The Veronicas
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
| The Veronicas | |
|---|---|
 The Veronicas.
|
|
| Background information | |
| Born | December 25, 1984 (age 24) |
| Origin | Brisbane, Australia |
| Genre(s) | Electropop, pop rock, pop punk[1] |
| Occupation(s) | Actress, Singers |
| Years active | 2004 – present |
| Label(s) | Sire, Warner Bros. Records, Pony Canyon |
| Website | Official Website |
| Members | |
| Jessica Origliasso - Vocals, Guitar Lisa Origliasso - Vocal, Synths George "Jungle George" - Guitars Vik Foxx - Drums Mike Sherman - Bass |
|
The Veronicas are an electro pop-rock duo band based in Australia. The duo was formed in 2004, in Brisbane, by twin sisters Jessica Origliasso and Lisa Origliasso. They have their own line of clothing for all ages that they released beginning in 2007.
They have released two studio albums, the first being The Secret Life of... in 2005. The debut album peaked at #4 on the Australian charts and gain an ARIA certification of four times platinum, for 280,000+ sales. The Secret Life of... spawned five singles, including three top ten singles in Australia.
The Veronicas released their second album Hook Me Up in 2007. It peaked at #2 on the Australian charts, earning a certification of two times platinum. The album has had four Australian top ten singles released from it to date. The album's title track, "Hook Me Up", was The Veronicas' first number one single in Australia.
Contents |
[edit] History
[edit] Early years
Born to Italian-Australian parents Colleen and Joseph, they grew up in Albany creek. Jessica and Lisa also performed in small parts on various television shows, including a recurring role in the short-lived 2001 Australian children's series Cybergirl, where they portrayed twin sisters. Lisa played the character 'Sapphire', while Jessica appeared as 'Emerald'. On their 18th birthday, Jessica received her first guitar, at which time the sisters began writing and singing songs. They formed the group Teal with friends Tracy Woods and R. Viknes.[2] The group experimented with different sounds and genres, releasing a song called "Baby It's Over" which received minor airplay in Brisbane.[2]
In 2004, Lisa Origliasso and Jessica Origliasso were introduced to the Music Director of The Bell Hughes Music Group (BHMG), Hayden Bell. After producing some demo recordings with the twins, Bell invited them to sign a publishing agreement with Excalibur Productions (a subsidiary of BHMG). In the process, Bell helped facilitate their progression in musical style from acoustic pop to the more rhythmic rock pop approach that is now their trademark. On the strength of these demos, Bell took them to meet the executives at Engine Room (a subsidiary of PBL (Packer) Group) and they were immediately signed to a production deal.
To further develop their song writing skills, Bell connected them with internationally acclaimed songwriters and producers including Clif Magness (who has written for Avril Lavigne), Billy Steinberg (Madonna, Cyndi Lauper), Max Martin (Britney Spears, Katy Perry, P!nk), Eric Nova, Dead Mono and Vince DeGiorgio, where they created a catalogue of over 50 songs.[3]
Meetings were then arranged with Warner Bros. Records in the USA. Seymour Stein and senior executives recognized that Bell had indeed discovered and developed a musical talent, signing them quickly to a recording contract with Warner Bros. Records/Sire America, for a reported sum of 2 million dollars.[4]
Bell then took one of The Veronicas' songs titled "All About Us" and placed it with the Russian girl group t.A.T.u; it became a massive worldwide hit. In Australia, he placed the song "What's Goin' On" with Casey Donovan and the song "Faded" for Kate DeAraugo. Both of these artists were winners of the Australian Idol Competition.[5] "What's Going On" was also placed by Bell on the Japanese pop singer Miz's album.[2]
[edit] Band name
Regarding how they chose their name, Jess Origliasso said "The name is something we thought about for a long time, and we wanted it to be a girl's name, but we didn't want it to be 'the Jesses.' We were very conscious of not wanting to make it a twin thing, because we think hello that's really tacky." "We didn't want it to be called 'the Lisas,' either," singer Lisa Origliasso added. "So one day we saw the movie Heathers, and there's a line where Christian Slater asks, 'Are you a Heather?' and Winona Ryder's character answers, 'No, I'm a Veronica,' and so we went with that, because she was this kind of cool, unique chick with an attitude."[6]
However, some believe that Archie Comics character Veronica Lodge had some influence on the naming, including people at Archie Comics themselves, who sued the group for trademark infringement.[7] A settlement was reached that included a cross-promotion deal, including an appearance in an issue of their namesake Veronica's comic book. The issue (#167) featured a card with a code allowing a free download of their single "4ever" in MP3 form. A few months later, Archie and Friends (#100) featured The Archies meeting The Veronicas. The next issue of Archie and Friends (#101) also featured The Veronicas, with Archie as their biggest fan. They also starred in one episode of The Suite Life of Zack and Cody. The Veronicas dislike being called a female duo and every day they work to separate themselves from the music business. "We like being called a band or group. We don't want to be a pop duo group with two girls singing about relationships, we have everything that a rock band would have, so we are a band".
