Thursday, November 7, 2013

This Is Christmas Day!!

...well, sort of.

Today is the release date of Anthony Callea's Christmas present to lovers of good music "This Is Christmas".
 
With 12 of Anthony's favourite Christmas songs, including duets with Partner Tim Campbell and the fabulous Susie Ahearn the album is the perfect mix of tradition and modern Christmas classics, and
with both  digital AND physical release available it is easy to secure your copy ... and maybe  a few for Christmas pressies too!


Purchase it now from you favourite record store or use the links below to simply click and buy!

http://www.sanity.com.au/products/2242054/This_Is_Christmas_SIGNED_PHOTOGRAPH

http://www.jbhifionline.com.au/music/pop-rock/this-is-christmas-signed-photo/692479

https://shop.abc.net.au/products/callea-a-this-is-christmas-cd

https://itunes.apple.com/au/album/this-is-christmas/id730289854

http://www.getprice.com.au/This-Is-Christmas-by-Anthony-Callea-Gpnc_404--110034685.htm

http://www.myshopping.com.au/ZM--1239385158_This_Is_Christmas_by_Anthony_Callea

http://www.doubleday.co.nz/Products/Music/This-Is-Christmas-by-Anthony-Callea/15595_2.aspx

http://www.amazon.co.uk/This-Is-Christmas-Anthony-Callea/dp/B00G39KX22

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00G2SKG2G/ref=dm_sp_alb

Monday, September 23, 2013

This Is (Callea's) Christmas

Gift giving just got easier this Christmas with news of a long awaited Christmas album by Anthony Callea to be released in November. 

Titled  'This Is Christmas'  the album includes many of the most requested songs he has performed over the past 10 years at the Vision Australia Carols By Candlelight, a must for all Callea fans and lovers of the festival season this Christmas.  The official press release, and track list  can be read below the pictured cover art.



Anthony Callea one of Australia’s finest voices, is thrilled to reveal that he will release a brand new Christmas album, ‘This Is Christmas’, on November 8, 2013.

Anthony returns to the studio with producer and long-time friend John Foreman along with an incredible 55 piece orchestra to record this much anticipated new Christmas album; The follow-up to Anthony’s first album on ABC Music, ‘THIRTY’, which was released in April this year and achieved a No.18 ARIA Album Chart debut. ‘This Is Christmas’ will feature twelve iconic Christmas songs, from ‘The First Noel’, to ‘Amazing Grace’ and ‘Don’t Save It All For Christmas Day’.

Featuring guest vocalist Tim Campbell on ‘Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas’, the esteemed National Boys Choir on ‘Ave Maria’ and ‘O Holy Night’ and one of the most beautiful acapella versions of ‘Amazing Grace’ you’ll hear, ‘This Is Christmas’ is a stunning collection of beautifully arranged tracks that are especially close to Anthony’s heart. The release of ‘This Is Christmas’ in 2013 is a fitting occasion, as this year marks the tenth consecutive year of Anthony’s involvement with Melbourne’s Carols by Candlelight and working relationship with Musical Director John Foreman, who produced the record breaking and multi-platinum selling single ‘The Prayer’.

Anthony says “Christmas truly is my favourite time of the year and I can’t describe how excited I am to be releasing ‘This Is Christmas’. It’s been a long time coming and to be able to create this album with John Foreman along with a talented orchestra, The National Boys Choir and with musicians who are the finest in the country, I couldn’t be more proud and overjoyed about this album. I sincerely hope this album captures the spirit and meaning of Christmas for all and will live on in many homes for Christmases to come.”


‘THIS IS CHRISTMAS’  Track listing
1. Don’t Save It All For Christmas Day
2. The First Noel
3. Christmas Baby, Please Come Home
4. Silent Night (feat: Stuart Fraser on Guitar)
5. Santa Claus Is Coming To Town
6. Ave Maria (feat: The National Boys Choir)
7. Do You Hear What I Hear?
8. Mary Did You Know
9. Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas (feat: Tim Campbell)
10. Amazing Grace (feat: Susie Ahern, Michelle Serrett, Rod Davies
11. O Holy Night (feat: The National Boys Choir12. Note To God

Wednesday, September 18, 2013

Callea's the word....

Press Reviews for Anthony Callea - Grease 2013











Herald Sun
the cameos from various stars including Bert Newton, Val Lehman, Todd McKenney and Anthony Callea are fabulous fun.

http://www.heraldsun...0-1226703773747

Courier Mail
The stunt casting of Bert Newton, Val Lehman, Todd McKenney and Anthony Callea is the best kind in Grease, each of them get their moment in the sun but don't steal the limelight for too long. Although Callea's Johnny Casino very nearly does steals the show.

http://www.courierma...2-1226703662615

Arts Hub
The trend of moonlighting celebrities in Australian musicals continues, with Bert Newton playing Vince Fontaine like the true entertainer he is and Anthony Callea’s ‘Born to Hand Jive’ as Johnny Casino a high energy addition.

http://au.artshub.co...s/grease-196430

Stage Whispers
Casting the cameo roles with personalities has become a Grease tradition. Pint-sized Anthony Callea (Johnny Casino) sang the heart out of “Born to Hand Jive,”

http://www.stagewhis...eviews/grease-2


StartsAtSixty.com.au
the energy of Bert Newton, Todd McKenny and Anthony Callea, made the second half much more fun

http://www.startsats...ted-grease-2013

Sydney Morning Herald
The second act gives up most of the pretence of a story or character development (or schoolwork) in favour of big dance numbers. Anthony Callea puts a modern pop spin on Born to Hand Jive, his only number as Johnny Casino, and a bedazzled Todd McKenney literally sparkles as Teen Angel.

http://www.smh.com.a...l#ixzz2d1P2sYKX

Theatrepeople.com.au
Aussies love celebrity and they populate this show in great numbers. Anthony Callea sets the stage on fire and delivers an outstanding performance.

http://www.theatrepe...grease-Brisbane

The Australian
Sporting a distinctively modern haircut, Anthony Callea is in the pocket for Born to Hand Jive, which features fun rockabilly lifts and the high-kicking Cha Cha (Andrea Arena).

http://www.theaustra...6-1226704511118

XSEntertainment.com
Bert Newton as Vince Fontaine, Val Lehman as Miss Lynch, Anthony Callea as Johnny Casino and Todd McKenney as Teen Angel have all been cast for star power and they all shine as brightly as you’d expect.

http://xsentertainme.wordpress.com/

Aussie Theatre
Included in the star-studded line-up was Australian Idol runner-up Anthony Callea as Johnny Casino, performing the song ‘Hand Jive’ at the Rydell High dance off. Callea is a natural entertainer and a delight to watch.

http://aussietheatre...ase-is-the-word



    Monday, July 29, 2013

    Grease Is The Word...

    GREASE IS THE WORD FOR ANTHONY CALLEA

    By Tim Spencer
    July 26th 2013

    Anthony Callea has got quite the busy schedule up here in Queensland at the moment. Having just released his new album ‘Thirty’, the former Australian Idol runner up will be taking the album on the road next month, performing shows in Brisbane and the Gold Coast before he returns to the musical theatre stage at QPAC in the smash hit production, Grease. QNews Music Editor, Tim Spencer spoke with Anthony this week to get the low down on all that he’s been up to. 

