Album of the Week - DISCLOSURE {Energy}

Sunday Spotlight: Washington

I first got my ears around Megan Washington (also known by her mononymous last name Washington) with Clementine back in 2008.

I Believe You Liar was a huge record in 2010, giving us five sing-a-long hits, Sunday Best, The Hardest Part, Clementine, Holy Moses and the title track I Believe You Liar.

There There was Megan's second album released back in 2014, so it's been a long wait for Batflowers. The album features twelve new songs including singles Dark Parts, Kiss Me Like We're Gonna Die and Batflowers.

The Guardian described the album in a recent review as "...you’ll be spellbound, your finger hovering above the “repeat” button, your brain needing to hear more."

Megan herself describes the new record as “The album in full is very narrative and to me it works like the soundtrack to a musical. Aside from the actual songs, there is a lot of sound design and audio-cinema including a thunderstorm, birdsong, dreamscapes and 500 year-old church bells. It was written and recorded all over the world from Joshua Tree in California, Switzerland, Berlin, Adelaide, and finished during lockdown on Minjerribah (Stradbroke Island).  I also had to record some vocals inside a rental car...”

So if like me Megan has fallen a bit off your radar, it's time to reunite yourself with her new music and some older familiar favourites as below.

Next Sunday the Sunday Spotlight will take a wee break to celebrate the twenty biggest songs of Winter 2020. What a weird three months Winter 2020 was, are the songs equally as strange? Find out next Sunday.

Streaming... NOW! | Key Friday 28 August, 2020 Releases

Let's kick off a big week of releases with next week's feature album, Disclosure's Energy. Packed to the brim with guests from Kelis to slowthai, Khalid to Syd. It's a huge winter dance floor release. Come back from more from the album all next week.

Aluna (from AlunaGeorge) solo album is HERE! OMG Kaytranada and more feature on this solid debut solo record.

In the land of mixtapes, here comes NZ superstar JessB with a tasty six track release 3 Nights In Amsterdam.

Dua Lipa is living for remixes right now, here is Club Future Nostalgia: The Remix Album. Packed full of dance floor hits to get that post COVID body in order.

Katy Perry is back with another pop record, Smile. Here is a cut now.

If you like jazz, Gregory Porter's (also in the past working with Disclosure) new album might be for you, All Rise.

Josh Pyke is finally back with new music, his album is called Rome. Wouldn't it be nice to travel to Rome again?

Two People have just given us their second record, it's simply titled Second Body.

Washington is back with new music and will be the Sunday Spotlight artist tomorrow. Batflowers landed on streaming services yesterday.

A big week of new singles too. Everything from Ball Park Music to Blackpink working with Selena Gomez to Calvin Harris and The Weeknd finally teaming up. Locally Mia Rodriguez and Bootleg Rascal also have new tunes.

A$AP Ferg feat. Lil Wayne & Jay Gwuapo – No Ceilings

Ball Park Music – Cherub

Blackpink x Selena Gomez – Ice Cream

Bootleg Rascal feat. Saint Lane – Falling Star

Crooked Colours – Love Language

girl in red – rue

Hands Like Houses – The Water

Calvin Harris x The Weeknd – Over Now

Leikeli47 – Zoom

Nao feat. Lianne La Havas – Woman

Octavian x Gunna x Saint JHN – Famous

Porter Robinson – Mirror

Mia Rodriguez – Beautiful & Bittersweet

Rudimental feat. Anne-Marie & Tion Wayne – Come Over

Fresh Friday Countdown #225 - Friday 28 August, 2020

20 - The Killers - My Own Soul's Warning
19 - Glass Animals - Heat Waves
18 - BENEE - Supalonely {Feat. Gus Dapperton}
17 - James Blake - Are You Even Real?
16 - Alfie Templeton - Things I Thought Were Mine
15 - Billie Eilish - my future
14 - London Grammar - Baby It's You
13 - Drake - Laugh Now Cry Later {Feat. Lil Durk}
12 - Troye Sivan - IN A DREAM
11 - Juice WRLD & Marshmello - Come & Go
10 - Vera Blue - Lie To Me
9 - The Killers - Caution
8 - Bliss N Eso - Lighthouse {Feat. Jake Issac}
7 - SAINt JHN - Roses (Imanbek Remix)
6 - Calvin Harris, The Weeknd - Over Now
5 - Amy Shark - Everybody Rise
4 - Tones and I - Dance Monkey
3 - Sia - Together
2 - The Weeknd - Blinding Lights
1 - Joel Corry - Head & Heart {Feat. MNEK}

Album of the Week - Offical Music Videos

Album of the Week - DUCKWRTH {Supergood}

Sunday Spotlight: Stand Atlantic

Stand Atlantic or previously known as What It's Worth (2012–2014), were my (Mini) Sunday Spotlight (now called the (Mini Monday Profile) on my other blog back in 2018. It was a short and sweet post around the release of their debut album, Skinny Dipping, was released in October 2018.

