Industrial Strength: November 9

09 November 2011

by Christie Eliezer

Metro radio revenue grows in October

Revenue for commercial radio’s five metropolitan markets saw a U-turn, with an increase of 2.66% to a total of $64.02 million. The 2011 Metropolitan Commercial Radio Advertising Revenue figures, sourced by Deloitte and released by industry body, Commercial Radio Australia, saw growth in October in all cities except Sydney. Perth’s revenue was up 8.91% to $8.662 million (compared to the same month last year) and Adelaide grew by 8.61% to $5.98 million. In Brisbane, revenue was up 2.08% to $10.408 million and in Melbourne grew 1.78%to $19.435 million. In Sydney, revenue fell 1.23% to a total of $19.532 million.

Festivals #1: Queensland Folk Federation in crossfire over mining deal

The Queensland Folk Federation, which runs the Woodford Folk and Indigenous Dreaming festivals, has been heavily criticised by some quarters for accepting a three year sponsorship deal from mining giant Santos. The deal was struck 18 months ago, and is worth $225,000 to The Dreaming. The QFF’s Bill Hauritz explained that for all the good that The Dreaming has done for indigenous communities and culture, it had financially not broken even after six years. It needs corporate sponsorship and government grants — both declining in this economic climate. Santos, responsible for much of the Coal Seam Gas mining activity around Qld and NSW, agreed when it signed the sponsorship that the Dreaming will have anti-mining speakers and “would not be permitted to compromise the festival's stand on the environment.” But with both festivals to be held concurrently in the Woodfordia site next month, the QFF’s committee and its members were locked in discussions over the issue for most of this week.

Festivals #2: Record sales for Wangaratta jazz, blues

Paul Carrick, chair of the Wangaratta Festival of Jazz & Blues says that the 22^nd episode of the festival set a new attendance record for itself. “Whilst we are still collating final income and attendance figures, I am delighted to confirm the 2011 Festival has already achieved budget with ticket sales in excess of $315,000, making this the most successful ever. This is testimony to the wonderful program curated by festival director Adrian Jackson.”

Adele hits 9 platinum

Adele’s 21 album has hit 9 x platinum, reports her local label Remote Control. 21 is the biggest album in the world this year, selling 12 million copies. Adele has denied Twitter-driven rumours she has throat cancer.

Report clears Arts Victoria

A review commissioned by the Victorian government — following an investigation in June by the Ombudsman into improper behaviour by a staff member at Arts Victoria – found this was an isolated incident. According to the Ombudsman a procurement officer bought 40 years worth of toners in return for kickbacks from the supplier. The woman claimed others in Arts Victoria were also on the take. The government found this not to be true (see report at www.ssa.vic.gov.au). But staff now need to explain when they accept free tickets for events, and there are tighter checks on new suppliers and validation of invoices.

Awards #1: Golden Guitars will be not televised

The CMAA Country Music Awards of Australia, aka the Golden Guitars, will not be televised in 2012. The association’s chairwoman Joan Douglas said that live TV broadcasts “are getting quite prohibitive.” However the Tamworth event on January 28 will still be filmed, and could see light of day as a documentary. The radio broadcasts will continue. Douglas admits, “In the past, some fans have been critical of the fact that the whole show has revolved around the TV broadcast with a lot of disturbances. So this time we’ll just concentrate on making the show as spectacular as we can.”

Awards #2: Jazzgroove sets up awards

Jazzgroove set up the Jazzgroove Association Recording Awards (the JARA). The winning composer/performer gets a $10,000 JARA recording and promo pack to create and present a new work to be released through Jazzgroove Records and broadcast on Eastside Radio. Four finalists perform at Jazzgroove Summer Festival (13-15 January), the winner announced there.

General Pants expands its ‘bubble’

Fashion firm General Pants Co has expanded The Bubble section of its online store. In the past three years, it allowed 2000 new visual artists to post 4000 of their work — some used in General Pants’ marketing. Now The Bubble has extended to eight categories — music, TV/film, graphic design, fashion design, photography, art & illustration, creative writing and blogging/styling. General Pants’ singles-only record company Major Label is integrated within the program. Bands can apply to be signed through The Bubble, with a two-month artist package, including full record royalties.

SxSW announces Aussie acts

South By Southwest’s first round of 109 global acts to showcase only lists Melbourne duo Big Scary and Sydney’s The Black Ryder. Over 250 acts from this country applied, and about 50 will finally be chosen.