[edit] Music career
[edit] 2005–2007: The Secret Life of...
The Veronicas debut album, entitled The Secret Life of..., was released in Australia on October 17, 2005, entering the ARIA Album charts at the position of #7.[8] Since then, it has peaked at #2 and gone 4x Platinum.[9] Due to the success of the album, five singles were released in Australia: "4ever", "Everything I'm Not", "When It All Falls Apart", "Revolution" and "Leave Me Alone". The song "4ever" was featured on the website of Curly Grrlz Skateboards.
The Secret Life of the Veronicas spent a year in the ARIA album charts without leaving the top 40.[8] In September 2006, the album was nominated for three ARIA awards including; "Best Pop Release", "Highest Selling Album" and "Best Breakthrough Album".[10] They won "Best Pop Release" but lost the other two to other nominees.[11] The girls also performed their 2nd single "Everything I'm Not" on the night.[12]
The album was released in the U.S. on February 14, 2006; it debuted at #133 on Billboard 200 and #3 on the Billboard Top Heatseekers chart.[13] Only two singles were released in the United States off the album. A special DVD was released with the U.S. version as a limited edition exclusive. The limited edition included two extra songs and videos, and was only available online. However, copies have been found to have been shipped to several stores in Australia as well. Other releases in the U.S. include Sessions@AOL which features their songs "Heavily Broken" and "Revolution" live in the AOL studios, also released was The Veronicas: Mtv.com Live EP which also features live performances of their songs including a new song, entitled "Stay".
The album has also had success in other countries such as New Zealand where it debuted at #5, #75 on the Dutch Album Charts and #11 in Belgium.[14] Due to their chart success in Belgium, they won the award for Best International New Artist at the TMF Awards of 2006. "When It All Falls Apart" spent a record of 17 weeks of MTV Asia's Pop 10 Chart, in which 7 of them were at the number 1 spot. The song was recorded in Simlish and is featured in the Sims 2 expansion pack Seasons.[15] In early 2007, The Secret Life of... was released worldwide.
