SPARRO SIGNED, SHOWS ANNOUNCED

Expat pop god Sam Sparro has been a little quiet over the past couple of years (except, of course, for selected collabs on tracks by Beni and Basement Jaxx etc). But the wait for brand new solo music is over, with EMI this morning confirming that they have signed the star for the release of his upcoming album 'Return To Paradise'.
We've made mention over the past few days of a cool new video for a track called 'The Shallow End' and have also brought you news about his new single 'Happiness' (a video for which is in the creative stages as we speak).
So what can fans expect from the new album?
"It is the product of a lot of experimenting and songwriting – I changed direction at least 2-3 times, completely," Sam said in a statement. "I started doing more rock oriented stuff, then I went in a pop direction and then through the process of scrap booking stuff that was inspiring me I ended up with an album that was influenced by music from 1978 to 1984.
"I’m more comfortable now and I’ve left things a little bit raw and not completely polished – so much modern pop music is so polished that you lose the soulfulness and essence and human touch... I’m really proud of this whole record, there is nothing on it that I’m not absolutely proud not to stand next to," he said.
Of course, to celebrate these new beginnings, Sam is returning home next month for a trio of live dates, which will kick off with a performance at the Mardi Gras Party on March 03.
But for those not able to boogie the night away with family at the Entertainment Quarter, Sam will also perform two headline shows while he's in town - one each in Sydney and Melbourne. Tickets for both are on sale tomorrow!

March 08 : Melbourne (The Toff In Town)
March 09 : Sydney (Oxford Art Factory)

BONUS BENNETT

It's only a week since tickets went on sale for Tony Bennett's first Australian tour in nine long years, but already the demand for them has been strong enough for Dainty Group to add another date.
Yes, adding to the two concerts already penned in at the Opera House (only limited tickets for which remain), Tony has added a third Sydney date to the schedule - on Thursday April 12, also at the Opera House.
Tickets for the dates in Melbourne, Brisbane and the Hunter Valley are still on sale.
Tony will be bringing his daughter Antonia along for the ride as the official tour support artist.
Tickets for the new date are on sale on Monday February 13.

April 02 : Melbourne (Regent Theatre)
April 04 : Melbourne (Regent Theatre)
April 07 : Brisbane (Convention Centre)
April 09 : Sydney (Opera House)
April 11 : Sydney (Opera House)
April 12 : Sydney (Opera House) NEW SHOW
April 14 : Hunter Valley (Tempus Two Winery)

GO MORE GRANNIS

Proof that the internet plays an integral role in unearthing amazing talent these days, Frontier Touring Company last week announced a local tour for YouTube star Kina Grannis.
With millions of views on her YouTube account and more than half a million subscribers, it's not hard to understand why there would be demand for tickets to her shows.
In Sydney, however, demand has been such that Frontier has this morning announced that the singer will play a second show at the Opera House Studio late next month after the first date (March 24) sold out.
Tickets for the new date are on sale now.
Kina recorded a very special message for her Aussie fans ahead of her visit - HERE.

March 24 : Sydney (Opera House Studio) SOLD OUT
March 25 : Sydney (Opera House Studio) NEW SHOW
March 27 : Gold Coast (The Arts Centre Basement)
March 28 : Brisbane (Powerhouse)
March 30 : Melbourne (Ormond Hall)

CRUZING TO OZ

British pop sensation Taio Cruz is headed to Australia later this month for a promotional visit.
The singer, famous for his No.1 smash 'Dynamite' and other top ten successes 'Break Your Heart' and 'Hangover' will land in Sydney on February 27 for four days of promotional opportunities, which we expect would include the ol' faithful Sunrise performance.
'Hangover' has now achieved three times platinum status here in Australia - for sales of more than 210,000 copies. It was the first single lifted from the singer's new album 'T.YO', which was released at the end of 2011.
Taio's latest single 'Troublemaker' will be released digitally tomorrow.

EXTRA AQUA

They've already been selling out shows right, left and centre, but new through to the desk this morning is that Danish outfit Aqua has added even more shows to their forthcoming Australian schedule to cope with unprecedented demand.
The second Sydney show has been upgraded to a larger venue (to the Enmore Theatre), a third show has been announced in Melbourne and a second date has been added in Brisbane.
Beyond that, the band has announced Sydney outfit Radio Ink as their support act for the entire tour, with Perth outfit Boys Boys Boys providing extra support for the Western Australian dates.
All new dates are on sale now.

