More Joji Visuals - the man is unstoppable!

 

Joji also scores Triple J's feature album!

Album of the Week - Offical Music Videos

 

Album of the Week - Joji {Nectar}

 

Sunday Spotlight: 88rising Crew

 Sean Miyashiro founded 88rising in 2015. 88rising can be described as a media collective, record label focusing on Asian talents from across the globe.

Leading the charge Indonesian rapper Rich Brian (fka Rich Chigga), Korean rapper Keith Ape, mainland Chinese rap foursome Higher Brothers. Later joining the crew which was initially known as CXSHXNLY, Filipino-American singer/dancer Brian Puspos, Korean-American rapper Jonathan Park (fka Dumbfoundead), and Josh Pan. 

Joji, also joined 88rising (known formerly as the Pink Guy) and the Mandarin-speaking trap quartet Higher Brothers from Chengdu, China, Indonesian singer NIKI, Japanese-American hip-hop producer Sen Morimoto and Los Angeles-bred R&B singer August 08. 

The debut compilation Head in the Clouds, which featured a wealth of guests such as Yung Bans, 03 Greedo, BlocBoy JB, Playboi Carti was released in 2018. A sequel compilation, Head in the Clouds II, was released in 2019.

88rising have had a big year in 2020, new releases from Rich Brian, NIKI and on Friday, Joji. So if you are new to the sensation that is 88rising, get amongst some of the biggest hits below. Next week the Sunday Spotlight takes a long weekend break as I'm in Canberra. 

For more 88rising, tune in all week as Joji is this week's feature album!

 

Streaming... NOW! | Key Friday 25 September, 2020

A$AP Ferg kicks off this week with his latest album, Floor Seats II.

Meet your feature star as well as star of tomorrow's 88rising crew Sunday Spotlight, it's Joji with his new record, Nectar. Come back tomorrow and next week for loads of features from the young artist.

Machine Gun Kelly has Halsey and a couple of other guests on his new record, Tickets To My Downfall.

Starley has finally given us her debut album, One Of One. It includes Call on Me. We all know that song, or at least the remix, right?

A couple of local EP's landed yesterday. Sold for Sale is the latest EP from Didirri whilst Shannen James has released her debut EP, Arrows.

Not to this week's singles and my oh my Baker Boy and friends have delivered. We also get new stuff from Hands like Houses, Maluma and what, Midnight Oil!

Baker Boy, Dallas Woods - Better Days {feat. Sampa The Great}

Cabu feat. Blush’ko & Gabby Nacua – All I Need

CXLOE – Heavy

Glades – Crush

Hands Like Houses – Dangerous

Jaguar Jonze – Deadalive

Logic1000 – Blossom

Jennifer Lopez & Maluma – Pa Ti + Lonely

Midnight Oil feat. Jessica Mauboy & Tasman Keith – First Nation

Kylie Minogue – Magic

Travis Scott feat. Yung Thug & M.I.A. – Franchise

Alison Wonderland – Bad Things

Yung Bae feat. Marc E Bassy – Revolving

Fresh Friday Countdown #229 - Friday 25 September, 2020

20 - Birdz - Bagi-la-m Bargan {Feat. Fred Leone}
19 - Calvin Harris, The Weeknd - Over Now
18 - Pendulum - Driver
17 - Glass Animals - Heat Waves
16 - Pendulum - Nothing for Free
15 - Machine Gun Kelly - forget me too {Feat. Halsey}
14 - Sgt Slick - Gimme! Gimme! Gimme!
13 - Juice WRLD & Marshmello - Come & Go
12 - Headie One - Ain't it Different {Feat. AJ Tracey & Stormzy}
11 - Sia - Courage to Change
10 - Royal Blood - Trouble Coming
9 - DJ Khaled - POPSTAR {Feat. Drake}
8 - Midnight Oil - First Nation {Feat. Jessica Mauboy & Tasman Keith}
7 - SAINt JHN - Roses (Imanbek Remix)
6 - Amy Shark - Everybody Rise
5 - Powderfinger - Day by Day
4 - Sia - Together
3 - The Weeknd - Blinding Lights
2 - David Guetta & Sia - Let's Love
1 - Joel Corry - Head & Heart {Feat. MNEK}

(Mini) Monday Spotlight: July - September 2020

So back in late June I gave you a list and run down of my other blogs (Mini) Monday Spotlights. Now its time for me to catch up on the July to September editions. And that is a lot, so let's hope to it.

July saw winter in full swing, but plenty of new music to discover. 박혜진 Park Hye Jin was first cab off the rank with her amazingly unique electronic sound. From across the ditch we went to The Beths then things sounded a little like the Wombats with Love Fame Tragedy. Finally it was young superstar Alfie Templeman.