Lisa and Jessica are the faces of Choice Calvin Klein[16] and Australian hair product company nu:u.[5] Blender magazine named included them in their list of hottest women in rock in 2006.[17] The sisters sang the title song on the short-lived television show Related which had featured songs from their debut album. They appeared in an episode that aired February 6, 2006.[18] In March 2006, their debut single "4ever" was featured in the Amanda Bynes comedy She's the Man. It was featured in the promotional television spots, the film itself and the soundtrack.[19] Their song "Revolution" appeared in another Amanda Bynes film, "Sydney White", in 2007
The girls also appeared on The Suite Life of Zack & Cody episode "The Suite Life Goes Hollywood" as guest stars and performed their song "Cry".[20] The twins also created a fashion line called The Veronicas for Target which was released in stores on August 25, 2007 in Australia.[21][22]
On December 2, 2006 The Veronicas released a CD/DVD, entitled Exposed... The Secret Life of The Veronicas in Australia which features live performances from their Australian 2006 The Revolution Tour|Revolution Tour and a DVD featuring parts of the sisters' live performances throughout 2005-2006, including footage that had previously not been seen, and their music videos.[23] The album debuted at #6 on the ARIA DVD Charts accrediting platinum in its first week. The second week it rose to its peak of #3[24] and was accredited Double Platinum.[25]
[edit] 2007-present: Hook Me Up
In 2007, the Veronicas began work on their second album. The album was written and recorded in Los Angeles with Toby Gad, Billy Steinberg and John Feldmann.[26]
Hook Me Up was released in Australia on November 3, 2007. The album debuted at number two on the Australian ARIA Albums Chart with sales of 9,531 copies in its first week, and was certified Gold.[27] It has since gone 2x platinum.[28] The album became the twenty-eighth highest selling album in Australia for 2007.[29]
The lead single from the album, "Hook Me Up", was added to Australian radio on August 27, 2007, but was physically released on September 22, 2007. It debuted at number five, eventually reaching number one after seven weeks on the ARIA Singles Chart, making it their first number one hit in Australia.[30] Also in 2007, the Veronicas wrote a song released by Cosima De Vito, called "Left Waiting".
"Untouched", their second single from the album, was made available in stores and online on December 8, 2007, and became the first single to be released from their album in the United States, Europe and New Zealand. The song reached number 2 in Australia[31] eventually reaching platinum accredation[32], the song made its debut on the US Billboard charts at number sixteen on the Bubbling Under Hot 100 Singles Chart,[33] but eventually dropped off the charts until December 3, 2008, when it rose to number sixty-two on the Hot 100 countdown, due to radio play, and became their first Hot 100 entry.[34] The song has since risen to number seventeen as of January 30, 2009. The single has been Certified Platinum with 1,000,000 paid downloads.[35]
Their third single "This Love" was released on March 10, 2008 digitally and April 14 physically. It debuted at number 14 before reaching its peak at number 10[36] and was certified Gold.[32]
"Take Me on the Floor", their fourth single, was released on July 26, 2008 as a digital download and peaked at number seven in its second week. The single has since been certified Gold.
On October 11, their fifth single, "Popular" was released digitally in Australia. It has only gained heavy airplay and peaked at #11 on the Australian Airplay Chart.[37]
In support of the album, The Veronicas embarked on their third Australian tour The Hook Me Up Tour in 2007. The tour, which began on November 30 and concluded on December 12, was held in eight major cities around Australia.[38]
On September 2008 the nominees for the 22nd annual ARIA Awards were announced, with The Veronicas receiving four nominations. Hook Me Up received 2 nominations for Best Pop Release and Highest Selling Album and Untouched and Hook Me Up (single) received a nomination for Highest Selling Single each. The Veronicas performed their hit single "Untouched" at the event, but left with no awards.[39]
On October 16, 2008 The Veronicas announced the Revenge Is Sweeter tour,[40] which will be their first tour to extend into New Zealand, beginning on February 13, 2009 in Newcastle and continuing for 15 other dates concluding in Dunedin on March 7, 2009 with the show being supported by Metro Station, Short Stack and P Money.[41][42]
In 2008, The Veronicas hit single "Untouched" was chosen to be on the new FIFA 09 video game.[43] The Veronicas also performed and they were presenters with Ashley Tisdale at the Z100 Jingle Ball on December 13, 2008 due to their success on the station[44] and co-hosted MTV's New Year's Eve party with Miley Cyrus.[45]
In an interview with Rolling Stone Magazine in 2008, they mentioned that they have begun writing for their new album but haven't been in a studio yet.[46] Before the commencement of their Revenge is Sweeter tour they announced that they would travel to Japan in August[47] and have released a two disc compilation album called The Veronicas Complete featuring all their songs from their first and second albums as well as three bonus tracks on March 18, 2009.[48] On February 26, 2009, "Untouched" was certified platinum in the U.S. with one million digital downloads, making them the first ever Australian act to accomplish this.[49] As of March 13, 2009, they have wrapped up their Revenge is Sweeter tour and have returned to the U.S to film an episode of 90210[50] and are also planning to tour Asia and Europe.[51]. They have also completed a European promotional tour which included France, Germany, United Kingdom[52] and Italy. On April 8, 2009, it was announced on their official website that their Revenge is Sweeter tour would extend to the US and Japan including festival gigs and the Miss USA 2009 pageant.[53] On June 2nd, Hook Me Up will be re-released in the US featuring a bonus track titled "Change The World" along with their first single "4ever". Hook Me Up was set for its first UK release on June 8th but it has been push back with a supposed release date on the 21st of September now.[54]
In a recent interview, singer Kelly Clarkson stated that The Veronicas will be the opening act during the US leg of her fall tour.