March 07 : Brisbane (The HiFi) NEW SHOW
March 08 : Brisbane (The HiFi) SOLD OUT
March 09 : Gold Coast (Coolangatta Hotel)
March 11 : Adelaide (HQ)
March 13 : Melbourne (Palace Theatre) SOLD OUT
March 15 : Melbourne (Palace Theatre) SOLD OUT
March 16 : Sydney (The HiFi) SOLD OUT
March 17 : Sydney (Enmore Theatre) NEW VENUE
March 18 : Fremantle (Metropolis) SOLD OUT
March 20 : Fremantle (Metropolis)
March 21 : Melbourne (Palace Theatre) NEW SHOW

TOURING : Lady Gaga

Mere days after Madonna announced that she would include Australia on her touring schedule for the first time in 20 years, Lady Gaga has this morning given her monsters the news they've been waiting for - she'll also include Australia on her schedule as part of the Born This Way Ball Tour.
Live Nation announced that the singer will visit Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane and Perth during her Australian visit in the middle of the year, but will bypass Adelaide this time around.
She's announced two dates thus far in each of Sydney and Melbourne, with one date each penned in for Brisbane and Perth. There's also seemingly plenty of room in the schedule to add further dates should the need arise.
Gaga herself informed her little monsters of how the concept came to be.
"The Haus of Gaga and I have worked for months conceiving a spectacular stage,” she said. "The Born This Way Ball is an Electro-Metal Pop-Opera; the tale of the Beginning, the genesis of the Kingdom of Fame. How we were birthed and how we will die celebrating."
She'll no doubt be playing all the singles from her recent album 'Born This Way', along with tracks from her previous album 'The Fame/The Fame Monster'.
Tickets for all dates are on sale on Friday February 17 at 9am sharp.

June 13 : Brisbane (Entertainment Centre)
June 20 : Sydney (Allphones Arena)
June 21 : Sydney (Allphones Arena)
June 27 : Melbourne (Rod Laver Arena)
June 28 : Melbourne (Rod Laver Arena)
July 07 : Perth (Burswood Dome)

THE AUSTRALIAN CD NEW RELEASE SCHEDULE

February 17
At The Drive In – Relationship Of Command
Field Music – Plumb
Malia – Black Orchid
The Menzingers – On The Impossible Past
OST – The Artist
OST – The Descendants
Stereophonics – Decade In The Sun : Best Of
TV On The Radio – Nine Types Of Light (DVD)
Various – Stay Tuned
Various – Ultimate R’N’B Love 2012
Zhu Zhu Pets – Quest For Zhu

February 24
Aqua – Megalomania
Band Of Skulls – Sweet Sour
Carolina Chocolate Drops – Leaving Eden
The Cranberries – Roses
The Cranberries – Roses (Deluxe Edition)
The Dead Leaves – Cities On The Sea
Django Django – Django Django
Estelle – All Of Me
Fanfarlo – Rooms Filled With Light
Charlotte Gainsbourg – Stage Whisper
Andy Grammer – Andy Grammer
Beth Jeans Houghton & The Hooves Of Destiny – Yours Truly Cellophane Nose
Ben Howard – Every Kingdom (CD/DVD)
Kid Massive – A Little Louder
Nada Surf – The Stars Are Indifferent To Astronomy
OST – I Am Sam
Pink Floyd – The Wall (Experience Edition)
Pink Floyd – The Wall (Immersion Edition)
Punch Brothers – Who’s Feeling Young Now?
Sleigh Bells – Reign Of Terror
Taylor Swift – Journey To Fearless (DVD)
The Ting Tings – Sounds From Nowheresville
Twiggy – Romantically Yours
Tyga – Careless World
Urge Overkill – ICON
Various – Best Of Blues & Roots 2012
Various – Chillseeker 2
Various – CMC Rocks The Hunter 2012
Various – My Kitchen Rules
Various – Triple J : Hottest 100 Vol.19
Various – Triple J : Hottest 100 Vol.19 (Limited Edition)
Various – Skitz Mix 40
Abigail Washburn – City Of Refuge

March 02
Andrew Bird – Break It Yourself
Bleeding Knees Club – Nothing To Do
Troy Cassar-Daley – Home
Troy Cassar-Daley – Home (CD/DVD)
Chase & Status – No More Idols (Australian Edition)
Chiddy Bang – Breakfast
Kathleen Edwards – Voyageur
Last Dinosaurs – In A Million Years
Leftfield – Tourism
The Magnetic Fields – Love At The Bottom Of The Sea
Minx – She Can DJ Presents : Minx
New York Dolls – Live From The Bowery (DVD)
Pond – Beard, Wives, Denim
Gemma Ray – Island Fire
Sublime With Rome – Yours Truly
The Ting Tings – Sounds From Nowhereville
Various – Let’s Dance : Very Best Of The ‘80s
Various – NOW Autumn 2012
Various – Straight To You : Triple J’s Tribute To Nick Cave (DVD)
Various – Vicious Cuts 2012

March 09
The Decemberists – We All Raise Our Voices To The Air
Rocco DeLuca – Drugs n Hymns
Elbow – Cast of Thousands (Collectors Edition)
Elbow – Leaders Of The Free World (Collectors Edition)
Floratone – Floratone II
Hilltop Hoods – Drinking From The Sun
Il Volo – Il Volo… Takes Flight (DVD)
Katherine Jenkins – One Fine Day
Lambchop – Mr.M
The Overtones – Good Ol’ Fashioned Love
Sean Paul – Tomahawk Technique
The Puppini Sisters – Hollywood
Various – Ministry Of Sound : R’N’B Anthems Vol.1
Various – Wild Nights 2012
VCMG – SSSS

