Almost a year since Natalie Bassingthwaighte left the band, the Rogue Traders have found a new front person. James Ash updated fans with the news on an online blog last week, but said it was too early to name names.

“We kind of wanted to find someone ourselves; someone who didn’t come looking for us; someone who didn’t expect to be found,” he explained. “We looked everywhere – where you would expect, and where you certainly wouldn’t. It took a very long time. Naturally, once we found the right person, we knew instantly.”

James has spent the last year writing new songs, so it shouldn’t be too long before we hear some new Rogue Traders material.

Image source: The Harbour Agency

I don’t know how she does it, but Natalie Bassingthwaighte just seems to get hotter! Just check out the sexy cover for her upcoming single “Someday Soon”! I’m not sure that dress could be any lower cut, or that she could show any more leg without being indecent! I can’t blame her though. If I had a body like that I’d be flaunting it too!

But the sweet vocals on the new dance smash remind us that Nat Bass is much more than a pretty face. You can hear a sample of the track on Nat’s MySpace. Look out for it in stores “Someday Soon”!

Image used with permission from Sony Music Australia

Music fans have been hanging out for Natalie Bassingthwaighte’s solo music since she split from the Rogue Traders. “Alive” is all over radio at the moment, and the single will hit stores soon. But if you can’t wait that long, here’s a look at the artwork!

Nat Bass looks smoking in that simple shift dress, but the girl could probably wear a potato sack and work it!

This hot single hits stores on November!

Image used with permission from Sony Music Australia

It’s been a month now since Natalie Bassingthwaighte split from mega dance outfit the Rogue Traders. We’ve heard from lovable Rogue James Ash, the fans, in fact everyone but the girl herself. Until now.

Nat spoke to The Sunday Telegraph today from London to set the record straight.

Firstly, her relationship with Rogue Traders drummer Cameron McGlinchey didn’t go sour. In fact, nothing could be further from the truth!

“Cam and I are so together. I love him to pieces. I’m missing him, so he’s coming here and I can’t wait,” she gushed.

She says the decision to leave the band was a difficult one, but necessary. James wanted to continue his career, and Nat decided it wasn’t fair for him to sit around waiting for her to come back to the fold while she pursued her solo one.

“It’s always hard when people make up their own stories and don’t know the truth. I guess you could make the decision to go out there and say: ‘No, no, no’ and do 20 million interviews and tell everyone what the real story is.”

Instead of doing that, Nat got away from it all. It sounds like a much nicer option!

“I actually went on holidays with my best friend to Paris and Spain and all around the globe, chilling out. I had the best time. I just needed to relax and be somewhere people didn’t know who I am.”

But Nat Bass fans don’t have too long to wait before she returns to the spotlight. Her first solo single is out in October, the same month she’ll host the Nickelodeon Kids’ Choice Awards. Add to that her hosting duties for the next series of So You Think You Can Dance in 2009, and Nat’s going to be one busy bee!

Natalie Bassingthwaighte has left her Rogue Traders bandmates to pursue her solo career.

Nat originally planned to take time off to record a solo release, but the band have decided to make the split a permanent one.

“As I’m sure every single one of you already knows, this tour was always expected to be our last tour for some time, as we knew Nat was going to work on solo and other commitments, which could take some years to complete,” James Ash said on the band’s online forum.

“Because of this, sadly, after a great deal of consideration we’ve come to the conclusion that as Nat’s career choices are taking her in new and exciting directions, she won’t be able to be a part of the Rogue Traders.

“Nat and I both want you to know that we part company as best friends, with a deep love and respect for each other and what we have achieved over the last three and a half years.”

It’s amazing to think she’s only been with the band since 2004. Natalie’s distinctive vocals gave the band top ten hits including “Voodoo Child,” “Way To Go,” “Watching You,” “Don’t You Wanna Feel” and “I Never Liked You.” Her presence in the band will be sorely missed.

Image source: Sunrise.seven @ Flickr

Image details: 2008 APRA Music Awards served by picapp.com

Last night Daniel Johns became the first person in history to win three APRA Awards in one year.

The Silverchair frontman was named Songwriter of the Year for the number one hit “Straight Lines,” which also won Song of the Year and Most Played Australian Work gongs.

The other awards showed the diversity of Australia’s musical landscape. Melbourne’s Sally Seltmann won the Breakthrough Songwriter title for “1, 2, 3, 4,” the monster song made famous by Feist.

The Rogue Traders took home the Dance Work of the Year award for “In Love Again” while John Butler bagged the Blues and Roots gong for “Good Excuse.” Troy Casser-Daley’s song “Everything’s Gonna Be Alright” proved to be somewhat prophetic, as it helped the singer bag the Country Work of the Year title. Jade McCrae proved she’s one of Australia’s brightest stars, taking home the Urban Work of the Year award for “In the Basement.”

Manager extraordinaire Roger Davies was awarded the Ted Albert Award for Outstanding Services to Australian Music.

The Rogue Traders are hitting the road next month for what may be their last tour for some time.

Keyboardist James Ash said the band will take a break to allow lead singer Natalie Bassingthwaighte to pursue her career.

“With Nat going to do a solo record, this will be the last tour we do for 18 months or two years,” he told The Daily Telegraph.

Somewhere in there she’ll also find time to continue her So You Think You Can Dance hosting duties. What a busy girl!

Click the link below to see when the Rogue Traders are visiting you. Tickets to all shows go on sale on March 17.

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Image details: AFI Awards - Arrivals served by picapp.com

Aussie golden girl Delta Goodrem knocked Matchbox Twenty off the top spot when her new album Delta debuted at number one this week.

The single “This Life” is holding firm at number three after spending a couple of weeks at the top of the singles charts.

Local dance act Rogue Traders are also making their presence felt on the ARIA charts. Their second album Better in the Dark has slipped from number four to number five this week.

“Don’t You Wanna Feel” is holding steady at number 10 on the singles charts.

The Veronicas haven’t released their new album yet, but if the success of “Hook Me Up” is any indication it’s going to be another chart topper. After five weeks in the top ten, it’s still sitting pretty at number five on the charts.

See the complete top 10 below the cut.

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Image details: Arrivals At The MTV Australia Video Music Awards 2007 served by picapp.com

Former Neighbours star and Rogue Traders frontwoman Natalie Bassingthwaighte has returned to her acting roots with a role that’s sure to please her legions of male fans. Nat plays a doctor with lesbian tendencies in a new indie horror film, Prey.

However, word is that a particularly pervy scene, where she showers while her female costar watches, may end up on the cutting room floor.

“I hope not!” she told The Herald Sun at the Neighbours relaunch party.

I’m sure most men around the world are crossing their fingers right along with her.

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