Powerhouse gets arts market

The Australia Council for the Arts has awarded the Brisbane Powerhouse the tender to host the biennial Australian Performing Arts Market in 2014, 2016 and 2018. Since 1998 it was held in Adelaide alongside Adelaide Festival, delivered by Arts SA and produced by Arts Projects Australia. Last year it drew 584 participants, including nearly 200 international delegates from 26 countries seeking events to program for their arts centres and festivals. The 2012 APAM is at the Adelaide Festival Centre from February 26 to March 1.

NX leads Newcastle ratings

NXFM remained number one in Newcastle’s third survey for the year, although it registered a big 2.3% drop to 18.5% market share. It is still the station most listened to by the under-40 demographic but dipped in the 18 to 24 group. KOFM rose by 1% to 18.1% and gained in the 25 to 39 age group. Third place was ABC 1233 (13.3), 2HD (12.1), 2JJJ (which rose by 10.2 with jumps in morning and afternoons and in the 18 to 24 listenership), NewFM (7.7), ABC Classics FM (2.2), 2RN (1.6) and News Radio (0.9).

R+18 category for video games

Australia is on its way to overturning its ban on adults-only sexually explicit computer games, and introducing a R18+ category. The Federal Minister for Justice, Brendan O'Connor said that all Australian attorneys-general had now agreed to introduce the category alongside G, PG, M and MA15+. But extremely violent or sexual games will still be banned under draft guidelines.

INXS hit South America with new singer

INXS made their live debut in Peru last week with new singer Ciaran Gribbin. The two-hour show at Jardin de la Cerveza in Arequipa, launched a South American run, following up with a Buenos Aires show before 30,000. Gribbin said afterwards, “I had the best night of my life singing with INXS in Peru. The band was on fire and the wonderful audience was so up for it—a truly awesome experience that I will cherish forever.” INXS then head to Europe and Australia, in between recording new songs with Gribbin.

Music video noms for Ellies

The Australian Screen Editors' (ASE) Guild awards — known as The Ellies — acknowledge excellence in editing in feature film, television, documentary, music videos, commercials and short film. Nominated in the music video category are Brian McFadden’s Mistakes (edited by Brad Hurt), Schvendes’ Lay The Noose (ed: Matt Osborne), Son of Kick’s Playing the Villain (ed: Dan Lee) and
Tim & Jean’s Don’t Stop (ed: Alan Harca).

Elefant Traks new deal

The Elefant Traks label — home to The Herd, Horrorshow, Sietta, The Last Kinection, Urthboy, Unkle Ho, Ozi Batla and The Tongue — announced a new deal on its online store. Anyone who buys a CD gets a free MP3 version.

MUSICAL CHAIRS

Borean at Waterfront

David Borean, former Sydney GM for DMG stations Nova 969 and 95.3FM, has joined Sean Pickwell’s Waterfront Entertainment Marketing as managing partner. Borean will be responsible for its day to day operations and, with Pickwell, widening brands that use entertainment assets as concert tours, celeb endorsements and “experiences” as part of their marketing.

Gavin at Universal Republic, Island Def Jam

Ivan Gavin takes on newly created New York based post of Chief Operating Officer of Universal Republic & Island Def Jam. He was COO of RCA/Jive Label Group for four years. Gavin reports to chairman/CEO Barry Weiss.

Cameron leaves ABC

After four years as host of the ABC's morning radio host in Sydney, Deborah Cameron has exited the broadcaster. The ABC will “refresh” the show.

Jono & Dano show to wind up

After three years, Australian Radio Network axed Jonathan ‘Jono’ Coleman and Ian ‘Dano’ Rogerson’s drive time Classic Hits, reportedly after contract negotiations stalled. The show, which ends Friday December 2, is syndicated on 32 outlets including ARN’s Classic Hits Network of WS FM Sydney, Gold FM Melbourne and 4KQ Brisbane and produced by MCM Media.

Deborah Gann revives publicity firm

Queensland-based publicist Deborah Gann has returned to the entertainment industry after several years’ hiatus. Based on the Gold Coast, she is heading up Reservoir Media & Marketing. She is at ReservoirDeb@bigpond.com.

Mooney fills in at The Gov

Sarah Mooney will fill in at Adelaide live music venue The Governor Hidmarsh Hotel aka The Gov while its regular publicist Koral Chandler heads off to France to suss out the music situation there for her new EP.

Smith returns to Melbourne

Dave Smith has moved to Melbourne after Maroochydore, Qld-based Prime Radio Network made his role of Group Programming Director redundant.

