Push Over 2014 Announces Two Huge Competitions
All ages music festival Push Over has announced two huge competitions this week, offering bands the chance to play on the 2014 lineup alongside the likes of The Smith Street Band, Dream On Dreamer, Pez, and more, while punters can go in the running for a VIP festival package. Push Over and Triple J Unearthed are partnering to offer a spot on the festival bill to budding bands to play Sidney Myer Music Bowl on the public holiday of Monday 10th March. Artists that upload their music to Unearthed before Sunday 16th February will automatically go in the running, with the winner announced in late February.
The second comp offers a Push Over VIP package: including backstage access to smash a pinata with The Smith Street Band and a Polaroid prize back to capture all the madness. For a chance to win, head to Facebook.com/pushovervic and let them know why you should get the prize, entries close Sunday 16th February. For more info and tickets on Push Over 2014 head to thepush.com.au
Riverboats Music Festival 2014 Ticket Sales Up 65% On Last Year
Proving the continued success of Australia’s boutique music festival scene, ticket sales for the three-day Riverboats Music Festival have reached over 65% in advance of the same figure this time last year while Deluxe Festival Passes have completely sold out, showing the festival’s growing popularity as it enters its third year. Held on the mighty Murray River at Echuca Moama (on Fri 14th & Sat 15th Feb), RockWiz’s Brian Nankervis has just been announced as MC for Riverboats’ single stage, showcasing a lineup that features The Cat Empire, Tim Finn, Ian Moss, Paul Dempsey, and many more.
“After just two short years, it’s fantastic to see how warmly Riverboats has been embraced by lovers of contemporary Australian live music,” says Festival Producer David Frazer. “Despite the fact you can’t move in Australia without bumping into a music festival these days, Riverboats continues to offer something just that little bit different – a glass of wine under the red gums, a single stage on a bend in the Murray, paddlesteamers meandering past all day, small crowds and all within 2 and 1/2 hours of Melbourne. Add to this a remarkable Australian lineup and you’ve got yourselves a pretty special weekend away.” Three day and single day tickets are still available at the Riverboats Music Festival website.
Cloud Control, The Preatures, Elizabeth Rose Win Big At FBi SMAC Awards
FBi Radio recognised the best and brightest of Sydney’s music scene at their annual SMAC Awards ceremony last night. Held at Carriageworks and broadcast live on the community radio station, the 2014 SMACs saw Cloud Control’s Dream Cave winning Record Of The Year, The Preatures walking away with Best Song for ‘Is This How You Feel?’, Elizabeth Rose claiming the Next Big Thing gong, Sarah Blasko honoured as Best Live Act, and Sydney boutique festival Secret Garden took out the Best Music Event category. View the full list of the 2014 FBI SMAC Award winners here (via FBiSMACAwards)
The Preatures, Chet Faker Go Gold In Australia
The Preatures prove their continued success with Aussie audiences as ‘Is This How You Feel?’ has officially reached Gold sales status. With the Sydney five-piece already announced to play Coachella 2014, kicking off a tour of UK and Europe next month, taking Best Song at the FBi SMACs (see above), and set to release their debut album this year, The Preatures are set for a huge 2014. Thinking In Textures, the debut EP from bearded chilltronica star Chet Faker has also gone Gold. Since his dropping his debut release, Chet Faker has gone on to scoop the 2012 AIR Awards, perform at multiple festivals, and tour to sold out audiences across Australia, Europe, the UK and the USA. Chet Faker is still working on his highly anticipated debut album but recently released his collaborative EP with Flume, Lockjaw, one of 2013’s highest selling releases.
WAM Appoints New CEO
Following on from the conclusion of the Western Australian state music body’s annual industry conference and 2013 Awards (which saw Tame Impala and The Love Junkies scoring multiple trophies), WAM has started the new year with the appointment of a new Chief Executive Officer. With former CEO Wendy Were accepting a role as Executive Director, Arts Development at the Australia Council, WAM will see Mike Harris step into the position. A WA native with industry experience with the Melbourne International Arts Festival, Director of the Glen Street Theatre, and senior management at The Arts Centre in Melbourne (just an extract of his CV), Harris will begin his new CEO duties as of February. “I am thrilled at the opportunity to work with such a pivotal and well respected organisation as WAM, and look forward to contributing to the ongoing championing and well-being of WA’s contemporary music industry,” says Harris.
Vinyl Sales Up 32% In 2013
While US reports show digital music sales dropping for the first time since iTunes opened, the unlikely vinyl resurgence is charging full steam ahead. While CD sales declined 14.5% in 2013, vinyl sales are up 32% – growing from 4.5 million units sold in 2012 to 6 million in 2013, according to Neilsen SoundScan analytics. Not only that, but vinyl sales now account for 2% of all album sales in the US. (via Mashable)
