Australia

Gotye goes global

Entertainment / Music “Somebody That I Used to Know” hitmaker Gotye hits Toronto’s Kool Haus on Saturday.    “There are so many unofficial remixes and mash-ups and parodies that it’s crazy,” says Gotye of his biggest hit. Nick Krewen Special to the Star Published on Fri Mar 30 2012 If imitation is the sincerest form of flattery, consider Gotye officially bowled over. Not only is “Somebody That I Used to Know” a…


Urban renewal, thanks to country

Urban renewal, thanks to country | Toronto Star Keith Urban’s prowess and that of his crack band coaxed fresh depth out of his songs at the Air Canada Centre. Nick Krewen Special to the Star Published on Sun Sep 11 2011 Many have talked the talk when it comes to promising something innovative in a country music concert format, but at the Air Canada Centre over the weekend, Keith Urban…


An Horse is lean but lively animal

Entertainment / Music Tegan and Sara opened doors for Aussie transplant Kate Cooper.      Damon Cox and Kate Cooper are alt-rock band An Horse. Nick Krewen Special to the Star Published on Thu Jul 28 2011 Sometimes songs that have the silliest titles turn out to be the most personal and profound for the artists that write them. Take, for instance, “Brain On A Table,” a track off Walls, the recently…


Sia, Australia’s famously reluctant star

Entertainment / Music Fans, be warned: singer coming to town has had enough of touring, TV’s The Voice and even her modest fame.     Nick Krewen  Special to the Star Published on Sat Jul 23 2011 Now you Sia: Now you don’t. After her upcoming month-long tour, which includes a July 24 date at the Phoenix with opener Oh Land, Australia singer and songwriter Sia Furler is retiring from the road….


Canadian musicians rise to challenge of Lilith’s return

Entertainment / Music Despite a disappointing lineup, Mary J. Blige, Sarah McLachlan and many smaller musicians played to an approving audience     Nick Krewen Special To The Star Published on Sun Jul 25 2010 When opportunity knocked, Canadian women answered. The departure of several headliners from the Lilith tour — Kelly Clarkson and Norah Jones among them — meant that space had opened up for several domestic acts to demonstrate their…