Monday, May 28, 2012

APRA Music Awards; Sydney, Australia

Profiles

Music Television Celebrities Sydney Fashion


Winners...

WINNERS FOR THE 2012 APRA MUSIC AWARDS ANNOUNCED


Wally De Backer Scores APRA’s Songwriting Trifecta!!!

World-beating songwriter Wally De Backer (aka Gotye) has tonight added to his accolades by taking out three APRA Music Awards, including the coveted, peer-voted APRA Song of the Year.

APRA (Australasian Performing Right Association) is proud to reveal the winners of the 2012 APRA Music Awards, announced this evening during a red carpet event at the Parkside Ballroom, Sydney Convention & Exhibition Centre. Hosted by Jonathan Biggins and Missy Higgins, the awards have celebrated composers and songwriters across 12 categories who have achieved excellence in their
craft over the last year.

At tonight’s 30th anniversary event for the APRA Music Awards, Wally De Backer (and Luiz Bonfa’s) global smash hit Somebody That I Used To Know walked away with the top prize (APRA Song of the Year) and has also won the category of Most Played Australian Work. The APRA Board of Writer and Publisher Directors has also rewarded Wally De Backer with the crown of Songwriter of the Year. This caps off a
staggering year for Wally De Backer. His haunting break-up ode, Somebody That I Used To Know (from the album Making Mirrors) featuring a sample from Luiz Bonfa’s classic song Seville, has become a chart-topping hit in 11 countries around the world. It was number one for eight weeks on the Australian singles chart and recently hit the coveted number-one spot on the American Billboard chart – a feat not achieved by an Australian artist since Savage Garden in 2000. It still sits atop the US Billboard chart, now for the 6th consecutive week. The single also won triple j’s Hottest 100 in 2011, took out Single of the Year, Best Pop Release and Best Video, with Gotye himself winning Best Male Artist and Producer of the Year at the 2011 ARIA Awards. The statistics on this song (and its accompanying video clip) grow daily, but what we’ve witnessed is a songwriter at the top of his game. Part fanatical recording boffin, part pop genius, Wally De Backer is the APRA 2012 Songwriter of the Year.

The APRA Board of Directors have named Killian Gavin, Jonathon Hart, Timothy Hart, David Hosking and Jacob Tarasenko (Boy & Bear) the Breakthrough Songwriter of the Year for their songwriting achievements on the debut album Moonfire. The phenomenal success of their 2010 EP, With Emperor Antarctica, transformed the Sydney quintet from promising newcomers to bonafide international sensations, helping them land two songs in triple j's 2010 Hottest 100. With all these accolades Boy & Bear found themselves perfectly placed to take things to the next level for their first full-length effort Moonfire. The first single Feeding Line led the way and saw Boy & Bear shift effortlessly into darker, deeper moods, melding huge atmospheres with sonic adventurousness. “Honesty resonates,” says lead vocalist David Hosking. “And I think that if it resonates with you as a writer, then it is going to resonate with the listener as well. I think that just happens naturally.”

Shane Nicholson, one of Australia’s most prolific songwriters, has taken out the Country Work of the Year category with Famous Last Words Music critics have been unanimous in their praise of Shane Nicholson and have delivered high praise for the lyrical depth of Shane’s songs and the extent of his honest and emotional vocal delivery.

The Blues & Roots Work of the Year has gone to first-time APRA nominees Busby Marou for the emotive Biding My Time from the band’s debut self-titled album. Hailing from Rockhampton, the duo of Tom Busby and Jeremy Marou last year won the Deadly Award for ‘Most Promising New Talent in Music’. The duo are a rare musical talent with a distinctly Australian way of sharing stories has developed into a unique song writing flavour - roots tinged with cracking harmonies, breathtaking musicianship and a natural feel for each others guitars.

The Potbelleez (David Green, Ilan Kidron, Marisa Lock and Jonathan Murphy) along with co-writer Justin Shave has received the APRA Award in the category of Dance Work of the Year for From The Music, a song which reached number one on the ARIA Australian Singles chart, made it into the Top 100 Singles chart of 2011 and has achieved Platinum sales in Australia.

Marvin Priest, the son of reggae royalty Maxi Priest has taken out the category of Urban Work of the Year, along with co-writers Antonio Egizii and David Musumeci for Own This Club, Priest’s official debut solo single and collaboration with Sydney-based hit makers, DNA Songs. Own This Club peaked at #6 on the ARIA chart and stayed in the top 10 for 10 weeks with over 250,000 downloads.

Rock Work of the Year has gone to Birds of Tokyo for Wild at Heart, the third single from the band’s self-titled album. Featuring uplifting guitar riffs within dark and driving introspective rock lyrics, the single achieved Gold status and was voted number 47 in triple j’s Hottest 100 of
2010. More recently, in 2012 the band has been recording its new album in LA.

It is the second-highest-selling single in Australian history, and now the irresistibly catchy Party Rock Anthem by LMFAO (written by LMFAO members Skyler Gordy and Stefan Gordy along with co-writers David LIstenbee and Peter Schroeder) has won International Work of the Year. Heard in clubs and at parties all over the planet, the song has been number one on music charts around the globe including Australia, Belgium, Brazil, Canada, Denmark, France, Germany, Ireland, New Zealand, Switzerland, the United Kingdom and the United States.

AC / DC has won the APRA Award for Most Played Australian Work Overseas for the rock n’ roll classic Highway to Hell, written by Bon Scott and the 2010 APRA Songwriters of the Year Angus and Malcolm Young The song was released way back in 1979, but continues to prove that old is gold.

Widely respected talent agent Mary Lopez was presented with the 2012 Ted Albert Award For Outstanding Services to Australian Music.