    Firstly, where have we got you? How have you been?

    Where am I? I’m at home in Melbourne. Next week I kick off the first show in Melbourne, so just having a real boring week. I’m not going out anywhere, I’m not drinking. I’m locking myself up in my house so I don’t get sick. I’m a little bit nervous to be honest. The first show in a run of shows. I’m nervous but excited.

    Is it the same formula each time when you prepared to tour? I mean does it always make you nervous?

    I think once you’ve done it a few times, you understand what needs to be done but you still have to execute it. When you’re fronting your own show, it always comes with responsibilities, and you don’t want to disappoint. If you didn’t get nervous and it didn’t affect you in that way, I think something’s telling you that you shouldn’t be doing it and you don’t care enough.

    So what can we expect this time. Is it more focusing on Thirty?

    Yeah loving myself sounds great (laughs). This tour celebrates the last album Thirty, so a lot of the songs that will be performed are from the album. There are a couple of other songs from past albums and releases. The album was all recorded live, so like the album I didn’t want the vocals over produced. So basically this whole tour is like that, just to keep it real and live. I’ve worked with these musicians and they’ve been in my band for a while now. To produce a show that’s totally live is quite exciting.

    To produce the album with all parts performing at the same time, was that a pain?

    This was the first time I’ve been part of the process. Singers usually just perform their vocals and then leave. I wanted to be there, I wanted to hear what it sounded like and I wanted to meet them as well. It’s hard to cut strings, so if one of them stuffs up, you basically have to start over again. There was a few times that were like ‘let’s start that one again.’ It was great to sit behind the console and watch and listen to these musicians recording the music. It got me excited to see that it’s all coming to life.

    Do you think that’s how you’d do it again or is it too soon?

    I’d definitely like to approach the recordings that way. It was a little easier as a lot of my recordings are usually done in Sydney, but I’m not from Sydney. I recorded this in Melbourne and it was great to wake up in my own bed every morning and drive down in my own car and just hang out there. It just made life a lot easier. And because of the style of the album too, it wasn’t a heavily produced electronic album, so it wasn’t just me with a  producer stuck in there for hours at end.

    Can you give our readers an insight into what type of material is on the album?

    The album is basically a collection of songs that have influenced me over the years, whether it was a songwriter behind the song or artist. Cheap Tricks, The Flame, my dad used to play that all the time and I grew up with that for all these years, I think it was actually released in 1983. There is also two originals on the album as well, and for them to not be overshadowed was important. I think they work really well on this album.

    What was it like shooting the film clip for ‘My All’ – a clip that depicts a relationship between a same sex couple?

    I see that video clip as a love film clip which celebrates all types of love on an equal level. It was beautiful when the record company said, we need to put a video clip together for one of the songs because we weren’t releasing a single as such. They came to me and asked what track do you want to be your video clip. I asked them what they thought and they all said they wanted me to do My All. I was not expecting that whatsoever. I said I really love that you said that because it’s my first choice as well. We basically came up with the idea straight away, and Tim and I sat down in the house and wrote the storyboard and presented it to the record company. I asked Tim if he was comfortable being a part of it. I wrote it about Tim but also wanted it to be a celebration of love, not just my own. I think we captured that with the beautiful older couple who in real life have been together for 50 years.
    Then Andy and Matt who are our friends, I asked them if they wanted to be in the clip because I wanted to catch that realness. And bringing Tim in towards the end, basically summing up what the song means to me.

    It’s a really beautiful clip. My hat goes off to you. You are touring QLD at the moment. Broncos leagues Club, Twin Towers Leagues Club are coming up soon.

    It’s just the East Coast to be honest. Basically after my last QLD concert, I move into my accommodation for Grease.

    Early in your career after Australian Idol, you came out with hits like ‘Falling Like Rain’. Now, almost a decade later, do you ever wish you had changed the lyrics such as ‘I don’t get to hold her tonight.’ to something more like  “I don’t get to hold him tonight.

    No, not at all. I was 21 at the time of putting that album together and I don’t apologise for going through a process of finding myself. Everyone has their own way of dealing with growing up. I had to deal with coming to terms and being comfortable with who I was. I was really lucky that I had supportive friends and family who were around me, and I just did what I thought was right at the time. I think the whole emotional feeling and premise of the song is irrelevant of which gender you’re talking about.

    How has it been getting back into the acting arena in Grease?

    It’s really not much of an acting role as such. I’m playing the role of Jonny Casino, so we do the big hand jives scene. So it’s going to be a lot of fun. They came to me and asked if I wanted to play the role of Jonny Casino, my ears pricked up. I don’t think I’ve come across anyone that doesn’t like Grease. Everyone’s grown up with the story and the music. It’s a feel good musical great family show.

    It’s a show everyone seems to do in high school. Is it a show you’ve been a part of before?

    I’ve never actually done a production of Grease before. I never was in musicals in high school. I was more jamming it out with the band. I was a rocker. People are now thinking “how on earth was he a rocker” (laughs)

    Thanks so much for giving us the time of day Anthony. It’s been great getting to know you.

    Anthony Callea is playing at the Broncos Leagues Club Red Hill Aug 9th and Twin Towers Service Club August 10th and then we will be seeing you in Grease. Don’t get sick now.

    original article *HERE*

    Friday, July 19, 2013

    Newcastle Herald Article

    Anthony Callea's new album Thirty

    ANTHONY Callea didn't want a big party to celebrate his 30th birthday.
    Instead the singer, who placed as runner-up on the 2004 season of Australian Idol, chose to mark his third decade with an album of songs that have inspired him throughout his life.
    "I haven't put an album out for a while so I wanted to put an album together and I thought turning 30 was a good excuse to celebrate that milestone," Callea says.
    The album (titled Thirty) includes covers of Cheap Trick's The Flame, Heart's Alone and Dance With My Father by Luther Vandross, along with two originals, My All and I'll Be The One, and a couple of Italian songs to pay homage to his family background

    "This album was probably one of the easiest albums to put together and I say that in a really good way," Callea says.
    "I've lived with these songs for so many years and I wanted to record songs that have somewhat influenced me over the last 30 years.
    "These songs have been part of my life and I've sung a lot of them live but I've just never recorded them so it was a great opportunity to sit down and go 'OK what are the songs that really have spoken to me and captured me'.
    "It wasn't about recreating these songs at all. It was about just putting my stamp on them and hopefully I've done that without playing around with them too much."
    The album was recorded in Callea's home town of Melbourne with all of the strings on the album recorded live.
    Releasing the album spells the beginning of a new partnership with ABC Music who released Thirty after Callea approached them with the project earlier this year.
    "It was a bit daunting - totally," Callea laughs.
    "You want to do this thing so badly and you want these people to come on board and so it's like you need to sell it to them.
    "I'm so glad that they understood what I wanted to do with the album from word go."
    Callea, who has been chosen as one of the acts to perform at the opening ceremony of the Special Olympics 2013 Asia Pacific Games in Newcastle on December 1, is touring the album with a run of dates in Victoria, NSW and Queensland.
    The singer says he owes a lot to Australian Idol, conceding that the show was a huge stepping stone in his music career.
    "I still get to wake up everyday and say that I'm a singer so it's pretty cool," Callea says.
    "I don't have any regrets whatsoever. I wouldn't be able to do what I'm doing right now if it wasn't for that show.
    "It gave me an amazing launch pad and it taught me so many things and I walked away with so many experiences and lessons learnt from that show.
    "I was young - I was 21 - and I can only speak from my experience but the hard work definitely starts as soon as that show's over.
    "At times it did get a little bit overwhelming but if you don't get lost in the hype of the show and just remember why you actually walked into that audition room in the first place then hopefully you can keep it all together."
    As well as the tour, Callea is also appearing in a production of Grease The Musical which kicks off in Brisbane next month.
    He says his partner of five years, House Husbands actor Tim Campbell, offers him plenty of tips for the stage.
    "I'm the first one to put my hand up and say 'I'm not really the actor, I'm more the singer' [laughs], so living in a household where one's a singer and one's an actor, it's great," Callea says.
    "I can give him singing tips and he can give me acting tips, so it's a fair swap. I've saved myself $100 an hour!"
    Anthony Callea performs at Belmont 16 Foot Sailing Club on August 3. Bookings online at 16s.com.au or phone 49450888.