Marketing head for Sony

Sony Australia’s new GM of consumer marketing Nicolas Barendson was previously its marketing director at its UK and Ireland operations. Barendson replaces Toby Barbour who left in April 2010.

Koval leaves ABC Radio National

Ramona Koval left the ABC after 20 years after the Radio National Book Show, which she presented since 2006, was replaced next year by Michael Cathcart’s daily Books and Arts program from 10 am to 11 am.

Archer returns to 2CA

Leighton Archer returns from a 12 month break from radio by hosting the breakfast shift at 2CA Canberra from December 5. He replaces Greg Robson who will follow “other business prospects” but will fill in at the station.

Ginn retires

Jock’s Journal announced that 4TAB Brisbane station engineer Ross Ginn is retiring at 63. He joined them 34 years ago when they were 4IP.

Moodley to helm film festival

Nashen Moodley takes over as director of the Sydney Film Festival in January, replacing Clare Stewart after five years. South African-born Moodley is currently head of programming for the Durban International Film Festival, and also launched the Durban FilmMart program to, help African film makers get funding, and was consultant at the International Film Festival Rotterdam.

NEW SIGNING

ARIAs go mobile through Optus

ARIA struck a deal with Optus to stream backstage happenings and celeb interviews at the ARIA awards on mobiles. It is a first for the ARIAs, held in Sydney on Sunday, 27 November. Access All ARIAs will be available on the ARIA Awards mobile site via 3G or WiFi-capable mobile devices. Austin R. Bryan, director of Optus Digital Media said, “Optus is ensuring all Australians, via their mobile device, can be part of the ARIA Awards and celebrate great Australian musical talent. With ‘Access All ARIAs’, we’re proud to be bringing an intimate backstage experience with top Australian artists that shouldn’t be missed.” The awards are broadcast by Nine’s digital channel GO! from 7.30pm. The association expects the general public tickets to be sold out.

Alberts lands publishing for San Cisco

Alberts will represent the worldwide publishing for Fremantle indie pop teen act San Cisco — just as their song Awkward remains at #1 on the Australian Alternative Airplay Charts for a second week, and just as singer Jordi Davieson sits for his high school exams. Alberts spotted them two years ago, through demos when they were King George. Head of creative development, Michael Szumowski, calls them “a unique young band bursting with creative energy, who have a real shot internationally.” The act is managed by Phil Stevens who steered John Butler Trio and the Waifs to the top.

Jordi Lane gets NZ release

Vitamin Records has negotiated for singer songwriter Jordi Lane’s Blood Thinner album to be released in New Zealand on November 29 through Ode Records. Lane, who this weekend opens in Australia for the Moody Blues, makes his debut trip across the Tasman for 12 shows Nov 29-Dec 11.

Music SA teams with SA Motor Sport Board, Nova

Adelaide-based peak music association Music SA teamed with the SA Motor Sport Board, and Nova 91.9FM to present Bands On Track — a showcase of SA music over four nights at the Clipsal 500 Adelaide in March. Daniel Randell, GM of Music SA revealed “Six race-ready bands will qualify for a starting lineup on the Adelaide Casino Concert Oval Stage Thursday March 1.” The first two bands are The Beards and Tracer.” Bands wishing to perform apply at www.bandsontrack.com.au.

Numbers Radio pact with Shock

Numbers Radio signed with Shock Records to release their album due for release next year. The band first came to Shock’s attention last year after the tripe j success of their single Final Day. But the deal was sealed after the Big Sound showcase in September. New single White Light is at radio now.

UK, Japan, deals for Electric Empire

Electric Empire’s appearance at UK’s Glastonbury fest paid off. Signed to UK indie Red Disk they left this week for a 15-date UK tour opening for Beverly Knight. Aloe Blacc asked them to open for his Australian summer tour. They will play Japan soon, after they were signed to BBQ Records there and Tower Records made their self-titled album its record of the month.

UK’s Rough Trade to release Hungry Kids Of Hungary

UK’s Rough Trade Records announced on its website it signed a distribution deal with Brisbane’s Hungry Kids of Hungary for the Benelux region (Belgium, Netherlands and Luxembourg). The band’s first single there, Scattered Diamonds off its debut album Escapade, has been on hit rotation on 3FM, while new single Let You Down is on the station’s remix competition.

