Short Stack - Homecoming Track-By-Track Album Review

Stack is officially back. My favourite Australian trio have just released their first album since their reformation in April 2014, one I've been waiting on for a long time. Their EP release 'Dance With Me' from early this year suggested their sound was mellowing which had me prepared for a tamer Short Stack than I remembered, but Homecoming has left me happily surprised. I caught up with the lads the night before their album release and can't stress enough how lovely they're continually to their fans. If there's a band that Australians should be backing, it's them.

MKTO Fan Experience & Bad Girls EP Review

MKTO are back! Malcolm and Tony returned to Australia last week to promote their new single and EP of the same name, 'Bad Girls'. They embarked on an Australia-wide tour early 2014 after the release of their self-titled debut album, but had been silent until now, and I for one am happy they've made a comeback. After several days in Sydney, the boys unexpectedly tweeted their plans to visit Melbourne. Coincidentally, I flew in a few hours before they landed and luckily managed to meet them as they arrived, not knowing myself and travelling companion Emma would be the only two to meet them during their short stay*.

On Tour With Olly Murs: Part Two

After meeting Olly at the airport, Emma and I were so happy with the experience we didn't make any immediate plans to find him again. Instead, the following day, we did a bit of shopping and sight-seeing. It wasn't until the opportunity presented itself that we thought we'd give it another shot. We were outside Melbourne CBD at my favourite patisserie when we found which hotel Olly was staying at. We were within 10 minutes from said hotel so we decided to swing by.

On Tour With Olly Murs: Part One

Olly Murs is legitimately one of my favourite artists, celebrities, and just people in general. Aside from his obvious talent and charm, he's very down to earth and always smiling. He's genuinely appreciative of his fans and is very aware that he wouldn't be able to tour Australia without their presence. As a fan, to have a celebrity appreciate you the way you appreciate them is a rare occurrence, and having that mutual respect and love from Olly was something really special. I can genuinely say the week we spent on tour with him has been one of the most rewarding trips I've done, and has made me so, sincerely happy. If there's anyone out there I'd want to be more like, it's him. They tell you not to meet your idols (which, trust me, I agree with to a certain extent) but Olly has always surpassed any expectation I had. 

Is this the end of 1D?

It’s been a hectic 24 hours for the One Direction fandom. If Zayn’s engagement call-off from long time partner Perrie Edwards wasn’t enough, Louis has finally confirmed the rumours that he is going to be a father after weeks of speculation - and directioners are a mixture of somewhat happy and hysterical.

I for one am just concerned. 2015 has not been a fantastic year for 1D. Ever since the shock of Zayn leaving the band mid tour happened things seem to be slowly creeping downhill. The mini Twitter feud between Louis and Zayn didn't do anyone any favours, and you can't tell me that 1D dropping their new song 'Drag Me Down' was anything but a distraction attempt at Zayn signing a solo contract. The whole single drop with no promo at all seemed unorganised and clearly last minute. I unfortunately love the song despite the heavy auto-tuning, but am still offended that it was only released to rain on Zayn's parade. 

As for Louis, I'm unsure if he legitimately wanted us to be kept in the dark about the pregnancy truth or was just waiting for the right place to drop it. Coming from the Bieber fandom who had to deal with the whole 'Mariah Yeater pregnancy' thing back in 2011 (that ended up having no truth to it whatsoever) I was adamant on not believing a word until Louis said something himself. He left it a solid few weeks before commenting, which I'm not sure was deliberate or not, but I'm unconvinced by the delivery of his news that he's as 'excited' as he claims to be... And neither do the other boys. I don't think it'd bother me so much if he was having a child with a long-term partner, but from the outside looking in, it seems like this child is the result of too much alcohol and a broken condom. 

Speaking as a long-time directioner, this announcement seems like the beginning of the end for 1D. Will Louis actually prioritise touring and the band commitments over fatherhood? Personally, I don't think so. What do you guys think? 

- Nikki.