Episode 20: November 24

Petro caught up with Australia's top A&R record executive Michael Parisi.

They spoke extensively about the role of A&R, the relationship between artists and their record labels, the attitude of the Australian record buying public, the current state of the music industry and the artists Michael has minded such as Regurgitator, Kylie and Gabriella Cilmi.

Here's a brief timeline of Michael's career in the music industry.

1987-1989: Co-Founded "In Press" Magazine
1990-1992: General Manager of IMAGO Records (Baby Animals, Henry Rollins)
1993-1995: Artist Development Manager for Warner Music, looking after the likes of Red Hot Chili Peppers, REM, Snoop Dogg, Ice T, Marilyn Manson
1995-1999: A&R Director at Warner Music Australia. Signed Regurgitator, The SuperJesus and The Whitlams
1999-2002: Formed own label SPUTNIK Records through Festival Mushroom and signed and had #1 albums with the likes of 28 Days, George, Motor Ace and MUSE

Michael signed Gabriella Cilmi at the age of 13. Her debut single "Sweet About Me", from the album Lessons to be Learned, reached #1 in Australia and was a Top 10 hit all over Europe. She won six ARIA Awards in 2008, and is preparing the release of her second album.

2002-2008: Managing Director of Festival/Mushroom Records; signed Eskimo Joe, Gabriella Cilmi, Scribe, re-signed Kylie Minogue and worked with the likes of ONJ, AC DC, Garbage, Tom Jones etc
2009: Formed new company Michael Parisi Management. Signed three new artists. Caterina Torres, Mark Sholtez and METALS. Continues to provide consultation to Warner Music.

Former Killing Heidi members Ella and Jesse Hooper are back with their new band The Verses. Michael is the A&R of their debut EP.

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Episode 19: November 17

We chatted with one of Australia's highest selling male artists Guy Sebastian.

It's been almost seven years since Guy was crowned Australia's very first Australian Idol, and while other winners have faded into obscurity and joined an endless list of one hit wonders (Casey Donovan, Natalie Gauci anyone?), Guy has maintained a loyal fanbase and impressive level of success. 11x platinum over five Top 10 albums (Just As I Am '03, Beautiful Life '04, Closer to the Sun '06, The Memphis Album '07, Like It Like That '09), four #1 singles and numerous Top 20 hits, and a swag of awards and nominations, not bad hey.


In his first interview on JOY 94.9, Guy opens up about his experiences over the years, the fickleness of the industry and the possible reasons for his enjoyed longevity. We discuss the new album Like It Like That and the new single "Art Of Love", a duet with former American Idol winner Jordin Sparks, another Idol alumni who has enjoyed extraordinary chart success.


Guy is heading on a national tour in support of the new album in February 2010. Tickets are on sale, and we are told to expect a great evening of live entertainment. Who knows, he may even throw in the odd Britney dance move if we're lucky. For more information, check out his official website here.


Special thanks to David Lim from Diff'rent Strokes (Wednesdays, 10pm) for guest presenting the show while Johno was off in Sydney, witnessing Britney's Circus tour. David even treated us to a Diff'rent Strokes segment called "Album In The Blend", taking a look at UK pop-soul diva VV Brown's Traveling Like The Light.

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Episode 18: November 10

Britney's in town bitch! It's the eve of Britney's first Melbourne show, and the Circus tour is already causing a stir - apparently some concert goers expected Britney to sing. She has mimed practically her entire career, did Australia expect a miracle? Get over it peoples! Maybe we've been too spoilt with Pink who can do it all. We are both off to Sydney next week to see Ms. Spears in action.


Johno caught up with independent gay country singer Steve Charles. Steve hails from Tamworth, and is onto his fourth album Welcome To Club Country, which features country mixed with dance beats - certainly country with a twist! We preview the first single "Let's Go". You can check him out here.

We also go through the international and regional winners of the 16th Annual MTV European Music Awards.

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Episode 17: November 3

It was Halloween on the weekend, and we have the Top 10 Creepiest Music Videos! Of course, Michael Jackson's classic horror anthem "Thriller" makes the list...and speaking of Michael, both of us went to see "This Is It", which has already become the biggest grossing concert-movie of all time. We share our thoughts on the movie.

But forget Michael cause..."THIS IS IT!"



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