    see article HERE



      Tuesday, June 25, 2013

      popsugar interviews Anthony Callea

      Anthony Callea on His New Album and the Music That Shaped His Life


      
      Anthony Callea burst onto the Australian music scene as the runner-up of Australian Idol in 2004, and since then he’s been working steadily in different parts of the industry, whether it’s supporting touring artists (including Diana Ross, Celine Dion and Whitney Houston), performing in musical theatre stage productions, or recording new music. His latest album, Thirty, is a compilation of covers, 12 songs that have had deep meaning in his life, and he’s about to embark on a national tour. On top of that, he recently landed the role of Johnny Casino in the upcoming production of Grease. We caught up with Anthony for the scoop on recording Thirty and why certain songs have stood out for him.
      You’re 30 now — how have your thirties been treating you so far?
      You know what, so far so good. I remember leading up to turning 30 I was a little bit, like anyone, it freaks you out a little bit, you’re leaving your twenties, but I’ve got so many friends in their thirties and they were like, ‘What are you worrying about? It’s actually really good to be in your thirties.’ So I was like, ‘OK, I guess I have to trust you on that, and I can’t really do anything about it.’ The first few months have been really good, so I can’t complain.
      How easy or hard was it to choose 10 songs that have defined your life, or made a huge impact?
      To be honest, it was probably easier than any other album I’ve put together. When you have grown up with a lot of these songs and they’ve been part of your life, and I’ve performed a lot of these songs on a regular basis with my band at events and corporates and all that stuff, I didn’t have to think twice about a lot of these songs because I love them. I thought, ‘If I have to think twice about any of these songs, then they’re not the right song to put on this album.’ There are songs like “When You Believe” and “Go the Distance” that I’ve been singing for years. I’ve sung them with the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra, the Sydney Symphony Orchestra, and I’ve never recorded them, so I thought this is the perfect opportunity to record these songs, and songs that I love and have made an impact on me.
      More from Anthony when you keep reading.
      Those two tracks, for me, are familiar because they’re from animations — how much do movies influence you in that way?
      Not a lot! [Laughs] I know, a lot of people have said that. To be honest, and this sound really bad, but I’m not really a full-on movie buff. I’m not one of those people who goes to the movies all the time, or has to check out a movie, especially when it comes to animation! I’m just not the biggest fan. However, these two songs are just brilliant and stand out on their own; they don’t need the movie, I think. “When You Believe” was fitting for me to have on the album because I opened up for Mariah [Carey] and Whitney [Houston], and they obviously originally recorded that song. When I went to New York I went to [composer] Stephen Schwartz’s house, and I actually held his Grammy and Oscar for this song. They were in his alarmed cabinet in his apartment and I got him to open it, and I just went, ‘That’s pretty cool.’ So there’s a great story behind that track, and behind a lot of these songs there’s a reason why they’re on the album.
      You have stayed faithful with most of the covers in terms of arrangements — was that always your intention or did you want to try different things, too?
      Totally. I never wanted to recreate these songs — that was never the intention. Why would I? They’re beautifully-written songs and I’m a big believer in if they’re not broken, why try to fix them? I didn’t want to change them, I wanted to record them with live musicians and live strings. I basically said to James Kempster, who I asked to produce this album, “I want you to stay true to these songs, I just want to put my own stamp on them. Even when I record my vocal, I don’t want too many bells and whistles. I just want it to be as real as possible,” and hopefully that comes through when you hear it, because I didn’t want it to be a ridiculously-overproduced album. I just wanted to record a beautiful live album, and hopefully we’ve achieved that. It came together quite nicely, and it was probably one of the best experiences I’ve had putting an album together.
      When I wanted to record this album I walked into a couple of record companies, and when I walked into ABC Music I just knew that it felt right. I said, “This is what I want to do: I want to call it Thirty; I want James Kempster to produce it because I’ve known him for nine years and he knows my voice back to front; these are the songs; I want Susie Ahern to do a duet with me because I’ve known her for 15 years; I want live strings and musicians . . .” I was waiting for them to turn around and say, “What are you on? You can’t have all this,” and it was actually quite the opposite. They were so open and basically let me do what I wanted to do.
      Do you keep up with all the singing shows on these days?
      To be honest, if I’m home I’ll most likely put it on and watch it, but lately I haven’t really gotten into it [The Voice], and with the first series I was actually in LA, so I was only seeing snippets online. I did Australian Idol nine years ago, and I think the whole dynamic and structure of these shows have changed dramatically, especially with social media that’s come into play. It’s changed the whole game a little bit, and that goes for a lot of industries, not just the music and entertainment industries.
      You just hope these people going onto these shows can take something good from it and use it to their advantage. And that they realise that it’s actually not about the contestants on these shows anymore, it’s about the TV show. It’s about the hype of the TV show, so don’t fall into the trap of believing in your own hype, because it’s actually not about you. [Laughs] The hard work starts as soon as you’re off that show. It gives you an amazing platform, and for me I wouldn’t change it for the world because Idol gave me a massive launch pad. With any nine-year period there’s always going to be ups and downs. I’ve turned 30 and nine years down the track I still get to wake up every day and call myself a singer, and say that’s my job, so I’m pretty lucky, but it goes with a lot of hard work.
      How did you get cast in Grease and how influential was it for you growing up?
      I think Grease is one of those movies that everyone loves — I don’t think you can come across one person who doesn’t like the musical, or the movie. To be part of a show like that is going to be lots of fun — for me it’s not your traditional musical like Les Mis, it’s more of a jukebox, feel-good musical that you can bring the family to, and that everyone’s going to enjoy. So when they came to me and asked, “Can you be part of it?” I went, “Yeah, you know what, that sounds like a lot of fun.” And I get to work with my old pal Bert Newton again, so I’m very excited about that.
      ANTHONY'S TOUR DATES
      Saturday 13 July — The Palms, Crown Casino Melbourne, VIC
      Friday 26 July — Bankstown Sports Club, NSW
      Saturday 27 July — Dee Why RSL, NSW
      Friday 2 August — South Sydney Juniors, NSW
      Saturday 3 August — Belmont 16 Foot Sailing Club (Newcastle), NSW
      Friday 9 August — Broncos Leagues Club, QLD
      Saturday 10 August — Twin Towns Resort, QLD

      Wednesday, June 19, 2013

      the AU interview: Anthony Callea

      the AU interview: Anthony Callea (Melbourne)


      Anthony Callea is soon to be out on the road, bringing his new album Thirty to a fan base that has been hanging out for some new material to sink their teeth into. The vocal powerhouse and recent ABC Music label member, chats with me about making the album, how personal it was for him to be releasing the selected originals in amongst some covers of songs that have personal significance for him and touring the material in a brand new live show!