Mary’s flair for capturing the spirit of Australia through themed productions, huge cast variety spectaculars and ceremonial events is legendary.

With her unique talent for bringing together a dazzling range of musical and dramatic performers, Mary is committed to helping young people be the best they can be.

Subscription television partner MAX will broadcast an exclusive APRA Music Awards special on MAX on TUESDAY 12TH JUNE at 8.00PM along with an encore presentation at 10.30am on THURSDAY JUNE 14TH. Featuring exclusive interviews from the red carpet and backstage, as well as a wrap up of all the award winners, this is a special broadcast not to be missed! MAX is available on FOXTEL and AUSTAR.
The 2012 APRA Music Awards were hosted by Jonathan Biggins and Missy Higgins, and featured performances by Tina Arena with Tex Perkins (performing their rendition of APRA Song of the Year Somebody That I Used To Know), Kate Miller-Heidke (who performed The Beards You Should Consider Having Sex With a Bearded Man) , Bob Evans (who performed I Started a Joke by the Bee Gees), Kram
(who performed Lanie Lane’s Oh Well, That’s What You Get For Falling in Love With a Cowboy), PVT who performed The Real Thing with Russell Morris ,Bertie Blackman (who performed Matt Corby’s Brother) Sophia Brous (who performed Kimbra’s Cameo) and special guest presenters Yusuf Islam, NSW Premier Barry O'Farrell, Imogen Heap, Felicity Urquhart and Philip Mortlock.

APRA sends hearty congratulations to all the winners for the 2012 awards.

2012 APRA MUSIC AWARDS
Monday 28th May
Sydney Convention & Exhibition Centre
Hosted by Jonathan Biggins and Missy Higgins


WINNERS FOR THE 2012 APRA MUSIC AWARDS

Song of the Year
Title: Somebody That I Used To Know
Artist: Gotye feat Kimbra
Writers: Wally de Backer* / Luiz Bonfa (ASCAP)^
Publishers: J Albert and Son Pty Ltd* / Warner/Chappell Music Australia Pty Ltd

Breakthrough Songwriter of the Year
Writers: Killian Gavin / Jonathon Hart / Timothy Hart / David Hosking / Jacob Tarasenko (Boy and Bear)
Publisher: Sony/ATV Music Publishing Australia Pty Ltd

Songwriter of the Year
Wally De Backer
Ted Albert Award for Outstanding Services to Australian Music
Mary Lopez
Most Played Australian Work
Title: Somebody That I Used To Know
Artist: Gotye feat Kimbra
Writers: Wally de Backer* / Luiz Bonfa (ASCAP)^
Publishers: J Albert and Son Pty Ltd* / Warner/Chappell Music Australia Pty Ltd^

Country Work of the Year
Title: Famous Last Words
Artist: Shane Nicholson
Writer: Shane Nicholson
Publisher: Mushroom Music Pty Ltd
Blues & Roots Work of the Year
Title: Biding My Time
Artist: Busby Marou
Writers: Thomas Busby / Jeremy Marou
Publisher: Sony/ATV Music Publishing Australia Pty Ltd

Dance Work of the Year
Title: From The Music
Artist: The Potbelleez
Writers: David Greene* / Ilan Kidron* / Marisa Lock^ / Jonathan Murphy* / Justin Shave^
Publishers: Universal Music Publishing Pty Ltd obo MCDJ Music* / Universal Music Publishing Pty Ltd^
Rock Work of the Year
Title: Wild At Heart
Artist: Birds of Tokyo
Writers: Anthony Jackson / Ian Kenny / Adam Spark / Adam Weston
Publisher: Mushroom Music Pty Ltd
Urban Work of the Year
Title: Own This Club
Artist: Marvin Priest
Writers: Antonio Egizii* / David Musumeci* / Marvin Priest^
Publishers: EMI Music Publishing Australia Pty Ltd* / Universal Music Publishing Pty Ltd

Most Played Australian Work Overseas
Title: Highway To Hell
Artist: AC/DC
Writers: Angus Young / Malcolm Young / Bon Scott
Publisher : J Albert and Son Pty Ltd
International Work of the Year
Title: Party Rock Anthem
Artist: LMFAO
Writers: Skyler Gordy (ASCAP)* / Stefan Gordy (ASCAP)* / David Listenbee (ASCAP) / Peter Schroeder (ASCAP)
Publisher: Kobalt Music Publishing Australia Pty Ltd*

Want to know how the APRA nominees and eventual winners are determined?
The following categories are awarded based on APRA's statistical analysis of radio and TV broadcasting as well as digital activity:

• Most Played Australian Work
• International Work of the Year
• Most Played Australian Work Overseas
The list of eligible works for all genre categories are sourced from relevant industry charts, from which the nominations are determined
based on the level of broadcast and digital activity. These categories include:
• Blues and Roots Work of the Year
• Country Work of the Year
• Dance Work of the Year
• Rock Work of the Year
• Urban Work of the Year
Song of the Year

Is decided by the votes of APRA members. All songs written by an APRA member and released in the preceding calendar year are eligible for consideration.

Songwriter of the Year
Is decided by APRA's Board of Writer and Publisher Directors rewarding the songwriter who has recorded the most impressive body of work in the previous year.

Ted Albert Award for Outstanding Services to Australian Music
Is decided by APRA's Board of Writer and Publisher Directors.

Breakthrough Songwriter of the Year
Is decided by APRA's Board of Writer and Publisher Directors for an emerging songwriter or group of writers.