Nissan enters A Day On The Green

Nissan Australian becomes co-naming naming rights partner of Roundhouse Entertainment’s A Day On The Green concert series. The deal was brokered by Waterfront Entertainment Marketing. Nissan joins long term sponsor LG for 30 events around Aust and NZ wineries this summer to 270,000 fans. Nissan’s sponsorship and events manager Nancy Spadea, said, “Nissan Australia is a brand that is focused on humanising automotive and promoting Australian lifestyle and togetherness. We are delighted to associate ourselves with these events that value a relaxed and positive approach to life.”

Coopers returns for Feast Festival

After a hiatus, Coopers Brewery has returned as a “diamond sponsor” for Adelaide’s annual gay and lesbian Feast Festival, signing for three years. The event, which runs Nov 12-27, has 50 sponsors and partners generating $175,000 in cash and in-kind support— 30%more than last year. Festival GM Lorraine Tyler says the move last year to create a central CBD presence at Light Square saw 20 new or returning sponsors come in this year.

 

TRIPPING

Which Australian festival is trying to get the Rolling Stones? And never mind that “hoax email” on her tour will we see Madonna here in April?

In an attempt to woo the youth vote in the lead up to next year’s election, is Queensland’s Attorney-General Paul Lucas lobbying for a three-month trial to remove the 3 am lockout in the Fortitude Valley entertainment precinct?

Which one time high flying entrepreneur is working in a coffee shop? Who put up their Logie for bids on eBay until TV Week threatened legal action?

Which young radio announcer is stuck with the nickname Bieber because of his hairstyle?

What’s happened to Apple's iTunes Match service, expected last month?

Philadelphia Grand Jury finally revealed on Facebook they have split. Funny, when we announced it last year after a band member told us, PGJ’s people insisted it was a temporary hiatus and wanted a retraction.

Is Delta Goodrem heading back to Oz this week for the ARIAs?

Will the NSW Department of Planning and Infrastructure decision on Splendour In The Grass’ permanent site in Byron be made in two weeks?

Which entertainment photographer put $10,000 on the winning GG at the Melbourne Cup, and went home with $80,000?

NUMBER CRUNCHING

500,000 downloads first week for Coldplay’s Mylo Xyloto, a new iTunes global record.

$750 what an unknown Cold Chisel were signed by publisher Rondor for three years back in 1977, their now retired publisher John Bromell told the Coffs Coast Advocate as the band played Coffs Harbour on its reunion tour.

120,000 bugle beads and 6000 rhinestones, part of Dolly Parton’s baggage as she arrived in the country this week.

$5.1 million spent last year by Australia’s Make A Wish Foundation on getting celebs from around the world to meet sick kids; it gets 600 requests a year.

$30,000 what a Canadian dentist bid for a John Lennon tooth.

LIFELINES

Born: son Austin Bob Worthington for SA FM breakfast co-host Haley and husband Jimmy.

Ill: Keith Urban will undergo throat surgery this month to remove a polyp on his vocal chords.

Ill: Peter Andre is undergoing intensive voice therapy to avoid surgery for throat issues he’s suffered since September.

In Court: Doc Neeson of The Angels fame, 64, fined $800 and disqualified from driving for nine months after pleading guilty in the Hornsby Local Court to his fourth drink-driving offence.

In Court: former Sky guitarist turned businessman Kevin James Peek, 64, released on bail after his fraud charges were adjourned to late Jan. He faces 227 charges of gaining benefit of $8.14 million by fraud related to the now collapsed Reseau International Trading. Peek says he will fight the charges.

In Court: Richard William Fuller, 43, fined $450 for slapping a security guard who was trying to stop him from dancing in the aisle at Townsville's Entertainment Centre at Cold Chisel’s October 18 show.

Suing: Danny Luu, former cashier at Sydney’s Establishment nightclub is launching legal action against club owner Justin Hemmes, the Daily Telegraph reported. Luu says he was detained by Hemmes and three security guards for an hour and searched for drugs. Luu was later charged with possession but says Hemmes’ action was vigilantism and wrongful conduct.

Died: former 2SM and 2UE news journalist Sean Martin Rogers Lawrence Flannery aka “Shambles, 69, after a long battle with prostate cancer.

Died: D.M Dhamarrandji, 32, known as "Big Fella" of Elcho Island's Chooky Dancers, killed by a vehicle while he crossed the road in the Darwin suburb of Malak. The act, whose Yolngu interpretation of the Zorba The Greek dance got 2 million hits on YouTube, played contemporary music festivals.

