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The Veronicas

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The Veronicas

The Veronicas are a pop-rock band based in Australia. The band was formed in 2005, in Brisbane, Australia, by twin sisters Jessica and Lisa Origliasso. Their name is a play on a theme from the film Heathers.

The Veronicas have released two studio albums since forming three years ago, the first being The Secret Life Of... in 2005. The debut album went on to peak at #2 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 duo released their second album Hook Me Up in 2007, it also 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. They sang at the 2006 NRL grand final.

History

Early years

Born to Italian-Australian (Sicilian) parents on 25 December 1984, they grew up in Albany Creek (northwest of Brisbane, Australia), where they attended Ferny Grove State High School and Wavell State High School. At an early age the girls expressed interest in performing; they participated with small local papers in shows on television and radio.

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, with this the girls began writing and singing songs. They became Teal which they formed with friends Tracy Woods and R.Viknes[1] and began to experiment with different sounds and genres, releasing a song "Baby It's Over", this only received very minor airplay in Brisbane.[1]

In 2004, Lisa and Jessica 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 Cliff Magness (who has written for Avril Lavigne), Billy Steinberg (Madonna, Cyndi Lauper), Eric Nova, Dead Mono and Vince DeGiorgio, where they created a catalogue of over 50 songs.[2]

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 unique musical talent, signing them quickly to a recording contract with Warner Bros. Records/Sire America, for a reported sum of 2 million dollars.[3]

Bell then took one of The Veronicas' songs titled "All About Us" and placed it with t.A.T.u, the Russian girl group, and it became a massive worldwide hit. In Australia, he placed their 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.[4] "What's Going On" was also placed by Bell on the Japanese pop singer Miz's album.[1]

The name

Issue (#167) of the Veronica comic book which featured The Veronicas

Their name came from Archie Comics character Veronica Lodge; when Archie Comics found out, they sued the duo for trademark infringement over their band name, but the two parties settled and have agreed on a cross-promotion deal. The Veronicas dislike being called a female duo, however, and everyday 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". This sparked mild argument, when music critic Josh Michaels stated, "A repetitive beat and strumming three powerchords while dancing around in skimpy clothing is rock only in the world of AC/DC. They [The Veronicas] are a band...but a pop-band."[1]

The group was featured prominently in an issue of their namesake Veronica's comic book as a result of their cross-promotion deal with Archie Comics. 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.

Australian Music In Tune

The band were featured in a PSA campaign against music piracy targeting schools, labelled Australian Music In Tune, other successful Australian artists featured were Powderfinger, Jimmy Barnes, Silverchair, Jina Higginson and Famous Australian icons Aimee Yule & Samantha Dowse.[5]

Music Career

2005-2006: The Secret Life of...

The Veronicas performing in 2005.

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[6]. Since then, it has peaked at #2 and gone 4x Platinum[7]. Due to the success of the album, five singles were released in Australia. The singles were '4ever', 'Everything I'm Not', 'When It All Falls Apart', 'Revolution' and 'Leave Me Alone'.

The Secret Life of... spent a year in the ARIA album charts without leaving the top 40[8]. In September 2006, the album was nominated for 3 ARIA awards including; "Best Pop Release", "Highest Selling Album" and "Best Breakthrough Album"[9]. They won "Best Pop Release" but lost the other two to other nominees[10] . The girls also performed their 2nd single "Everything I'm Not" on the night[11].

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[12]. 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[13]. 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[14]. In early 2007, The Secret Life of... was released worldwide.

Lisa and Jessica are the faces of Choice Calvin Klein[15] and Australian hair product company nu:u.[4] Blender named included them in their list of hottest women in rock in 2006.[16] 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[17]. 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[18].

The girls have also appeared on The Suite Life of Zack & Cody episode "The Suite Life Goes Hollywood" as guest stars and on that episode they performed their song "Cry"[19]. The twins also created a fashion line called The Veronicas for Target which was released in stores on August 25, 2007 in Australia[20] [21].

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 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[22]. 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 and was accredited Double Platinum[23].

2007: 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[24].
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 it's first week and was certified Gold[25] and has since gone x2 platinum[26]. The album became the twenty-eighth highest selling album in Australia for 2007.[27]
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 and 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[28]. "Untouched", the second single off the album, was made available in stores and online on December 8, 2007 and became the first single to be released of their album in the United States, Europe and New Zealand. The song reached number 2 in Australia[29] eventually reaching platinum accredation[30] but it failed to chart the US Hot 100 sitting at number 16 on the Bubbling Under Hot 100 Singles Chart[31]. The third single "This Love" was released on March 10, 2008 digitally and April 14 physically. It debuted at number 14 before reaching it's peak at number 10[32] and was certified Gold[33]. "Take Me on the Floor" was released on July 26, 2008 as a digital download and peaked at number seven in it's second week before the song was physically released on August 24, 2008[34]. The single has since been certified Gold. On October 11, their fifth single, "Popular" was released digitally in Australia.