For the complete list of nominee selection criteria please go to:
http://www.apra-amcos.com.au/apraawards/musicawards/rules.aspx

*Eligibility for APRA Song of the Year is determined by:
•All songs written by an APRA member and released in the preceding calendar year are eligible for consideration.
•The song must have been written principally (i.e. minimum 50% share) by an APRA writer member that has their principal residence in Australia.
•The songs are voted by APRA members (songwriters) making this a 100% peer-voted music award.
**Works of the Year categories are based on statistical analysis. Criteria is determined by:
•All songs written by an APRA member and released in the period July 2010 to December 2011 are eligible for consideration.
•The song must have been written principally (i.e. minimum 50% share) by an APRA member that has their principal residence in Australia
*Nominations are derived from broadcast performance activity including radio, television and online.


APRA MUSIC AWARDS PRESENTERS AND PERFORMERS ANNOUNCED...

With the red carpet set to roll out in just over a week, the 2012 APRA MUSIC AWARDS are the grand finale to Song Summit 2012 and will be held on the closing night of the three-day music industry expo on Monday May 28th at the Parkside Ballroom, Sydney Convention & Exhibition Centre.

Along with details of special Music Awards guest presenters and performers, APRA (Australasian Performing Right Association) is proud to announce that MARY LOPEZ AM will receive the Ted Albert Award for Outstanding Services to Australian Music at the 2012 APRA Music Awards.

Chosen by the APRA Board of Writer and Publisher Directors, the TED ALBERT AWARD FOR OUTSTANDING SERVICES TO AUSTRALIAN MUSIC has been bestowed upon some of Australia’s most respected music industry heavyweights including Don Burrows, Michael Chugg, Slim Dusty, Triple J, Bill Armstrong, Angus & Malcolm Young, Roger Davies, Denis Handlin AM, the late Jimmy Little and last year’s recipient Paul Kelly for their contribution in shaping and developing the Australian music landscape.

A highly respected talent consultant committed to finding ways to develop and showcase talented Australians of all ages, MARY LOPEZ is also committed to leveling the playing field, working hard to ensure that all aspiring and talented young Australians are given an equal opportunity to follow their music and entertainment dreams. Her love for, and admiration of, the performers she has mentored shines through in the success of the almost 60 significant and spectacular productions she has staged over her career, including the Schools Spectacular which she directed for 25 years. Mary has been responsible for dozens of other major public events including ‘An Australian Christmas’ at Darling Harbour, the NSW Premier’s Concert, the World Indigenous People’s Conference Opening and Closing Ceremonies and many more.

Mary’s passion for promoting and nurturing talented young people led her to co-found the Talent Development Project (TDP) in 1991, a widely respected music industry training program which prepares gifted young performers for careers in the music and entertainment industry. She has been the Artistic Director of this unique scheme since its inception. Mary’s ability to identify the potential in young performers has been shown by the success of the program. Star TDP graduates include recording artists Human Nature, Angus & Julia Stone and Paulini, Music Director and Composer John Foreman, Hi 5 star Nathan Foley, Jazz singer Emma Pask and a host of award-winning country music performers including Darren Coggan, Felicity Urquhart, Drew McAlister, Jedd Hughes, Travis Collins and The McClymonts. Mary’s success also lies in her use of the TDP and the Schools Spectacular to provide a level playing field for disadvantaged young performers. As a result, ATSI (Aboriginal and Torres Strait islander) students, and those with mental or physical disabilities are now being given a chance to excel, regardless of their circumstances.

Mary’s development of talented young Australian entertainers and her contribution to the performing arts was recognised by her appointment as a member of the Order of Australia, one of this country’s highest honours. In 2007, she received the Variety Humanitarian of the Year Award and in 2010 her contribution to Public Education and the Arts was recognised with an Honorary Doctorate of Letters from the University of Western Sydney.

The TED ALBERT AWARD FOR OUTSTANDING SERVICES TO AUSTRALIAN MUSIC will be presented to MARY LOPEZ by country music singer songwriter FELICITY URQUHART at the 2012 APRA Music Awards. One of the leading lights of the Australian country music scene, Felicity is still very much involved in Mary’s NSW Talent Development Project and in between a hectic schedule which includes being a presenter on Channel 7’s Sydney Weekender, other TV and radio roles, and being the face of The Heart Of Country for Tourism NSW, she is widely regarded as one of the country’s finest vocalists and songwriters.
In addition to our hosting team of JONATHAN BIGGINS and MISSY HIGGINS, APRA is delighted to welcome YUSUF ISLAM as a special guest presenter for the 2012 APRA Music Awards. Singer songwriter, activist and philanthropist, Yusuf Islam is one of popular music's most famous and intriguing figures. Having
sold in excess of 60 million records sold worldwide, and with a phenomenal fan base, Yusuf is now focusing on a new musical he has produced called 'Moonshadow' which had its world premiere in Melbourne. The musical fantasy written by Yusuf, features the songs which he penned as Cat Stevens, weaving together new songs with his classics, hits such as Father & Son, Wild World, Matthew & Son and The First Cut is the Deepest. YUSUF ISLAM will present the award for APRA SONG OF THE YEAR. Widely respected music industry veteran PHILIP MORTLOCK, Head of Creative Services at Alberts will also present at the 2012 APRA Music Awards.

