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Latest News Posts
 Proud Novocastrian rockers Solver are gearing up for a national tour, the release of a new EP and a new chapter in their musical journey.
Brothers Morgan & Tom Evans and close mate Nick are filled with a new found energy and passion for their music after 2 years away from the band.
“It seriously feels like we’re 14 again! We’ve got new songs, a new live show and a new EP just about ready to roll! We just want to get out an play!!!” said Morgan.
SOLVER have just finished recording 6 tracks with legendary producer Mark Opitz whose credits include ACDC, Kiss, INXS, Cold Chisel, Noiseworks & The Angels
A preview of the first track from the EP, “Too Young To Worry”, is available for streaming at www.myspace.com/solver.
“Before we get in the van and drive all over the country we really want to reconnect with all the people in Newcastle that have stuck by us for the last 12 years.” Said Morgan.
Solver will play four special shows in The Underground at The Grand Hotel in July to try out some new material and hone their live show. “We’ll be playing new songs & old songs, trying out some new tricks and playing a different set every week!” said Morgan.
Solver will be joined on these 4 special show by good mates and underground party duo The Beatnik DJ’s ensuring that everyone has a good time!
The EP will be called “Too Young To Worry” and will be released in the coming months.
Solver will play The Underground @ the Grand Hotel July 10, 17, 24 & 31.
Posted on July 3rd, 2009 in Artists, Events, Front Page Comments Off
 Next Friday is the day you need to keep in mind – entries to the 1233 ABC Newcastle Music Awards close 5pm Friday 3rd of July! If you’re a local singer, songwriter, player and creator of original music, then this competition offers you opportunities for airplay on 1233 ABC Newcastle and other ABC networks (like DIG and TripleJ), online features, studio interviews, having your music heard and judged by industry professionals both locally and across the country and getting feedback from those judges.
Spanning the musical spectrum, there are 9 category and 4 specialist awards to be won, as well as the 1233 Tour Support Prize ($1233 worth of tour costs and a session with a nationally renowned publicist), the APRA and ABC Music Publishing Songwriters Recognition Award ($1000 cash prize and a framed certificate) and the ABC Music Artist of the Year
(recording / publishing deal to the value of $5000).
If you’re a fan of Newcastle Music, then join the group on ABC Contribute; this is the place to find local music, info about local artists and bands, and entries into the Music Awards. There are also some great trips down memory lane with music and pics from bands from years gone by. Do you have a local music curio from the glorious past of the Newcastle Music Scene? Share it on ABC Contribute!
The music award entrants who have uploaded their material onto Newcastle Music Group already have been updating and customising their profiles – have a look and see what first-time entrant Liv Gritten is doing! Head of State also have a cranking page. The Video pick of the week is Seven Days by Central Coast duo Jaywalker – they’ve set a high benchmark!! Have a look and get inspired.
Posted on June 26th, 2009 in Front Page, Newcastle Music Awards Comments Off
 You may remember that local band Powerage went to London last December to play off for $US100,000 in the Global Battle of the Bands. Out of 36 competing countries, they come 2nd, only a whisker away from bringing home the money.
So now it is time for YOU to perform in GBOB 2009. Simply by entering, you immediately win a bag of strings, straps etc from Ernie Ball.
The Newcastle Heat is on Sat 13th June at The Loft, Newcastle Mall Level 1, 7a Wolfe St, Newcastle. This venue has been provided to the GBOB bands by Newcastle City Council – supporting youth and the arts in your district!
If you want to play, register now (if you haven’t already) with www.gbob.com , and get your entry money in pronto!
Success in this Heat will qualify you for the New South Wales GBOB Regional Final. Regional finalist will win prizes including a brand new Z33 WP digital camera from FujiFilm for every member of the band. You will also be featured on music website www.Hotsource.com.au and covered by Home Brew Radio and Australian Guitar Magazine. The competition is supported by YHA, Converse, Triple M, Hilton Hotel, and Street Press Australia. The Crew from SBS Television filming and broadcasting the Australasian Final in November – where one band will be chosen to fly to London in December, to compete with international bands for US$100,000!
For more information visit www.gbob.com.
Posted on June 4th, 2009 in General Comments Off
 After just 2 years rocking out together, Novocastrian grunge/hard rock band Zero Logic are set to release their first independent album “Dimensions” on June 6th this year. The album is a follow up to their well received EP “Cubette” which was released in September 2007.
