ED SELLS OUT

He's already got Australian audiences wrapped around his little finger, but 21 year old British singer songwriter Ed Sheeran's relationship with Australian audiences stepped up to a whole new level, after tickets for his five local dates were snapped up in mere minutes after going on sale at nine o'clock this morning.
Sadly for fans still clambering to get their mitts on tickets, the news isn't good, with Ed's busy international schedule preventing him and his touring agent Frontier from adding any more Aussie dates on this visit.
The full sold out tour kicks off in Brisbane on July 31.

July 31 : Brisbane (QPAC Concert Hall) SOLD OUT
August 01 : Sydney (Enmore Theatre) SOLD OUT
August 03 : Melbourne (Palais Theatre) SOLD OUT
August 04 : Adelaide (Thebarton Theatre) SOLD OUT
August 06 : Perth (Riverside Theatre) SOLD OUT

READY TO BELIEB

Australia's Beliebers will no doubt have warmly welcomed their favourite teen superstar posting the cover of his upcoming album 'Believe' on his official Facebook page over the weekend, but we're about to get them super-excited, with news that the album's local release has today been revealed via Universal Music's local release schedule.
The new LP, the singer's third, features the lead single 'Boyfriend', which recently peaked inside the Australian top ten and garnered a gold accreditation for sales of more than 35,000 copies. A limited edition physical CD single of the track was released on Friday.
But back to 'Believe'. You'll discover it in the shops here in Australia in both standard and deluxe editions on Friday June 15.

MOST ADDED

RADIO'S MOST ADDED
WEEK COMMENCING MONDAY APRIL 30, 2012

01. FLO RIDA : WHISTLE
02. RITA ORA : HOW WE DO (PARTY)
03. KELLY CLARKSON : DARK SIDE
04. LINKIN PARK : BURN IT DOWN
05. KATY PERRY : PART OF ME
06. MISSY HIGGINS : UNASHAMED DESIRE
07. PITBULL : BACK IN TIME
08. MARK FOSTER FTG. A-TRAK & KIMBRA : WARRIOR
09. STOOSHEE FTG. TRAVIE MCCOY : LOVE ME
10. MAROON 5 FTG. WIZ KHALIFA : PAYPHONE

Most added tracks to Australian radio courtesy of THE MUSIC NETWORK.

SLICE OF FRESH APPLE

Though her releases often come years apart, US singer songwriter Fiona Apple continues to enjoy one of the most passionate supporter bases on the planet. Her new LP 'The Idler Wheel' is set to be released in June and comes almost seven years after her last LP 'Extraordinary Machine'.
Sony has this morning serviced the first single from the new album to local radio and it's a stunner. 'Every Single Night' is sweet, restrained and intimate, and the lack of brash instrumentation and the electronic wizardry that's flooding our charts allows the chanteuse's intense vocal to be the star... Arguably the main reason that Fiona's music has been so fervently celebrated over such a long period of time.
'The Idler Wheel' is on the Aussie release schedule for Friday June 22.

THE YMS EXPRESS ARRIVES

Our friends over the ditch have been enjoying the debut single for Sydney trio Young Men Society for a couple of weeks now. Sony released it in New Zealand a little earlier due to the band's support role on Reece Mastin's recent tour of the country. Now 'We Own The Night' is finally getting its Australian release, with Sony servicing it to local radio this morning.
Andi, Nate and Josh are no stranger to our screens after they made it through to the top ten of last year's 'X Factor' competition. All of the judges were glowing in their praise of the trio.
The video for the single (below) dropped last week. Set in various parts of Sydney, the clip allows the band to show off their trademark dance moves and street-wise smarts, before they turn on some lights on a famous landmark and end up in the pool. YMS soup, anyone?
'We Own The Night' is due to hit digital retail on Friday.

MISHA'S FREE MIXTAPE

She had us in the palm of her hands during last year's British X Factor competition, captivating us with her swagger, confidence and style and now Mancunian native Misha B is unleashing herself upon the music world, offering up a mixtape completely free of charge.
The 15 plus minute mix features some new tunes from the singer, along with a selection of favourites from across the past couple of decades including tunes from TLC, Beyonce and Usher.
Simply by hitting her Facebook page and signing up to a mailing list, you can get the mixtape free. So whatcha waitin' for? Check it out HERE.
You can also have a listen below;

TOURING : Muscles

With his 'Manhood' dropping into stores in the middle of June, Aussie electro dynamo Muscles has decided that the public needs to see it in all its glory, gracing stages across the land.
He'll take a brand new show on the road throughout June and July, touching down in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Adelaide - even Tasmania.
And given the new LP has been described as "no holds barred, electronic post-punk, euro-dance, camp, masculine pop", we're sure that there's going to be something for everyone to get their teeth into when the tour lands near you.
'Manhood', meantime, lands at retail on Friday June 15.

June 16 : Melbourne (Bottom's End)
June 22 : Brisbane (Oh Hello!)
June 23 : Sydney (Cargo Bar)
June 29 : Adelaide (Edinburgh Castle)
July 07 : Erina (Woodport Inn)
July 13 : Launceston (Hotel New York)
July 14 : Hobart (Waratah Hotel)

COUNTDOWN TO EUROVISION : Denmark

The countdown to Eurovision 2012 is well and truly underway, with less a month before this year's competition touches down in the Azerbaijani capital Baku. Once again two semi-finals will see the bulk of the countries battle it out in the hope of progressing through to the Grand Final on Saturday May 26, where waiting will be the big six of the UK, France, Germany, Spain, Italy and host nation Azerbaijan. We're continuing our daily look at the entries in the lead-up to Eurovision 2012.

SOLUNA SAMAY : Should've Known Better

Formerly a long-time member of an outfit called Gee Gee and Soluna, Danish songstress Soluna Samay only released her first solo album at the end of last year.
Winning selection for her country via the Dansk Melodi Grand Prix earlier this year, she'll represent Denmark in the first semi final, coming up on Tuesday May 22.
'Should've Known Better' is quite a strong track too - sung in English, it has a good hook, is relatively international in its sound and Soluna is reminiscent of acoustic pop songstresses of the past (Lene Marlin and Jewel are two names that spring to mind). This should do well.
www.eurovision.tv

READER'S LOOKBACK

T-SHIRT - You Sexy Thing

Back in 1997 I was in year 12. This gem came out from nowhere and basically made my whole year. It's the ultimate dance song, and was criminally ignored everywhere but Australia and New Zealand. It remains to this day my all-time favourite song because of it's fun and flirty nature, and also boasts one of the best lines in music history.. "I want a lover with a speedy butt", C'mon it's a classic.

- William from New South Wales

Right-o, so William's contributed this week's Reader's Lookback clip... Now we're on the lookout for next week's Reader's Lookback. Could it be you who's responsible for next week's classic clip? Well don't just sit there... We'd love to hear from you! If you have a Lookback pop clip that you've just been dying to share, then don't keep it to yourself!! Simple send us about 100 words about your favourite Lookback clip with a link to said video and we'll feature it on the site on a forthcoming Sunday! We'll publish your first name and suburb/state under the clip so not only will our readers know just how fabulous you are, but you can tell your friends all about it so they too will think you're pretty special. Our email address is up top in the sidebar! Over to you, auspOppers!