TINA ARENA one of Australia’s most iconic voices, will perform at the 2012 APRA Music Awards. From her humble beginnings in Moonee Ponds and a career defining slot on Young Talent Time in the early 80’s, TINA ARENA’s inner artist emerged and she has become a songwriter with emotional experience and depth of feeling and an internationally-acclaimed singer with the ability to touch and capture hearts through song. Tina joins us just ahead of a national orchestral tour scheduled for June to August.
Also performing at the APRA Music Awards will be TEX PERKINS, another bona-fide legend and founder of seminal bands Beasts of Bourbon, The Cruel Sea and Dark Horses. Most recently Tex has been channeling another legend in Johnny Cash receiving a Helpmann Award for Best Contemporary Concert, for THE
MAN IN BLACK where he takes to the stage as Cash for two hours of magnificent music interwoven with the story of his rise to stardom, his fight for survival and his eventual redemption.


Also performing at the 2012 APRA Music Awards will be the wonderful BOB EVANS (aka Kevin Mitchell). Renaissance man Mitchell has had a wonderful career with band Jebediah and his alter ego Bob Evans showing his skills as a champion songwriter and troubadour. His performance at the APRA Music Awards
preceeds an appearance at Splendour In The Grass under his original persona of Kevin Mitchell performing 50 Years of Bob Dylan!, where he will team up with Holly Throsby, Kav Temperley (Eskimo Joe) and Patience Hodgson (The Grates) as well as surprise guests.

With a restless creative energy that has seen him make a killer solo album, join forces in numerous projects and supergroups including The Wrights and Hot Rollers as well as being founder and co-vocalist of a little band called Spiderbait, KRAM joins the APRA Music Awards as a special guest performer. An accomplished singer-songwriter, drummer and musical all-rounder, expect the unexpected when KRAM hits the stage.

We all know her voice by now. The wonderful talent that is KATE MILLER-HEIDKE joins us as a special guest performer at the 2012 APRA Music Awards.

Following double-platinum sales for her last album (2008’s Curiouser), sets at Coachella, international dates supporting Ben Folds, acclaimed opera performances in Australia and the UK, Kate Miller-Heidke has returned with her panoramic new album Nightflight, her first solo album in three years which debuted at #2 on the national ARIA Chart.

Singer-songwriter and performer extraordinaire BERTIE BLACKMAN rose to fame with her debut album in 2004, Headway, which came after years of prolific
performances in which she developed a dedicated following. Bertie delivers pop music with depth. Her voice is seductive, her lyrics are inventive and honest and she mesmerizes as a live performer. "When I’m playing music, I just disappear into what's going on," she says.

Touted as a “human powerhouse” (The Australian) and “prodigious chanteuse” (Rolling Stone), ascendant pop songstress SOPHIA BROUS (known as BROUS) brings to the APRA Music Awards an uncompromising vision for pop. Her songs evoke the widescreen majesty of Scott Walker and classic melodies of Morricone's Mina - unforgettable choruses crowned by Brous' extraordinarily expressive voice.

Performing live at the 2012 APRA Music Awards is RUSSELL MORRIS, one of Australia's most enduring singers. A major pop star in the late '60s, he went on to become one of the country's first singer-songwriters scoring five Australian Top 10 singles during the late 1960s and early 1970s. On 1 July 2008, the Australian Recording Industry Association (ARIA) recognised Morris' iconic status when he was inducted into the ARIA Hall of Fame.

Sydney outfit PVT has established themselves as a beacon of the Sydney music scene – awarded best local release of the decade by FBi Radio. Renowned for their live performances, the trio have approached recording as an ‘opportunity to create new space on stage’. They harness all their power for a special performance at the APRA Music Awards.

The 2012 APRA Music Awards, which will celebrate the achievements of Australian composers and publishers from the previous twelve months, will announce the winners in the categories of: Breakthrough Songwriter of the Year, Most Played Australian Work, Most Played Australian Work Overseas, International Work of the Year, Country Work of the Year, Blues & Roots Work of the Year, Urban Work of the Year, Dance Work of the Year and Rock Work of the Year.

The recipients of the prestigious Songwriter of the Year (as determined by the APRA Board of Writer and Publisher Directors) will also be announced at the gala industry event. And of course, the event will feature the announcement of the coveted peer voted music prize – the APRA Song of the Year.
The 2012 APRA MUSIC AWARDS will be filmed by subscription television partner MAX for a special that will be broadcast exclusively on MAX on TUESDAY 12TH JUNE at 8.00PM along with an encore presentation at 10.30am on THURSDAY JUNE 14TH. Featuring exclusive interviews from the red carpet and backstage, as well as a wrap up of all the award winners, this is a special broadcast not to be missed! MAX is available on FOXTEL and AUSTAR.

Hosted by Jonathan Biggins and Missy Higgins, the 2012 APRA Music Awards will feature performances by Tina Arena, Tex Perkins, Kate Miller-Heidke, Bob Evans, Kram, Sophia Brous, Russell Morris, PVT and Bertie Blackman and special guest presenters Yusuf Islam, Felicity Urquhart and Philip Mortlock.

CATEGORIES FOR 2012 APRA MUSIC AWARDS

Song of the Year
Breakthrough Songwriter of the Year
Most Played Australian Work
Most Played Australian Work Overseas
International Work of the Year
Country Work of the Year
Blues & Roots Work of the Year
Urban Work of the Year
Dance Work of the Year
Rock Work of the Year.
The APRA Board of Writer and Publisher Directors determine the following:
Songwriter of the Year
Ted Albert Award for Outstanding Services to Australian Music

2012 APRA MUSIC AWARDS
Monday May 28th
Parkside Ballroom,
Sydney Exhibition and Convention Centre,
Hosted by Jonathan Biggins and Missy Higgins
www.apra-amcos.com.au

Websites

APRA

APRA Awards

Song Summit

Eva Rinaldi Photography Flickr

Eva Rinaldi Photography

Music News Australia

Media Man News

Australian Sports Entertainment

Website Network

Media Man Int

Media Man

Media Man News

Media Man Entertainment

Nicole Richie launches her House of Harlow at David Jones' Sydney store - 26th May 2012

Profiles

Music Television Celebrities Hollywood Sydney Fashion


Nicole Richie this morning made her first official Sydney public appearance since husband Joel Madden joined The Voice.

The mum of two - who was being pitched around as "available for paid appearances" earlier this year - has found a taker and fronted up to David Jones' Elizabeth St store this morning.

The fashionista launched the new sunglasses and handbag range from her label House Of Harlow at a press conference and meet-and-greet with shoppers.

Any fans who wanted a photo with Australia loving Nicole had to part with about $100 to buy product, before a photo and meet and greet could happen.

Update...

Nicole Richie is planning to spend 'more time' in Australia.

The fashion designer and famous wife of rocker Joel Madden, has been in the country while her husband works on the Australian version of 'The Voice', and she admits she has become enchanted with Sydney and wants to find a way of spending more time in sin city Sydney.

She said: "We're going to be out here for a while, both of us love it. Sydney is my favourite city, we're definitely going to be looking to spend more time here, what's not to love!"

Nicole - who has daughter Harlow, four, and two-year-old son Sparrow with Joel - loves the city because people are "very respectful" when she is enjoying time with her family.

She said: "Part of the reason I love Sydney so much and why I love Australia as a whole, I find that people are very nice and very respectful, especially when I'm with my family, I really cannot complain about anything, we are so blessed to be here, I love Sydney so much, everyone is so nice and welcoming."

In addition to the welcoming people, Nicole has also enjoyed watching rugby Down Under, and she especially likes the hunky men who play the sport.

She told 2Day FM radio's Kyle Jackie O Show: "It was so fun, first of all I don't even understand American football, we were sitting in a box, we had the best time, that's the best view in Sydney of those guys running around in those outfits!".

Nicole is the latest in a long list of American celebrities who have looked to Australia as a new place to market their wares.

More facts...

Nicole Camille Richie (born Nicole Camille Escovedo; September 21, 1981) is an American fashion designer, author, actress, singer and television personality. Richie rose to prominence for her role in the Fox reality television series, The Simple Life which lasted five seasons. Afterwards she turned her focus on other projects including charity work and environmental issues. In November 2007 Richie and husband, Joel Madden, created "The Richie Madden Children's Foundation". She is currently one of the three mentors on NBC's Fashion Star.

Websites

Nicole Richie official website

House of Harlow

David Jones

Eva Rinaldi Photography Flickr

Eva Rinaldi Photography

Music News Australia

Media Man News

Australian Sports Entertainment

Website Network

Media Man Int

Media Man

Media Man News

Media Man Entertainment

Monday, May 21, 2012

Adele, LMFAO big winners at Billboard Music Awards - 21st May 2012

Profiles

Music Television Celebrities Fashion


Adele and LMFAO were the big winners at the Billboard Music Awards in Las Vegas on Sunday, with the British soul singer snatching 12 trophies, including Top Artist and Top Female Artist.

Adele's Rolling in the Deep hit and her smash-hit album 21 earned her four awards, including Top Alternative Song, Top Billboard 200 Album and Top Pop Album.

She also won trophies for Top Hot 100 (singles) Artist and Billboard 200 (album) Artist.

LMFAO were the big winners at the ceremony, which Adele did not attend, claiming six awards - five for their 2011 smash-hit Party Rock Anthem and one for Top Duo or Group.

Other multiple winners included Coldplay who took home four awards, including Top Rock Album and Top Alternative Album for Mylo Xyloto.

But few music fans will be talking about who won what after a string of spectacular performances and showstopping tributes to 2012 Millennium Awards winner Whitney Houston, Donna Summer and late Beastie Boys rapper Adam Yauch.

LMFAO kicked off the show with a high-energy medley of their 2011/2012 hits Party Rock Anthem, Sorry For Party Rocking and Sexy & I Know It, but it was Cee Lo Green's and Goodie Mob's return to Las Vegas and Jordin Sparks and John Legend's tribute to Whitney Houston that stood out as highlights.

Sparks landed one of the night's many standing ovations after performing a pitch-perfect rendition of Whitney's I Will Always Love You and Cee Lo and his rap posse also brought the audience at the MGM Grand Garden Arena to its feet with their rousing rendition of the Beastie Boys' Fight For Your Right (to Party).

Other performance highlights came from Katy Perry, Justin Bieber, Usher, Carrie Underwood, Linkin Park and Chris Brown, while 2012 Icon Award winner Stevie Wonder closed out the show by performing a medley of hits, like Higher Ground and Overjoyed with Alicia Keys.

The blind soul man, joking, "This is my time ... and I'm looking good too", then asked for a birthday gift from his duet partner and insisted she sing her Jay-Z collaboration, Empire State of Mind, a capella. Keys gladly obliged as Wonder sang, "You gave me my gift."

The singer then handed over the Icon Award to her personal icon, prompting the soul legend to drop his dark glasses and pretend to look at his trophy.

He said, "I can touch it and see it more than seeing it." Wonder urged fans to "commit yourselves to using your heart and joining with me to putting your best love forward ... and committing yourselves that if we come together and bring our hearts together for unity, we can change the world by being as one".

Aside from the stunning performances, there were award wins for Bieber, Perry, U2, Foster The People and Coldplay while Taylor Swift was named Billboard Woman of the Year and Lil' Wayne was crowned Top Male Artist.

