Latest news with #DoubleJ
ABC News
a day ago
- Entertainment
- ABC News
Audiences tune into triple j ahead of mid-year countdown
Audiences have been tuning into triple j ahead of the Hottest 100 of Australian Songs countdown this weekend. In GfK survey 4, triple j recorded increases in overall share and TSL survey on survey and a 1.6% increase in reach year-on-year. triple j Drive with Abby and Tyrone saw the biggest boost in the Sydney and Perth markets. In Sydney, where triple j recorded a 0.8% share increase, Abby and Tyrone were up 1.7% share to 5.6%. In Perth, triple j increased by 1.0% share to 6.1% with Abby and Tyrone adding 2.1% to their Drive share bringing them to 8.4%. This survey period captured both the One Night Stand which was held in Busselton in regional WA and the launch of the triple j Hottest 100 of Australian Songs. This mid-year celebration to coincide with triple j's 50th has been a massive hit with audiences across generations. Artists, sports stars, and even the PM have shared their votes, generating fierce discussion about what should make the list of the best Aussie songs of all time. Head of triple j and Double J Lachlan Macara said: 'This weekend's Hottest 100 is set to be something really special, a huge celebration of local music that's resonated with Australians across time. We couldn't be prouder to bring it to life as part of triple j's 50th celebrations. 'The response has been incredible, with huge voting numbers helping to build an iconic Hottest 100 list of our favourite Australian songs. It's going to be a real journey for music lovers and listeners, packed with moments to celebrate the rich legacy of music made right here at home.' The votes have been tallied and the total vote number of 2,655,826 has made this triple j's 4th biggest countdown ever. triple j have also had 92 million views across all triple j video content during the same period across social platforms and YouTube. The triple j Hottest 100 of Australian Songs is on this Saturday from 10am AEST on triple j. The ABC's reach held steady with 4.585 million listeners each week across the five capital city markets and we remain the number one digital live streaming network with a 25.9% share. Media contact Laura Todd, ABC Communications
Sky News AU
6 days ago
- Sky News AU
'All hell broke loose': ABC star Myf Warhurst caught up in bitter legal clash with neighbour over concrete fence dispute that ended in 'assault'
ABC presenter Myf Warhurst has become embroiled in a long-running legal dispute with her neighbour, following a fiery clash over a boundary fence that has triggered police involvement, court proceedings and defamation claims. The dispute, which erupted in late December 2022, took place outside Warhurst's home in North Warrandyte, a semi-rural suburb northeast of Melbourne. It began when the popular Spicks and Specks presenter and her then-partner, architect Brian Steendyk, raised concerns about a concrete wall being built along their shared boundary with neighbour Karla Martinez. The couple claimed part of the structure crossed into their property. Tensions boiled over on December 28, when Mr Steendyk used "a chainsaw and grinder" to cut through approximately 26 metres of the newly constructed fence, according to The Australian. Ms Martinez alleged the incident quickly descended into chaos. "Everything started out friendly enough and I even went over and brought her a bottle of wine to welcome her to the neighbourhood," the mother-of-three told The Australian. "But all hell broke loose as soon as they found out we were going to start constructing a concrete wall along the property line." According to Ms Martinez, who is also an architect, Warhurst and Mr Steendyk began dismantling the fence without her consent, prompting a heated altercation and urgent calls to police. "Brian grabbed a chainsaw and a grinder and started demolishing the fence because he claimed it was on his property," she said. "So I go out and started screaming and it all becomes very nasty, and I asked my kids to call triple 0 and get the police to come." At 5.36pm, Ms Martinez's daughter phoned emergency services, telling them "our neighbour is kind of ruining our property" and describing "shouting and screaming" outside. Less than 30 minutes later, Warhurst also contacted police, stating: "We're trying to remove a fence that is on our property and we were assaulted by the neighbour." During the call, the 52-year-old Double J host claimed Mr Steendyk had been struck on the head with a pipe by Ms Martinez, before her husband, Cesar Funez, "threatened him with a stick". Police from nearby Eltham station attended the scene and separated the parties, with video footage obtained by The Australian. Mr Steendyk made a formal complaint, leading to Ms Martinez being charged with assault- a charge that was later dropped. The conflict escalated in the weeks that followed, with both sides taking out interim intervention orders (IVOs) against each other. "Things just escalated from there and I went and got an IVO against Myf," Ms Martinez said. The court order reportedly prevented Warhurst from "stalking her neighbour, or engaging in any conduct with the intention of causing physical or mental harm"; however, it has since been rescinded. Ms Martinez said she was charged with multiple "criminal charges" relating to the wall's construction, including a fine of $200,000. She says all charges have now been dropped. Separately, Ms Martinez has accused the ABC of defamation over an article published on its website on May 5, 2024, titled "Prize-winning Melbourne architect charged with illegal building work." She says the piece, which has since been taken down, identified her by her full legal and professional name, included photographs, and described her role at a leading architectural firm, while omitting any mention of Warhurst or Mr Steendyk, aside from a brief reference to a "neighbour" living with "an ABC contractor". Warhurst has strongly denied having any involvement in the article's publication. "Myf Warhurst was unaware of the May 2024 article's existence until a friend brought it to her attention after it was published," her agent said in a statement to The Australian. "She had no involvement in its publication and has wished at all times for this matter to remain private. We cannot comment on Mr Steendyk's behalf." Ms Martinez is reportedly pursuing legal action against the ABC over the article, which she claims has caused significant damage to both her personal and professional life. "That article destroyed my job, life, career and harmed my family while protecting the source of the story," she said. has contacted the ABC for comment.