August, winter continued with the best new artists getting a feature. First in August I looked into Dominic Fike, the 3 Nights singer finally gave us his debut album. Outstanding Miiesha was up next, Wilaris. K then took us to the club, Alex The Astronaut continued to release sweet tunes and one of my favourites Aluna went out solo.

Now we are finally into the warmer spring months. So with the warmer the heat was on Mondays. Kicking off September was Two People, Wafia was up next with her boppy new EP Good Things landing and this week we jumped into Triple J's feature stars Yours Truly.

Now it's time to take a listen to some cuts from all the (Mini) Monday Spotlight stars below. Or click the artists above and discover some brand new sounds.

Deep Dive into this week's Feature Album

 

A. Swayze & The Ghosts is also the feature album on the fabulous Double J. Sharing their content they did a wonderful deep dive into the record HERE.

Come back tomorrow as I throwback to the (Mini) Monday Spotlights you may have missed from my other blog.

Until then, here is a new album I am excited about coming soon...

Album of the Week - Offical Music Videos

 

Album of the Week - A.SWAYZE & THE GHOSTS {Paid Salvation}

 

Sunday Spotlight: Powderfinger

 Kicking off in the very late 80's, early 90's Brisbane's Pwoderfinger are one of Australia's most loved bands. Recently Odyssey Number Five (there most well known release) turned 20. 

The group gave us seven solid albums, toured extensively and were always festival favourites. Australia has since fallen for Tame Impala and Gang of Youths as our new rock icons however Powderfinger will always have a truly solid fan base.

Not to mention a fan base of the groups side projects and Bernard Fannings successful solo career.

Australian music has had some huge rock acts over the years, INXS, Silverchair, Cold Chisel and Powderfinger join that extremely successful locally and abroad.

So let' go back to my golden years, 2000. I was studying music business management, I had been a huge music nerd for around a decade, I was a three and a bit year rusted on JJJ listener, what were you doing?

Did Powderfinger soundtrack your late 90's or early 2000's? Or do they still feature on your playlists in the car and beyond?

2020 has been a year of nostalgia and looking back at better times before this year rocked everyone to the core. I take solace in classic tunes and Odyssey Number Five is packed with classic anthems. From Hottest 100 number ones like These Days and My Happiness to opener Waiting for the Sun and sing-a-long Like a Dog.

It's Sunday, lets do a Cher and turn back time. Next week a slightly newer act now doubt. Until then, go well.

Streaming... NOW! | Key Friday 18 September, 2020

Firstly on a non musical note, RIP RBG. What a woman, what an inspiration. 2020 continues to be a sad year.

Now onto a lighter topic of new releases. This week some big debut albums, some iconic artists returning and an EP from England to Adelaide, now calling Sydney home artist Jess Kent.

Less words this week, more music. 

Asian Dub Foundation – Access Denied

Dro Carey – Nothing Is A Solo Project

Gus Dapperton – Orca

Elderbrook – Why Do We Shake In The Cold?

Kehlani – It Was Good Until It Wasn’t

Alicia Keys – Alicia

A.Swayze & The Ghosts – Paid Salvation

Yours Truly – Self Care

Jess Kent – Parking Karma (EP)

And finally to this weeks singles. With everything from Manu Crooks to Justin Bieber and even an unreleased tune from Powderfinger. Let's do this!

Justin Bieber feat. Chance The Rapper – Holy

Manu Crooks – Killing Me Softly

Sophie Ellis-Bextor – Crying At The Discotheque

flowerkid – miss andry

Fluir – Same Flame

Kwame feat. CLYPSO & Phil Fresh – Tommy’s In Trouble

Kygo & Donna Summer – Hot Stuff

Nothing But Thieves – Impossible

Pendulum – Nothing For Free / Driver (double single release)

Powderfinger – Day By Day

Torren Foot feat. Tinie Tempah & L Devine – More Life

Fresh Friday Countdown #228 - Friday 18 September, 2020

20 - Azure Ryder - Dizzy
19 - ShockOne - Follow Me
18 - Mr Eazi & Major Lazer - Oh My Gawd {Feat. Nicki Minaj}

17 - Glass Animals - Heat Waves

16 - DJ Khaled - POPSTAR {Feat. Drake}

15 - Pendulum - Nothing for Free

14 - Headie One - Ain't it Different {Feat. AJ Tracey & Stormzy}

13 - Juice WRLD & Marshmello - Come & Go

12 - Stace Cadet & KLP - Energy

11 - Bring me the Horizon - Obey {Feat. YUNGBLUD}

10 - Birdz - Bagi-la-m Bargan {Feat. Fred Leone}

9 - The Rubens - Time of My Life

8 - Pendulum - Driver

7 - Amy Shark - Everybody Rise

6 - SAINt JHN - Roses (Imanbek Remix)

