The Moment it Changed

From Popstars to Australian Idol, music reality TV promised to turn ordinary singers into national icons — but what was the real price of fame?  Judges Ian “Dicko” Dickson and Mark Holden lift the lid on the controversies, iconic moments, and impact that reality TV had on Australia’s music industry.   And former contestants Casey Donovan and Rob “Millsy” Mills reveal the toll of overnight fame, and what happens when the spotlight moves on.  The Moment it Changed: Touchdown is Hosted by Nic Kelly. Available on all platforms now.  This episode contains a mention of suicide. If you or anyone you know needs support, contact Lifeline on 13 11 14. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Voice Australia set out to rewrite the rules – blind auditions judged on talent alone. But did it really change the narrative, or just end up falling into the same patterns of shows before it?  Karise Eden, The Voice Australia’s inaugural winner, unpacks the very real impact the narrative producers chose for her had on her relationships, the harsh aftermath of victory, and what success really looks like in today’s music industry.  Plus, what does a new generation of contestants, like Matthew Hearne who competed on the most recent season, want from these shows in a world where social media, or a personal platform can trump a record deal?  The Moment it Changed: Touchdown is Hosted by Nic Kelly. Available on all platforms now.  This episode contains descriptions of self-harm. If you or anyone you know needs support, contact Lifeline on 13 11 14.  There's also references to family violence. If you or anyone you know needs support, contact 1800 RESPECT on 1800 737 732. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Before Michael Gudinski became the media mogul behind the Mushroom empire, he was a teenager with a dream to make it big in music. But Michael didn’t want to be a musician, he wanted to run the show. Michael’s daughter Kate Gudinski goes back to where it all started, a young Michael booking bands to play gigs around Melbourne in the late 1960s. After dropping out of school and getting kicked out of home, Michael lands his first big opportunity - booking bands to play Sunbury, Australia’s first major rock music festival.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It’s the late 1970s and Michael Gudinski’s vision of a thriving Australian music scene has come true. Michael’s now a leading tour promoter and booking the hottest Aussie bands to play gigs around the country. Michael’s success doesn’t go unnoticed. A war between music promoters is brewing and they want to knock Michael off the top. While battling the local competition, Michael’s also trying to crack the international touring circuit. After a few misfires, Michael’s bringing the biggest names in music down under, and he's partying with them too.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The world of live music is shut down overnight when the COVID-19 pandemic strikes in early 2020. Michael, whose spent the last 50 years going to gigs every other night, must find a way to keep Mushroom afloat and his artists working. Michael's hustling to keep the industry alive during Covid would be one of his last acts as a champion for Australian music.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.