ABC News
13-07-2025
- Entertainment
- ABC News
Merpire — Milk Pool
Four years on from her Double J featured debut album Simulation Ride , Merpire dives into her second , Milkpool. Armed with a natural gift for hooky indie-rock that's emotive, memorable and comfortable, her songs are often playful yet mature, capable of tension and tenderness, and very relatable. Observe how she renders the simultaneous thrill and fear of a crush that develops into something serious in three unique ways across the album's opening triptych — easily some of the Melbourne/Naarm artist's strongest material to date. 'Leaving With You' instantly snares you with its grunge-laced, earwormy riff and killer chorus: 'I only stay in the hope of leaving with you I run away with the thought of it coming true' Following that strong opener, 'Premonition' rewires similar feelings into sensual synths and gorgeously restrained atmosphere. 'When we hug/And f**k around/I get a premonition' , Merpire sings, twisting the expletive into a magically melismatic flourish. She's called it her "horniest song" yet, but then along comes 'Bigger' and its saucy chorus regarding fingers in mouths and rebuffing of romantic advances "going south". The vivid lyrics are perfectly pitched against catchy melodies and full-band groove that's fun rather than merely flirtatious. 'Fishing' is a charismatic, crunchy ode to community, specifically the local music scene in which Merpire (real name Rhiannon Atkinson-Howatt) is firmly planted. Her roots spread from co-founding successful COVID-era streaming series ISOL-AID, to being one half of indie-pop duo Wilson's Prom, and opening shows for the likes of Fanning Dempsey National Park, Magic Dirt, Ball Park Music, and more. Milkpool takes a darker turn on the elegantly brooding 'Rosanna', which captures the fatalism of a disintegrating relationship with understated plucks and moody keyboards. ' No matter how good we get, I think we're in trouble' , Merpire laments, her vocals eventually digitally fractured against restless drums and wiry guitars. Meanwhile, the introspective, acoustic 'Cinnamon' demonstrates her songwriting is just as effective when working with just a few key ingredients. Back-to-back, these tracks show how Merpire has developed from Simulation Ride . She's now as confident leaning into bigger, more layered arrangements — alongside co-producer James Seymour — as she is paring back, such as the raw closer 'You Are Loved' where the scrapes of acoustic strings cuts as sharply as her yearning refrain of ' I am trying to remember I can be loved '. Late album stand-out 'Internet' is a tender, piano-led number where the lovestruck singer punches questions into a search engine — both banal and profound. Between the song's blooming dynamics nestles a canny interrogation of how being online risks eroding meaningful connection: ' Wait … don't worry, my algorithm's working this one out.' It's a great example of how the album smartly tows the line between serious and humorous. After all, Milkpool is named in honour of Merpire trusting her artistic instincts while wading into the unknown. And a classic joke from The Simpsons. These 11 tracks possess immediate charm, but the more time you spend with them, the more their sincere takes on familiar subjects — love, lust, self-worth — reveal themselves to be unique. Fans of Mitski and Japanese Breakfast will find plenty to love about Milkpool, which makes a convincing case for enshrining Merpire in a lineage of talented homegrown artists, from Courtney Barnett and Julia Jacklin to Angie McMahon and good friend Ruby Gill. Milk Pool is out now. Catch Merpire at the following dates: Friday August 15— Junk Bar: Turrbal Jagera Land, Brisbane Saturday August 16 — Lazy Thinking: Gadigal Land, Sydney Sunday August 17 — Smiths Alternative: Ngunnawal, Canberra Thursday August 21 — Merri Creek Tavern: Wurundjeri Woi Wurrung, Melbourne (sold out) Thurs August 28 — Merri Creek Tavern: Wurundjeri Woi Wurrung, Melbourne (sold out)
Scoop
07-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Scoop
Country Artist Ben Mastwyk Releases New Single 'Reputation', Ahead Of His New Album
