Following the success of his latest album OUT IN THE BLUE, Jimmy will be playing theatres right across Australia prior to a tour of England and Europe in the Spring.

Australia’s most popular singer has been going from strength to strength over the past few years. His new album OUT IN THE BLUE entered the charts at #3 and quickly became his 10th platinum album when it was released in late 2007.

OUT IN THE BLUE, recorded in two weeks with producer Nash Chambers (Kasey Chambers, Shane Nicholson) is Jimmy’s most bare bones and honest work to date. Much of it was written while he was recuperating from open-heart surgery.

With 16 solo albums and the classic Chisel catalogue to draw from, Jimmy has crafted a new set, designed to work in theatres. Jimmy will showcase the radio hits from the new album such as “Out In The Blue”, new single “I Can’t Tell You Why” and the Neil Finn penned “Blue Hotel”,

“It’s something I haven’t really done since Soul Deep,” he says. “I’ve had a fantastic run of big outdoor and winery shows over the past Summer but I’m itching to get back indoors. The rooms are small enough to still get intimate with the audience, but you can stretch out more than in a pub.”

“The band is gonna be great I’ll have some really great players with me and I’m excited that my son Jackie is on Summer vacation from his music studies in the U.S and has come home to play drums”.

“The new songs benefit from the light and shade you can give them in a theatre,” he says. “We’ll also be putting a few surprises into the set, just to keep everyone on their toes, including me!”.

Joining him on all dates will be eldest daughter Mahalia Barnes who is performing with her own band and releasing her debut album mid-June.

Jimmy has also been invited to appear at the Toast Festival in London in September and that has turned into a three-week European tour. Cold Chisel had their biggest international hits in Germany and Jimmy toured Europe extensively in the early 1990s – even opening for the Rolling Stones in Germany. He has a very active fan base there which has prompted this year’s tour.

“I’ve been playing on and off in England for the past few years,” says Jimmy. “My fans there are really great. It’ll be good to get back to Europe again and I’m equally pleased that the new album ‘Out In The Blue’ will be released in Europe to coincide with the shows there”.

Meanwhile, the Australian theatre tour promises to be a once-in-a-lifetime event.

Please refer to Artist > Jimmy Barnes for more ticket information.

This result is a notable achievement for Bliss N Eso and follows the success of their ARIA Award nominated sophomore album Day of the Dog, which saw the band make their ARIA chart debut in 2006.

“This is 10 years of blood, sweat and tears and it’s great to know that our fans are going out and buying our music, especially with the state of the industry. It’s a real feat for Australian hip-hop!” – MC Bliss

Flying Colours has been lauded by critics and fans alike as a step forward for Australian hip hop and music, and as Bliss N Eso’s most accomplished work to date.

Recorded during a 12 month period over three continents, Flying Colours is a musical journey that sees Bliss N Eso take power from the subtleties and master their raucousness.

Bliss N Eso are currently trekking across the country as they headline the UNIfied Tour during May and June (tickets through www.oztix.com.au). There will be no rest for the wicked, however, as the boys once again jump on the road in support of Flying Colours later in 2008.

Read what the critics have been saying about Flying Colours:

“The smoking-hot new album from Bliss N Eso will win fans – and ARIA awards” – The Gold Coast Bulletin

“They have developed an authentic Australian hip hop that counters US gangsta or bling bling-themed rap.” – Herald Sun

“From the kick-arse sample, to the blustery horns, to the super-slick scratching ‘n’ rapping, this one’s a hell of a hip-hop record.” – Zoo Weekly

“It’s got messages to spin… and the pair want you to hear and think about it.” - JMag

“*****” PopRepublic

“For Flying Colours Bliss N Eso have upped the production ante, and on that front, the album shines.” – Zebra

Although this is the married couple’s first album collaboration, Kasey in particular is no stranger to topping the ARIA charts. This is her fourth number one album and her third #1 debut.

Notably Rattlin’ Bones has been earning the praise of not just the nation’s critics, but also some of Australia’s most respected musicians. Paul Kelly said of Rattlin’ Bones:

"The salty-sweet deep country singing on this record makes the cells in my body rattle with happiness. Lonesome and loving haven't sounded this good since Gram and Emmy-Lou." (Paul Kelly, April 08)

It won’t be long before audiences across regional Australia get the chance to savour songs from Rattlin’ Bones alongside past Kasey Chambers’ hits, with Kasey hitting the road with Shane and Bill Chambers from May 7.

Read what the critics have been saying about the #1 ARIA Album Rattlin’ Bones:

“Rattlin’ Bones could yet prove to be the year’s best album…an essential in your CD collection.” Sunday Herald Sun, Melbourne

“Rattlin' Bones is simply the best album of her and Nicholson's careers and a roots album of global significance…Sublime.” The Australian

“****” Rolling Stone, Australia

“…destined to stand the test of time.” Beat Magazine, Melbourne

“*****” MAG, Australia

“…a gutsy, warm, sometimes swinging, sometimes gloriously sad set of songs meant to be enjoyed.” Sydney Morning Herald

“*****” MX Newspaper, Melbourne

“It’s hard not to be captivated by the two voices harmonising…” The Advocate, Tasmania

“****” Rave Magazine, Brisbane

“…a rootsy and intimate breath of fresh air…” Who Weekly

Rattlin’ Bones out NOW through Liberation

Christie's 320 page book is a fascinating look at the lives of seven top music industry identities who have pioneered various areas of the business. High Voltage is the true account from behind the scenes of the Australian music industry with entertaining and inspiring stories from seven industry legends: Michael Gudinski, Denis Handlin, Ian "Molly" Meldrum, John Woodruff, John Watson, Shane Simpson and Glenn Wheatley. These men, who have turned teen dreams into million-dollar fortunes, talk candidly about their big wins, even bigger losses and the ones that got away. It also looks at their businesses and some of their major deals.

Kasey Chambers, one of Australia’s most loved female artists, has teamed up with Shane Nicholson to record a new album, Rattlin’ Bones.

Drawing on both their songwriting talents and unique voices, Rattlin’ Bones heralds a return to the alternative country roots that first launched Kasey’s stellar career, whilst establishing their own unique sound.

This is Chambers and Nicholson at the top of their form to make an extraordinary “roots country” record - writing and performing heartfelt songs that speak with an undeniable honesty. Whilst giving a sizeable nod to Chambers country music upbringings, Rattlin’ Bones equally secures Nicholson’s natural fit on the rootsy highway.

Produced by Nash Chambers and Shane, Rattlin’ Bones is their first album collaboration, although fans of the pair will already be familiar with the powerful rapport between the two artists from live performances and various previous recordings.

Having sold over one million albums, been awarded seven ARIA’s, five CMAA Golden Guitars and a swag of APRA Awards, Kasey Chambers is undoubtedly one of Australia’s most respected female performers. Kasey’s balance of commercial success with her credible country roots has accorded her the admiration of her fellow musicians - her supporters including notables such as Emmylou Harris, Elton John and Ben Harper to name a few.

Shane Nicholson started his music career as the front man for Brisbane-based rock outfit Pretty Violet Stain and his subsequent solo work includes the albums It’s A Movie and Faith and Science., which have received critical success in both Australia and the US. Frequently praised for the quality of his writing and production in his past work, these same talents indisputably resonate throughout Rattlin’ Bones

Rattlin’ Bones sees two of Australia’s finest singer songwriters unite for 14 tracks that straddle the gammit of emotions and are sure to delight.

Rattlin’ Bones will be Kasey and Shane’s first release through independent record label Liberation.

"After 10 very happy and successful years at EMI we have decided to explore new ways in structuring our touring and record business. 2008 sees us venture into a new relationship with Liberation Music and Premier Artists.

“I've had an extraordinary career with EMI and cannot thank them enough for their incredible passion and support throughout the years. I now look forward to the next chapter in my career.” Kasey Chambers and Management.

Aussie foursome Temper Trap scored this week's CMJ Sonicbids spotlight after releasing their self-titled EP in 2006 via Liberation.

CMJ and Sonicbids look for the best independent talent from around the world to feature as part of the CMJ Sonicbids Spotlight. Each month CMJ Staff reviews Sonicbids band submissions and select no less than four (one per week) artists per month for Spotlight winners.

LIAM FINN TOOK OUT 5 AWARDS -

bNet Song of the Year

Liam Finn - Second Chance

bNet 95bFM Song of the Year

Liam Finn - Second Chance

bNet Pop Track of 2007

Liam Finn - Second Chance

bNet Album of the Year

Liam Finn - I'll Be Lightning

bNet Artist of the Year

Liam Finn

ALSO HUGE NEWS….

LIAM HAS BEEN INCLUDED IN THE ‘10 ARTISTS TO WATCH’ IN U.S ROLLING STONE MAGAZINE

For more information: www.rollingstone.com/news/story/17324013/ten_artists_to_watc...

It’s official! Illusive sounds have signed Adelaide based group LOWRIDER! Illusive are very excited to welcome LOWRIDER as the newest addition to the labels already impressive catalogue (Bliss n Eso, Xzibit).

LOWRIDER’S music is smooth and soulful; an immaculate fusion of Hip Hop and Soul. In the short time since they emerged in 2004, the band has created quite a buzz! Not only have they written and recorded a self titled debut album (set for release through Illusive August 4) but they’ve also played alongside some of Australia’s most prolific live acts (Hilltop Hoods, Eskimo Joe, Jet, TZU).