THE auspOp DIARY

WEEK COMMENCING APRIL 30, 2012

TICKETS ON SALE
Monday : Hilltop Hoods (Nationally)
Monday : Daniel Merriweather (Sydney, Melbourne)
Monday : Ed Sheeran (Nationally)
Monday : The Shins (Sydney, Melbourne)
Tuesday : Melissa Etheridge (Brisbane)
Tuesday : Hanson (Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane)
Tuesday : Jack White (Sydney, Melbourne)
Wednesday : Missy Higgins (Nationally)
Friday : Boulet, Kindness, Vek (Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane)
Friday : Lana Del Rey (Sydney, Melbourne)

May 01 : GOLD COAST – Burt Bacharach (Jupiters)
May 01 : PERTH – The Mountain Goats (The Bakery)
May 02 : BYRON BAY – The Butterfly Effect (Great Northern Hotel)
May 02 : FREMANTLE – Gossling (Little Creatures Loft)
May 02 : FRANKSTON – Andrew W.K. (Pier Live)
May 02 : MELBOURNE – City And Colour (Palais Theatre)
May 02 : MELBOURNE – San Cisco (Corner Hotel)
May 03 : ADELAIDE – San Cisco (Fowlers Live)
May 03 : ADELAIDE – Orbital (HQ)
May 03 : BRISBANE – The Butterfly Effect (The Arena)
May 03 : BUNBURY – DZ Deathrays (Prince Of Wales)
May 03 : BYRON BAY – The Mountain Goats (Great Northern)
May 03 : MAROOCHYDORE – Tim Chaisson (Sol Bar)
May 03 : MELBOURNE – The Getaway Plan (Corner Hotel)
May 03 : PERTH – Gossling (The Bird)
May 03 : SYDNEY – Husky (Oxford Art Factory)
May 03 : WANGARATTA – David Campbell (Performing Arts Centre)
May 04 : ADELAIDE – Funkoars (Governor Hindmarsh)
May 04 : ADELAIDE – Gossling (Wheatsheaf Hotel)
May 04 : ADELAIDE – Tzu (Fowlers Live)
May 04 : BRISBANE – The Darkness (Eatons Hill Hotel)
May 04 : BRISBANE – The Mountain Goats (The Zoo)
May 04 : CABOOLTURE – Shannon Noll (State Equestrian Centre)
May 04 : CAMPBELLTOWN – John Williamson (RSL Club)
May 04 : GOLD COAST – The Butterfly Effect (Coolangatta Hotel)
May 04 : MELBOURNE – Andrew W.K. (Corner Hotel)
May 04 : MELBOURNE – Digitalism (Forum Theatre)
May 04 : MELBOURNE – Orbital (Palace Theatre)
May 04 : MELBOURNE – Bic Runga (Athenaeum Theatre)
May 04 : MELBOURNE – John Paul Young (Regent Theatre)
May 04 : PERTH – DZ Deathrays (Amplifier)
May 04 : PERTH – Husky (The Bakery)
May 04 : WANGARATTA – David Campbell (Performing Arts Centre)
May 05 : ALBURY – David Campbell (Entertainment Centre)
May 05 : BENDIGO – Groovin The Moo (Prince Of Wales Showground)
May 05 : BRISBANE – Bic Runga (Powerhouse Theatre)
May 05 : CALOUNDRA – The Butterfly Effect (Kings Beach Tavern)
May 05 : FREMANTLE – DZ Deathrays (Mojo’s)
May 05 : MELBOURNE – Gossling (Thornbury Theatre)
May 05 : NEWCASTLE – The Darkness (Panthers)
May 05 : NORTH SYDNEY – John Williamson (North Sydney Leagues)
May 05 : PERTH – Creamfields (Supreme Court Gardens)
May 05 : SYDNEY – Funkoars (Annandale Hotel)
May 05 : SYDNEY – Husky (Oxford Art Factory)
May 05 : SYDNEY – Orbital (Metro Theatre)
May 05 : YAMBA – Shannon Noll (Yamba Bowling Club)
May 06 : BANGALOW – Bic Runga (A&I Hall)
May 06 : BRISBANE – Orbital (The Tivoli)
May 06 : CASTLE HILL – John Williamson (RSL Club)
May 06 : GOLD COAST – Creamfields (Gold Coast Parklands)
May 06 : MELBOURNE – Husky (Corner Hotel)
May 06 : SYDNEY – The Darkness (UNSW Roundhouse)
May 06 : SYDNEY – The Mountain Goats (Metro Theatre)
May 06 : TOWNSVILLE – Groovin The Moo (Murray Sports Complex)

CHART WATCH

Carly Rae Jepsen's certainly doing something right with her single 'Call Me Maybe', but she's under attack and if Flo can hold his nerve, this may be her last week on top. On the ARIA albums chart, meanwhile, a bunch of unlikely lads just keep selling.

SINGLES
Yes it's another week on top for Carly Rae Jepsen and her single 'Call Me Maybe', but this week she notches up her third platinum accreditation.
She also had to hold off a strong challenge from last year's X Factor winner Reece Mastin, whose new single 'Shut Up & Kiss Me' debuts strongly in the No.2 spot (you can read our interview with Reece HERE).
Delta's single 'Sitting On Top Of The World' goes gold (35,000 copies) and Nicki Minaj's 'Starships' begins to sail off into the ether with a new three times platinum certification.
Bulleting towards the upper echelons of the top 100 is Maroon 5 and their new Wiz Khalifa-featuring single 'Payphone'. Debuting at No.86 last week, it finds itself well within the top ten at No.7 for its second week. Flo Rida's 'Whistle' didn't spend much time on sale (about three days), but its impact was huge, debuting at No.8 and with its eyes on the No.1 prize next week.
Labrinth and Tinie Tempah's 'Earthquake' shakes things up with a second platinum gong and One Direction's two singles are out of the top ten - 'One Thing' down to No.11 and 'What Makes You Beautiful' down to No.19 - after the band's visit.
Excitement for the locals with Matt Corby's 'Into The Flame' EP also joining the triple platinum club and Gotye and Kimbra's 'Somebody That I Used To Know' sliding back into the top 20 at No.19.
Further down, Calvin Harris & Ne-Yo's tune 'Let's Go' slides ten spots in its second week, contestant Lakyn Heperi's version of MGMT's 'Kids' is the highest chart placing for Channel 9's 'The Voice' (apart from Delta, of course) at No.33, while Kate Miller-Heidke's sync with Channel 9's 'Beaconsfield' telemovie pays dividends - the track moving up 34 places and into the top 50 at No.34.
Ed Sheeran's 'The A Team' re-enters the top 50 (No.39, up 40 spots), Rachael Leahcar's 'La Vie En Rose' slides 23 to No.41, Gavin DeGraw's 'Not Over You' bullets back into the countdown at No.42 and Linkin Park looks to the top 50 to 'Burn It Down' at No.50 (up 20).
Outside the top 50, The Voice's Brittany Cairns premieres at No.57 with her performance of Sara Bareilles' 'Gravity', Missy Higgins' 'Unashamed Desire' gets a little attention, debuting at No.58, Karise Eden's version of 'It's A Man's World' slips to No.63 and Angus Stone debuts at No.67 with 'Bird On The Buffalo' - one of two tracks in action for the singer this week. He also premieres at No.74 with 'Broken Brights'.
Jes Hudak's 'Different Worlds' plummets after Channel 9's 'The Voice' promos end - down 47 places to No.77 this week. The Black Keys' 'Gold On The Ceiling' is in at No.83, The Script's 'Breakeven' re-enters at No.87, Regina Spektor's 'Samson' is down 36 to No.88 and there are re-entries from The White Stripes, Adele, Timbaland and Tyga.