On the 1st of July 2009, Jess announced on her Twitter page that they are re-filming the music video for "4ever", quoting "It's going to be the best video ever".
They performed "Untouched" on an episode of Gossip Girl in season two.
On June 25th 2009 they performed "Take Me On The Floor" on an episode of So You Think You Can Dance.
[edit] Personal lives
Currently both members live in Los Angeles, California and in their hometown of Brisbane, Australia, when not travelling in the U.S.[55]
[edit] Piracy and copyright
The band was featured in an Australian public service announcement campaign against music piracy targeting schools, labeled Australian Music In Tune. Other successful Australian artists included were Powderfinger, Jimmy Barnes and Silverchair.[56]
[edit] Animal rights
[edit] Wildlife Warriors Worldwide
In 2006, The Veronicas joined the late Steve Irwin's Wildlife Warriors Worldwide, a charity that deals with the protection of animals and their natural environments.[57] Work for this charity has included a texting competition to reach two-thousand text messages in the hopes of raising one thousand dollars.[58]
[edit] PETA
In January 2009, it was suggested Jess would pose nude for PETA after getting attention from a member of the organization.[59] However, the photo shoot never eventuated.
[edit] Gay marriage
Lisa also marched alongside Drew Barrymore, Pete Wentz, Kathy Griffin, Janice Dickinson and other celebrities in support of gay marriage in California at a May 2009 march in Los Angeles protesting the 26 May 2009 decision of the California Supreme Court ruling upholding Proposition 8.[60]
[edit] Lisa
Lisa dated singer Ryan Cabrera in 2006, though their relationship ended that year. She dedicated "Revenge Is Sweeter (Than You Ever Were) (a track off The Veronicas' second album Hook Me Up", where she sings in the second verse "...you're on the way down...", a reference to Ryan Cabrera's hit "On the Way Down".[61] In April 2007 she began dating former Australian Idol contestant Dean Geyer and they announced their engagement in April 2008. Lisa's relationship with Geyer, including their engagement, ended abruptly in June 2008 due to "difficulties with long distance and with their career paths going in different directions". She also dated the Mexican collaborator Yon Garfias. She is currently dating actor/singer Reeve Carney of the band Carney.[62]
[edit] Jess
In 2008, Jess was caught in a controversy when she was seen kissing MTV Australia VJ Ruby Rose Langenheim at the 2008 Cleo Bachelor of the Year Awards after party.[63] Although the Australian media has described the pair as "genuinely keen on one another,"[64] Langenheim denied a romantic relationship in a live blog, stating that the two are "really good mates."[65] There was also speculation that she had a 2 year long romance with a college student name Jade Modeste, however this came to an end when it was reported that certain information was leaked to the press. To this day, neither have confirmed their romance, however they were seen kissing at the posh London eatery Nobu. In August 2008, Jess had images of her leaked onto the internet through US porn site Fleshbot.com. The "series of four photographs, taken three years ago, has also been sold to two local gossip magazines," with a Warner Music publicist telling the celebrity department of the Herald Sun, Confidential, "The portrait photograph of the girl looking at the camera is obviously Jess but, although the photos appear to have similarities in style and setting, I'm confident that the girl in the topless photograph is not her."[66] Legal action has been taken against a former lover of hers, who allegedly sold the photos.[67] Prior to the Australian ARIA Music Awards in 2008, Origliasso noted, "We are not up there (on stage at the ARIAs) because my boobs were flashed all over the world".[68]
[edit] Discography
[edit] Studio albums
- 2005: The Secret Life of...