      Thanks for taking some time out to have a bit of a chat!
      Oh all good, thank you!

      The tour is going to be kicking off relatively soon – how exciting is it to be taking this new album out?
      Yeah, it’s a month until I kick it off in Melbourne with the first show. I suppose, for me, I can definitely say that this is the best part about what I do. You can coop me up in a studio for so long and as much as I love that process of putting an album together, I really do, I love it when you can just get out there and perform with your band in front of an audience that actually wants to be there. It’s not a corporate or it’s not an event where people are already going to be there; it’s pretty cool to think that you’re putting on a show and people are spending decent money to see you sing. I’m very lucky to be able to do what I love and you know, have a great life. It’s good! [Laughs]

      You’ve always been known as quite the dynamic and energetic performer and vocalist – with these shows coming up, was there any game plan set in stone for how you wanted these particular shows to be formed?
      Definitely, I’ve been working on these shows for a few weeks now and just tightening it up and looking forward to getting into the rehearsal studio with my band, that’s going to be a lot of fun. Obviously, there’s definitely going to be some structure to these shows, but I want them to be live, vocals shows. I’ve got some great musicians and I’m taking Suzie [Ahern] out on the road too. I’ve known her for 15 years and she’s an amazing singer; there’s going to be a duet in there and she’s going to be doing all the backing vocals. These musicians I’m working with, I’ve known for quite a while now, so they know me inside and out. It’s just great to be able to work with musicians like that and hopefully, I want people to walk away and be like, ‘That was a really great vocal show’. There’s not going to be too many bells and whistles but at the same time, hopefully it’s going to be a lot of fun. For me it will be, so hopefully for them it will be the same!
      I
       guess, for a performer like yourself, all the reviews that have come out from your shows are always praising your voice and they’ve frequently commented on the fact that the vocals have always been a massive part of the live show. In that sense, your voice is the ‘bells and whistles’ aspect – people go to hear that recognisable voice.
      Well, if people go away saying that, then that means I’ve done my job well! That’s great! [Laughs]

      Just on the new album, Thirty…it’s a great thing to be in a position where you can go ‘Okay, let’s make an album full of songs that I really admire, give them my own spin and also add some originals’. That must have been a pretty cool record to make.
      This album didn’t come from a record company, there was no A&R person that said, ‘We want to do this and we want to put this album together’. Basically, I had the idea early last year and I wanted to put this album together myself; I was unsigned at the time and so I walked in to a few record companies and said, ‘This is what I want to do and this is my plan, this is how I want to put this album together’. I had this whole concept of what I wanted to do and I was really fortunate that ABC and their relationship with Universal took this project on board and we’ve been able to produce a really beautiful album. I’m so happy with it and when I put it on a listen to it, it’s something that I’m really proud of. Hopefully that comes through; when you listen to it, these songs have somehow meant something to me along the way, along the last 30 years.
      It wasn’t about recreating these songs at all, because they’re beautiful, classic songs. Let’s not play with them too much, but let’s pay respect to these songs; whether it was the songwriter or the artist behind these songs, or even just the lyrics and the melody, somehow they had affected me. I wanted to go in the studio and just put my spin on these songs without changing them too much. A lot of the songs too, obviously there are your big, power ballad anthems, but there’s a song that I wrote called “I’ll Be The One”, which I really love and it’s quite sensitive and quite basic in terms of production. I think that is what makes that song work. Hopefully, when you listen to this album, it does take you on a little bit of a musical journey.

      Totally. With “I’ll Be The One” and the other original track ("My All") featured on the record, what was it about these tracks that made you decided that it would be this album that fitted them specifically?
      For me, I wrote both these songs probably about four years ago and I’ve done a lot of writing since then, but I’ve just been waiting for the right time to have these two songs a part of a body of work that actually complemented every song on the album. I didn’t want to just throw these two songs out there and just hope they stuck, I wanted them to be part of a body of work that worked well together. When I was putting these songs together I was like, ‘You know what? I want to put these two songs on the album because I think they would really work’! It was beautiful to have these two originals on there, plus the covers and then having some Italian on there as well because obviously, that is part of my heritage. I wanted to put this album together that was a good mix of songs that reflected me.

      Definitely, I think that putting together a collection of material that is ultimately coming from quite a personal place…that must be a cool feeling to have as it gets out there.
      Yeah, it’s just makes it real. You learn a lot; in the last nine years since I stepped off that Idol stage, obviously you learn a lot…

      Has it really been nine years?
      Yeah, it’s been nine years, don’t worry I’ve got the wrinkles to prove it! [Laughs] You go through a few obstacles along the way and I suppose that, when I was putting this album together, I didn’t want to fall in to any trap of putting an album together for any wrong reasons. I wanted to make sure it came from a good place and it was probably one of the most enjoyable recording experiences that I’ve ever had. Working with James [Kempster], I didn’t have to go and base myself in Sydney for this album; it was just nice to be able to wake up and go to bed in Melbourne and then just drive to the studio and work with James, who has known me for so long. It was a good experience.

      That’s awesome to hear. Now, I see you’ve just done a run of in-store signings; I miss those days where you could actually rock up with your physical copy and meet the artist regularly!
      [Laughs] Oh tell me about it! Kids probably don’t even know what a physical copy of a CD is today!

      So with this run of appearances and now the tour coming up, it’s fair to say that you’re going to be kept pretty busy.
      Totally, basically, the day after I finish my last show at Twin Towns, which I think is technically NSW although I think it’s more Gold Coast…the next day, I basically go straight into the theatre to start rehearsing for Grease, which is opening up in Brisbane. Until the end of March next year at least, I’m working. So that’s a good thing!

      Well yeah, you’ll be in a job!
      For a musician, that’s a good thing! [Laughs]

      For sure – it’s great to see you, any musician really, being able to perform and produce music they enjoy on their own terms.
      Oh thank you, I appreciate it.

      Thanks for the chat Anthony, it’ll be great to see how the tour goes and everything that comes after it!
      Oh thank you. Take care!

      Anthony Callea will be performing along the east coast in July and August. Check out www.anthonycallea.com/shows.php for more information!

      article here

      Special Olymics Sneak Preview





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      TEARS and cheers have greeted an early glimpse of the Special Olympics opening ceremony headed to Newcastle later this year.
       