Ben Mastwyk, the Australian cosmic cowboy and interstellar troubadour, is fast approaching launch time for the release of his fourth album, Let Me At The Night, on July 18th. Mastwyk's previous single, 'Let Me At The Night', which featured on Countrytown, ABC Radio's Saturday Night Country, and Double J's Tower of Song, was a heartfelt country power ballad that captures the restless spirit of someone yearning to break free from isolation and return to the vibrant nightlife they once knew. Now Mastwyk releases 'Reputation', a song that takes a loving swing at the haters and gossipmongers. " People talk. The rumour mill runs rampant. Gossip is the devil's radio The shiny ones attract attention. And talk travels," states Mastwyk. " 'Reputation' was born from whispers of talk on the town, about myself and my crew. It's funny when these things get back to the source. My take is that if people are talking about you it then you're attracting attention!" The single rides one hell of a sweet bounce and groove courtesy of Craig Kelly's bass and Patrick Wilson's drums. A honky-tonk dance floor gem of the highest order, pedal steel and electric guitar vie for space under the mirror ball as Mastwyk goes for gold with lines such as ' Disco balls and smoke machines, Strobe lights and laser beams, Jacuzzi nights, red limousines, Is how we got ourselves a little reputation.' 'Reputation' will be music to the ears of fans who appreciate the fun and immense musicality of acts such as The Texas Gentlemen and Paul Cauthen. Let Me At The Night is a bit of a fantasy record for Ben Mastwyk. He really discovered the DNA of his band The Millions over the last few records, and this time, they all wanted to push the boundaries. Mastwyk was lucky enough to receive funding through a Creative Victoria Creative Works grant, which allowed him to really lean in and record the album he wanted to make, without cutting corners. Working with producer Michael Hubbard at The Shrimp Shack studio in Melbourne, Mastwyk initially set out to make a '90s country-inspired record—and in a way, he did. But instead of sticking strictly to that particular sonic palette, he found himself leaning back into the genre-bending, experimental approach he first explored with his original band in the actual '90s. " It's still a country record in my eyes: narrative-based songs that explore the themes I've been circling in my writing for years," he says. " But we've really dialled up the experimentalism—pushed our sonic palette further than we ever have before!" The songs are more anthemic—designed to kick the party off right from the get-go and sustain that energy till the end (and beyond). Mastwyk recently got the chance to test this new material live at the Tamworth Country Music Festival across three huge nights. And it worked. Big party energy. A crowd ready to rumble! " Each time I've made a record, I've had a space and an audience in mind. My first album Mornin' Evenin' was written for small rooms, intimate spaces, and quiet Sunday mornings. The next couple were made for Melbourne barrooms—the venues I was in love with at the time. This album, though, was written with festivals and bigger crowds in mind." With a thematic arc that runs across the album, it picks up where the last few records left off, in the barroom, then blasts off further and further into space. " I've always visualised this album as a spaceship—with the whole point being to see if I can get it to lift off and hit warp speed." From hot-wired boogie to rhinestone pop, honky-tonk electronic disco to country space-ballads, Shania to Yoakam, George Jones to Orville Peck – the new album serves as a kaleidoscopic ode to the possibilities of country music. Filtered through both heartache and the dance floor, it's a truly mind-expanding and irresistible collection of songs, from an artist firing on all creative cylinders.
ABC News
01-07-2025
- Entertainment
- ABC News
Soccer Mommy guest programs rage
Joining us for the very first time this weekend is Nashville's indie-rock darling Soccer Mommy. Currently touring in support of her most recent album Evergreen , Sophie Allison aka Soccer Mommy, was recently in the country for the Australian leg of her tour and swung by the rage studio while she was in town. She's got four albums to her name plus multiple EPs, including a recently released 'stripped' version of her new record Evergreen , as well as multiple accolades which include landing on Double J's 50 Best Album's list in 2022, and a Grammy nomination for her second LP Color Theory . So, it's no surprise that the singer-songwriter has lined up a stellar playlist showcasing her vast musical knowledge and career influences, and we can't wait! Here's a sample of what's in store: SZA ft. TY DOLLA $IGN – Hit Different BRITNEY SPEARS – Oops! I Did It Again COCTEAU TWINS - Bluebeard SASAMI – Honeycrash MY BLOODY VALENTINE - Soon Join Soccer Mommy as she guest programs rage this Saturday July 5 from 10:30am and 12:45am on ABC TV.