The winners of the 2012 Billboard Music Awards:

Social Artist of the Year - Justin Bieber
Top Artist - Adele
Woman of the Year - Taylor Swift
Top Female Artist - Adele
Top Billboard 200 Artist - Adele
Top Hot 100 Artist - Adele
Top Digital Songs Artist - Adele
Top Radio Songs Artist - Adele
Top Streaming Artist - Rihanna
Top Digital Media Artist - Adele
Top Pop Artist - Adele
Top Country Artist - Lady Antebellum
Top Alternative Artist - Coldplay
Top Latin Artist - Shakira
Top Christian Artist - Casting Crowns
Best New Artist - Wiz Khalifa
Top Duo/Group - LMFAO
Top Male Artist - Lil Wayne
R&B Artist of the Year - Chris Brown
Top Rock Artist - Coldplay
Top Touring Act - U2
Top Dance Act - Lady Gaga
Top Billboard 200 Album - 21 by Adele
Top Pop Album - 21 by Adele
Top R&B Album - 4 by Beyonce
Top Rap Album - Tha Carter IV by Lil Wayne
Top Country Album - My Kinda Party by Jason Aldean
Top Rock Album - Mylo Xyloto by Coldplay
Top Alternative Album - Mylo Xyloto by Coldplay
Top Latin Album - Formula: Vol. 1 by Romeo Santos
Top Dance Album - Born This Way by Lady Gaga
Top Christian Album - Come To The Well by Counting Crowns
Hot 100 Song of the Year - Party Rock Anthem by LMFAO
Top Rock Song - Pumped Up Kicks by Foster The People
Top Digital Song - Party Rock Anthem by LMFAO
Top Radio Song - Give Me Everything by Pitbull Feat. Ne-Yo, Afrojack & Nayer
Top Streaming Song (Audio) - Rolling in The Deep by Adele
Top Streaming Song (Video) - Super Bass by Nicki Minaj
Top Pop Song - Party Rock Anthem by LMFAO
Top R&B Song - Motivation by Kelly Rowland & Lil Wayne
Top Rap Song - Party Rock Anthem by LMFAO
Top Country Song - Dirt Road Anthem by Jason Aldean
Top Alternative Song - Rolling in the Deep by Adele
Top Latin Song - Danza Kuduro by Don Omar & Lucenzo
Top Dance Song - Party Rock Anthem by LMFAO
Top Christian Song - Blessings by Laura Story
Icon Award - Stevie Wonder
Spotlight Award - Katy Perry
Millennium Award - Whitney Houston
Battle of The Bands Dreamseeker Artist of the Year - Patent Pending

Websites

Billboard

Adele

LMFAO

MGM Grand Hotel, Las Vegas

Media Man Entertainment

Website Network

Media Man Int

Media Man

Media Man News

Media Man Entertainment

Friday, May 18, 2012

An Officer and a Gentleman The Musical To Play Sydney Lyric Theatre, The Star - 18th May 2012

Profiles

The Star Echo Entertainment Casinos Clubs Theatre Sydney Australia


Tonight of An Officer and a Gentleman enjoyed its Sydney, Australia premiere at The Star's Lyric Theatre at Ultimo.

The red carpet premiere was well attended by media and celebrities, and its understood the production is likely to match if not exceed the hype.

Producer John Frost said that more hard-won world premieres were in store.

"Not just Australian stories, but international stories that can be exported to international markets," Frost said.

Producers from Germany, South Korea, Canada, New York and London were at tonight's opening.

Frost said the $6 million budget for An Officer And A Gentleman was about half what it might have been if it was developed in New York or London.

"Things are just easier and cheaper here, and in New York and London, you're so far out of town (doing the set building) trying to get it right and get it fixed," he said.

Frost said the process of developing new musicals, as opposed to simply remounting a successful overseas version, would help build production skills for the creation of new musicals in the future.

"What this is doing is establishing people like (An Officer And A Gentleman) director Simon Phillips, his choreographer and his assistants, to do new stuff they're not used to doing, because they are used to doing stuff that's already been done and what we are trying to do is to broaden that experience so a lot more directors and a lot more writers get that opportunity," Frost added.

Later next year and early 2014 Frost expects to mount world premieres of Dream Lover: The Bobby Darin Show and Red Dog. His production of Doctor Zhivago is approaching the end of a six month-long run in Seoul and will then be mounted in New York.

The Media Man and Music News Australia agencies were overheard agreeing "Another world class production put on by The Star and Lyric Theatre".

The pitch:

A new musical based on the Paramount Pictures-Lorimar movie "An Officer and a Gentleman" written by Douglas Day Stewart

Music and lyrics by Ken Hirsch and Robin Lerner
Book by Douglas Day Stewart and Sharleen Cooper Cohen
Director Simon Phillips
Choreographer Andrew Hallsworth
Set and Costume Designer Dale Ferguson
Lighting Designer Matt Scott
Musical Director Dave Skelton
Associate Director Dean Bryant
Producers Sharleen Cooper Cohen and John Frost

In association with Paramount Pictures and Warner Bros Theatre Ventures

Based on the hugely successful Academy Award-winning film, this new production has been adapted for the stage by the original screen writer, Douglas Day Stewart and co-writer Sharleen Cooper Cohen, with music and lyrics by Kenny Hirsch and Robin Lerner. It will be produced by Sharleen Cooper Cohen and John Frost, and directed by Simon Phillips (Priscilla Queen of the Desert The Musical).

The talented cast that will bring this timeless story to life includes Ben Mingay (Jersey Boys) as Zack Mayo, the classic angry young man who grew up in a "sewer" and dreams of flying jets and parlaying this skill into a better life; Amanda Harrison (Wicked) as Paula Pokrifki, the young factory worker who dreams of becoming a nurse and finding a better life without selling out for it, like everyone around her; Kate Kendall (Next to Normal) as Lynette Pomeroy, Paula's best friend who is determined to marry a flier to escape her dead end life, no matter what it takes; and Alex Rathgeber (The Phantom of the Opera) as Sid Worley, the likeable Okie son of a Navy Admiral who is the class "superstar" at the Naval Academy.