      About 200 people turned out to an official announcement Wednesday which included performances by Newcastle native and ceremony creative director John Foreman with Darren Percival and pianist Stewart Abbott.
      Performers Marina Prior, Anthony Callea Brooke McClymont and Darren Percival all attended the launch.
      The Newcastle Herald reported Wednesday that those performers as well as Icehouse frontman Iva Davies and Hunter performers Doug Parkinson and Marcia Hines would perform at the December 1 event.
      Brooke McClymont, one of several performers who attended the launch, said her group was primed to perform.
      ‘‘We’re really looking forward to participating in the opening ceremony and seeing athletes from around the world come together in our home country,’’ she said.
      The ceremony will mark the official start of the games, which run from November 30 to December 7. 
      More than 2500 athletes from 32 nations are expected to compete in seven Hunter venues.
      Tickets are available through ProTicket on 1300 121 012 or at
       
       
      The gala ceremony will open the first ever Special Olympics 2013 Asia Pacific Games for athletes with an intellectual disability. 
       
      Family tickets are $44 while premium reserve seats begin from $30.

      Sunday, June 16, 2013

      Callea's Warning To Voice Final 4

      Anthony Calleas warning to Voice finalists: the fall is hard and painful

      Cameron Adams National music writer
      News Limited
      June 14, 2013 2:53PM


      Former Australian Idol contestant Anthony Callea says the Voice is about TV ratings not generating hit musicians.


      THIS time tomorrow Australia will have a second winner of The Voice. But for a program built on backstories, The Voices problematic backstory is that it has yet to spawn a major star despite being one of the worlds biggest TV brands.

      Of the final four Harrison Craig, Luke Kennedy, Celia Pavey and Danny Ross Craig and Kennedy are the favourites, with their potential albums expected to follow the successful path standards crooner Michael Buble has followed in the last decade.

      However Australian Idol already tried the crooner schtick remember jazz singer Carl Risely from 2007? He lost his major label record deal (with The Voices home Universal) after just two releases.

      Anthony Callea, runner-up in Idol in 2004, says The Voice generates TV ratings rather than musical artists who can sell records once the show ends.

      Everythings so fast now, Callea said. I saw one of the contestants from last year posting on social media and I just wanted to say `Youre not a star yet, youre on a hit TV show. They shouldnt believe the hype. Because the hypes not about you, the hypes about the show and the judges. And the sob story before people sing.

      Its about the TV show, not about the actual singers on the show. And once that show has finished youre on your own. You have to work and prove yourself. Sometimes I worry for them because as quick as you can be put up there the fall is so much harder and painful.

      Callea said record companies now relied on reality TV to find new talent.

      Just because youre signed to a record label doesnt mean its going to work at all, Callea said. It doesnt matter who you are. You can have two successful albums and as soon as you have a dud album theyll drop you because theyve spent too much money. Everyones somewhat disposable. Thats the game we play in.

      Callea said despite The Voices powerhouse ratings it has not generated the multi-platinum record sales early series of Australian Idol managed.

      Back in the day it was about Guy (Sebastian) or Shannon (Noll) or Paulini or Jess (Mauboy) and people bought their records. Its bells and whistles now. We couldnt hide behind anything, there werent 20 dancers or pyro or lighting. When the TV show finishes, you dont have that. When you do your in-store performances its you and a microphone. If you dont know your craft it aint gonna translate. When you watch The Voice you get lost in the whole performance. Thats great for TV but if someone sees you in Westfield they might think Oh, I thought youd be better.


      Tiffany Dunk, editor of Dolly whose audience are the demographic who vote for The Voice via downloads said the show is not a guaranteed star-maker.

      Our readers really love coaches Joel Madden and Delta Goodrem, but their investment into the winner isnt as strong as singing-based competitions past, Dunk said. The final four havent managed to generate the same amount of fan followings as, for example, the last two seasons of The X Factor.

      In the UK Leanne Mitchell, who won last years series of The Voice (with judges including Tom Jones and Will.i.am) saw her debut album sell just 895 copies in its first week, reaching No. 134 on the chart. In the US The Voices first winner Javier Colon also peaked at No. 134 on the chart with his winners album. The next two US Voice winners, from 2011 and 2012, are yet to release an album.

      The Australian Voice has provided arguably the most successful winner per capita, with Karise Edens album My Journey hitting No.1. It has sold over 140,000 copies, however the singers personal issues derailed any major touring or promotion.

      Last year the final four all scored record deals, with only Edens achieving major sales. This years contestants have only managed two Top 10 singles on the ARIA chart, despite being seen by over a million viewers a week.

      The finalists will release a cover of John Farnhams Youre the Voice after the Grand Final, with the winners single and album to be rush-recorded and rush-released over the next week.


      FUTURE SUCCESS?


      HARRISON CRAIG
      Music journalist Jeff Jenkins notes that its disconcerting seeing an 18 year old boy croon, but Craigs backstory his speech impediment caused an instant connection. Theres no doubt Harrison has a future. His story immediately won over the nation. But theres not a lot of room in the crooner market. Where is Carl Riseley today?, Jenkins said.

      Iconic and influential DJ John Peters notes Everyone loves Harrison but I think the eskimoes have enough ice.

      And Dolly editor Tiffany Dunk says Craig may struggle to sell crooner music to people his age. His story really resonates with teenagers and the fact that hes pretty easy on the eye doesnt hurt either, but Im not certain if his style of music will find a huge audience with teens post the show.

      Prospects: Will sell albums to the set who buy albums for Mothers Day and Christmas but not the rest of the year.


      DANNY ROSS
      Ross wacky outfits have created a niche on the show, but his original song Windmill was the least popular on iTunes after last weeks The Voice. He follows a similar music vein to hirsute hippy Angus Stone.

      Seal proclaimed him the future of Australian music but Im not so sure, Jeff Jenkins said, comparing him to Idol square peg Bobby Flynn, whose career trailed off after the show ended. Danny is this years wildcard, but if youre truly edgy and alternative, would you launch your career on a national TV talent quest?

      Tiffany Dunk said Ross could be the surprise packet. He may not have the biggest or strongest voice but hes nailing the music that people are listening to and loving right now.

      John Peters said Danny may sell a few capes and puffy shirts.

      Prospects: Shaky. Will either fill the eccentric artiste niche, or disappear like X Factor oddball Altiyan Childs.


      CELIA PAVEY
      Pavey already gained attention on You Tube with her original folk tunes shes the Julia Stone to Danny Ross Angus Stone. Jeff Jenkins also compares her to Australian Idol graduate Lisa Mitchell, who like Matt Corby has managed a credible career by not winning a reality TV competition.

      Her future will depend on the quality of her songwriting, Jenkins says. `Shes a talent, but not unique check out other female folk pop singers who have chosen not to go down the TV path, such as Melody Pool and Caitlin Harnett.

      Peters said Paveys original song Candle in the Night was strong.

      If she records an album of originals without too much interference she will do well and go on to greatness.

      Dunk said while she was extremely talented Pavey hasnt resonated strongly with the teen readers yet.

      Prospects: Australia isnt averse to unusual female vocalists, so if her original songwriting proves up to snuff, has a decent chance of a career.


      LUKE KENNEDY
      Kennedy was a member of opera act The Ten Tenors, and is the only second-chance contestant from this years Voice to make the final four.

      Hes perhaps the most versatile member of the final four, which is a surprise, given his time with The Ten Tenors, Jenkins said. But what sort of album will Luke make? Does he go down the popera path, or make a pop album?

      Peters also fears Kennedy may be stuck making Mothers or Fathers Day albums. Italian opera has a fairly limited audience.

      However Dunk believed Kennedy will seize his second chance. With the exposure he and Celia have had on the show as well as the introduction to those working on it behind the scenes definitely helps with their future careers.