ALBUMS
No budging the One Direction boys from the top spot this week, not even Jack White, whose new album 'Blunderbuss' makes a rather decent debut in the No.2 spot. Ed Sheeran's '+' improves to a new peak of No.4 and Damien Leith's new album 'Now & Then' is in at No.12.
Seal's 'Hits' is up 11 places to No.13, Children Collide's 'Monument' stands proud, debuting at No.16 and Gotye's 'Making Mirrors' is up 14 places to No.17.
Nicki Minaj's 'Pink Friday : Roman Reloaded' slides eight places, Flo Rida's 'Good Feeling' EP is down nine and Train's 'California 37' loses 12 places to No.26.
Birdy's self-titled set premieres inside the top 30 - just - at No.29, Jason Mraz' album 'Love Is A Four Letter Word' is down ten spots from its No.23 debut, but Christina Perri bucks the trend after her promotional visit. Her album 'Lovestrong' is up to No.37 after placing at No.68 last week.
New at No.38 is Rufus Wainwright's new LP 'Out Of The Game'.
Outside the top 50, Bruce Springsteen's LP 'Wrecking Ball' falls to No.53, Jack Johnson and Friends debut at No.56 with 'Best Of The Kokua Festival', Seal's 'Soul 2' is up 16 places to No.59 and Alabama Shakes' LP 'Boys And Girls' improves 22 positions to No.61.
Madonna's 'MDNA' is now out of the top 50 and down to No.65, Labrinth's 'Electronic Earth' slips 23 spots to No.77, Troy Cassar-Daley's 'Home' is down 35 places to No.81 and there are re-entries for Good Charlotte's 'Cardiology' (No.82) and Husky's 'Forever So' (No.83). A Good Charlotte best-of premieres at No.86.
Of Monsters And Men's album 'My Head Is An Animal' debuts at No.89 and there are re-entries for Keith Urban ('Get Closer' at No.96) and Elton John ('Rocket Man : The Definitive Hits' at No.99).

For a full run down of the ARIA top 50s, head over to www.ariacharts.com.au each and every Sunday from 6:30pm AEST.

COUNTDOWN TO EUROVISION : Macedonia

The countdown to Eurovision 2012 is well and truly underway and we're now less than a month before this year's competition touches down in the Azerbaijani capital Baku. Once again two semi-finals will see the bulk of the countries battle it out in the hope of progressing through to the Grand Final on Saturday May 26, where waiting will be the big six of the UK, France, Germany, Spain, Italy and host nation Azerbaijan. We're continuing our daily look at the entries in the lead-up to Eurovision 2012.

KALIOPI : Crno I Belo

After 36 years as a successful singer and songwriter in her homeland, you'd kind of assume that Macedonian songstress Kaliopi would have done everything there is to do. And you'd almost be on the money. Kaliopi has graced the Eurovision stage before - back in 1996 - but didn't gain enough votes from her European peers to make it through to the grand final. But this year, the national treasure will hope to turn it all around as she takes to the stage in the second semi final in Baku to once again represent her country in the Eurovision Song Contest.
'Crno I Belo' (which translates to 'Black And White') kicks off as a sweet, stripped back ballad, before heading into a rockier affair, resplendent with crunching electric guitars, strings and thundering drums. It's not bad, but will it garner enough votes to get past the semi final stage?
www.eurovision.tv

SATURDAY NEWS WRAP #92

• Channel [V] has announced that Canadian songstress Grimes (pictured) will take up the coveted position of the inaugural [V] Buzz Artist next month. Kicking off on May 01, the channel will profile the singer (real name Claire Boucher) and her unique blend of "futuristic pop" via on-air and online promotions.
• Sony Music signing Johnny Ruffo is a busy boy. As well as supporting One Direction on their recent visit, dancing up a storm on Dancing With The Stars and working on his debut single, the singer has this week been announced as the support act for the upcoming NKOTBSB Australian tour. The superband (made up of New Kids On The Block and Backstreet Boys) kicks off their eleven day visit on Friday May 18.
• American soul star Aloe Blacc is headed to Australia next month to take his place at a very special event in Melbourne. The Red Bull Beat Suite has been designed to mix together beat makers, members of the Australian Youth Orchestra and a top name chart talent for two very special shows at the city's Recital Centre. Music worlds are set to collide as the show features turntablists, a 15 piece orchestra, percussionists and guest vocalists. Catch it at the Melbourne Recital Centre on Saturday May 12, with details HERE.

• British X Factor contestant Aiden Grimshaw came nowhere near winning the competition back in 2010, but that didn't stop RCA from snapping him. The result is a shimmering, edgy pop tune that is unlike anything you'd expect to come from a TV talent show. It's polished, slick, assured, it's not schmaltzy, contrived or try-hard. No word on a local release at this stage and that's a shame. It's out in the UK on June 03. Catch wind of it HERE.
• Soul singer Alston is back home and back in the charts. As reported on the site recently, the singer has been overseas for a number of years, but has returned home to release his new album 'Don't Funk With Me'. Last week, it debuted at No.42 on the ARIA albums chart and at No.4 on the AIR independent album charts, while a remix of his latest single has already been heard across the Austereo network.
• Eagle eyed pop spotters will be aware that, despite information from Universal Music this week advising us that Rihanna's new video was due on Thursday morning Australian time, the video still hasn't seen the light of day. It's now anticipated that the video for 'Where Have You Been' will premiere this week.

• German DJ Kris Menace's new single 'We Are' will officially drop at digital retail this Monday, but he's giving fans around the world the chance to remix it and go into the running to win a swag of awesome prizes. Budding remixers are urged to download stems from the producer's Soundcloud page and come up with a mix that's fresh and unique. All the details are available HERE.
• Canadian outfit The Tea Party (no relation to the US political movement) are headed to Australia in July for a series of live dates. Shows have been announced in all five major centres, kicking off with a show at the Palais Theatre in Melbourne on July 14. Tickets for all dates are on sale this Monday.
• Stunning Aussie songstress Sophie Koh will release her new album at the start of July. The second single from it, entitled 'I Understand', will be officially launched late next month, with the album 'Oh My Garden' due to hit retail on Friday July 06.

• Gotye and Kimbra extend their reign over on the US singles chart this week, maintaining their No.1 heading on the Billboard Hot 100 with 'Somebody That I Used To Know'. Highest new entry for the week comes from the collaboration between Maroon 5 and Wiz Khalifa... 'Payphone' slamming into the No.3 position, right ahead of Justin Bieber's latest single 'Boyfriend'. British boybands The Wanted and One Direction both slide.
• Lionel Richie's album 'Tuskegee' remains at No.1 on the Billboard albums chart for the second week, though the Jason Mraz record 'Love Is A Four Letter Word' manages a very respectable No.2 debut. There's new music from Train at No.4 ('California 37'), Gotye's 'Making Mirrors' is still in at No.7 and Future's 'Pluto' breaks into the top 200 at No.8.
• And don't forget, we'll be bringing you a wrap up of all the official ARIA chart movements and debuts here at home as part of our weekly Chart Watch segment, live on the site from 9am AEST tomorrow!

1D TOUR VIRTUAL SELL-OUT

If you haven't yet snapped up a ticket to the forthcoming One Direction Australian tour, then you're in a spot of bad luck, with almost all tickets to almost all shows now completely sold out.
16 shows have now sold out in their entirety since going on sale this morning, with only limited tickets remaining for shows announced in Sydney and Melbourne earlier today.
New dates were locked away in Sydney (Allphones Arena on October 05 and October 06), extra shows added in Melbourne (October 02, October 3 - matinee and evening shows) and a new Adelaide date set down for Monday September 23, all, of course, in 2013.
Ticket and venue information for the Perth dates are expected to be revealed in early June.

