/gallery/ We are working on our second album and we have written a christmas song called The Light, which we will release in October. We are also aiming to release the album around then.

Success, what is the secret to success and what has been your biggest career highlight so far?

The secret to success is quality, hard work, and a bit of luck. If you make quality music, and work hard to get it out there, you’ll get a bit of luck. Biggest career highlight was supporting UB40 in Holland and playing to 2,500 people.

Which current stars in the industry do you highly rate?

Bandwise, Coldplay are still right up there. Cristina Perri’s Jar of Hearts is the best song I’ve heard in ages that isn’t by Adele. Adele has been the big story of 2011/12 though – three or four top top quality tracks on her album.

How would people best describe you and your music?

People who are old enough to know say they hear 80’s influences in the music, and some people say they hear Coldplay and U2.

Tell us a bit about your first EP or album?

Our first album is called Freedom of The City. It was released to coincide with our first ever tour – of Holland in 2010. The artwork was shot in Bristol by my friend on his iPhone. The guy in the photo looking drunk is actually me! (Alex Lato)

Do you have any exciting projects in the works?

Really looking forward to recoridng the video for The Light, because its going to be a tear jerker -  and also dying to continue writing the second album. Got a feeling its going to be a cracker!

The industry is huge, where do you see yourself a few years from now?

On this day in 6 years time, I will be getting ready for Glastonbury, where the Fuse will be headline act.

Name a few of your favourite Aussie artists.

I saw Pendulum at Bestival a few years ago and they were probably the only act I’ve seen at a festival that sounded really on it. So big kudos to them. Overall though, my favourite Aussie band is Crowded House (albeit they are an Aussie/Kiwi hybrid). I rate Crowded House right up there with Coldlplay and listen to them a great deal. Other Aussies in the collection are the Bee Gees – great songwriters – and Savage Garden write a mean song as well. Natalie Imrbuglia and Kylie keep the ladies side of things respectable too.

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 music industry has been through a tough time, in so far as major labels have lost a great deal of revenue. This has affected their ability to nurture acts. However, I think the bulk of the restructuring is now done, and I think money will start coming back into the industry – so I think there are good times ahead. Social media has blown marketing wide open. The game has changed a great deal, and because of that its harder to control as no one really knows what the rules are. Tha creates opportunities which weren’t there before but it also has to be said that when the barriers to entyr come down, you have to battle a lot more people to get heard in the first place – there’s a massive amount of music out there which is all equally audible/visible. That said, I think when you get down to it, a great record still tends to eventually get heard – at which stage its greatness will give it elevation. As far as The Fuse is concerned, the social media has given us a voice which would otherwise have been hard to find – this interview is a great example of that. So we’re grateful for the social media and the way that it levels the playing field and allows a small band like ourselves to be heard all the way down under!

Thanks for the interview! What can you leave fans with here on TheAussieWord blog today?

To show our love for our current – and future – Aussie fans, and to say thankyou for reading this far, if you email us mentioning the Aussie world blog interview, we will send you an MP3 of Paint This Town for free.Just email rob@thefusemusic.com and you’ll get a track back.

Website: thefusemusic.com

Facebook: facebook.com/thefusemusic

Twitter: @thefusemusic

Coldplay Heading Down Under!

One of the biggest groups in the world, Coldplay are heading to Australia this coming November for some major stadium gigs. Melbourne will get their turn on November 13 at Etihad Stadium. Coldplay to be joined by The Temper Trap and Alabama's The Pierces, South and Western Australians will need to head East as shows will be limited only to the East Coast. The Temper Trap and The Pierces will play all four shows with Coldplay. Michael Chugg said in a statement, “Having seen the show at the Hollywood Bowl a couple of weeks ago, I can guarantee fans are going to be blown away by this show – it’s visually spectacular and they sound better than ever. It’s a really exciting and rare thing in this business when you can see an act over several tours go from small intimate venues to outdoor stadiums.”  The general public can snap up tickets from May 25. This is going to be one massive show - Aussies, you don't wanna miss this one! 