      Prospects: Will be a difficult balancing act. If he stays with his opera roots hell narrow his market, but if he tries to turn himself into a pop star it might seem inauthentic.

      Sunday, May 5, 2013

      FUSE Magazine interviews Anthony Callea





      Review of 'Thirty'

      The review of Anthony Callea's latest top 20 album 'Thirty' published in the 5/5/13 edition of The Herald Sun...

      Thursday, May 2, 2013

      Anthony Callea - auspOp interview

      INTERVIEW : Anthony Callea
      Friday, April 26, 2013 -auspOp

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      Though his name might have been known throughout most of Australia only for the past nine years, the career of Melbourne singer songwriter Anthony Callea began long before he burst onto our screens via 'Australian Idol'.
      He's done the hard yards - through singing schools and talent competitions, a record deal with Sony, songwriting, independent releases, musicals... and all before his 30th birthday back in December.
      To celebrate the milestone, Anthony today releases 'Thirty' - a tribute to the songs and the performers who have inspired him across the past three decades. Naturally, we couldn't let such a momentous occasion slip without having a natter with the singer on the eve of its release. Anthony begins by telling us how the album came to be.

      "It was an idea that I came up with last year and I basically wanted to do something that celebrated turning 30," he says. "I wanted to put an album together, but I didn’t want to try and remake certain songs, but to pay homage to the artists, the music and the lyrics that have inspired me over the last 30 years.

      "A lot of these songs I’ve sung in a live environment, but I’ve never actually recorded. I wanted to have the opportunity to record them, call the album ‘Thirty’ and then put a couple of originals on it too. The new songs have been sitting in my iTunes folder for years and I’ve just been waiting for the right time to have them part of a body of work that I’m really proud of," he tells us.

      'Thirty' sees Anthony forging a new relationship with the ABC label, part of the wider Universal Music conglomerate. He tells us he couldn't be happier with how the team there has embraced both his ideas and his music.

      "I remember walking into ABC and told them my idea. I wanted to work with James Kempster. I’ve known him for nine years and we have a really good working relationship, so I wanted him to put this album together. I brought all my ideas to the table and they’ve just really embraced them all. It’s really bizarre to be in a situation where I don’t have to fight for anything. It's a really beautiful thing and I’m touching wood right now because I don’t want to jinx myself," Anthony says.

      As mentioned earlier, Anthony's 30 years have been peppered with incredible achievements, awards and accolades. But with so many highlights, the singer struggles to choose just one that outshines all others.

      "I don’t know if there’s one in particular," Anthony admits. "There are certain times in your life that you look back on as totally surreal and that you’ll remember forever. One of those was when I got to meet Whitney and Celine. That was just like… 'Hello!'. Then obviously winning an ARIA. As a kid, I used to watch the ARIAs all the time and all I wanted was to be there in the audience. To win one was pretty cool.

      "And I suppose a highlight for me is being able to wake up every day and call myself a singer. When you go to the airport and you have to fill in the paper work, in the job description I put ‘singer’. And that for me, nine to ten years down the track after 'Idol' is a really beautiful thing. To be able to do what you love and not have to get a nine to five job just yet... Not many people can say that and I’m pretty fortunate to be able to say I can, so… I love it."

      However, when it turns to a list of the artists who've inspired him across the past three decades, Anthony's quick to name names.

      "There’s Rick Price, John Farnham, Jack Jones, Tina Arena… all those singers have influenced me growing up. I suppose it came from my parents as well, because that’s what we used to listen to. I wanted to sound like a cross between Rick Price and Jack Jones. I just loved their voices. I remember going to John Farnham and Tina Arena concerts as a kid and I was just in awe of what they were doing. I loved their music. I love a real singer. And those four people that I’ve just mentioned can sing the 'Yellow Pages' and make them sound brilliant."

      Imagine the excitement in the Callea household, then, when Tina asked him to be part of her most recent Australian concert tours.

      "It’s pretty cool when your phone rings and it’s Tina on the other end asking you to join her on her concert tour to sing a couple of duets," he enthuses. "We had so much fun on that tour. It was cool to be able to hang out with her and talk shit really. You know, wake up in Brisbane and go and have a coffee that ends up being a four hour coffee and a glass of wine before looking at each other and saying ‘should we go and do sound check?’."



      'Thirty' diverts in a slightly different musical direction to Anthony's previous releases - the dance/pop 'Oh Oh Oh Oh' and 'Last To Go' EP - and finds the singer back in more familiar territory for his longer-term fans. Anthony explains the progression of his work.

      "When I put that EP together, I was having such a great time in LA that I wasn’t going to put any restrictions on me – and that’s what came naturally musically," he tells us. "I was going out, having fun, doing stupid things – and I brought that into my music. Lyrically and melodically, that’s where I was at that moment. And I loved that EP and loved putting it together.

      "But then it got to the middle of last year where I decided to do something that encapsulated the past 30 years of my life. I’m really proud of this album. The reaction has been great – I was so stoked to read the comments on the iTunes pre-order. It’s pretty cool that nine years down the track, people still care."

      Perhaps one of the more intriguing inclusions on the new album is Anthony's cover of Will Young's altogether brilliant single 'Leave Right Now'... a former 'Idol' star covering a former 'Idol' star. But despite the obvious connection, Anthony tell us that when it came to the song, he was completely none the wiser.

      "I’d never heard it before. True story," Anthony admits. "I could give you a made-up backstory about it, but I’m not going to lie. I was walking through Caesar’s Palace in Vegas and it came over the speakers. I stood there, I didn’t move. I tried to get my 'Shazam' working, but it wasn’t because I didn’t have wi-fi, so I tried to remember the lyrics in my head. I ran back to my room, Googled it and it came up with that song. I had it on repeat for the rest of the night.

      "Not that I’ve been in that situation personally, but I just loved the whole premise of 'Leave Right Now', the honesty of the lyric and that it wasn’t an ‘I love you, you love me’ scenario. It was ridiculously complex. When I was recording that, James said to me that it felt like the song, where it sits in my voice, was basically written for me melodically. It’s just a great song to sing. It’s so honest and raw. Sometimes a song just hits you."

      Thirty' also contains two original songs - 'My All' and 'I'll Be The One'. Anthony reveals that each of the tracks has been in his collection for a number of years, but were just waiting for the right project to be set free.

      "These two songs mean a lot to me and I didn’t want them to be overlooked, so having them part of this album is really cool," he says. "‘My All’ is a song about giving love a second chance. Someone coming into your life and giving you a second chance at love. I remember being in James’ studio up in the bush and his wife came up with a bottle of champagne and a cheese platter and that’s how we wrote the song. Sitting there on the balcony.

      "And ‘I’ll Be The One’ I did with Adam Reilly. I wrote that song straight after my second album. Basically it's honing in on those dark moments that hopefully not everyone goes through, but a lot of us do at one time or another. I didn’t want it to be a dark lyric, but a lyric that comes from a dark place but with a positive spin on it. It’s basically saying that there’s always going to be a person on the other end that you can rely on and talk to. It’s Tim’s favourite song on the album. He said, ‘I like that song because it’s basically just you. You and piano and no bells and whistles’."