September 11, 2013 : Brisbane (Entertainment Centre) SOLD OUT
September 12, 2013 : Brisbane (Entertainment Centre) SOLD OUT
September 14, 2013 : Sydney (Allphones Arena) SOLD OUT
September 15, 2013 : Sydney (Allphones Arena) : Matinee Performance SOLD OUT
September 15, 2013 : Sydney (Allphones Arena) SOLD OUT
September 16, 2013 : Sydney (Allphones Arena) SOLD OUT
September 19, 2013 : Melbourne (Rod Laver Arena) SOLD OUT
September 20, 2013 : Melbourne (Rod Laver Arena) SOLD OUT
September 21, 2013 : Melbourne (Rod Laver Arena) : Matinee Performance SOLD OUT
September 21, 2013 : Melbourne (Rod Laver Arena) SOLD OUT
September 23, 2013 : Adelaide (Entertainment Centre) SOLD OUT
September 24, 2013 : Adelaide (Entertainment Centre) SOLD OUT
September 25, 2013 : Adelaide (Entertainment Centre) SOLD OUT
September 28, 2013 : Perth (Venue TBA)
September 29, 2013 : Perth (Venue TBA)
October 02, 2013 : Melbourne (Rod Laver Arena) SOLD OUT
October 03, 2013 : Melbourne (Rod Laver Arena) : Matinee Performance LIMITED TICKETS AVAILABLE
October 03, 2013 : Melbourne (Rod Laver Arena) SOLD OUT
October 05, 2013 : Sydney (Allphones Arena) SOLD OUT
October 06, 2013 : Sydney (Allphones Arena) LIMITED TICKETS AVAILABLE

COUNTDOWN TO EUROVISION : Estonia

The countdown to Eurovision 2012 is well and truly underway, with less a month before this year's competition touches down in the Azerbaijani capital Baku. Once again two semi-finals will see the bulk of the countries battle it out in the hope of progressing through to the Grand Final on Saturday May 26, where waiting will be the big six of the UK, France, Germany, Spain, Italy and host nation Azerbaijan. We're continuing our daily look at the entries in the lead-up to Eurovision 2012.

OTT LEPLAND : Kuula

Out of the 42 countries officially competing at Eurovision 2012, entries from only eleven of them are sung entirely in the country's own dialect. One of these is by the Estonian entry of Ott Lepland. The 24 year old rocketed to fame three years ago as the winner of Estonian TV talent competition Eesti Otsib Superstaari. Two albums and a swag of singles later, he's taking to the stage in the second semi final to represent his country at Eurovision.
Co-penned by Ott, the album version had to be shaved down from more than four minutes to fit into the Eurovision regulation three minute song rule. It now comes in at two minutes 50 seconds and is a stirring ballad, complete with money notes and a key change. Should do well.
www.eurovision.tv

COUNTDOWN TO EUROVISION : Slovenia

It's now less than a month before entrants from across Europe descend on the Azerbaijani capital Baku to take part in the first semi final of the 2012 Eurovision Song Contest. As always, two semi finals are scheduled, each containing 18 performers who'll be battling it out for a place in the 2012 Grand Final on Saturday May 26, where waiting for them will be the 'big five' of the UK, Germany, France, Spain and Italy, along with the host nation Azerbaijan. Here at auspOp, we're continuing the Countdown To Eurovision will a daily look at one of the competitor's songs.

EVA BOTO : Verjamem

She's one of the youngest competitors to take the stage at this year's Eurovision Song Contest, but what 16 year old Eva Boto lacks in years, she more than makes up for in confidence and vocal potential as this live performance video shows. Eva will take to the stage for Slovenia in the second Eurovision semi final on May 24, performing a track called 'Verjamem', which translates to 'I Believe'.
But whether the track is strong enough to take her through to the May 26 Grand Final remains to be seen.
www.eurovision.tv

SHANNON LAUNCHES COMP

Great news for Australia's Shannon Noll fans with his label Universal Music unleashing a brand new competition for the singer.
There are 22 prizes in all, the best of which is dinner for you and two of your besties with Shannon. Of course, there's also the second prize of two tickets to see Shannon perform in your capital city, along with plenty of runners-up prizes of a signed copy of Shannon's latest album 'A Million Suns' and a signed Shannon poster.
Fans are encouraged to do all they can to help Shannon re-take the charts with his latest single by watching and sharing the official video, downloading a track or sharing the official app (pictured) on Facebook.
For all the guff, including details of how to increase your chances of winning, hit Shannon's FACEBOOK PAGE.

EXTRA HANSON

Can you believe it? Such has been the popularity of the upcoming Aussie visit by US sibling trio Hanson that organisers have added more dates to cope with the demand for tickets.
Shows in Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane have all officially sold out, so extra shows have been announced today for all three cities.
Hanson hit the big time in Australia with their debut single 'MMM Bop' back in 1997, achieving subsequent top ten success with the singles 'Where's The Love', 'I Will Come To You', 'Thinking Of You' and 'If Only'.
Hanson (Isaac, Taylor and Zac) will be releasing their latest album 'Shout It Out' in Australia later this year.
Tickets for the new dates are on sale on Tuesday May 01.

September 11 : Brisbane (The HiFi) NEW SHOW
September 13 : Adelaide (HQ)
September 14 : Melbourne (Palace Theatre) SOLD OUT
September 15 : Sydney (The HiFi) SOLD OUT
September 16 : Sydney (Enmore Theatre) NEW SHOW
September 18 : Melbourne (Palace Theatre) NEW SHOW
September 20 : Brisbane (The HiFi) SOLD OUT
September 21 : Gold Coast (Coolangatta Hotel)
September 22 : Fremantle (Metropolis)

USHER'S SCREAM

The brand new single from R&B superstar Usher has dropped at media this morning. 'Scream' is the second single to be lifted from the singer's upcoming album 'Looking For Myself', which is due to drop in the middle of June.
More uptempo than its highly stylish, slightly experimental predecessor 'Climax', 'Scream' was co-written and produced by Swedish pop god Max Martin, who's in the past achieved mammoth success with artists like Britney, *NSync and Backstreet Boys.
'Looking For Myself' will be released in Australia on Friday June 15; 'Scream' is available digitally now.

AT RETAIL ON FRIDAY APRIL 27, 2012

Abba – The Visitors (Deluxe Edition)
Air Supply – The Ultimate Collection
Justin Bieber – Boyfriend (CD single)
B.o.B. – Strange Clouds
Celtic Woman – Believe (CD/DVD)
Deuce – Nine Lives
Judith Durham – The Australian Cities Suite
Judith Durham – Gift Of Song
Electric Guest – Mondo
George Harrison – Early Takes Vol.1
Human Nature – Sings Motown (DVD)
Norah Jones – Little Broken Hearts
Carole King – The Legendary Demos
King Cresote & Jon Hopkins – Diamond Mine (Special Edition)
Laibach – Iron Sky
Lower Dens – Nootropics
Marilyn Manson – Born Villain
Kip Moore – Up All Night
OST – Miss Fisher’s Murder Mysteries
OST – Streetdance 2
Andre Rieu – Under The Stars : Live In Maastricht V (DVD)
Santigold – Master Of My Make Believe
Tiesto – Club Life Vol.2 : Miami
T-Rex – Electric Warrior (35th Anniversary Edition)
T-Rex – Electric Warrior (35th Anniversary Deluxe Edition)
Various – Hunky Country Boys
Various – Ministry Of Sound : Dance Nation The Hits Vol.2
Jack Vidgen – Inspire

DIGITAL TRACKS
Beni – Last Night (remixes)
Disney Friends For Change – Rise
Disney Friends For Change – We Can Change The World
Darren Hayes – Stupid Mistake EP
Karmin – Brokenhearted
Kate Miller-Heidke – I’ll Change Your Mind
The Only – Drag Me Down

GIVEAWAY

US songstress Santigold has had the world's pop press in the palm of her hand since her critically acclaimed debut album 'Santogold' back in 2008, but we've had to wait four long years for its follow-up.
'Master Of My Make Believe' features collaborations with plenty of top name producers including Diplo, Greg Kurstin and David Sitek and the three singles already lifted from it; 'Go', 'Big Mouth' and 'Disparate Youth'.
But now that it's here, we want you to know about it and, with thanks to our good friends at Warner Music (who also want you to know about it), we're giving you the opportunity to win a copy!