March 16
Buckley Ward – So Pretend
Jason Donovan – TBA
Hoodoo Gurus – Gold Watch : 20 Golden Greats
Michael Kiwanuka – Home Again
Michael Kiwanuka – Home Again (Deluxe Edition)
Ladyhawke – Anxiety
Adam Lambert – Trespassing
McAlister Kemp – Country Proud
OST – The Hunger Games
Lionel Richie – Tuskegee
Lionel Richie – Tuskegee (Collectors Edition)
Rizzle Kicks – Stereo Typical
The Shins – Port Of Morrow
Spiritualized – Sweet Heart Sweet Light
Mick Thomas – Last of The Tourists
Various – Hunky Country Boys
Various – Ministry Of Sound : Sound Of Dubstep Vol.3

March 23
All American Rejects – Kids In The Street
Amadou & Mariam – Folila
Grinderman – Grinderman 2 RMX
Iron Maiden – En Vivo
The Mars Volta – Noctourniquet
Maverick Sabre – Lonely Are The Brave
Various – Jim Beam Rock
Various – Triple J Hottest 100 Volume 19 (DVD)
Yukon Blonde – Tiger Talk

March 26 (Monday release date)
Madonna – M.D.N.A.
Madonna – M.D.N.A. (Deluxe Edition)

March 30
Tommy Bolin – Title TBA
Graham Coxon – A+E
Dr.John – Locked Down
Macy Gray – Covered
Lightships – Electric Cables
Paul Weller – Sonik Kicks

April 06
Black Dice – Mr.Impossible
The Cairos – Colours Like Features EP
Various – Ministry Of Sound : Electro House Sessions 5

April 13
Jason Mraz – Title TBA

April 20
Cancer Bats – Dead Set On Living
Children Collide – Monument
End Of Fashion – Holiday Trip Of A Lifetime
Feeder – Generation Freakshow
Jack White – Blunderbuss

April 27
The Chieftains – Voice Of Ages
Lower Dens – Nootropics

May 04
Catcall – The Warmest Place
Faith Hill – Illusion

May 18
Slash – Title TBA

All release dates subject to change & list is updated weekly.

INTRODUCING... Beatrice Eli

Swedish songstress Beatrice Eli launched her debut single 'The Conquerer' over in the UK last week, but with the international spotlight beginning to turn in her direction, we thought we'd give you the inside word.
Beatrice is already being compared to the likes of other Scandinavian pop goddesses including Oh Land, Lykke Li and even Robyn, combining raw, emotive lyrics with fresh, cutting-edge production.
She possesses an old-school soul vocal that just begs to be heard and when it's combined with the future-pop instrumentation and an explosive, albeit brief chorus, 'The Conquerer' can do no more but weave its intriguing charms upon you.
Most certainly one to watch in 2012. No word yet on an Australian release, but if you love it lots, there's a little mash-up that's available as a free download. You'll find that HERE. You're welcome.

GIVE HARLAND A HAND

It was two and a half years ago when a little-known Sydney songstress by the name of Shelley Harland unleashed her debut album 'Red Leaf' upon the unsuspecting pop landscape.
The LP was filled with gorgeous organic pop tunes including the singles 'Wonder' and 'Friday' and set the scene for what would be a highly successful career.
Since then, however, things have been rather quiet on the Shelley Harland front. But not for much longer.
The singer has been hard at work on a brand new album and she's almost ready to start the process of launching it into the musical ether. But she's asking for your help to set the project free.
Shelley is asking for pledges to get the album off the ground. And by giving to the cause, you'll be generously rewarded.
For example, those who pledge $25 will score themselves a signed physical CD delivered to your door on its release. Folks who pledge $50 will receive at least five demos from the album, a thankyou note and physical and digital copies of the album.
If you're feeling even more generous, there are other fab options including your name in the album liner notes, tickets to every single Shelley Harland gig in the future, a Skype concert, a song written just for you (or for your loved one) - even a private concert in your loungeroom!
Get all the details about pledging RIGHT HERE.

MOO TO YOU

Details were announced today for the 2012 series of Groovin The Moo Festivals, which will head around the country in May.
It'll take in the regional centres of Maitland in New South Wales, Bendigo in Victoria, Townsville in Queensland, Bunbury in Western Australia and our nation's capital - Canberra in the A.C.T - and will take along a swag of local and international talent to whet the whistle of our countryfolk.
On the bill for 2012 are the likes of 360, Matt Corby, Adrian Lux, Kaiser Chiefs, Beni, Kimbra, Bluejuice, Chiddy Bang, Digitalism, The Getaway Plan and Hilltop Hoods, along with many more.
Tickets for Bendigo are on sale on Tuesday February 14, the Maitland date is on sale Wednesday February 15 and the three other dates are on sale on Thursday February 16.
All the other guff at the OFFICIAL WEBSITE.

May 05 : Bendigo (Prince Of Wales Showgrounds)
May 06 : Townsville (Murray Sports Complex)
May 12 : Maitland (Maitland Showgrounds)
May 13 : Canberra (University Of Canberra)
May 19 : Bunbury (May Park)