November 10, Auckland, New Zealand, Mt Smart Stadium
November 13, Melbourne, Etihad Stadum
November 17, Sydney, Allianz Stadium
November 21, Brisbane, Suncorp Stadium

Welcome2Australia PRINCE!

PRINCE has made his first appearance, conquering the Aussie stage last night! Prince delivered all the hits from yesteryear wearing gold sequins and those very famous velvet shirts. Unbelievable, at the age of 53, Prince had no problem delivering an epic setlist to an ecstatic Australian audience... Here are a handful of some amazing images captured from Prince's first Welcome2Australia performance! 

Gold (from The Gold Experience, 1995)
Jam Of The Year (from Emancipation, 1996)
Song Of The Heart (from Happy Feet)
Let's Go Crazy (from Purple Rain, 1984)
Delirious (from 1999, 1982)
1999 (from 1999, 1982)
Little Red Corvette (from 1999, 1982)
Nothing Compares 2U (recorded by Sinead O'Connor)
Take Me With U (from Purple Rain, 1984)
Raspberry Beret (from Around The World In A Day, 1985)
Cream (from Diamonds and Pearls, 1991)
Don't Stop Til You Get Enough (Michael Jackson cover)
Sometimes It Snows In April (from Parade, 1986)
Love Thy Will Be Done (recorded by Martika)
Mountains/Dance Electric (from Parade, 1986)
When Doves Cry (from Purple Rain, 1984)
Hot Thing
Sign 'O' The Times (from Sign O The Times, 1987)
The Most Beautiful Girl In The World (from The Gold Experience, 1995)
Forever In My Life (from Sign O The Times, 1987)
I Would Die 4U (from Purple Rain, 1984) 
Kiss
Purple Rain (from Purple Rain, 1984)
Controversy (from Controversy, 1981) 
Peach (from The Hits2, 1993) 


Prince Welcome2Australia - remaining tour dates:
May 22, Sydney, Allphones Arena
May 14, 15, 30 Melbourne, Rod Laver Arena
May 18, 26, Brisbane, Entertainment Centre

Nancy Pansy Hairy Mary...KILLERS!

Nancy Pansy Hairy Mary is a Queer Australian Feature Film that needs your help... the crew doing their best to raise funds for a push to get the film into production. TheAussieWord supporting the venture by helping spread the word to the world! The film is about two gay serial killers who have a taste for killing homophobes... sound interesting enough? To support the cause, follow the fundraising campaign link here - watch the films video teaser and help support the genre!

Dance Dance Dance With The Blackchords!

I had the pleasure of interviewing the talented Blackchords a few weeks back, now the group have released the brand new single Dance Dance Dance - watch the video here! For those who missed the Blackchords interview, you can catch it here...

Cat Torres - Kitchen On Fire

Melbourne has itself a new kid on the block, 20 year old Cat Torres who is a Columbian/Uruguayan Aussie mix has put together first single Kitchen On Fire - a song tracked in London with Jaz Rogers. Yes I know... I have a soft spot for my local Melbourne talent...check it out!

Special Interview: The Dimes

TheAussieWord catches up with The Dimes in this special interview.

What can you tell us Aussies about the group The Dimes? Where do you guys originate?
We're a group of friends who are really obsessed with great songwriting and making cool records.  We used to all be in different bands around Portland, but always had a lot of mutual respect for each other... and over time have started playing as a group.  The first time we all played together in a room, and I heard Johnny and Kelly sing together, I was floored. knew that we had something special!

The Dimes, can I ask where the name came from?
I was drawn to it because the dimes is the smallest us coin, but is worth more than most of the others... I always thought that was cool and at the time we were making "small sounding" music and  I thought that it might be a good fit..