5 - Sia - Together

4 - The Weeknd - Blinding Lights

3 - Powderfinger - Day by Day

2 - David Guetta & Sia - Let's Love
1 - Joel Corry - Head & Heart {Feat. MNEK}

Album of the Year Nomination - September Update

The race is on for the Album of the Year 2020. Yesterday Disclosure released a brand new video with their new good friend Channel Tres. Honestly this is becoming my go to on the album. It's such a strong release but Channel Tres kills it on every tune. Add Disclosure's big tree Energy to the production, KILLER!

Tame Impala recently gave us the video for the super catchy cut, Is it True. This album has been my soundtrack through COVID, loss and joyous moments. Whilst the joyous moments are less in this COVID world, those moments still need a soundtrack and Tame Impala provide that.

Here is Halsey when live music was a thing. I was lucky enough to see her pre the Manic release. All the same I miss live music, a lot!

And finally here is The Weeknd, saving his tears. Like a lot of artists, animated videos are all the go. Blinding Lights remains one of (if not) the biggest songs of 2020. Now it's being used during my latest Les Mills Sprint workout. Oh boy.

Only a few more months until this years Album of the Year will be revealed!

New Niki Video... Dropped today!

Hope your enjoying MOONCHILD this week!

Album of the Week - Offical Music Videos

 

Album of the Week - NIKI {Moonchild}

Sunday Spotlight: Disclosure

Wow I have never featured Disclosure on this little segment before? How is that? I latched onto the duo back in 2012 with remix of Jessie Ware's Running track and their single launching Sam Smith into the world Latch.

The duo recently released Energy their third album. Which was not only a feature album here, but my fourth Album of the Year for 2020 nomination.

Whilst Settle did not have the big guests Energy has on it, it really launched a number of careers including Sam Smith as mentioned above on Latch. Jessie Ware also rose to fame once Disclosure remixed her early tune Running.

Their second album Caracal featured a huge range of guests from The Weeknd to Lorde, Line Babe and Nao. Even Aussie Jordan Rakei got a look on vocally on their second awesome release.

Energy has been a real pickup for the world right now when we all need to dance. So I have to thank the Lawrence brothers for serving up some more big energy right now.

I am a huge Disclosure fan and can not urge you anymore strongly than to just listen and watch the below, you won't regret it. You can stream the album HERE otherwise check out some previous hits and videos below. Until next week, dance, dance, dance!

Streaming... NOW! | Key Friday 11 September, 2020 Releases

Kicking off this week with the new record from Everything Everything, it's called Re-Animator.

The Flaming Lips also released a brand new disc yesterday, American Head.

Haiku Hands grabbed my attention with Jupiter a number of years back. Finally we get the debut self-titled album from Haiku Hands.

Marilyn Manson is still releasing new music, wow! His latest album is called We Are Chaos.

NIKI will be your new feature star all next week with Moonchild. Hailing from one of our nearest and dearest neighbours, Indonesia. Find more about NIKI now.

Now to this weeks new singles. There is something for everyone this week, with new Ruel, Tash Sultana and keeping it local Young Franco.

Ayla feat. Oh My My – Manic

Kota Banks – Sweet & The Spice (remixes)

Cosmo’s Midnight – Idaho

Didirri – Loose Belt Drive

Django Django – Spirals

Alicia Keys – Love Looks Better

Ruel – As Long As You Care

Elana Stone – Permanent Limbo

Tash Sultana – Beyond The Pine

Triple One – Salina

Tropical Fuck Storm – Heaven

Ukiyo feat. Panama – The Middle

Young Franco feat. Pell & Dana Williams – Two Feet

Fresh Friday Countdown #227 - Friday 11 September, 2020

20 - Drake - Laugh Now Cry Later {Feat. Lil Durk}
19 - David Guetta & Sia - Let's Love
18 - SZA - Hit Different {Feat. Ty Dolla $ign}
17 - BENEE - Supalonely {Feat. Gus Dapperton}
16 - London Grammar - Baby It's You
15 - Sgt Slick - Gimme! Gimme! Gimme!
14 - Vera Blue - Lie To Me
13 - Calvin Harris, The Weeknd - Over Now
12 - Marilyn Manson - DON'T CHASE THE DEAD
11 - Billie Eilish - my future
10 - Juice WRLD & Marshmello - Come & Go
9 - