BANK OF MELBOURNE ANNOUNCES THE MELBOURNE MUSIC BANK: A COMMUNITY DRIVEN MUSIC INITIATIVE FOR ASPIRING MUSIC ARTISTS
Bank of Melbourne today announced the return of Melbourne Music Bank, a community-driven music initiative offering aspiring artists a chance to break into the music industry.
The Melbourne Music Bank is calling for local musicians and bands to submit a song inspired by Melbourne. A career-making prize is up for grabs, including two days of recording at Sing Sing Studios, a video clip by film maker Wilk, live gigs, album artwork and 500 CDs, PR and marketing advice and the chance to have their song used in a Bank of Melbourne advertising campaign.
ARIA winning, Melbourne-based musician, Ella Hooper (Killing Heidi, The Verses, Spicks & Specks, Southern Cross Austereo’s ‘Aus Top 20’) is Melbourne Music Bank’s Ambassador. She said the prize could change the life of a talented local band or musician.
“It’s so important that we encourage and celebrate our local talent, and this is exactly what this project is all about,” said Ella. “I got my big break after being discovered at a local fete in Violet Town. It led to free studio time to record and now here I am today!”
The competition is open to all Victorian songwriters and musicians. Music artists have until 7 September, 2014 to submit an original piece of music inspired by Melbourne. Twelve finalists will be shortlisted and a public vote will narrow the field. Four finalists will perform live at the Melbourne Recital Centre where a panel of music experts will choose the winner.
Bank of Melbourne Chief Executive Scott Tanner said Bank of Melbourne was delighted to present Melbourne Music Bank for the second straight year.
“Melbourne is undoubtedly Australia’s arts and culture capital,” Mr Tanner said. “Bank of Melbourne is delighted to help celebrate and support local music talent with this exciting program.”
To enter, musicians should visit www.bankofmelbourne.com.au/melbmusicbank
This project is proudly created by Bank of Melbourne, supported by partners Melbourne Recital Centre, Beat Magazine, PBS, and Wilk
MIETTA ANNOUNCES NEW SINGLE, ‘GONE’ & DEBUT ALBUM ‘A MAD DISTANCE’
Melbourne world-music songstress Mietta has announced the release of her new single, Gone (available July 4) and debut album, A Mad Distance, set for release on July 18 and she’ll be hitting the road with her band to promote the record with launch shows in Melbourne on July 24 at The Spotted Mallard, Ballarat on July 26 at The Main Bar and Sydney on July 31 at Venue 505.
Lead single Gone is a multi layered, internationally inspired masterpiece with a strong Latin American feel and an indescribable warmth. Mietta’s lush, rich vocal tone and interesting delivery tie in perfectly with the melodic backing vocals and twenty-piece ensemble that recorded alongside her. And it’s the drum tag that completes the song, the cherry on top that encourages you to go back and have another listen. “Gone is about moving on from difficult times and not looking back, about having the strength and courage to pick up your bundle and keep going,” explains Mietta.
The video for Gone is a behind-the-scenes clip, allowing the viewer in on the making of the song and inviting them to become part of the song’s journey. The footage was filmed by Jarred Osborn (Alt J, Chiefs, Sons Et Al) and shot at Oaklands Productions (Melbourne) where the album was recorded and mixed.
Growing up in a family of writers and editors, there’s no wonder Mietta has become such a prolific and inspired songwriter. While the major theme of the album is about losing love (in her case, her Mother) she explains, “It also touches on losing your home and finding a new one – be it literally or metaphorically, and being sure to stay strong and not buckle under life’s tragedies… Most of the songs on the album and my musical inspiration come from many different countries around the world: Spain, Brazil, Arabic influences, Afro Peruvian influences, South America. I have a deep fascination with the music, people, literature, jewelry, clothing and spirituality of these places.”
Excited about her run of shows, Mietta is especially looking forward to her Melbourne launch as it is set to be her biggest live show yet consisting of guitar, drums, bass, percussion, five backing vocalists and a ten piece chamber orchestra. Ballarat and Sydney shows will be stripped back to a six-piece band.
COSENTINO THE GRAND ILLUSIONIST WINS OVER SPAIN
2014 has started in the best possible way for the International Magician of the Year, Cosentino, with the exciting news that key international territories are also falling under his spell.
Cosentino’s International push commenced over the festive period, with Spanish network ‘TVE’ airing all four episodes between Christmas and New Year to an ecstatic response from TV executives and new fans alike with over one million people tuning in. “The response of the Spanish public has truly humbled me. Throughout my career I’ve always wanted to share my craft with as many Believers as possible. This is the first step in that process and I thank everyone who tuned in,” beamed Cosentino.
Next in line to air these gripping TV specials are India, Japan, New Zealand and numerous territories across South East Asia including Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, and The Philippines.
Cosentino is widely recognised as the catalyst for the huge resurgence in popularity of magic and illusions on TV in Australia.
After receiving the distinctive honour of being the first magician in this country to have their own prime-time TV series, his high-adrenalin mix of spectacular stage illusions, death-defying escapes and cutting edge street magic resulted in all 3 episodes of The Magic, The Mystery and The Madness dominate the ratings for Network Seven in 2013 – being viewed by over 4 million people nationally.
2013 was a year of many highlights for Cosentino: 3 top rating prime-time TV specials, a sold-out national tour, winner of Dancing With the Stars, the release of his first Magic Kit (The Grand Illusionist Magic Kit by Cosentino) which was one of the hottest items at retail for Xmas and the prestigious peer-voted International Magician of the Year award (the Academy Award for magicians).
With international markets now calling, a new series of TV specials featuring Cosentino’s biggest and best performances yet, brand new magic products hitting retail and another national tour and international tour planned for later in the year, 2014 looks set to be the busiest year yet for our talented Aussie.