The group recently released their second album, Pink Elephant, featuring a number of radio favourite singles like Shh!, Jurassic Park and Wavelength.

Consisting of vocalist/guitarist Bonnie Fraser, guitarist David Potter, bassist Miki Rich, and drummer Jonno Panichi the group is based in Sydney.

Stand Atlantic released a couple of EPs, Catalyst (2013), A Place Apart (2015) and Sidewinder  (2017).

Stand Atlantic have toured with international bands like New Found Glory, as well as some big name Aussie bands like Trophy Eyes and even Short Stack.

Album number two Pink Elephant debuted at number 23 on the ARIA Albums Chart just last week. Check Pink Elephant and some of their earlier hits out right now! It's Sunday so get into some smashing new music local music.

Streaming... NOW! | Key Friday 21 August, 2020 Releases

It's a much bigger week for new music as we get set to farewell winter. Kicking off with the debut record from Alex The Astronaut. It landed yesterday, The Theory Of Absolutely Nothing is streaming everywhere now. Alex will also be my (Mini) Monday Spotlight next week. You can catch up with the latest one HERE for Wilaris. K.

Next up, meet next week's feature album, Duckwrth with Supergood. Yes all next week we will get to know Duckwrth.

Cut Copy also returned with their new album Freeze, Melt yesterday. It has been Double J's feature album all this week.

Bully are also back this week with Sugaregg.

Kelis's former man, Nas is back with a new release, King’s Disease.

Last but not least, getting a re-release in 2020 with some new cuts, it's Cannot Buy My Soul (The Songs Of Kev Carmody). Courtney Barnett, Kasey Chambers, Jimmy Barnes and so many more line up to be on the 2020 edition.

EP wise we get a joint EP from a controversial man right now, Ziggy Alberts teaming up with Horrorshow for the I Won’t Give You Up EP.

And less controversial is Troye Sivan with his new In A Dream EP. You may know a few of the tunes already but the entire six track EP is streaming now

New singles this week from lot's of local talent. Including a return from Bliss N Eso, a tasty new single from Vera Blue, two new songs from Matt Corby in recent times and Jess Kent is also back! What a week to be a live!

Bliss N Eso feat. Jake Isaac – Lighthouse

Vera Blue – Lie To Me

Boo Seeka – Days Get Better

Matt Corby – Vitamin

CXLOE – One And Lonely

Headie One, Stormzy & AJ Tracey – Ain’t It Different

Jess Kent – Life Happens

London Grammar – Baby It’s You

James Vincent McMorrow & Kenny Beats – I Should Go

Ta-Ku & Panama – Cruel

Yolanda Be Cool – No More Sorrow

Fresh Friday Countdown #224 - Friday 21 August, 2020

20 - Alanis Morrissette - Ablaze
19 - Glass Animals - Heat Waves
18 - London Grammar - Baby It's You
17 - Sonny Fodera & Dom Dolla - Moving Blind
16 - Illy - Loose Ends {Feat. G Flip}
15 - Ziggy Alberts & Horrorshow - Heavens Pt.II {Feat. Kim Churchill}
14 - Eves Karydas - Complicated
13 - DMA's - Criminals
12 - Drake - Laugh Now Cry Later {Feat. Lil Durk}
11 - BENEE - Supalonely {Feat. Gus Dapperton}
10 - The Killers - Caution
9 - Vera Blue - Lie To Me
8 - Tones and I - Dance Monkey
7 - Billie Eilish - my future
6 - SAINt JHN - Roses (Imanbek Remix)
5 - Amy Shark - Everybody Rise
4 - Sia - Together
3 - The Weeknd - Blinding Lights
2 - Bliss N Eso - Lighthouse {Feat. Jake Issac}
1 - Joel Corry - Head & Heart {Feat. MNEK}

Who is Bronson?

Your feature star this week is Bronson.

But who makes up Bronson? Composed of record producer Golden Features (Thomas George Stell) and the duo Odesza (Harrison Mills and Clayton Knight) make up Bronson.

So let's take a look at some videos from the crew that make up Bronson. What a fun, wild ride this week's feature album is.

Album of the Week - Offical Music Videos

Album of the Week - BRONSON {Bronson}

Sunday Spotlight: Tkay Maidza

Takudzwa Victoria Rosa "Tkay" Maidza is back with her latest EP, Last Year Was Weird, Vol. 2 and today she is your Sunday Spotlight.