A hit across the ages, the 1982 film has become a phenomenon in cinema history, recently listed by the American Film Institute as one of the top ten love stories in cinema history. Featuring the iconic hit song "Up Where We Belong" and a new score by hit song writer Ken Hirsch and Grammy nominee Robin Lerner this timeless tale of struggle, success, friendship and love promises to be the musical blockbuster of 2012.

An Officer and a Gentleman is a triumphant story of working class heroes surviving great tests; a classic modern day love story about a working class boy and girl who must overcome their upbringing and personal weaknesses to accept life and love.

His Story, Her Romance.

Websites

An Officer and a Gentleman - The Musical official website

The Star

Sydney Lyric Theatre

Echo Entertainment

Eva Rinaldi Photography Flickr

Eva Rinaldi Photography

Music News Australia

Media Man News

Casino News Media

Website Network

Media Man Int

Media Man

Media Man News

Media Man Entertainment

Jon Stevens plays Blue Beat club, Double Bay, Sydney - 17th May 2012

Profiles

Music Television Celebrities Hollywood Double Bay Sydney Fashion


Tonight New Zealand - Australian performing artist, Jon Stevens played the newly revamped Blue Beat club at Double Bay in Sydney's east, and he sounded and looked great.

We were pleased that he played the classic 'Reach out and touch somebody' early into the night of entertainment.

The support act was talented singer - songwriter Bonnie Anderson who did a good job of warning up the crowd.

Thank you to everyone involved in making tonight a success.

Profiles

Jon Stevens...

Most recognised for his work as the lead singer of Australian band Noiseworks, who had 4 Australian Top 10 albums, Jon also fronted Australian rock band INXS after the death of its lead singer Michael Hutchence and was part of two Australian productions of Jesus Christ Superstar, playing Judas on both occasions, to high acclaim.

Jon Stevens has led a varied and remarkable career, standing strong through the successes and trials that have earned him a place as a respected performer. Through his solid studio recordings and incredible live performances, Jon has proven himself to be an adaptable, hard-working and inspiring artist. He has walked the boards of the world’s most prestigious stages and enjoyed the opportunity to work alongside the world’s best.

Bonnie Anderson...

Bonnie Anderson is a natural-born performer. Having grown up surrounded by musical family and friends, including her mother who is also a singer, Bonnie’s childhood paved the way for her talents as she spent family time playing music and singing. When she wasn’t surrounded by bands and musicians, Bonnie also took inspiration from her Godfather, world champion boxer Lionel Rose.

In 2007, Australian audiences fell in love with Bonnie’s incredible talent as the then 12 year-old won first place in Australia’s Got Talent. Rather than get swept up in the media bandwagon and subsequent offers of recording and management contracts, Bonnie made the decision to put her future career on hold and ‘just be a kid for a while’.

Bonnie is an incredibly focused performer with professionalism beyond her years, so in pursuit of her ultimate dream to be taken seriously as a singer-songwriter and professional musician, she has chosen to forego an easy fifteen minutes of fame in favour of focusing on the “big picture”.

Like any artist, she has learnt her craft by watching the ‘old masters’ at work and has already shared the stage with some of Australia’s greatest acts including Jimmy Barnes, Diesel, Vanessa Amorosi, Kate Ceberano and Kasey Chambers. In addition to her vocal training, Bonnie also plays both piano and guitar. 2009 was a turning point for Bonnie and saw her tour with Australian icon, Jimmy Barnes, as a backing vocalist.

Now aged seventeen, the story is only beginning...


About Blue Beat...

Announcing Blue Beat, the new venue of Christopher Richards and Nicholas Rice.

Anyone familiar with Chris and Nick won’t be surprised that Blue Beat stands for quality music played by superb musicians, in a setting that gives audiences and musicians alike a memorably satisfying experience.

Blue Beat is founded on the same passion for live music that’s been at the heart of Chris and Nick’s previous venues. For those who don’t know, Nick’s history includes entertainment, promotions and venue consultancy, including key Sydney venues Bar Broadway and the Marquee nightclub. Chris is synonymous with The Basement, as manager, co-owner and booker. After nearly four decades he has strong connections with industry from festival directors to sound technicians, and he brings all this to Blue Beat.

“We think Sydney needs, and deserves, a venue that’s of its time, and caters for reasonably discerning audiences, in a way that puts the music centre-stage”, explains Rice. “But you might also just want to call in for a late-night drink or an after-theatre tapas and a place to talk.”

“So the Blue Beat philosophy is about an exciting journey through the world of contemporary music, around which we’ve built a venue that’s unpretentious but has great attention to detail”, says Richards.

Websites

Jon Stevens official website

Blue Beat

Bonnie Anderson official website

Ralph Carr Management

Eva Rinaldi Photography Flickr

Eva Rinaldi Photography

Music News Australia

Media Man News

Australian Sports Entertainment

Website Network

Media Man Int

Media Man

Media Man News

Media Man Entertainment

Tuesday, May 15, 2012

2012 Musicoz Awards; Sydney Opera House, Sydney, Australia

Profiles

Music Television Celebrities Hollywood Sydney Sydney Opera House


Each year, the awards highlight up and coming musical talent in 18 musical categories including singer, songwriter, alternative, blues, country and pop.

Celebrities...