Shoot through an email containing your name and postal address. Pop the term 'Slip Me Some Santigold' in the subject line and we'll then place you into the draw to win a copy!

Competition closes at 10:00pm AEDT on Thursday May 03, 2012. Only one entry per residence will be accepted. Open to Australian entries only. Winners drawn entirely at random. Winners' first names, suburbs/towns and states will be published on the site on Friday May 04, 2012. Five super trouper auspOppers will each receive a copy of the new Santigold album 'Master Of My Make Believe', with thanks to our gorgeous Warner friends.
Just remember too... When it comes to your privacy, we're a bit antsy. We don't pass them on to any third party (or bar mitzvah) unless previously advised. On this occasion, your address is provided purely for distribution purposes should you be one of the lucky winners. Bon chance!

THIS COMPETITION IS NOW CLOSED.

FRESHLY BEACHED

Ahead of its official digital release tomorrow, EMI has today serviced the brand new single for iconic US outfit The Beach Boys!
The founding members of the legendary band, who repeatedly slammed the charts in the 1960s with classics like 'Surfin' USA', 'Surfer Girl', 'I Get Around', 'Fun Fun Fun', 'California Girls' and many many more, have reunited to create a brand new album to celebrate the band's 50th Anniversary.
'That's Why God Made The Radio' is the title track and lead single from the new LP and though perhaps a little slower in tempo than some of their classic hits, once again brings to life those trademark Beach Boys harmonies that will have fans in flashback mode to those heady surfing days of the '60s.
'That's Why God Made The Radio' is the first album of all original material released by the band in two decades.
The album will be released by EMI Australia on Friday June 01, with the single due at digital retail tomorrow.

KYLIE MINOGUE : Cherry Bomb (live)

The Kylie K25 celebration nuggets just keep on coming, with the singer today uploading the live performance of 'Cherry Bomb' from the opening night of her Anti-Tour in Melbourne.
Dressed casually in her Marilyn Monroe t-shirt and a pair of denim shorts, the impossible princess wows the crowd with the rendition of the 'Wow' b-side.
It's been widely rumoured that an 'Anti-Tour' live DVD will be released as part of the K25 celebrations, with the 'Live At Abbey' road sessions also tipped to be released. Nothing has been confirmed for either at this stage.

ETHERIDGE'S BRISBANE SECONDS

She's already sold out shows in Sydney and Brisbane, has added a concert in Canberra due to popular demand and now with further pressure on Frontier Touring from Queenslanders desperate for them to add another date, Melissa Etheridge fans have succeeded in getting a second Brisbane date added to her upcoming tour schedule.
The new show precedes that already announced and will now kick off the singer's local visit at the QPAC Concert Hall on July 09.
According to the press release, Melissa's fans are in for a treat, with the singer saying, "Since I haven’t been there in so long, I’ll play something from everything. I’ll play the hits, the stuff you all want to hear, and I’ll play some deeper cuts, some rarer stuff. It’s going to be a long show!"
Tickets for the new Brisbane date are on sale on Tuesday May 01.

July 09 : Brisbane (QPAC Concert Hall) NEW SHOW
July 10 : Brisbane (QPAC Concert Hall) SOLD OUT
July 11 : Sydney (Opera House) SOLD OUT
July 12 : Sydney (Opera House)
July 14 : Canberra (Royal Theatre)
July 15 : Melbourne (The Plenary)
July 17 : Adelaide (AEC Theatre)
July 20 : Perth (Riverside Theatre)

THE AUSTRALIAN CD NEW RELEASE SCHEDULE

May 04
10CC – In Concert (DVD)
Damon Albarn – Dr.Dee
Ben LOncle Soul – Ben LOncle Soul
Catcall – The Warmest Place
Celtic Thunder – Heartland (CD/DVD)
End Of Fashion – Holiday Trip Of A Lifetime
Richard Hawley – Standing At The Sky’s Edge
Kimbra – Vows (Australian Tour Edition)
Knife Party – Rage Valley EP
Light Asylum – Light Asylum
Lisa Mitchell – Spiritus EP
OST – Smash
Silversun Pickups – Neck Of The Woods
Technotronic – Greatest Hits
Carrie Underwood – Blown Away
Various – Essential R&B 2012
Various – Eurovision Song Contest 2012
Andrew Wishart – It’s Never Too Late

May 11
The Cribs – In The Belly Of The Brazen Bull
Far East Movement – Dirty Bass
Garbage – Not Your Kind Of People
Garbage – Not Your Kind Of People (Deluxe Edition)
Infected Mushroom – Army Of Mushrooms
Kaiser Chiefs – Souvenirs : The Singles 2004-2012
Keane – Strangeland
Keane – Strangeland (Expanded Edition)
Keane – Strangeland (CD/DVD)
Willie Nelson – Heroes
OST – American Pie Reunion
The Proclaimers – Like Comedy
Queen ftg. Paul Rodgers – Return Of The Champions
Queen ftg. Paul Rodgers – Return Of The Champions (CD/DVD)
Queen ftg. Paul Rodgers – Return Of The Champions (DVD)
Tenacious D – Rize Of The Fenix
Various – 4Play Vol.11
Various – Kitsune America
Zulu Winter – Language

May 18
Abba – The Essential Collection (DVD)
Best Coast – The Only Place
Cold Specks – I Predict A Graceful Expulsion
Earth, Wind & Fire – Now, Then & Forever
Gossip – A Joyful Noise
R.Kelly – Write Me Back
Adam Lambert – Trespassing
Marina And The Diamonds – Electra Heart
The McClymonts – Two Worlds Collide
The Medics – Foundations
Military Wives – In My Dreams
OST – Dark Shadows
OST – Glee : The Graduation Album
OST – Shake It Up : Live 2 Dance
Eric Prydz – Pryda
Rye Rye – Go! Pop! Bang!
Sade – Bring Me Home (CD/DVD)
Simian Mobile Disco – Unpatterns
Slash – Apocalyptic Love
The Temper Trap – The Temper Trap
The Temper Trap – The Temper Trap (Deluxe Edition)
Various – Ministry Of Sound : Addicted To Bass
Alison Wonderland – Welcome To Wonderland

May 25
Abba – The Essential Collection
Awolnation – Megalithic Symphony
The Beatles – Yellow Submarine
The Beatles – Yellow Submarine (DVD)
The Cult – Choice Of Weapon
The Cult – Choice Of Weapon (Deluxe Edition)
Melody Gardot – The Absence
Melody Gardot – The Absence (Deluxe Edition)
Tom Jones – Spirit In The Room
Tom Jones – Spirit In The Room (Deluxe Edition)
Ladyhawke – Anxiety
John Mayer – Born And Raised
Paul McCartney & Linda McCartney - Ram
Paul McCartney & Linda McCartney – Ram (Deluxe Edition)
Niki & The Dove – Instinct
One Direction – Up All Night : The Live Tour (DVD)
Reptar – Body Faucet (Deluxe Edition)
Marion Roudette – Matterfixed
Scissor Sisters – Magic Hour
Scissor Sisters – Magic Hour (Deluxe Edition)
Sigur Ros – Valtari
Smoke Fairies – Blood Speaks
Regina Spektor – What We Saw From The Cheap Seats
Julia Stone – By The Horns
Trust - Trst
Various – Classic Americana
Various – Crave : The Club Edition
Various – Hell Yeah! Ultimate Country Drinking Songs
Various – Wild Hard Bass Anthems
Sara Watkins – Sun Midnight Sun

June 01
David Bowie – The Rise & Fall Of Ziggy Stardust And The Spiders From Mars (40th Anniversary Edition)
Jay Brannan – Rob Me Blind
Shawn Colvin – All Fall Down
Diesel – You Get There From Here
Missy Higgins – The Ol’ Razzle Dazzle
Liars – WIXIW
Josh Ritter – So Runs The World Away (2CD Edition)
Rumer – Boys Don’t Cry
Patti Smith – Banga
Sam Sparro – Return To Happiness
Joe Walsh – Analog Man
Neil Young & Crazy Horse – Americana