I have loved Tkay for a number of years now, from M.O.B to her team up with Martin Solveig on Do it Right to her latest Kari Faux-supporting ‘Don’t Call Again’.

With her debut album landing in 2016, two mixtapes, an EP and a string of hit singles, it is no wonder Tkay is a festival and live touring favourite.

I was lucky enough to see Tkay before live music died. Her energy was next level, she commanded that stage, had so much fun and appeared to love every minute of when she was on stage demanding you to move.

Artists like Tkay make me miss live music so much. However it's good Tkay is still delivering some seriously good music, make Tkay the perfect soundtrack to your Sunday or week ahead. Get amongst the very well title Last Year Was Weird, Vol. 2 right now.

Streaming... NOW! | Key Friday 14 August, 2020 Releases

It's a bit of a quiet week this week for albums. Never fear last week was huge, so from Monday I will feature the big album from Bronson. This week however Aussie dance superstar, Tobiahs has released an EP, Beirut in aid of the recent explosion in Beirut. You can help out via buying the EP HERE.

A huge singles week however with new singles from Matt Corby, NIKI and a new sound for Running Touch. Get amongst them all now!

Buddy feat. Matt Ox – Ain’t Sweet

Matt Corby – If I Never Say A Word

Miley Cyrus – Midnight Sky

Drake feat. Lil Durk – Laugh Now Cry Later

Evanescence – Use My Voice

Golden Vessel feat. Mallrat – littlebitwild

Alicia Keys feat. Khalid – So Done

Kito & ZHU feat. Jeremih – Follow

Laurel – Scream Drive Faster

Dua Lipa feat. Madonna & Missy Elliott – Levitating

L’Tric feat. Chloe Wilson – Sunny

Madeon – The Prince

Nas – Ultra Black

NIKI – Lose

Running Touch – Signs

Fresh Friday Countdown #223 - Friday 14 August, 2020

20 - The Killers - Caution
19 - The Killers - Dying Breed
18 - Tones and I - Ur So F**kinG cOol
17 - Sonny Fodera & Dom Dolla - Moving Blind
16 - Marshmello & Halsey - Be Kind
15 - Alanis Morrissette - Ablaze
14 - Tones and I - Bad Child
13 - Eiffel 65 - Blue {Flume Remix}
12 - Illy - Loose Ends {Feat. G Flip}
11 - BENEE - Supalonely {Feat. Gus Dapperton}
10 - Glass Animals - Heat Waves
9 - Juice WRLD & Marshmello - Come & Go
8 - Billie Eilish - my future
7 - Tones and I - Dance Monkey
6 - Midnight Oil - Gadigal Land {Feat. Dan Sultan, Joel Davison, Kaleena Briggs & Bunna Lawrie}
5 - Sia - Together
4 - SAINt JHN - Roses (Imanbek Remix)
3 - Amy Shark - Everybody Rise
2 - The Weeknd - Blinding Lights
1 - Joel Corry - Head & Heart {Feat. MNEK}

Album of the Week - Offical Music Videos

Album of the Week - GLASS ANIMALS {Dreamland}

Sunday Spotlight: Hockey Dad

Billy Fleming and Zach Stephenson make up Hockey Dad. To date the duo have released three full albums and one EP.

Hockey Dad also scored this week's feature record over on Triple J. The duo were founded in 2013, Fleming and Stephenson were both born and raised in Windang Australia and lived two doors down from each other on Boronia Avenue in New South Wales where they still reside.

The duo have toured Europe, North America as well as headline tours across Australia.

Brain Candy debuted at number two just behind Taylor Swifts huge selling Folklore album. The record has already spawned hits like Itch, In This State, Germaphone and I Missed Out.

Take some time today to discover one of NSW's best surf/skating duos. Hockey Dad are about to become one of Australia's premiere rock groups.

Streaming... NOW! | Key Friday 7 August, 2020 Releases

Let's kick off with next week's feature album, it's from Glass Animals. Dreamland was held back for release a little while back, now it's out and streaming wherever you get your new music.

Husky are back with album number four, Stardust Blues.

Bronson are American DJs Odesza & Aussie producer/legend Golden Features, just gave their debut effort, simply titled Bronson.

Victoria Monét is friends with Ariana Grande and has a solid feature with SG Lewis and Khalid on her debut album, JAGUAR.

Stand Atlantic gave us their debut Skinny Dipping in 2018, Pink Elephant is the sensational follow up.

In Hearts Wake are getting loud once more with Kaliyuga. Streaming now!