Illusive entertainment and The Frontier Touring Company are also pleased to announce that, in addition to their own run of headline shows, LOWRIDER have been confirmed to fill the highly coveted support slot for Christina Aguilera’s forthcoming ‘Back To Basics’ Australian tour.

LOWRIDER are simply unmissable live – If you haven’t had a chance to see them yet, get down to one of their upcoming shows – you won’t be disappointed!

LOWRIDER Solo Dates – Presented by Illusive Entertainment

Thursday 26 July Ding Dong Lounge, Melbourne VIC - $8 Saturday 4 Aug Jax, Perisher Valley, NSW – FREE SHOW Monday 6 Aug Station Resort, Jindabyne, NSW – FREE SHOW Wednesday 8 Aug Smiggins Hotel, Smiggins Holes, NSW – FREE SHOW Thursday 9 Aug Banjo Patterson Hotel, Jindabyne, NSW – FREE SHOW Saturday 11 Aug Station Resort, Jindabyne, NSW – FREE SHOW

LOWRIDER with Christina Aguilera – Presented by The Frontier Touring Company

Friday 13 July Burswood Dome, Perth Tuesday 24 July Acer Arena, Sydney Saturday 14 July Burswood Dome, Perth Wednesday 25 July Acer Arena, Sydney Ticketek 132 849 or www.ticketek.com.au Ticketek 132 849 or www.ticketek.com.au

Tuesday 17 July Adelaide Entertainment Centre Friday 27 July Rod Laver Arena, Melbourne Wednesday 18 July Adelaide Entertainment Centre Saturday 28 July Rod Laver Arena, Melbourne Ticketek 132 849 or www.ticketek.com.au Monday 30 July Rod Laver Arena, Melbourne Ticketek 132 849 or www.ticketek.com.au Friday 20 July Brisbane Entertainment Centre Saturday 21 July Brisbane Entertainment Centre Ticketek 132 849 or www.ticketek.com.au

And the heir apparent to the Finn family’s musical talent has just put the finishing touches on his solo album "I'll Be Lightning" which is set to be released in July this year.

Liam has recently given live audiences in London a bit of a thrill by singing, playing guitar lines, bass lines and the drums onstage at his solo gigs, with only a looping effects pedal for company and has also been on the road in the US opening for the reformed Crowded House, joining them on stage at the famous Coachella festival.

And later this month, Liam performs a unique and exciting solo set highlighting his brand new material at three very special shows:

Sydney - Thursday May 24th @ The Civic Hotel

Melbourne - Tuesday May 29th @ The Toff in Town

Auckland – Thursday May 31st @ The Kings Arms

Liam spent two months at the beginning of this year in a central Auckland studio, Roundhead, playing, recording, engineering and producing his own album “I’ll Be Lightning’. “I didn’t want to compromise or collaborate,” he acknowledges. “I wanted to record these songs the way I heard them in my head. And I had a very clear idea of how I wanted them."

Part of this had to do with what Finn describes as the sort of passion and raw enthusiasm musicians get when they’re recording demo tracks - that is, when they’re recording a new song - for the first time. “It’s a pretty special feeling. But usually you don’t record them well enough to convince anyone to release them. So I wanted to get myself into a situation where I could translate that special mood into a recording.”

To do this, Finn also stayed away from anything digital or computerized, instead opting for old fashioned analog gear, including a vintage Neve recording desk that The Who had once owned and a bunch of two inch tape. “It’s like the difference between digital video and film”, Finn explains. “There’s just something you can’t capture on computers."

The results of all of the above are released in July, with the first taste of the album coming via its first single ‘Second Chance’ in May.

The ARIA top 10 is choc-a-block full of Australian talent with Missy Higgins the highest new entry at #1, and Kate Ceberano’s ‘Nine Lime Avenue’ up to 5. Belinda’s chart position of 10 is particularly impressive given that two super successful international females P!nk and Avril Lavigne, can also be found at 3 and 4 respectively.

This is the culmination of an incredible six year undertaking…between 2000 and 2006 Belinda threw herself into songwriting, collaborating with Phil Buckle and Andrew Furze (amongst others) and then recording with Phil in his Melbourne studio. In 2006 Belinda began working with producer Daniel Denholm to bring her long awaited debut to its final form.

“This result is stunning, it means so much to everyone involved that Belle’s music has found an audience” Craig Campbell

“Belle would be so happy and so proud to see her six year labour of love being enjoyed by so many people” Rove McManus

“So I Am is a very special album and Belinda’s beautiful personality shines through in every song. I had the privilege of hearing the album from its early stages and I know how much Belinda wanted it to be heard. I think she would be proud to know how warmly the Australian people have embraced her album” Michael Gudinski