June 08
Jonathan Boulet – We Keep The Beat, Found The Sound, See The Need, Start The Heart
The Hives – Lex Hives
Hot Chip – In Our Heads
Knaan – Country, God Or The Girl
Xavier Rudd – Spirit Bird
Various – Cherrytree Pop Alternative
Various – Rage : 25th Anniversary

June 15
Elliot Brood – Days Into Years
Nelly Furtado – The Spirit Indestructible
Nelly Furtado – The Spirit Indestructible (Deluxe Edition)
Dent May – Do Things
Motion City Soundtrack – Go
Muscles – Manhood
Peaking Lights – Lucifer
Josh Turner – Punching Bag
Usher – Looking For Myself
Usher – Looking For Myself (Deluxe Edition)
Various – Ministry Of Sound : Running Trax Winter 2012

June 22
Chris Brown – Fortune
Chris Brown – Fortune (Deluxe Edition)
Glenn Frey – After Hours
Kings Cannons – The Brightest Light
Linkin Park – Living Things
Maroon 5 – Overexposed
Maroon 5 – Overexposed (Deluxe Edition)
Eugene McGuinness – The Invitation To The Voyage
OST – Brave

June 29
The Kinks – At The BBC

July 06
The Dirty Projectors – Swing Lo Magellan
Serj Tankian – Harakiri
Van She – Idea Of Happiness
Various – Ministry Of Sound : Sessions 9

July 20
Various – Ministry Of Sound : Hip Hop Vol.2

July 27
Blur – Blur 21 (The Box)

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

MCCLYMONTS HEAD HOME

Aussie country siblings The McClymonts are heading back to where it all began to celebrate the upcoming release of their new album 'Two Worlds Collide' (cover art pictured above).
Before they once again hit the road in the US with some of the biggest names in the country music game (think Jason Aldean, Trace Adkins, Jo Dee Messina etc), they've announced that they're heading home to Grafton to perform a very special one-off show on the day of the album's release.
This will be the only show on Australian soil to feature tracks from the new album before the girls head Stateside for three long months.
Brooke McClymont explains the reasoning behind the one-off show.
"We are away overseas so much these days that we decided we wanted to celebrate the release of this album with everyone at home first," she said. "We wanted to bring our new music and new show to Grafton before we toured anywhere else as a way of thanking everyone for their support over so many years."
So pop it in your diary... Friday May 18 at the Grafton Racecourse... it's bound to be a biggie.
The girls' new single 'Piece Of Me' was released digitally two weeks ago.

May 18 : Grafton (Grafton Racecourse)

COUNTDOWN TO EUROVISION : Sweden

In just under a month from now, entrants from across Europe will descend on the Azerbaijani capital Baku to take part in the first semi final of the 2012 Eurovision Song Contest. As always, two semi finals are scheduled, each containing 18 performers who'll be battling it out for a place in the 2012 Grand Final on Saturday May 26, where waiting for them will be the 'big five' of the UK, Germany, France, Spain and Italy, along with the host nation Azerbaijan. Here at auspOp, we're continuing the Countdown To Eurovision will a daily look at one of the competitor's songs.

LOREEN : Euphoria

We all know the Swedes give good pop, so we're rather excited to learn that 'Euphoria', the Swedish entry from 28 year old songstress Loreen, is already available on our local iTunes store. Loreen rocketed to fame in Sweden (as Lorén Talhaoui) as part of the 2004 edition of Sweden's 'Idol' competition after receiving a wild card entry from the judges. She eventually finished fourth, releasing a single shortly thereafter. Following a hiatus from the industry, Loreen competed in the Melodifestivalen in an attempt to qualify for Eurovision last year but was unsuccessful, but this year it's on like Donkey Kong and she'll perform for her country as part of the second semi final on Thursday May 24. We reckon this will be one of the favourites to take out the competition, simply because it's bang on trend. It's already charting in the top ten throughout several European countries and bagged the No.1 spot in Sweden last month.
www.eurovision.tv

NEWS WRAP

• A number of new tracks out at local radio this week, including remixes of Sam Sparro's new single 'I Wish I Never Met You', the clip for which premiered earlier this week. The remixes (from Devil's Gun, Stereogamous, Azari & III and Alison Wonderland) are set to be released digitally around the same time as the album.
• Also doing the rounds this week are the new Missy Higgins single 'Unashamed Desire', Professor Green's new single 'Remedy', Darren Hayes' 'Stupid Mistake' and a re-service of Jennifer Lopez' latest single 'Dance Again'. We'll have a more comprehensive list of the week's new tracks at radio going live on our FACEBOOK PAGE (hopefully) sometime tomorrow.
• Warner Music has announced the forthcoming release of a new album by US vocalist Serj Tankian. 'Harakiri' is the name of the singer's third solo project and follows on from 2010's 'Imperfect Harmonies'. 'Harakiri' is due in Australia on Friday July 06.

• Pop princess Kylie Minogue (pictured left in Anti Tour mode) is urging her hometown fans to sign up to Music Victoria's first ever membership drive. In a statement, Kylie says, "Australia has a proud reputation as a source of live music talent, launching the careers of a disproportionate number of hugely successful bands and artists from Dame Nellie Melba to Gotye. Melbourne has often been credited as the live music capital of Australia, and with good reason. Music Victoria was formed to actively encourage and support this tradition of live music. Since their formation only three years ago the organisation has already made major inroads as the voice of Melbourne’s music scene. I am proud to be able to lend my support to the good work they do." The Temper Trap, Paul Kelly, Dan Sultan and more are also on board and you can jump on the bandwagon and lend your support HERE.
• Universal's latest release schedule is showing some deluxe edition love for a couple of upcoming big name pop releases. Deluxe versions of new albums by Maroon 5, Nelly Furtado, Melody Gardot and Scissor Sisters are all now locked into the local schedule. Look for our fully updated weekly new release schedule going live at 9am AEST tomorrow.

• Looks like a couple of artists we've conducted Q&As with here on the site have captured the judges' hearts in the premiere Aussie season of 'The Voice'. Prinnie Stevens was the latest to appear, snapped up during last night's episode to take her place on Team Joel. But it was in the middle of last year that we popped up a little Q&A with the starlet. Clap your eyes around it HERE. We also chatted to fellow contestant Chris Sebastian last year. Catch that Q&A HERE.
• US outfit The Shins are returning to Australia in July to take the stage at Splendour In The Grass in Byron Bay. But the band has also announced that they'll be spreading the 'Port Of Morrow' live love at headline dates in Sydney and Melbourne. They play Sydney's Hordern Pavilion on July 25 and Melbourne's Festival Hall on July 23, with tickets to both on sale this Monday from 11am.
• And Brisbane native Sampology is hitting the road for a series of live dates to celebrate the upcoming release of his debut album 'Doomsday Deluxe', due in June. The 'Super Visual Apocalypse' tour takes in dates in all except Tasmania and the Northern Territory, with all the guff available at his OFFICIAL FACEBOOK page.

• Ms Carly Rae Jepsen holds firm for yet another week atop the UK singles chart with her single 'Call Me Maybe', while newcomer Conor Maynard (who EMI is trying hard to get away at local radio) debuts at No.2 with his single 'Can't Say No'.
Fun.'s 'We Are Young' moves a little higher this week to a new peak of No.3, John Legend's 2005 single 'Ordinary People' is back in favour thanks to a performance on the UK version of 'The Voice', shuttling into the No.4 position (its highest ever chart in Britain), with Jessie J's latest single 'Laserlight' right behind him with a bullet. B.o.B's 'So Good' scores a top ten debut at No.7, while Marina & The Diamonds just misses a top ten berth.
• Adele reigns for another week atop the UK albums chart with the unfailing '21', with Jason Mraz' new album 'Love Is A Four Letter Word' relegated to a No.2 debut. Train is the only other act to see a top ten debut in Britain this week... their album 'California 37' premiering at a respectable No.10.