Pat James (vocals/guitar), Mitch Paterson (drums) & Chris Newman (bass) began playing together as Zero Logic in January 2007 and began working on “Dimensions” in late 2008. They cite various influences such as Incubus, Nirvana, Seether, Tool, & fellow Novocastrian rock-stars Silverchair. Pat describes the album as “a real mixed bag of songs – which made it a fun record to record”.
“Who puts bongos in a hard rock album?” Pat asks, “We did! And it feels good to hear it actually work.”
Zero Logic will be launching the album at 2 separate shows in June!
Sat 6th June – Wesley Hall, Beaumont St Hamilton
All Ages – $12 entry – 4 – 10pm + Free giveaways & signings!
Wed 17th June @ the Cambridge Hotel, Newcastle
With special guests Iridium and Shaded Glass
9:30pm, Entry is free, 18+
Go to www.myspace.com/zerological for more information about the band including music, photos, videos and news.
Posted on May 30th, 2009 in Artists, Events Comments Off
There’s a new night in town for emerging artists who are looking for a place to perform their music. And not only do they get to perform, they get paid for the privilege!
 Big Apachee have announced the return of The Music Nursery, an initiative designed to develop the budding careers and the ’scene’ in Newcastle. And it speaks volumes that one of the first acts of the new owners of the Wickham Park Hotel was to reinstate The Music Nursery to their entertainment schedule, highlighting a definite desire on their part to nurture what is often a neglected segment of the industry – those musicians and artists who are at the stage they want to leave the garage & announce themselves to the world. Those acts who have penned their original compositions and want to test the waters in front of a live audience. And those who may have played once or twice before but want to spread their own musical gospel.
The Music Nursery is open to all genres of music, from folk to metal and from soloists to 8 piece extravaganzas. Each Nursery will feature two acts and the evening will run fortnightly with the special ReLaunch show set down for June 11.
 Kicking off the festivities at the ReLaunch will be The Karma Cops. Forming in late 2008, the four piece has only just emerged from the bedroom but have already secured a coveted support slot with Kram when he performs on the Central Coast – on the strength of their tunes on myspace alone! Must have been some good karma coming their way…
Joining The Karma Cops for the evening will be Newcastle industry stalwarts Rubix Cuba. While not exactly an ‘emerging act’, having toured numerous times including jaunts to NZ, Rubix Cuba acknowledge that they could never have made it this far without venue initiatives designed to help musical acts such as the Music Nursery. And when they heard the Nursery was being relaunched they couldn’t wait to be involved.
“It’s important that bands, venue’s & punters support programs such as (the Music Nursery)” said Rubix Cuba’s bass player Stu Cuba. “Particularly punters. It might just be the first time you hear of an act, but you never know. Maybe there’s a new Silverchair out there. Imagine being able to say you saw their very first gig!”
Discover the next big thing in Newcastle music. Fortnightly at The Wickham Park Hotel.
The Wickham Park Hotel’s Music Nursery Relaunch
Thursday 11th June
7.30pm
Entry is free
Posted on May 30th, 2009 in Events Comments Off
Who’s Routine Reigns Supreme?
AAA Projects in association with Hunter TAFE are proud to present The Iron Clef Sessions. A weekend mini-festival summoning the forces of rock and metal in a pitched battle to find out once and for all, who’s routine reigns supreme? Support local original artists, stand up for your genre and be at The Wickham Croatia Club on the weekend of the 12th and 13th of June as some of the region’s finest emerging acts bring fire to the kitchen. Friday night unleashes clouds of smoke and thunder as Inhale the Sea, Sabretung, Skura and Soultremor sweat over a cauldron of steaming black and checker plate. On Saturday night Caleb Skips Chemistry, Room 24, Stonehawk and The Great Escape will be slicing and dicing denim and leather into solid slabs of rock and serving it up on a spicy sizzle platter with a studded belt mousse for dessert. Ummmm.
 What ever the flavour, Iron Clef is designed to showcase the local original music scene and a live video will be produced on the night specially to promote the local industry and artists. The famous 50000-watt student association BBQ is also set to make an appearance.
But wait, there’s more. If you purchase a pre-sale ticket you are eligible to vote on the running order for the night, and the two bands with the most votes will headline each respective show. Tickets are $5.00 a night. Information regarding ticketing outlets is available from The Music and Performing Arts Centre – Hunter TAFE – 0249237420 or any of the artists appearing on each night. Tickets will also be available on the night. Doors open 7.30, Wickham Croatia Club, 12th/13th of June. – Get the best cuts cheap at The Iron Clef Sessions, start cooking!