INSIDE TRACK

New stylistic image for Mauboy on Galaxy video

The video for Jessica Mauboy’s duet with Stan Walker on the interplanetary-themed Galaxy has a strong sense of style that is different from how she’s been presented. When Sydney short film and fashion director Melvin J. Montalban first heard the duet, what struck him was how much work they had put into the vocals. “I wanted the video to have a scale and scope to match their vocals,” he explains. “I’m a bit of a sci-fi buff, but I didn’t want it to be too literal because it is a R&B song.”

The day-long shoot near Sydney’s Clovelly Beach highlighted bright blue ocean and huge white waves crashing against rocks. A giant orange planet is inserted against the sky. Montalban explains,“The idea was to depict Jess and Stan in a different world, they are on the moon orbiting that planet.”

Mauboy designed the coral orange dress she wears for much of the video. A long piece of fabric was attached at the back so it would fly in the wind. “It’s a look we haven’t seen Jess before in. I wanted something ethereal and beautiful, which it certainly looks especially in slow motion.” Walker’s appearance too is different from those in his own videos: he is placed singing on rocks dangerously close to the ocean, which provides a stalwart presence that contrasts with Mauboy’s. In a stunning sequence, generated through computer graphics, a meteor shower crashes into the waters behind them. “Although the video gives both of them a different look,” Montalban points out, “In the end it’s very much them because I was inspired by their vocals in the first place.”

Who’s doing the new Bond theme?

The announcement that Skyfall, the 23rd James Bond flick is out next October, led to speculation as to who would sing its theme song. Michael Buble is in the running. But producers denied that Adele will do the honours after she revealed on British TV in September she was about to “record a theme”. Of those who have done them — including Paul McCartney, Tom Jones, Sheena Easton, Duran Duran and Madonna — only Shirley Bassey did three — Goldfinger, Diamonds Are Forever and Moonraker.

How Brisbane’s Sarah Calderwood snared a Waterboy

When ABC Classics signed on Celtic band Sunas singer Sarah Calderwood to a solo deal, the plan was to leisurely write and work on an electro symphonic folk CD of originals for next year. But in September the label told Calderwood it had a spot in its November schedule, and needed something in six weeks. There was no time to write new material, so in 24 hours, she and executive producer Martin Buzacott pulled together a songlist of traditionals (Poor Wayfaring Stranger, Step It Out Mary, The Unquiet Grave) as well as those by The Levellers, Peter Gabriel and Indigo Girls set in a modern electro-ambient and classical format. Frantic phone calls were made to musician friends to perform on As Night Falls. Ace percussionist David Jones only had two spare days in his schedule, so all the players were brought in for his sessions. “It was organized chaos, but I had a ball,” says Calderwood, the classically trained flute player who is also a long distance runner. “Each session lasted two hours, everyone was right in the groove.”

For the traditional Blue Cockade, she only had one voice in mind — The Waterboys’ Mike Scott. As it turned out, Calderwood and he were already Twitter mates. “I followed him on Twitter. Once I moved out of a house after a fall-out with my flatmate and had a vent on Twitter. He thought it was so funny, and started to follow me, which was astonishing because my partner Paul and I are massive Waterboys fans.” Scott was working on his own album but immediately agreed. “I was a happy sobbing mess.” Calderwood wrote a 180 page (yes, 180) brief about herself and the project and sent tinny MIDI version. In an hour he replied with a rough vocal treatment. The sessions for As Night Falls have inspired another album. She and Sunas guitarist Paul Brandon and the album’s electronica arranger Mirko Ruckels will work on a CD of electronica, while the new lineup of Sunas is also recording a CD. Both are due in 2012.

Velvet Revolver to audition singers

Velvet Revolver are reuniting next month to audition singers, guitarist Slash reveals. The group has been on hiatus since frontman Scott Weiland left to rejoin Stone Temple Pilots in 2008. Earlier this year they worked with Slipknot/Stone Sour frontman Corey Taylor, at the recommendation of drummer Matt Sorum. But while most of the band were impressed with Taylor, Slash said no. “Slash wasn't feeling it,” a disappointed Sorum said.

Something For Kate, Spiderbait, back in studio

In separate interviews with Triple J, Something for Kate and Spiderbait revealed they are back in the studios. Paul Dempsey announced that SFK, whose last album was five years ago, will record over summer for a mid-2012 release, saying, “We're all kinda itching to be Something For Kate again.” Kram revealed the ‘Bait’s first record in seven years is half done, adding “We're back in our Motorhead and Metallica metal phase — I'm all double kick at the moment."