• As reported here on the site last week, the Fun. is finally over at the top of the Billboard Hot 100, with our very own Gotye scoring a coveted No.1 spot Stateside. He's the first Aussie outfit since 2000 (Savage Garden) to achieve the feat. And if young boys are your weakness, there's plenty to choose from in the US top five with The Wanted, One Direction and Justin Bieber placing in positions three to five. Adele crack the top 20 with another single ('Rumour Has It').
• And on the US albums chart, Lionel Richie had to settle for a No.2 debut in the wake of Madonna's 'MDNA', but he's finally ascended to the No.1 spot with his latest long player 'Tuskegee'. Madge's album, meanwhile, drops ten places to No.18 in its third week. Monica's 'New Life' is in at No.4, Bonnie Raitt's 'Slipstream' premieres at No.6 and Hoodie Allen's 'All American EP' also makes the top ten first week in at No.10.

MARCUS COLLINS : Mercy

Look out! He's ditched the cover versions this time around and is rockin', rollin' and perhaps a little soulin' with an original for his second single. Yes, Marcus Collins was runner-up to girl group Little Mix in the 2011 version of UK's 'The X Factor', but since his near-triumph, he's been taken under the wing of one Take That frontman Gary Barlow, who's overseen the careful crafting of Marcus' debut, self-titled album.
First single 'Seven Nation Army' was a cover of the White Stripes album that although arguably more soulful than the original, was a little pedestrian for our tastes.
But single No.2 - 'Mercy' - sees the fledgling singer take it up a notch.
With a cacophony of horns, delicious gospel backing and oodles of swagger, this co-penned soul-splashed number feels so much more assured than the tentative step of its predecessor. It's pretty infectious, to be honest.

COUNTDOWN TO EUROVISION : Lithuania

The countdown to Eurovision 2012 is well and truly underway and we're now less than a month before this year's competition touches down in the Azerbaijani capital Baku. Once again two semi-finals will see the bulk of the countries battle it out in the hope of progressing through to the Grand Final on Saturday May 26, where waiting will be the big six of the UK, France, Germany, Spain, Italy and host nation Azerbaijan. We're continuing our daily look at the entries in the lead-up to Eurovision 2012.

DONNY MONTELL : Love Is Blind

24 year old singer Donny Montell will represent Lithuania in the 2012 Eurovision Song Contest. Like a lot of Eurovision performers, this is not his first attempt at qualifying for Eurovision, attempting to win his country's selection for the past four years, but with a song called 'Love Is Blind', written entirely by composer Brandon Stone, his countrymen and women obviously think he's got the good this year to take the crown.
It kicks off as a dramatic ballad, allowing Donny's admittedly impressive vocals shine (despite the slightly hokey blindfold prop) before it springs forward into a more dance/pop number just over halfway through. He's pretty enthusiastic... Let's hope the rest of Europe loves him when he takes to the stage for the second semi-final on Thursday May 24.
www.eurovision.tv

BREAKING NEWS : EXTRA 1D DATES

Heads-up, One Direction fans... Presale ticket sales to their September 2013 concert series went through the roof late this afternoon, with Ticketek confirming that they've added extra dates in Sydney, Melbourne and Adelaide to cope with the demand.
A third date in Sydney was added for Monday September 16 and later a fourth - a matinee performance at 1pm on Sunday September 15.
Third and fourth Melbourne dates were also added to the schedule to cope with demand. Both set to take place on Saturday September 21; the latest... a matinee performance at 12:30pm.
Organisers also confirmed a second concert for the Adelaide Entertainment Centre - on Wednesday September 25. Of course, all dates are in September next year.
Naturally, with the band's recent visit proving popular beyond words, demand was super-high this afternoon, with Ticketek's official site struggling to cope with demand and many angry punters bombarding the company's Facebook page with complaints of sessions prematurely timing out, causing them to lose good seats.
The Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane and Adelaide dates are all on sale to the general public on Saturday. The Perth onsale date is still to be confirmed.

September 11, 2013 : Brisbane (Entertainment Centre)
September 12, 2013 : Brisbane (Entertainment Centre)
September 14, 2013 : Sydney (Allphones Arena)
September 15, 2013 : Sydney (Allphones Arena) : Matinee Performance NEW SHOW
September 15, 2013 : Sydney (Allphones Arena)
September 16, 2013 : Sydney (Allphones Arena) NEW SHOW
September 19, 2013 : Melbourne (Rod Laver Arena)
September 20, 2013 : Melbourne (Rod Laver Arena)
September 21, 2013 : Melbourne (Rod Laver Arena) : Matinee Performance NEW SHOW
September 21, 2013 : Melbourne (Rod Laver Arena) NEW SHOW
September 24, 2013 : Adelaide (Entertainment Centre)
September 25, 2013 : Adelaide (Entertainment Centre) NEW SHOW
September 28, 2013 : Perth (Venue TBA)
September 29, 2013 : Perth (Venue TBA)

RIHANNA CLIP INBOUND

We're absolutely loving this image of Rihanna (above). It's a still lifted from the official video to her new single 'Where Have You Been', which is due to drop here on Thursday.
Given Australia is already warming to the track big time (it's currently just outside the iTunes top ten and bulleted to No.12 on Sunday's official ARIA charts), the anticipation is high for the official vid which, as the behind the scenes clip HERE reveals, will take on a distinctly tribal feel.
From the look of the clip below, meanwhile, there's to be plenty of choreography contained within the clip - something Rihanna has lacked in videos due to what she describes in this video as a lack of rehearsal time.
The clip is due to premiere in Australia at 9:56am AEST this Thursday.

ANDREW'S WISH REALISED

Melbourne's Andrew Wishart was always going to be the most unlikely of popstars, but through the vote of the Australian public, he made it all the way to the top two in last year's 'X Factor' competition, beaten out in the final by Sony signing Reece Mastin.
Since his 'X Factor' "journey" took him from nut salesman to singing star, now 41 year old Andrew has been hard at work on his debut album 'It's Never Too Late', which is due to drop in just over a week.
Like Reece's debut album, Andrew's also features studio versions of some of the tracks performed on the show, including Adele's 'Someone Like You', Cheap Trick's 'The Flame', Queen's 'I Want To Break Free' and U2's 'With Or Without You'.
"I am so excited to be releasing my debut album 'It’s Never Too Late' and to show my kids and others that striving to achieve your dreams is possible if you put yourself out there and work hard," he says in a statement. "I have been working on my performing for years and am so grateful to have this opportunity to work with my passion and entertain audiences which gives me so much joy."
Andrew's publicists have hinted that the singer will soon embark on a national tour, but in the meantime his new single 'This Much I Know', which he performed as his "winner's single" on the 'X Factor' grand final, has been officially serviced to radio today ahead of the album's release.
'It's Never Too Late' is due to drop at retail on Friday May 04.

TINA'S BRISBANE DETAILS

Further to our story yesterday about Tina Arena adding dates in both Brisbane and Adelaide, ticketing details for the Queensland date have been released this morning.
Tina will perform with the Queensland Symphony Orchestra in the Lyric Theatre at QPAC on Thursday July 05, bringing to the live stage tracks from her recent 'Songs Of Love And Loss' covers albums along with tracks from across her career.
Tickets for the Brisbane date are on general sale on Wednesday May 03, with presale on now.
Tickets for the Adelaide show, meanwhile are on sale this Thursday.

