AUGIE March have won over an influential fan in the States in Alexandra Patsavas, the musical programmer for hit US shows like ,i>Grey's Anatomy and The OC, who has a reputation for breaking bands into the mainstream, has taken a liking to the Aussie rockers.
She's already helped Evermore by playing their songs, It's Too Late and For One Day, in episodes of The OC.
In a recent interview with The New York Post, Patsavas was asked what songs she'd play on her iPod, responding with Augie March's popular hit, One Crowded Hour.
The song was also listed in Stylus magazine's top songs of 2006.
Augie March hit the road in Australia next month, playing gigs to support the release of their next single, The Cold Acre.
They then head to the US and Canada in March, booked by Lucinda Williams' and Ryan Adams' agent, High Road Touring.
PREPARATIONS are well under way for MTV's annual Australian Video Music Awards (AVMAs) in April.
Industry rumours suggest the pay TV music channel has sent out invites to the likes of Justin Timberlake, the Black Eyed Peas and Gwen Stefani.
Kanye West is also being touted as a possible invitee and would definitely provide plenty of media coverage after his outburst at the MTV Europe Video Music Awards last year.
Whoever comes, a source at MTV headquarters says the list is looking much hotter than last year's big names, Jessica and Ashlee Simpson.
The Red Hot Chili Peppers will be in Australia in April, so they may drop by, as will be Pink, who is also rumoured to be on the VIP invitation wish-list.
THOSE '80s popsters Simply Red will hit Sydney next month to promote their latest album, Stay.
Celebrating the band's 21st birthday, Mick Hucknall and his bandmates are believed to be negotiating a one-off gig at the Metro on February 22.
Stay will be their 10th studio album and is due for release on March 10.
I'm very much of that British tradition that started with the Rolling Stones whereby black American traditions are filtered into something that is original in itself and not at all derivative,'' says Hucknall in the album press notes.
Having a good, strong voice helps in that process, too.''
IT is only early days compared to the likes of Homebake and the Big Day Out, but Hunter Valley brothers Matt and Dan Johnston are doing their best to put their Gum Ball Festival on the map.
The annual music fest, held at James Estate in the Hunter Valley, will celebrate its third birthday on March 3.
It is a lower-key affair than some of the bigger festivals, with just around 1000 tickets sold, but there are plenty of good bands, including Regurgitator, True Live, The Red Paintings, Offcuts, The Re-Mains and Whiskey Go Gos.
Gurus for the lovelorn
THE Hoodoo Gurus have lined up to play to those seeking love at this year's annual D D Ball next month.
Also on the bill for the singles party, at Luna Park on February 10, are Stephanie McIntosh and the Young Divas.
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