Aussies Named Among International Songwriting Competition Finalists
Over 35 Australian musicians have been nominated among the 22 categories of the 2014 International Songwriting Competition, vying for a grand prize of $25,000 and a major career leg-up.
The likes of Alpine, Bertie Blackman, Missy Higgins, Ben Lee, Sophie Koh, and Dave Crowe are among those with songs in the (AAA) Adult Album Alternative category, while the Rock finalists includes tracks by The Preatures, Calling All Cars, APES, My Fiction, and Wons Phreely. Other ISC finalists include Charles Jenkins & The Zhivagos (Folk/Singer-Songwriter), SAFIA (Dance/Electronica), and The Khanz (Music Video and Unsigned)
Australia has performed strongly in the ISC in the past. Last year, top songwriting honours went to the NZ-bred Melbourne-based Kimbra, Clairy Browne & The Bangin’ Rackettes, Oh Mercy’s Alexander Gow, as well as recognition for The Trouble With Templeton, Matt Corby, Buffalo Tales (aka Wes Carr), and Guy Sebastian.
For a complete list of 2014 ISC finalists head to http://www.songwritingcompetition.com
This Week’s New Tracks On Triple J
Adds:
Band Of Skulls – ‘Nightmares’ (PIAS)
Broods – ‘Never Gonna Change’ (Universal)
The Cairos – ‘Desire’ (Universal)
DMA’s – ‘Delete’ (I Oh You!)
Kid Cudi – ‘Too Bad I Have To Destroy You Now’ (Universal)
Lurch & Chief – ‘Mother/Father’ (triplejunearthed.com)
Megan Washington – ‘Who Are You’ (Universal)
Tomas Barfod – ‘Pulsing’ {Ft. Nina K} (Secretly Canadian)
Spots:
Bonjah – ‘Honey’ (Lemon Tree/Inertia)
Coin Banks – ‘Think Of You {Ft. Anders/Homeboy Sandman/Tom Scott}’ (triplejunearthed.com)
The Horrors – ‘I See You’ (XL/Remote Control)
Luca Brasi – ‘Borders And Statelines’ (Poison City)
Industry News
MTV Australia Relaunches As Ticketing Service
The Australian branch of MTV may have ceased broadcasting last October, but they’ve now moved into the world of concert ticketing. Having already launched the new MTV Tix website (picured above), the marketing and promotion is being handled by the Sydney office, and offers tickets as well as services such as wait-lists, preferred seating, along with premium packages and access to MTV-hosted parties and events. “Our audience want to see music and have unique experiences and launching MTVTIX.com.au seemed like a good way to do this,” says Simon Bates, Director of MTV Australia & New Zealand. (via The Music Network)
APRA Music Awards 2014 Headed To Brisbane
APRA’s annual music awards ceremony is heading to Brisbane for the first time ever, taking place on Monday 23 June at Brisbane City Hall. “The calibre of songwriters from Brisbane and world-class industry events like BIGSOUND, make this city a leader in the Australian music industry,” said APRA AMCOS CEO Brett Cottle. “It is a perfect place to host our 32nd annual music awards.” The signature event recognises the achievements of songwriters and their publishers and includes the prestigious peer-voted APRA Song of the Year Award. (via APRA | AMCOS)
Lorde’s Debut Album Hits 1 Million
Pure Heroine, the full-length debut record from 17-year-old Kiwi sensation Lorde, has now sold over 1 million units, making it the first debut to do since October 2013. (via Billboard)
Lizotte’s Up For Sale
The NSW Central Coast branch of iconic music venues, Lizotte’s, has been put on the market by titular owner, Brian Lizotte. The chain of venues – located in Hunter, Sydney, and the Central Coast – have all been put forward to potential buyers as a unit, but could be singled out. Lizotte and business partner Jo say they are keen to sell the restaurant-come-live venues to an owner who will continue the business’ legacy and keep on staff. (via The Newcastle Herald)
Artist Signings
Flightless Expands Deal With Remote Control, Signs New Act
Flightless Records, the label of King Gizzard & The Lizard Wizard drummer Eric Moore, has extended their deal with Remote Control Records. The expansion sees the labels jointly signing Victorian surf rock band The Babe Rainbow (pictured above) for the release of double A-side single Love Forever/Evolution 1964. They join the Flightless roster of King Gizzard, Love MIgrate, The Murlocs, and Sagamore. (via Flightless Records)
Panama Inks US deals
Sydney indie electro trio Panama have signed two North American deals off the back of their Future Classic-issued EP, Always. Panama have now signed with 300 Entertainment, the new company of a former Warner exec, to distribute the EP in Canada and the US, as well as Billions booking agency working. The deals are finalised as the band are set to hit SXSW 2014 this month.
Ivy League Signs Steve Smyth
Majestically bearded NSW singer-songwriter Steve Smyth has signed with Mushroom independent subsidy Ivy League Records. They have issued his new single ‘Shake It‘, recorded in New York with drummer Joey Waronker (Atoms For Peace, Beck) and bassist Gus Seyffert (The Black Keys, Norah Jones). (via Mushroom Promotions)
New Damage Records Sign High Tension
Canadian heavy rock label New Damage Records have signed up Melbourne punk-metal outfit High Tension to their expanding roster as part of their local distribution deal with Cooking Vinyl Australia. The deal comes along with New Damage signing Canadian bands Slates and Biblical.