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[35].

On September 2008 the nominees for the 22nd anual ARIA Awards were announced with The Veronicas recieving four nominations. Hook Me Up received 2 nominations for Best Pop Release and Highest Selling Album and Untouched and Hook Me Up (single) recieved a nomination for Highest Selling Single [36].
On October 16, 2008 The Veronicas announced the Revenge Is Sweeter Tour[37] which will begin on February 13, 2009 in Newcastle and continue for seven other dates concluding in Perth on February 28, 2009 with the show being supported by Metro Station and Short Stack [38]
In 2008 The Veronicas were chosen to be on the new FIFA 09 Video game their hit single Untouched was used[39]. The game was released on October 3rd 2008 in Europe.

2009: The Veronicas Third Studio Album

2009 will be the year where The Veronicas will be planning out their third studio album which will be released sometime next year.

Personal lives

The Veronicas currently live in Los Angeles, California in the United States.[40]

Lisa

Lisa dated singer Ryan Cabrera in 2006 but their relationship ended that year.[41] In April 2007 she began dating former Australian Idol contestant Dean Geyer, they announced their engagement in April 2008. Lisa's relationship with Dean Geyer including their engagement ended abruptly in July 2008, due to difficulties with long distance and with their career paths going in different directions.[42]

Jess

Jess was dating Azaria, the lead singer of Sydney band The Follow, but they later separated. In 2008, she 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.[43] Although the Australian media has described the pair as "genuinely keen on one another,"[44] Langenheim denied a romantic relationship in a live blog, stating that the two are "really good mates."[45]

In August 2008, Jess had suggestive 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."[46] Legal action has been taken against a former lover of hers, who it is alleged sold the photos.[47]

Discography

Main article: The Veronicas discography

Studio albums

Awards

Main article: List of The Veronicas awards

Tours

Headlining

Year Title Supporting Acts Notes
2006 US Tour October Fall and Jonas Brothers[48] Their first headlining tour in the US and supported by Keds.
2006 First Australian Tour Elemeno P[49] All the shows were sold out
2006 The Revolution Tour Avalon Drive[50] Celebrating 1 year in music since the release of their first single 4ever.[3] Ryan Cabrera was originally meant to support the tour but pulled out due to his split from band member Lisa.[41]
2006 Coca-Cola Live 'N' Local Tour 06 The Veronicas were part of a line up which also included Evermore, End Of Fashion, After The Fall and The Hot Lies[51]
2007 The Hook Me Up Tour[52] Dean Geyer[53]
2009 Revenge Is Sweeter Tour[37] Metro Station and Short Stack [38]