      There are a couple of Italian-language tracks, which Anthony hopes will appease his grandparents, who "keep telling me I need to record in Italian every time I go there for dinner" and a guest vocal by an artist who he clearly holds in extraordinarily high regard.

      "If there’s one person that I’ve known since the age of 14 and nine months, or perhaps 15… that’s Susie Ahern. I love her dearly and she has one of the most phenomenal female voices in the country and I love it that every time we do a gig, she’s on stage with me. She’s just been so nurturing towards me over the years and has helped me out so much and I wanted her part of this album. I asked her to do the duet (Heart's 'Alone') with me and thankfully she said ‘yes’. She sounds shit hot on that track. Sometimes I put it on just to get inspired, because I love listening to her."


       As for the next 30 years, Anthony's kicking it off by launching into a series of instore appearances (starting tomorrow in Melbourne), along with a number of live shows across the East Coast.

      "To be honest, I can’t wait to get this album out and perform it live," he tells us. "You can stick me in a studio for however long, but after a while I start to go a little crazy and I need to get out of there and actually sing live. I suppose there have been moments, especially over the last few years, that you actually think it’s all a bit too much and too hard. But you walk out onto a stage and you have the audience in front of you and you remember what you’re doing it for."

      And beyond the shows? According to a bio on his management's website earlier this year, there were to be two Anthony Callea album releases throughout 2013. Since then, that information has been changed. We dig a little deeper to get the dirt.

      "Concentrating on ‘Thirty’ at the moment. But I have an idea up my sleeve. But I’m not giving it away just yet," he hints. "So let’s just see how ‘Thirty’ goes first. I don’t want anyone to take my idea." So there could be some truth to the rumour of a second Anthony Callea album this year? "Could," he teases.

      And as for the next 30 years?

      "In 30 years from now? At the rate it’s going… I’ll look like Joan Rivers," he explodes with laughter. "Who knows what’s going to be happening in 30 years!? I’d be happy to at least last that long. Seriously. If I got to 60 I’d be very happy. It’s good to aspire to have goals and so forth, but I just don’t think you should get so hung up on those goals and aspirations. Enjoy the moment you’re in, because who knows what’s going to happen."

      Anthony's new album 'Thirty' is available digitally and physically from today.
      Anthony will hit retailers around the country for in-store appearances (dates below).
      Tickets for the 'Thirty' album tour (dates below) are on sale now.


      INSTORE APPEARANCES
      April 27 @ 1:00pm : Westfield Knox
      May 02 @ 5:30pm : Westfield Liverpool
      May 04 @ 1:00pm : Castle Towers
      May 09 @ 5:00pm : Queen Street Mall
      May 11 @ 1:00pm : Westfield Marion
      May 15 @ 7:00pm : Chadstone Shopping Centre

      'THIRTY' ALBUM TOUR
      July 13 : Melbourne (The Palms At Crown)
      July 26 : Bankstown (Sports Club)
      July 27 : Dee Why (Dee Why RSL)
      August 02 : South Sydney (South Sydney Juniors)
      August 03 : Newcastle (Belmont 16 Footers)
      August 09 : Brisbane (Broncos Leagues Club)
      August 10 : Tweed Heads (Twin Towns)
       
       
       
       


        Callea's Prayer Is Answered

        Callea's Prayer Is Answered

        Suzanne Carbone
        The Age
        May 2, 2013

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        Anthony Callea will have the audience in the palm of his hand during his Thirty concert.

        Buying a ticket to see Anthony Callea in concert is like the gift-with-purchase scenario. You not only get his richly timbred voice and wicked laugh but the special guest is his partner, actor and entertainer Tim Campbell.

        The baby-faced Australian Idol runner-up from 2004 is all grown up at 30 and has called his third album Thirty to mark his coming of age.

        Bursting with effervescence like a glass of chinotto drunk by his Italian compatriots, Callea is pinching himself that he's performing at his favourite showroom, the Palms at Crown, on July 13, with Campbell as his support act. ''To do what we do and integrate it with work, it's a beautiful thing,'' Callea said. He loves the Palms so much that he'll be there on June 8 with friend Ann Peacock to see 1980s bombshell Taylor Dayne.

        Blissfully in love with Campbell, his real-life House Husband, and sharing a cosy house equipped with a TV room, Callea entered the gay-marriage debate by saying the duo weren't ready to set a date but believed in the concept as a human-rights issue. ''In a country that you would like to think is progressive and educated, it's a shame that in 2013 it hasn't been legalised. The issue is about equality and having the choice to marry.''

        After his tour, Callea will get into Grease mode to play Rydell High School spunk Johnny Casino and is super-excited that he'll be on stage again with Bert Newton as dance-show host Vince Fontaine. In Wicked, Newton, the wizard, and Callea, the munchkin, shared a dressing room with much hilarity. ''Bert is so cheeky. I love him to death.''
        Grease has electrified Callea for two reasons: he'll be cavorting with Moonface in several scenes and he has graduated from a munchkin to a heart-throb.
        Original Here

        Callea, Campbell joint interview

        Scans of the joint interview with Anthony Callea and Tim Campbell in New Idea Magazine...



        click on scans to read in new window

        Thursday, April 25, 2013

        Anthony Callea has past covered















        Cameron Adams
        April 24, 2013

        TURNING 30 may mean earning a few wrinkles, but for Anthony Callea it also means an awareness that comes with age.
          
        His new album, Thirty, not only celebrates his milestone birthday, but reaching a point where he can make a record on his terms.

        It has covers he grew up singing - Oleta Adams' Get Here, Luther Vandross' Dance With My Father, Cheap Trick's The Flame, Backstreet Boys' The Perfect Fan, Will Young's Leave Right Now and Whitney & Mariah's When You Believe.

        Throw in a Michael Bolton song and two Italian covers, and it's a major shift from Callea's last release, a dance pop EP.

        "I threw the concept of being cool out of the window making this record," Callea says.

        "With age, you know your strengths and weaknesses. I didn't set out to make a record that's commercially cool or worry about what people think I should do. I did what I wanted. Yes, there's some ballads on there, and some songs in Italian, but it's not just an album full of The Prayer again; I won't do that again, it's been done."

        The album opts for vocal emotion over sonic perfection, as well as live strings.

        "People have already said, 'Oh you've left commercial dance pop behind for this', but I don't regret anything," Callea says.

        "I paid for that (dance) EP myself. I'm not going to throw thousands of dollars away on something I didn't feel was right. I had to get it out of my system.

        "With this album, when you love a song and it means something to you, it's not difficult. There were no rules, no fighting. I wasn't worried about getting songs on radio or which demographic they were for."

        Callea has included two originals, My All and I'll Be the One. Both were written four years ago near the start of his relationship with actor and singer Tim Campbell.

        "The premise of My All is someone coming into your life and giving love a second chance. The first time I recorded I'll Be the One a few years ago, I played it to Tim and he started crying. When I played him the new version for this album, he bawled as well. I'm not good with emotion. I didn't know what to do. Do I hand him a tissue? I can communicate much better in song than in a conversation. But that's a beautiful sign when someone so close to you has that reaction to a song you wrote."

        The video for My All also features a cameo from Campbell, now starring in House Husbands. "I said, 'It's written about you, why can't you be in the clip?'," Callea says. "It's a simple video, it's a really beautiful clip that captures what the song is about. And it's made a few people who've already seen it cry - for the right reasons - and that's the best compliment."