Metal Night – Friday the 12th of June
Rock Night – Saturday the 13th of June
Posted on May 28th, 2009 in Events Comments Off
 The support is still out there and it is great to see everyone coming along to the Beach Hotel every Friday night to support original songs, SOS.
With S.O.S- support original songs we want to support those original artists and give them somewhere to perform their music. A place where friends, family & fans of the bands, can meet to enjoy original music. What better place than the Beach Hotel which is located overlooking Merewether Beach and has been a breeding ground for a lot of successful Newcastle musicians.
Bands will assist in promoting the night by giving their fans, friends & family a free ticket to the night. On arrival to the venue you can present your ticket to bar staff & in return you will receive a voucher containing some discounts from the Beach Hotel, Beaumont Street Beat (music store) + Pacific Dreams (clothing store). This voucher is our way to thank the people who do take the time to come out and support original music.
Our aim is to create a night where anyone can attend and enjoy original music. The night will be a place where people will feel comfortable, relaxed and have an enjoyable time. Aim is to give extra support the Original Artists, patrons may buy the bands CD, become friends with them on myspace, add them to facebook and cheer at the end of each of their songs.
If you are a band and you are keen to play at S.O.S then send an email to
me-shell@eao.com.au for further details & consideration or become a friend at www.myspace.com/supportoriginalsongs and if you are a punter get along to the Beach Hotel each Friday night and support some quality original music!
Coming up at S.O.S;
For more information visit www.myspace.com/supportoriginalsongs or contact Me-Shell at me-shell@eao.com.au.
Posted on May 22nd, 2009 in Events Comments Off
9 categories, 4 specialist sections, new awards night, more on air exposure, greater online participation – the 1233 ABC Newcastle Music Awards continues to support original Hunter and Central Coast musicians in 2009.
In its eight year history the 1233 ABC Newcastle Music Awards has attracted close to 3000 entries with hundreds of tracks featured on the 1233 ABC Newcastle play list.
Entries for 2009 open Monday 25 May and close Friday 3 July 2009.
The prestigious ABC Music Artist of the Year Award provides the winner with an opportunity to have their music released by ABC Music, Australia’s largest independent record label. In addition, the winner of the ABC Music Publishing and APRA Songwriters and Composers Recognition Award will receive a $1000 cash prize to support their creative endeavours. Other awards include the Broadcasters’ Choice, Best Female and Male Vocals, Best Young Talent awards and Best Sound Production, combined with a range of specialist genre categories.
The 1233 ABC Newcastle Tour Support prize, successfully introduced last, year includes $1233 to assist with tour costs as well as a half-day session with a nationally renowned publicist.
Entrants also have the opportunity to receive valuable airplay time across 1233 ABC Newcastle and 92.5FM Central Coast, as well as other national ABC networks such as Triple J, Classic FM and DIG.
Online is vital in the ongoing success of the Music Awards. As a condition of entry this year, musicians will be required to upload their songs – as well as any related photos and videos to ABC Contribute; an online place for all Australians to get their own profile page, blog and storage for unlimited media uploads.
For the first time this year the Music Awards will have its own Facebook group where ABC audio, stories, photos and videos will be shared in the broader online community.
Phil Ashley-Brown, Local Radio Manager said that the station is thrilled to continue its support of original artists and musicians in the region.
“The Music Awards are a fantastic way for 1233 to recognise and assist local, original talent. Past winners Ngariki, Gian and The Seabellies are perfect examples of what the Awards are setting out to achieve. As well as securing publishing and recording deals through ABC Music Publishing, all three have secured airplay on local and national networks, have had their material recorded with ABC Music, and one band has brought out its first single through digital release, which shows how far the Awards has come” Phil said.
ABC Music Publishing has been integral in the development of the Music Awards and Eloise Nolan, Head of this department is enthusiastic about opportunities for Award entrants.
“The 1233 Music Awards have been incredibly consistent in unearthing some great musical talent – both songwriters and also performers. Our association with the Awards, alongside APRA, has given us a front row seat in regards to hearing what the region has to offer and it’s always been impressive. We are all very pleased to continue our involvement,” Eloise said.
To expose the entrants to as wide an audience as possible, this year’s awards presentation will involve a combination of both on air announcements and selected public appearances at a local venue. We want to showcase the Awards Night in a way that recognises where the music is really played and made – on air and in the venues.