Hots Sarah McLeod
Dallas Frasca
Pat Farmer
Kamahl
Mickey Avalon from the USA with Finalist Kid Mac
The Playboy Mansion Girls - Crystal Harris, Melissa Dawn Taylor and Ciara Price
Cam Tapp and Glenn Whitehall from The Voice
Gok Wan - UK TV Show - How to Look Good Naked
Melissa Wu - Australian Diving Team and Olympic Gold Medallist
Mark Gables - The Choir Boys
Fat Pizza Crew
Liam Burrows and Chooka from Australia's Got Talent
Amali Ward - recent Tour support for Seal
Jim and Dan from Art Vs Science

Background...

Musicoz is a national initiative dedicated to improving the quality of original music culture in Australia. Forover a decade Musicoz has been developing the music industry at the grass roots level by seeking out, recognising & encouraging the talents of unsigned and independent artists and providing them with much needed development support and opportunities as they carve out their careers.

Musicoz achieves these aims through:

Annual National Musicoz Awards Program

Covering 18 genres of music with over 5000 entries each year. Known in the media as "The Unsigned ARIAs", The Musicoz Awards give vital recognition, exposure to a national audience through our TV special of the awards being aired on national Television, as well as development opportunities to finalists and winners and the opportunity to work alongside well known artist surrounding the awards evening. These awards are the biggest and most credible awards for unsigned and independent music artists in Australia. Our media partners include: BigPond Music, YouTube and Facebook.

Musicoz Development Program

Ongoing mentoring, artist development and support throughout the year as they develop their potential. The Program Includes:

Comprehensive songwriting Feedback service

Support and advice on Publicity, promotion, advertising, management, contracts, touring

Advice on music royalties, Booking Agents/Venues and Venue Bookers

Production/Recording/Mixing/Mastering/Duplication development

Business plans/Timeline/Budgeting/CD launch

Professional consultation on Presentation and image

Artist product development including CDs, DVDs, Promotional material

Recording Project Management

A&R Consulting Service referrals

Musicoz provides a range of benefits including:

The opportunity for all artists in all genres to receive recognition and much needed publicity

The opportunity for all artists to receive developmental help mentorships from industry sponsors

Valuable work experience for students of entertainment industry training centres.

Employment opportunities within Musicoz events.

Valuable industry contacts through Musicoz activities

Success Stories

Porcelain - signed to Universal Music U.S.

The Jezabels

Art Vs Science

Sender-Signed to Sony/BMG Australia- Reached no 19 on the national ARIA charts

Bliss'n'Eso-Signed to Illusive Records Australia-Reached no 7 on the national ARIA charts

Sick Puppies-Now a sensation in the U.S and signed to Roadshow Music.

Blue King Brown-No 1 on the Australian Independent charts

The Sunpilots-No 1 indie band on Myspace, No 1 added band to commercial radio FEB 2008

The Fumes- Album of the week FBI Radio and The Drum Media

Felicity Urquhart- 2007 Golden Guitar winner and No.1 video on CMC.

Anthony Snape - Currently Touring the U.S

Gian - Signed to ABC/Warner M usic

Stone Parade - No 17 ARIA charts, No 1 AIR charts May 2008

Plus many more

There is no other initiative across Australia that provides this form of support/benefits in the music industry.


Websites

MusicOz Awards

Sydney Opera House

Eva Rinaldi Photography Flickr

Eva Rinaldi Photography

Music News Australia

Media Man News

Australian Sports Entertainment

Website Network

Media Man Int

Media Man

Media Man News

Media Man Entertainment

Friday, May 4, 2012

Prince Welcome To Australia: Prince confirms 3rd and final Sydney concert

Profiles

Music Celebrities Hollywood Sydney


On Sale Monday 7 May...

In breaking news promoters’ Garry Van Egmond and Chugg Entertainment have today announced Sydney’s third and Australia’s eighth Prince concert.

Prince will play the Allphones Arena on Tuesday 22 May in addition to his concerts on 11 & 12 May.

Tickets will go on-sale next Monday 7 May at 9AM from www.ticketek.com.au

“The demand for a third Sydney concert was obvious and we’re delighted we’ve been able to juggle the touring schedule and slot in this extra show,” promoter Garry Van Egmond said.

Prince will perform on a symbol-shaped stage; a unique and spectacular production experience.

Its intimate 360-degree composition, in the middle of the arena floor, brings all four corners of the venue closer than a traditional stage-end set up.

Prince’s May 2012 visit will be his third tour of Australia and his first in nine years.

Hot on the heels of his 2010 and 2011 Welcome to America and Welcome to Canada tours, in addition to the 21 nights at The O2 Arena in London (capacity 20,000) Prince’s Welcome to Australia tour in May is his only confirmed tour of 2012.

Friday 11 May 1st Sydney Allphones Arena
Saturday 12 May 2nd Sydney Allphones Arena
Monday 14 May 1st Melbourne Rod Laver Arena
Tuesday 15 May 2nd Melbourne Rod Laver Arena
Friday 18 May 1st Brisbane Entertainment Centre
Tuesday 22 May 3rd Sydney Allphones Arena
Saturday 26 May 2nd Brisbane Entertainment Centre
Wednesday 30 May 3rd Melbourne Rod Laver Arena

All tickets – Ticketek
Tel 132 849 or www.ticketek.com.au
Tickets from $99 to $179.90

The tour is presented by Van Egmond Group and Chugg Entertainment.

Websites

Prince Tour

Chugg Entertainment

Live Nation (Australia)

Eva Rinaldi Photography Flickr

Eva Rinaldi Photography

Music News Australia

Media Man News

Australian Sports Entertainment

Website Network

Media Man Int

Media Man

Media Man News

Media Man Entertainment