- 2007: Hook Me Up
- 2009: TBA
[edit] Awards and nominations
[edit] Tours
[edit] References
- ^ allmusic: The Veronicas
- ^ a b c "Biography: The Veronicas". http://music.aol.com/artist/the-veronicas/728992/biography. Retrieved on June 30 2007.
- ^ "Official Website: About". http://www.theveronicas.com/indexhtml.html#aboutanchor. Retrieved on June 30 2007.
- ^ "The year of the Veronicas". http://www.smh.com.au/news/music/the-year-of-the-veronicas/2006/09/17/1158431579902.html. Retrieved on September 18 2006.
- ^ a b "Move Over Kylie: here come The Veronicas.". http://www.theage.com.au/news/gig-previews--reviews/the-veronicas/2006/03/31/1143441327861.html. Retrieved on March 31 2006.
- ^ http://www.mtv.com/news/yhif/the_veronicas/
- ^ http://www.femalefirst.co.uk/entertainment/The+Veronicas-8627.html
- ^ a b Australian Charts The Secret Life Of... Charts Accessed October 5, 2008
- ^ ARIAThe Secret Life Of... Accredations Accessed October 5, 2008
- ^ Access-All-AreasThe Veronicas nominated 3 ARIAs and goes 4 times Platinum! Accessed October 5, 2008
- ^ "2006: 19th Annual ARIA Awards". Aria Awards.com. http://www.ariaawards.com.au/history-by-year.php?year=2006. Retrieved on 2008-07-22.
- ^ The Daily Telegraph ARIA or Angry: The Veronicas Accessed October 5, 2008
- ^ Billboard.com The Veronicas Chart History on Billboard.com Accessed October 5, 2008
- ^ The Secret Life Of... International Chart Positions
- ^ EA Says That Hit Songs are Always in Season for the Sims
- ^ "Veronicas to hit the road.". http://www.undercover.com.au/news/2005/sep05/20050929_veronicas.html. Retrieved on September 30 2005.
- ^ "Hottest Women of...Rock!". http://www.blender.com/guide/articles.aspx?ID=2295&src=blender_ed. Retrieved on December 2006.
- ^ The Veronicas - NY Times
- ^ She's the Man Original Soundtrack
- ^ "The Suite Life of Zack and Cody" The Suite Life Goes Hollywood: Part 2 (2017)
- ^ "The Veronicas hit Target". http://www.news.com.au/heraldsun/story/0,21985,21897815-5012974,00.html. Retrieved on June 13 2007.
- ^ The Veronicas
- ^ Exposed: The Secret Life Of The Veronicas: PG Dvd/cd (CD/DVD)
- ^ ARIA Top 100 Chart Issue #876
- ^ Exposed Album Accredations
- ^ Sally Browne "The Veronicas take to the road with their new album". Herald Sun. Retrieved November 13, 2007.
- ^ Paul Cashmere "Eagles Long Road Out Of Eden Increases Sales In Australia". Undercover. Retrieved November 13, 2007.
- ^ ARIA certifications - Albums 2008
- ^ "ARIA Charts - End Of Year Charts - Top 100 Albums 2007". Australian Recording Industry Association. Retrieved June 29, 2008.
- ^ Hook Me Up Chart Run
- ^ untouched chart run
- ^ a b ARIA Singles Certifications of 2008
- ^ "Untouched - Bubbling Under Hot 100 Singles". Billboard. Retrieved June 29, 2008.