Entrants can download their entry kits from www.abc.net.au/newcastle/competitions.
Posted on May 22nd, 2009 in Newcastle Music Awards Comments Off
 It was seen by over a thousand music business workers and students in three showings in Sydney, Melbourne & Adelaide last week and caused an enormous reaction and polarizing of opinion about music copyright. It comes to Newcastle Monday May 25 for a special music industry screening.
In conjunction with the Music Managers Forum Newcastle Branch which is holding this special night, we invite managers, musicians, agents, label & music industry workers, mini-moguls and music business students to attend this once-only screening.
With an hour for networking drinks before the 90 minute film screens, RIP is followed by a ninety minute panel discussion with questions and comments from the audience. The screenings are limited to music industry professionals and workers as well as music business course students, but NOT for the general public. Seats can be reserved and proof of music credentials will be required due to the limited license for one off free screening in each city venue.
The Film
In “RiP: A Remix Manifesto“, Web activist and filmmaker Brett Gaylor explores issues of copyright in the information age, mashing up the media landscape of the 20th century and shattering the wall between users and producers. The film’s central protagonist is Girl Talk, a mash-up musician topping the charts with his sample-based songs. But is Girl Talk a paragon of people power or the Pied Piper of piracy? Creative Commons founder, Lawrence Lessig, Brazil’s Minister of Culture Gilberto Gil and pop culture critic Cory Doctorow are also along for the ride.
View the film trailer http://video.sxsw.com/2009/mov/rip_a_remix_manifesto.mov and more info at http://www3.nfb.ca/webextension/rip-a-remix-manifesto/
The Panel
The film is presented by IMMEDIA! & the MMF; moderated by Phil Tripp, Managing Partner IMMEDIA! & SxSW Representative
For reservations and further information, contact IMMEDIA! on (02) 9557 7766 (Jessica Kalucy) or email jessica@immedia.com.au. Those reserving places must be in the venue 30 minutes prior to showtime or their reservation will be voided and space allocated to others.
The seminars are directed at the issues of two events that IMMEDIA! is promoting over the coming months. The first is the AustralAsian Music Business Conference that will be held in Sydney August 20-22 with over 50 speakers and which is the largest most successful music industry event for the past 18 years, held every other year. The panel gives a compelling sample of the content and issues to be discussed at the AMBC.
The second area being discussed is the 2010 South by Southwest Music, Film & Interactive Festivals being held in Austin. Texas in March which will open for artist showcase submissions August 3 as well as film applications. Comprising over 1800 showcases, hundreds of panels and speakers as well as major trade fairs and stands, SxSW has become a vital marketing and networking global event for the Australian content industries.
For those wanting to attend either or both industry events, this seminar will be crucial to strategising participation and maximising outcomes. The AMBC in Sydney will have room for 660 attendees with registrations already started while SxSW had over 50 AustralAsian bands perform last month and more than 240 attendees from our part of the world among over 25,000 global registrants.
Newcastle Monday 25 St Stephens Hall, Brunker Road, Adamstown
Opens at 5.30pm, film 6pm sharp, panel 8pm
Don’t forget to RSVP to Jessica@immedia.com.au or (02) 9557 7766 and arrive no later than 6pm!
Posted on May 12th, 2009 in Events, General Comments Off
 Now in it’s 10th year, Bimbadgen Blues has reinvented itself with a fresh look and feel to fit its new name Bimbadgen Blues Roots Funk ‘n’ Grooves.
Featuring The Panics, Blue King Brown, Kram, Ash Grunwald, Bluejuice, Philadelphia Grand Jury, Dialectrix and Newcastle based band Here Come the Birds the festival will run from 3pm through to 9pm on Saturday September 12th.
“I felt it was time to reinvigorate the festival and the 10th anniversary seems like the right time to do it” says Event Producer Grant Smith. “We are trying to create something memorable and a little bit different to the other concerts and festivals in the Hunter Valley – there are going to be a few surprises on the day and we have a lot of ideas to implement as the event grows.”
“Bimbadgen Estate is a fantastic venue for a festival, is has the best facilities, they do great food and drinks, the view is awesome and we can have 2 stages (that’s 2 complete different areas not just 2 stages side by side)! What more do you want?” – Grant Smith Event Producer
Bimbadgen Blues Roots Funk n Grooves – Saturday September 12th – 3pm to 9pm
For more information visit www.bimbadgenblues.com.au.
Posted on May 7th, 2009 in Events Comments Off
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