Aminé gives us a solid session on the hit My High with Disclosure. Maybe my favourite song of 2020. However as a solo star he is back with Limbo.

Hudson Mohawke delivers the big beats on this new release, B.B.H.E.

Tkay Maidza has given us a few hits of late, they all feature on her Last Year Was Weird Vol.2 EP. So get Shook now!

It's an interesting week of singles this week. Everything from Juice WRLD teaming up with The Weeknd, Joji hanging out with Diplo and new music from Midnight Oil. Get amongst it!

Bon Iver – AUATC

Briggs feat. Thelma Plum – Go To War

Commandeur – Me And You

Manu Crooks – Bastards

Cut Copy – Like Breaking Glass

Didirri – The Critic

DUCKWRTH feat. Kian – Quick

GRAACE – Body Language

Joji x Diplo – Daylight

Juice WRLD & The Weeknd – Smile

Lanks – Ghost

SG Lewis x Robyn x Channel Tres – Impact

Midnight Oil – Gadigal Land {feat. Dan Sultan, Joel Davison, Kaleena Briggs & Bunna Lawrie}

Kate Miller-Heidke – Deluded

Tame Impala – Is It True

Washington – Batflowers

Yours Truly – Undersize

Fresh Friday Countdown #222 - Friday 7 August, 2020

20 - BENEE - Supalonely {Feat. Gus Dapperton}
19 - Anna Farquhar - Again
18 - SG Lewis, Robyn & Channel Tres - Impact
17 - SVNO & ONEFOUR - Like We Do {Feat. J Emz}
16 - Illy - Loose Ends {Feat. G Flip}
15 - blink 182 - Quarantine
14 - Tones and I - Bad Child
13 - Eiffel 65 - Blue {Flume Remix}
12 - Juice WRLD & The Weeknd - Smile
11 - SAINt JHN - Roses (Imanbek Remix)
10 - Juice WRLD & Marshmello - Come & Go
9 - Glass Animals - Heat Waves
8 - Tones and I - Dance Monkey
7 - Amy Shark - Everybody Rise
6 - Alanis Morrissette - Ablaze
5 - Billie Eilish - my future
4 - Sia - Together
3 - Joel Corry - Head & Heart {Feat. MNEK}
2 - The Weeknd - Blinding Lights
1 - Midnight Oil - Gadigal Land {Feat. Dan Sultan, Joel Davison, Kaleena Briggs & Bunna Lawrie}

Album of the Week - Offical Music Videos

Album of the Week - E^ST {I’m Doing It}

Sunday Spotlight: The Naked and Famous

The Naked And Famous have just given us their fourth studio album, Recover. The duo from Auckland, NZ are this weeks Sunday Spotlight stars.

Alisa Xayalith and Thom Powers are the two remaining members of the band.

The Naked And Famous have released four studio albums: Passive Me, Aggressive You (2010), In Rolling Waves (2013), Simple Forms (2016) and Recover (2020).

Leaving NZ in 2012, The Naked And Famous now call Los Angeles home.

Alisa has recently featured on Peking Duk's single Move whilst from their Recover album the group has released five singles. It was their singles Young Blood and Punching in a Dream the world feel in love with the Kiwis.

So if you haven't got your head around new music from The Naked and Famous for a while, take some time this Sunday to get into Recover as well as some previous hits & memories.

Until next time, stay well.

Streaming... NOW! | Key Friday 31 July, 2020 Releases

Let's start off with E^st and her debut album I’m Doing It. It's been a minute but I am super excited to hear this full length record, by the extremely talented E^st.

Dominic Fike is finally here with his solo album, What Could Possibly Go Wrong.

Wollongong boys, Hockey Dad are back with their latest album Brain Candy.

Alanis Morissette was meant to be touring about now, instead we get her latest album, Such Pretty Forks In The Road.

Tuka from Thundamentals is back with another choice solo album, it's streaming now... Nothing In Common But Us

Kota Banks gives us another tasty EP,  Sweet And The Spice. Here is another taste from it, Yes!

This week's singles have something for everyone. Great local cuts, new Billie Eilish, some new Sam Smith even another new track from Jorja Smith!

Action Bronson – Latin Grammys

A$AP Ferg feat. Nicki Minaj & Madeintyo – Move Ya Hips

Billie Eilish – my future

Arno Faraji – Just A Phase

Haiku Hands feat. Sofi Tukker – Fashion Model Art

Hurts – Somebody

mxmtoon – bon iver

Jorja Smith – By Any Means

Sam Smith feat. Burna Boy – My Oasis

Snakehips feat. Jess Glynne feat. A Boogie – Lie For You