- ^ The Billboard Hot 100 - The Veronicas Untouched
- ^ Billboard Hot 100 Singles Chart
- ^ This Love Chart run
- ^ http://www.aumreport.com/amr100.html
- ^ The Hook Me Up Tour
- ^ 2008 ARIA Awards Nominees Announced... And Here They Are!
- ^ Revenge is Sweeter Tour. Veronica twins set to enjoy sweet revenge Courier Mail. Accessed October 16, 2008.
- ^ Revenge is Sweeter Tour Dates. The Veronicas / Metro Station Australian tour Kill Your Stereo. Accessed October 16, 2008.
- ^ Revenge is Sweeter Tour NZ. The Veronicas to Tour NZ with P-Money Generation Q. Accessed November 18, 2008.
- ^ Breaking News: FIFA 09 Soundtrack Revealed
- ^ The Veronicas hook fans up, twice
- ^ The Veronicas, Miley Cyrus plan New Year's Eve with fans
- ^ The Veronicas - Rollingstone.com interview
- ^ THE VERONICAS ARE COMING TO JAPAN!
- ^ The Veronias Complete Japan DOUBLE CD
- ^ The Veronicas, One Million Americans Touched By Untouched
- ^ Veronicas set to crack 1m US sales
- ^ The Veronicas Amped For New Zealand Tour
- ^ The Veronicas Hit The UK!
- ^ The Veronicas reveal 'Revenge Is Sweeter' dates
- ^ The Veronicas Re-release Hook Me Up
- ^ The Veronicas Biography
- ^ Labeled with love - Music - Entertainment - theage.com.au
- ^ Wildlife Warriors – The Veronicas Are saving the animals, with a little help from Steve Irwin
- ^ THE VERONICAS TEXT CHALLENGE
- ^ Veronicas twin Jess Origliasso to bare all for PETA shoot
- ^ http://www.mirror.co.uk/celebs/news/2009/05/27/kelly-osbourne-joins-rally-to-protest-at-california-gay-marriage-ban-as-other-celebs-speak-of-their-outrage-115875-21393671/
- ^ "Break-up causes tour shake up". http://www.yourgigs.com.au/news/index.cfm?i=88292. Retrieved on July 8 2008.
- ^ Herald Sun. Joe Jonas is latest rocker to be charmed by Veronicas' Lisa Origliasso heraldsun.com.au. Accessed May 3, 2009.
- ^ "Veronicas twin gets kiss from a Rose (again)". fox 101.9. April 30, 2008. http://www.fox.com.au/entertainment/music/news/veronicas-gets-kiss-from-a-rose. Retrieved on 2008-07-28.
- ^ Lollo, Michelle (2008-08-03). "Veronicas' Jess finds new love". News.com.au. http://www.news.com.au/entertainment/story/0,26278,24120587-7484,00.html. Retrieved on 2008-08-07.
- ^ "Ruby Rose - live blog". news.com.au. March 28, 2008. http://blogs.news.com.au/dailytelegraph/yoursay/index.php/dailytelegraph/comments/ruby_rose_live_blog/P0/. Retrieved on 2008-11-25.
- ^ "The Veronicas' Jess Origliasso caught in porn storm". News.com.au. 2008-08-01. http://www.news.com.au/entertainment/story/0,,24108742-10388,00.html. Retrieved on 2008-08-07.
- ^ Grant, Sarah (2008-08-04). "Veronicas' Jess Origliasso to sue ex over porn photos". News.com.au. http://www.news.com.au/entertainment/story/0,26278,24123896-7484,00.html. Retrieved on 2008-08-07.
- ^ "Jess Origliasso says Veronicas' ARIA nods 'not about flashed boobs'". News.com.au. http://www.news.com.au/entertainment/story/0,26278,24514700-5016432,00.html. Retrieved on 2008-11-15.
[edit] External links
 |
Wikimedia Commons has media related to: The Veronicas |
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||