        Thirty (ABC/Universal), out tomorrow.

        ORIGINAL HERE

        Wednesday, April 24, 2013

        Callea In Concert

        THIRTY - LIVE IN CONCERT
        Anthony Callea, one of Australia’s finest vocal talents, is thrilled to reveal details of his upcoming headline tour. The ‘THIRTY Live In Concert’ tour will see Anthony take the songs from his new album ‘THIRTY’ to audiences across the East Coast, kicking off July 13 at The Palms at Melbourne’s Crown Casino and continuing through NSW and QLD for seven dates in July and August. To book, see dates and tickeing info below

        THIRTY LIVE IN CONCERT Tour Dates & Ticketing Information
        Saturday 13 July – The Palms, Crown Casino Melbourne – VIC
        www.crownmelbourne.com.au/events 1300 795 012
        http://premier.ticke...13#.UXhdwaXA7Gw

        Friday 26 July – Bankstown Sports Club – NSW
        http://www.bankstownsports.com/page/entertainment.html
        02 9722 9888

        Saturday 27 July – Dee Why RSL – NSW
        http://www.deewhyrsl...nt/ticketed.cfm02 9454 4000

        Friday 2 August – South Sydney Juniors – NSW
        http://www.thejuniors.com.au/1219103319:861:342:69173245.html
        02 9349 7555

        Saturday 3 August – Belmont 16 Foot Sailing Club (Newcastle) – NSW
        http://www.16s.com.a...39&eventID=183602 4945 0888

        Friday 9 August – Broncos Leagues Club – QLD
        http://www.broncosleagues.com.au/default.asp?contentID=79007 3858 9000

        Saturday 10 August – Twin Towns Resort – QLD
        http://www.twintowns...u/showroom.html1800 014 014

        Saturday, April 20, 2013

        Looking Forward - Looking Back

         

         

         

         

         

        Anthony Callea: Looking Forward, Looking Back

        18 April 2013
        So, what was it about turning thirty that compelled you to dedicate an album to it?

        When you reach a certain milestone in your life, I think it’s important to celebrate it and the best way I knew how to celebrate turning thirty [apart from throwing a massive party, which I did…] was to pay homage to the artists, melodies, lyrics and writers that have influenced me in my thirty years. Some of these songs have been part of my musical landscape for years but have all played a part in my life and impacted me in one way or another. There are two songs on this album, which I also have written, one with Adam Riely and the other with James Kempster who I also asked to produce this album for me. These two songs have been with me for a couple of years and have just been waiting for the right time to release them and to be part of a body of work that I am truly proud of. My All, the song I wrote with Kempster, means a great deal to me and I am so happy we got to shoot the clip for it.

         Are you somebody who fears getting older? Did the demise of your 20s cause you to reflect, freak out, or land somewhere between the two?


        I’m not going to lie, I would say I freaked out for a while there and thought, 'Fuck, does this mean I need to grow up now and be responsible?' but then I realised it’s okay to embrace being 30, well that’s what everyone around me was saying: “they will be the best years of your life” and so far, four months into them, all is good! And let’s face it, I was an early bloomer. I had a mortgage by the age of 22, a car lease by the age of 24 and half a dozen credit cards in my 20s… so it can’t get anymore daunting, can it?

         Career-wise you were thrown in the deep-end somewhat with Idol. Being thrust into the public eye so early in your career, what decisions would you have made differently with the benefit of hindsight?

         I don’t really have many regrets and if I do, it’s all part of growing up. I wouldn’t change anything, otherwise I wouldn’t know what I know now. I don’t really look back and think, “Wow, I wish I didn’t do that” but definitely being older, wiser, more experienced and having the right people around me now, I do look at things differently and hopefully make more informed decisions. However, I’m sure if you ask me this same question in ten years time, I will say, “Yep, thought I knew what I was doing, but still stuffed up!” Ha!

        Personally, what type of music do you listen to at the moment? Does it ever inform what you do professionally?


        I don’t let what’s going on around influence me too much musically. I think the biggest mistake you can make is to try and “fit in”. Doing what feels right is what is believable and honest, which in return hopefully speaks to people. Of course music from many genres and artists inspire me, and I tend to listen to an eclectic mix. But once I get behind that mic in a studio, or write a song or even step onto a stage, I’ve learnt to just be me and do what comes naturally.

        Cheap Trick's The Flame is an interesting choice for you. What made you arrive at doing that track?


        I have loved this song from such a young age and have sung it with my band on many occasions. The melody and lyric is just so strong and honest and has been one of my favourite songs for a very long time. I know people immediately think of me as “the ballad singer”, but mid and up tempo pop/rock has been with me for years. For example, Addicted To You charted well in the past.

        How hard is it to write personal material with the knowledge that so many people will be hearing it?


        For me, and I suppose for many song writers, sometimes it’s easier to put what you are feeling into music and lyrics rather than just blurt them out. If I thought of people listening to these songs while I was writing them, I would probably freak out so I think the key is, just consume yourself within yourself and go with it - then deal with the freak out later!

        Do you recall when you first realised, with Idol, that you were becoming nationally well-known? Was that an odd time for you?


        I think it really hits you when you read a full on article about yourself or when that first person stops you in the street…. As a 21 year old, I can honestly say it was overwhelming and at times a bit hard to deal with. Idol was massive back then and the response was too. It did take me a while to adapt.

        Were you concerned about backlash within the industry at all, coming from such a show and receiving success early in your career?


        Many people have knocked Idol but if it wasn’t for Idol and that platform, I probably wouldn’t be able to do what I do now. I also think it gave a fresh injection for a younger generation to love pop music again. Nine years down the track, I am fortunate enough to do something that I love to do as a job and not many people can say that, so I am forever grateful. Having said that though, the hard work–and I don’t say that lightly–starts when that show finishes and it’s up to you!

        Your private life was also dragged into the media when your relationship was made public. Was it hard to work out how to deal with that? Do you try to keep your private life out of the media, or do you accept that it is part of being a public figure?


        I understand that it’s somewhat of interest, and I am very comfortable with who I am now. Initially, yes it was difficult as I was still finding myself and it was a process that I and nobody else had to go through. Having said that, I am now very lucky to be able to share my life and what I do with a supportive and loving partner.

        So far, how have you found working with ABC Music?
        They seem a good match for this record. They have been brilliant and the whole process has been such a team effort. Their support for me, and this project has been overwhelming and I know that Natalie, Laura and the whole team at ABC are just as excited about this album as I am.
        Thirty is released April 26 through ABC/UMA

        see article on original web page here...

        Saturday, March 23, 2013

        Grease is the word

        Anthony Callea reunite with his former 'Wicked'  producer John Frost and "Wicked" Co-stars Bert Newton and Rob Mills in the new Australian revival of fan favourite "Grease"

        Callea will play the part of  all American Rocker and student of Rydell High, Johnny Casino with the lead roles  " Danny" and "Sandy"  filled by Rob Mills and Gretel  Scarlett.

        Full cast announcement will be announced soon and tickets will be on sale from 8 April 2013.
         

        Further deatils, including a statement by John Fost can be found  at the wonderful AussieTheatre site **HERE**