:: Editor's note

Pictured: The Dark Knight is sadly the last major film in which Heath Ledger starred prior to his tragic death. He will be long remembered for his terrific role as the villainous Joker.

Bottom: Here is a chance to win a special signed guitar from Slipknot.

One of the big events in Australia's music calendar, the ARIA Hall Of Fame ceremony, has occurred. It was a terrific evening of nostalgia and entertainment. I'll have more on our website soon, plus pictures from the night. It is interesting to note the reaction by some people I have spoken to - other media representatives and general music fans. One would normally believe Hall of Fame recipients to be people who have really made their mark in being acclaimed and loved by the general music public. It should be like a sporting Hall Of Fame where star performers get deserved recognition for achievements, particularly in being able to help sell the game and play well to large audiences. This principle hasn't always applied to the Music Hall of Fame. There wouldn't be many people who can name one Triffids song and they certainly didn't transcend into an all-round status of acclamation. Even the band members acknowledged that they “didn't sell any records” and are surprised at their inclusion. Artists like The Triffids, Radio Birdman and The Go-Betweens achieved a certain status through “critical acclaim”, yet didn't really attain “runs on the board”.

On this basis, it means that many Australian artists over the years would have claims to being inducted also. One could argue that there are plenty of other artists who had success in putting money into the music economy. And why not put Kylie Minogue in the Hall of Fame now, even though she continues her career? Paul Kelly was inducted in 1997 and is still going strong. Surely, acts like The Church, Pseudo Echo, the late Ted Mulry, Noiseworks, Baby Animals and Kylie Minogue (to name a few) have greater credentials on economic grounds. Or don't they have the “indie cred” factor which seems to sit more favourably amongst certain industry folk. Yes, anyone can have opinions, but they should be realistic in a Hall Of Fame situation. Then, with ridiculous opinions. you have these best Australian albums and singles of all time, that some publications like to put out to sell a few more papers. If The Drones (not a bad band, but nowhere near a great band) can already have the 20th best Australian album ever (as listed by The Age newspaper and its panel of judges), then these folk should nearly give the game away.

The 2008 APRA Music Awards were held in Sydney recently - a big celebration for the achievements of Australian composers and publishers. We have all the winners in Music Spotlights section.

19-year-old personal trainer, Ashleigh Sudholz, from Darlington, Western Australia, won the 2008 Ralph Australian Swimwear Model of the Year award. We have further news and pictures in the Celebrity section.

Several interviews feature in our Music Spotlights section, including Disturbed, Panic At The Disco, Trial Kennedy, Gabriella Cilmi and Zimmers Hole.

Lots of other music news including some of the young stars to watch this year and exclusive audio/video links.

July 2008 will see the limited release of Malaria: The Lost Album in music stores and on iTunes; finally unveiling Robyn Loau's unreleased major record company debut featuring the cult classics Sick With Love and Love Addiction.

The 2008 Melbourne International Film Festival will screen over 300 films, including 10 World Premieres and a number of prize-winning films from World-Class festivals, including a record 23 films from Cannes, Sundance, Rotterdam, Berlin and Toronto Festivals. The programme will once again feature the work of world-renowned filmmakers, and more than a couple of unknown gems, in its popular Homegrown and Neighbourhood Watch, International Panorama, Backbeat, Animation Gallery, Next Gen, Forbidden Pleasures, Africa! Africa! and Documentaries series. The most highly regarded short film competition in the Asia Pacific, Best MIFF shorts screens approximately 100 short films, competing for a prize money of AUD$35,000.

See the latest film and DVD reviews, plus some of the trailers available.

There is fashion and beauty news aplenty. Check out the new and established designers from around Australia and overseas who are making their mark.

Stay in touch with the news you want to read through Mediasearch.

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You can contact myself carminep@mediasearch.com.au or Andrew Donald andrew@motile.net for details.

Enjoy reading.

Cheers,

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