Can Graham Norton change the Australian music scene?

The music scene in Australia is pretty much controlled by what music companies feel we want to hear. Many international acts get a release here due to the way they financially performed in their own country or how they are represented in television shows available here.
During the 1980's and 90's many Australian band can credit shows like "Hey Hey it's Saturday", "Take 40 TV" and "The Factory" for their success. Australian music had many television programs able to showcase their talent. It was widely known that if an act went on 'Hey Hey' in the 90's could almost guarantee a strong sales week and instant chart success. That is why a string of mediocre acts such as Freaked out Flower Children, Toni Pearen, Indecent obsession and Peter Andre clamoured to have a live performance on that show. Today, those acts would be dropped by their record company within 2 singles due to under performing sale. Many actors who decided to try their hand at singing could venture away from their own show and have their talents seen by new people.

Throughout the 90's i was amazed how the charts here differed so much from those in New Zealand. Our Neighbours had for a long time been subjected to "top of the pops" screened almost immediately after it was shown in the UK. This is why acts such as Sean Maguire, Billie and certain indie acts charted there before or if ever here. The record companies took the initiative to make the releases come in line with what the UK record companies had slated.

So with Network 10 screening 'The Graham Norton Show" on commercial television here for the first time, can we expect the Australian music scene to cater for what the public will see.  Bands and artists such as JLS, Rebecca Ferguson, Emali Sande, The Wanted and Professor Green have always had strong representation on the show. Now for the first time people will hear these acts and want to explore back catalogues and current albums.

Is it too much for the record companies to stop getting artists on their books to do a cover album to help declining sales, but try to work with their northern hemisphere allies to make the music scene here more diverse.
If they don't, Most of us know an album is only an illegal click of the mouse away.

The Graham Norton Show
Network 10
Saturdays 8.30pm

YTT - Close your eyes little kiddies

Growing up in the 70's and 80's was an amazing time for being an Australian kid. I could play cricket with the cool kids and ride my BMX bike till at least 8. All this without the relative fear of being abducted or flashed at. With the exception of Mr Baldy our lives were fairly risk free. Why was this? Was it that we were sheltered from fear due to not having the Internet? I suggest that every Saturday night till 1988, the weird uncle we all had spent the majority of their time watching Young Talent Time, and the reruns on worn out VHS tapes. YTT was an amazing show, launching the careers of Dannii Minogue and Tina Arena and creating a family friendly Saturday night. Sure we have all seen the dodgy videos of Tina Arena in leather singing 'you cant stop the music' while gyrating suggestively to the camera. The question on most peoples lips is "Will it work again in 2012?"

Lets not forget that late 1988 Johnny young launched an American version of the show simply called "The New Generation" 13 half hour episodes were made and screened on network 10. It starred the senior members of YTT as well as some of the younger ones. All were known by their first names only( a la the mickey mouse club). It was a ratings disaster and was not renewed for a 2nd season. but back to the question at hand, Yes i do believe it will work. We are used to seeing kids entertain in "Glee" and "High school musical" but the original YTT kids still went to usual schools and were not protected by a more celebrity savvy public. Hey, my brother played cricket with original member Bevan Addinsal and although he bowled pretty badly, his release arm swing turn was a ballet teachers wet dream. Let us hope the kids are not too saccharine and the public can relate to them,

Part of the reason YTT was so successful was they seemed so accessible, the cast were always appearing at a Westfield near you. fan cards, lunch boxes and other memorabilia were always on sale, lets hope channel 10 go back to traditional promotions and creates a buzz with Young Talent time. Ratings will be massive for the opening show but with the right marketing will hopefully maintain a strong continued audience.

While i love the promotional ad channel 10 are playing, the current one with newest team member Tyler Wilford singing leaves a lot to be desired. His singing makes the Normie Rowe and Curtis stone Coles commercial sound like caramel down Susan Boyle's sexy tonsils.

Former Australian Idol contestant Rob 'Millsy' Mills is an inspired choice as host, he appears to be a descent and likable guy. The big question being asked is whether Rob will close the show with traditional swan song "All my loving", my prediction is yes and it will feel less creepy than a late 40's guy singing it surrounded by kids wearing pastels, but hey hasn't the world changed in 25 years.

It may even keep the streets a little safer for another 25 years

Young Talent time starts Sunday January 22nd on Channel 10 at 6.30 pm

Jason Donovan - Too many broken comebacks

Universal music have been quick to announce former Neighbours heart throb Jason Donovan will be releasing a new album in March. Jason is fresh from coming third in the BBC1 television powerhouse "Strictly come dancing". Jason has had more musical comebacks than Cher, albeit not so succesful. Back in 2006 Jason also took part in ITV's "I'm a celebrity - Get me out of here" ( 3rd also) and got signed by universal music. In 2008 he released "Let it be me", a collection of 50's songs. It reached 28 on the albums charts in the UK and didn't even chart in the top 100 here. A follow up "Soundtrack of the 80's"reached number 20 in 2010. Although a far more accesible album, Jason's voice just doesn't have the sellable tones for cover albums. Now don't get me wrong, I really like Jason Donovan. I think he has sung some of the better stock aitken waterman catalogue. His third solo album "All around the world" (1993) has some great pop songs, it was unfortunate that it sold poorly and then nothing else was released for 15 years.

What will the Australian public make of a new Jason Donovan album being released here March 16? (4 days after the UK release) Details are sketchy about what style the album will follow. I hope he has gone back to his genuine pop roots. Jason, Don't be scared to use the style that made you the biggest selling artist of 1989. Jason, in recent years has learnt not to take himself too seriously. He jokes about the past and embraces the songs that his fans love. Everything old is new again. Young talent Time and Roxette are taking Australia by storm, Could there be enough room in our retro hearts for a former Neighbour who just wants a little love from the country he loves so much.

Time will see.....

Jason Donovan  - TBA
released March 16 2012

Universal music Australia