Supporting

References

  1. ^ a b c d "Biography: The Veronicas". Retrieved June 30. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |accessdate= (help); Unknown parameter |accessyear= ignored (|access-date= suggested) (help)
  2. ^ "Official Website: About". Retrieved June 30. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |accessdate= (help); Unknown parameter |accessyear= ignored (|access-date= suggested) (help)
  3. ^ a b "The year of the Veronicas". Retrieved September 18. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |accessdate= (help); Unknown parameter |accessyear= ignored (|access-date= suggested) (help)
  4. ^ a b "Move Over Kylie: here come The Veronicas". Retrieved March 31. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |accessdate= (help); Unknown parameter |accessyear= ignored (|access-date= suggested) (help)
  5. ^ Labelled with love - Music - Entertainment - theage.com.au
  6. ^ Australian Charts The Secret Life Of... Charts Accessed October 5, 2008
  7. ^ ARIAThe Secret Life Of... Accredations Accessed October 5, 2008
  8. ^ Australian Charts The Secret Life Of... Charts Accessed October 5, 2008
  9. ^ Access-All-AreasThe Veronicas nominated 3 ARIAs and goes 4 times Platinum! Accessed October 5, 2008
  10. ^ "2006: 19th Annual ARIA Awards". Aria Awards.com. Retrieved 2008-07-22.
  11. ^ The Daily Telegraph ARIA or Angry: The Veronicas Accessed October 5, 2008
  12. ^ Billboard.com The Veronicas Chart History on Billboard.com Accessed October 5, 2008
  13. ^ The Secret Life Of... International Chart Positions
  14. ^ EA Says That Hit Songs are Always in Season for the Sims
  15. ^ a b "Veronicas to hit the road". Retrieved September 30. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |accessdate= (help); Unknown parameter |accessyear= ignored (|access-date= suggested) (help)
  16. ^ "Hottest Women of...Rock!". Retrieved December. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |accessdate= (help); Unknown parameter |accessyear= ignored (|access-date= suggested) (help)
  17. ^ The Veronicas - NY Times
  18. ^ She's the Man Original Soundtrack
  19. ^ "The Suite Life of Zack and Cody" The Suite Life Goes Hollywood: Part 2 (2007)
  20. ^ "The Veronicas hit Target". Retrieved June 13. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |accessdate= (help); Unknown parameter |accessyear= ignored (|access-date= suggested) (help)
  21. ^ The Veronicas
  22. ^ Exposed: The Secret Life Of The Veronicas: PG Dvd/cd (CD/DVD)
  23. ^ Exposed Album Accredations
  24. ^ Sally Browne "The Veronicas take to the road with their new album". Herald Sun. Retrieved November 13, 2007.
  25. ^ Paul Cashmere "Eagles Long Road Out Of Eden Increases Sales In Australia". Undercover. Retrieved November 13, 2007.
  26. ^ ARIA certifications - Albums 2008
  27. ^ "ARIA Charts - End Of Year Charts - Top 100 Albums 2007". Australian Recording Industry Association. Retrieved June 29, 2008.
  28. ^ Hook Me Up Chart Run
  29. ^ untouched chart run
  30. ^ ARIA Singles Certifications of 2008
  31. ^ "Untouched - Bubbling Under Hot 100 Singles". Billboard. Retrieved June 29, 2008.
  32. ^ This Love Chart run
  33. ^ ARIA Singles Certifications of 2008
  34. ^ Take Me On The Floor Chart Run
  35. ^ The Hook Me Up Tour
  36. ^ 2008 ARIA Awards Nominees Announced... And Here They Are!
  37. ^ a b Revenge is Sweeter Tour. Veronica twins set to enjoy sweet revenge Courier Mail. Accessed October 16, 2008.
  38. ^ a b Revenge is Sweeter Tour Dates. The Veronicas / Metro Station Australian tour Kill Your Stereo. Accessed October 16, 2008.
  39. ^ Breaking News: FIFA 09 Soundtrack Revealed
  40. ^ The Veronicas Biography
  41. ^ a b "Break-up causes tour shake up". Retrieved July 8. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |accessdate= (help); Unknown parameter |accessyear= ignored (|access-date= suggested) (help)
  42. ^ "Did old flame split Lisa, Dean?". news.com.au. July 24, 2008. Retrieved 2008-07-28. {{cite web}}: Italic or bold markup not allowed in: |publisher= (help)
  43. ^ "Veronicas twin gets kiss from a Rose (again)". fox 101.9. April 30, 2008. Retrieved 2008-07-28. {{cite web}}: Italic or bold markup not allowed in: |publisher= (help)
  44. ^ Lollo, Michelle (2008-08-03). "Veronicas' Jess finds new love". News.com.au. Retrieved 2008-08-07.
  45. ^ "Ruby Rose - live blog". news.com.au. March 28, 2008. Retrieved 2008-11-25. {{cite web}}: Italic or bold markup not allowed in: |publisher= (help)
  46. ^ "The Veronicas' Jess Origliasso caught in porn storm". News.com.au. 2008-08-01. Retrieved 2008-08-07.
  47. ^ Grant, Sarah (2008-08-04). "Veronicas' Jess Origliasso to sue ex over porn photos". News.com.au. Retrieved 2008-08-07.
  48. ^ The Veronicas Tour US In Support Of Debut Album
  49. ^ Every girl's a Veronica tonight
  50. ^ Avalon Drive announced as support for The Veronicas Revlotion Tour!
  51. ^ "Live 'n' Local is back". Retrieved July 8. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |accessdate= (help); Unknown parameter |accessyear= ignored (|access-date= suggested) (help)
  52. ^ "Hook Up with The Veronicas". Retrieved July 8. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |accessdate= (help); Unknown parameter |accessyear= ignored (|access-date= suggested) (help)
  53. ^ Frontier touring page
  54. ^ "Enforced spell for Veronicas". Retrieved July 8. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |accessdate= (help); Unknown parameter |accessyear= ignored (|access-date= suggested) (help)
  55. ^ "Natasha Bedingfield, The Veronicas and Kate Voegele to Appear at Verizon Wireless Communications Store in New York City". Retrieved July 8. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |accessdate= (help); Unknown parameter |accessyear= ignored (|access-date= suggested) (help)
  56. ^ The Veronicas To Tour with Jonas Brothers
  57. ^ The Veronicas Get Glammed and Prepare Hanson Tour
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