June 08 : Perth (Riverside Theatre)
June 13 : Sydney (Opera House Concert Hall)
June 14 : Sydney (Opera House Concert Hall)
June 15 : Sydney (Opera House Concert Hall)
June 16 : Sydney (Opera House Concert Hall)
July 05 : Brisbane (QPAC) NEW SHOW
July 28 : Melbourne (Hamer Hall)
July 29 : Melbourne (Hamer Hall)
August 01 : Adelaide (Festival Theatre) NEW SHOW
August 05 : Melbourne (Hamer Hall)

INTRODUCING... Cat Torres

When an Australian music industry heavyweight like Michael Parisi signs someone to his management company, you can be pretty sure that they've got the goods.
20 year old songstress Cat Torres is seemingly one such performer.
Born of Colombian and Uruguayan parents, Cat's debut single 'Kitchen On Fire' is understandably infused with those gorgeous South American Latino rhythms.
Recorded and tracked in the UK by Jaz Rogers (who's previously worked with the likes of Lauryn Hill and Daniel Merriweather) and mixed by Phil Tan (Kimbra, Rihanna) in the US, there's no denying the track's appeal. So much so that British Radio 1's very own Zane Lowe was one of the first to show interest.
Throbbing electro beats, crunching percussion, a feisty street-wise attitude and layerings of Latina swagger combine to create a sound that's as fresh as morning dew and unlike anything we've heard out of Australia in recent times.
She's working with more big names as we speak, but for now it's very much a case of 'watch this space'. In the meantime, however, you clap your ears around 'Kitchen On Fire' below. There's even a sneaky FREE download link.

MISSY HIGGINS : Unashamed Desire

It's been rather a big couple of weeks for Missy Higgins fans... First came word of her new album and single, then came the tour announcement just yesterday, along with the official servicing of the single to media and the delivery of the video (below).
Word also broke over the last couple of days that Missy had decided to quit the music industry altogether at the completion of the 'On A Clear Night' project. In true Missy fashion, there was no fanfare surrounding the decision - she merely kept it a tightly held secret between her nearest and dearest.
"I'd had more success than I'd ever dreamt of and somehow it didn't bring the happiness I thought it would," she says in a statement. "I guess I had a bit of an existential crisis - I thought, how do I become happy? If this doesn’t give me fulfillment what will? And when you let go of something you’ve always attached to as your identity, what do you do? I’d always been the singer or the musician or the songwriter. And when I quit music, it was terrifying. Who am I without it? It was scary but it was also important to find out."
Naturally some of those feelings form part of the lyrical content on her new album 'The Ol' Razzle Dazzle', due in June.
In the meantime, however, Missy is once again revealing herself layer by layer via her new single (and the video for) 'Unashamed Desire'.

FREE JONATHAN BOULET

Okay, so it's not the prettiest cover image ever to grace planet pop, but when it's the cover for the new single for Sydney singer songwriter Jonathan Boulet, we'll perhaps forgive it - especially when it's being offered up as a free download.
That said, someone really needs to buy Jonathan a razor 'cause the long wiry beard he's currently sporting ages him 20 years... Yes, it's apparently not just the song that's 'Ragged'.
'This Song Is Called Ragged' is the second single from his forthcoming album 'We Keep The Beat, Found The Sound, See The Need, Start The Heart', which is due in early June. It's an altogether uplifting mix of percussion, layered vocals in the chorus and Jonathan's silky-smooth vocal (even if it doesn't match his chin).
Better still, the track is available as a free download for two short weeks only. So quick sticks, click the download arrow below.
'We Keep The Beat, Found The Sound, See The Need, Start The Heart' is due on Friday June 08.

READY FOR RENE

If you were following the premiere edition of 'The X Factor' over in the US, you'd no doubt have been blown away by a certain Chris Rene and his audition piece called 'Young Homie'.
Judge L.A. Reid took him under his wing and although he eventually finished third in the competition, he was later signed to Epic Records to record his debut major label album.
A slightly reworked, more polished version of 'Young Homie' serves as the singer's debut single for Epic - a track that our friends across the ditch in New Zealand have already fallen in love with (it recently debuted at No.1 there).
Now, however, it's Australia's turn, with Sony Music servicing the track to radio this week and while details about his forthcoming debut album are still very sketchy (beyond that it's due later this year), the single is expected at digital retail within the week.

COUNTDOWN TO EUROVISION : Romania

The countdown to Eurovision 2012 is well and truly underway, with less a month before this year's competition touches down in the Azerbaijani capital Baku. Once again two semi-finals will see the bulk of the countries battle it out in the hope of progressing through to the Grand Final on Saturday May 26, where waiting will be the big six of the UK, France, Germany, Spain, Italy and host nation Azerbaijan. We're continuing our daily look at the entries in the lead-up to Eurovision 2012.

MANDINGA : Zaleilah

Romanian five piece pop outfit Mandinga have been treading the boards in their home country for the best part of a decade. They'll tread the boards in the first of the semi finals in Baku to perform their 2012 Eurovision entry 'Zaleilah', which is a perky little pop number that contains a bouncy percussive beat, what we're presuming to be traditional Romanian instrumentation and a very attractive Elena Ionescu out front.
The official video (below) is rather colourful, but it would seem to us that the band has decided to look further afield for locations instead of shooting at home in Romania. The clip was shot on location in Dubai.
www.eurovision.tv

KIMBRA DELUXE!

She's now had No.1 success all over the world (as part of Gotye's all-conquering 'Somebody That I Used To Know') and is currently overseas touring and preparing for the global release of her debut album 'Vows'.
But look what we're getting here at home!!
Yes indeed, to co-incide with Kimbra's forthcoming headline tour dates (which kick off in Adelaide on May 08), we're getting an exclusive Australian Tour Edition of said debut album - a tour edition which no only will come with a shiny slipcase featuring all new artwork (above), but six brand new tracks.
Yes, 'Vows : Australian Tour Edition' will include new tracks 'Come Into My Head', 'Something In The Way You Are', 'Sally I Can See You', 'Posse', 'Home' and the A-Trak and Mark Foster collaboration 'Warrior' in addition to all those glittering singles you already know and love.
Even more brilliant is the fact that we won't have to wait too long for its release on Friday May 04.

OLA ORA!

British starlet Rita Ora has recently been stirring the ARIA singles pot with her vocal appearance on the UK No.1 DJ Fresh single 'Hot Right Now'. That title couldn't be more perfect for the 21 year old singer if the 1.7 million views on her new video in less than six days is anything to go by.
Sony Music Australia has launched the single at radio today in the hope that, like elsewhere around the globe, radio programmers will fall madly under the Ora spell.
Look there's plenty to like... She's got amazing smokey vocals that belie her tender years and she possesses a look that's totally ripe.
But we have to admit to being a little underwhelmed by the chorus in this - and the fact it's just the latest in a seemingly neverending line of inane 'party all night' pop tracks. Surely songwriters can find something else to wax lyrical about? No doubt it'll be massive.

MOST ADDED

RADIO'S MOST ADDED
WEEK COMMENCING MONDAY APRIL 23, 2012

01. DAVID GUETTA FTG. CHRIS BROWN & LIL WAYNE : I CAN ONLY IMAGINE
02. MAROON 5 FTG. WIZ KHALIFA : PAYPHONE
03. REECE MASTIN : SHUT UP AND KISS ME
04. LINKIN PARK : BURN IT DOWN
05. IAN CAREY & ROSETTE FTG. TIMBALAND & BRASCO : AMNESIA
06. JENNIFER LOPEZ FTG. PITBULL : DANCE AGAIN
07. KELLY CLARKSON : DARK SIDE
08. EMELI SANDE : NEXT TO ME
09. SOUNDGARDEN : LIVE TO RISE
10. FLORENCE & THE MACHINE : NEVER LET ME GO

Most added tracks to Australian radio courtesy of THE MUSIC NETWORK.