SYDNEY, Australia (Sony BMG Australia) - The response to Casey Donovan's first release as a solo recording artist has been nothing short of phenomenal. After record stores battled all last week to keep up with consumer demand, and Australian radio stations made it the No. 1 most added song to their playlists in its first week, today 'LISTEN WITH YOUR HEART' shot straight to the top of the ARIA national singles chart to debut at No.1.
In a remarkable beginning to her recording career, Casey's 'LISTEN WITH YOUR HEART' had already been breaking records before it was even available instore.
Following her announcement as the new Australian Idol, the almost immediate release of the song on Telstra's Bigpond Music has led to the biggest selling paid music download their service has ever had. Similar results were also seen when the track was subsequently offered via Destra in the days leading up to the single's instore release date.
After a week of long days and nights in the studio, Casey has just completed her debut album 'FOR YOU', set to be released on Sunday, December 12.
With Ross Fraser (John Farnham) handling the A&R duties and Bryon Jones (Guy Sebastian, Shannon Noll) acting as Executive Producer, the album will feature a selection of songs from some of the world's best songwriters including the title track written by Casey when she was just fourteen years old.
Also included will be a live version of one of Casey's standout performances from the Australian Idol series, Tina Arena's 'Symphony of Life'. Casey has delivered an exceptional album covering a range of musical styles, with a mix of soulfully haunting tunes showing off her uniquely emotive delivery and some grittier rock numbers delivered with impressive power & intensity.
To launch 'FOR YOU', Casey will be making her first trip as a solo recording artist around the country to perform a couple of songs from the album & sign the first copies for her fans at the following instore events:
SUNDAY DECEMBER 12 - WA
12:00pm @ Forest Place, Perth City
Presented by Virgin at Myer and 92.9fm
MONDAY DECEMBER 13 - SA
3:00pm @ Elder Park, Adelaide
Presented by Sanity, Harvey Norman and SAFM
WEDNESDAY DECEMBER 15 - VIC
4:00pm @ Highpoint Shopping Centre (Centre Stage) Rosamond Road, Maribyrnong.
Presented by Sanity and FOXFM
THURSDAY DECEMBER 16 - QLD
4:00pm @ Robina Town Centre, Celebration Place, Gold Coast
Presented by Music Shop
SATURDAY DECEMBER 18 - NSW
Details to be announced for Casey's huge hometown event!
The whirlwind promotional trip will give Casey a small taste of what to expect from life on the road, as January 18, 2005 will see her join the rest of the Australian Idol Top 10 Finalists in kicking off the national Australian Idol tour in Newcastle, to be followed by dates in Wollongong, Sydney, Canberra, Perth, Adelaide, Melbourne, Hobart, Launceston, Cairns, Townsville, Brisbane & the Gold Coast.
Casey Donovan's No 1 single 'LISTEN WITH YOUR HEART' is instore now. Her debut album 'FOR YOU' will be released on Sunday December 12, 2004 through SONY BMG Music Entertainment.