Rogue Traders songstress and former Neighbours actress (??) Natalie Bassingthwaighte has left our shores to pursue fame and fortune in Los Angeles. It’s either a sad day for the dance music industry or the best thing that ever happened to us, depending on how you look at it. And apparently, we’ve got a solo album to look forward to in 2008. Can I get a “hell yeah” people!

“With Rogues taking off (in the United States), at least with me being there someone’s on the ground,” Bassingthwaighte told the Herald Sun. “Hopefully there’ll be some offers for film or TV work. My agent has been asking when I’m coming for months. I’m excited to go over there, have some meetings and start the ball rolling.”

Natalie and the rest of the Rogue Traders, which also includes veteran Melbourne DJ James Ash, were of course responsible for one of the most sterling pieces of music to see the light of day last year (read the rapturous ITM review HERE).

So yeah, Natalie may be ditching us for LA, but dry those tears people because she’ll be back at some stage later in the year. Briefly at least, to pick up on her hosting duties for the Australian version of So You Think You Can Dance. I bet the ITM community at large are holding their breathe for that one!

Stay tuned to ITM for news on Natalie’s exploits in LA: her inevitable induction into the Paris Hilton social set, and the drunk table dancing and missing underwear that will no doubt follow.