The sound of your music has a real catchy feel good ring to it. What is it about the sound people love to much?
Well I think Johnny's melodies are a big part of that.  he's really got something special there, unlike anyone I've played with... they just kind of stick around it a meaningful way.  We do also take the production side pretty seriously as well, which helps....  Each part has to sit will in the mix and sell the song as whole, and we sift through a lot arrangements to get the one the really works for the tune.  We'll throw away five parts for every one that we keep...

But all in all I hope that gets back to the fact that we're a group of friends who love playing together, and that comes through more than anything else... :)

TheAussieWord Meets TheVoiceAU!

Had to share this with all my blog readers, especially my Twitter followers... one tweet to The Voice, then BAM! You end up sharing it with 2.5 million Australians watching the tube! Awesome!

K25: Kylie's New 'Best Of'

KYLIE MINOGUE is giving us a brand new 'Best Of' on June 19... 

No new tracks, just plenty of hits we already know. The tracklisting is as follows... Can’t Get You Out Of My Head, Spinning Around, I Should Be So Lucky, Love At First Sight, In Your Eyes, Kids (with Robbie Williams), Better The Devil You Know, All The Lovers, Give Me Just A Little More Time, Celebration, Slow, Red Blooded Woman, I Believe In You, On A Night Like This, Confide In Me, Get Outta My Way, The Loco-Motion, Tears On My Pillow, Wow, In My Arms and Never Too Late. 

DAYS: Explosion Aftermath! Salem Mourns!

The aftermath of the Days of Our Lives explosion... Bo, Hope, Marlena, John, Carrie and Rafe are presumed dead in the explosive bomb that was detonated at the safe house. All of Salem point blame at Stefano DiMera, but does he have blood on his hands? 

Exclusive Interview: Matt Zarley

TheAussieWord catches up with hunky recording artist Matt Zarley for this very special one on one interview!

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

Well, I was born in a smaller town called Peoria, Illinois. We moved around a lot when I was growing up, due to my dad’s job promotions. I started dancing when I was 12 years old after we settled in LA. I was immediately devoted to it. By the time I was 17, I was in the hit Broadway musical, CATS. I went on to do several other shows on Broadway. But my real true love was always music.

What first got you interested in music?

My very first musical influence was (don’t laugh) The Captain & Tennille. We’re talking like 6 years old or so when my obsession began. As I got older, I got into Billy Joel, Elton John, Stevie Wonder, and on and on…finally settling on my most significant influence, Whitney Houston. I would sit for hours and study her riffs and dissect her musicality. When she was in her prime,  she was and likely will always be untouchable. She was the biggest singing influence on me, without a doubt.

Who inspires or influences your quest to make great music?

Heartbreak is definitely the easiest inspiration to draw from. Many times it serves as therapy in the healing process. That’s been my experience anyway. I tend to get my best stuff during that phase. This newer album was definitely a diary of sorts, chronically my recent painful break-up. It really helped me sort things out emotionally by writing this album. I’ll forever be grateful for that.

Big Hoops - The Bigger The Better For Nelly Furtado

Nelly Furtado has returned after spending 6 years in musical wilderness. We last saw her in 2006 with Maneater - now we have new single Big Hoops (The Bigger The Better) from new album The Spirit Indestructible. Check out the official lyric video for Big Hoops... new album out June 19.

The Enrique J-Lo Roadshow!

Enrique Iglesias and Jennifer Lopez are getting together for a summer tour! 16 dates have been announced for North America with more expected to follow. Montreal will kick off the tour on July 14! These sorts of tours should happen more often! #ValueForMoney 

Divine Knights On Australia's Got Talent!

Here are the boys from Divine Knights!! They are the duo from Sydney who I had the pleasure of interviewing last month! Yes, they made it into the next round of Australia's Got Talent tonight! Good luck guys! :)

New Beach Boys! 'That's Why God Made The Radio'

The Beach Boys have finally finished recording in LA, new single That's Why God Made The Radio is from the band's 29th studio album! You can watch the official lyric video right here... How upbeat is this! The lads have still got it!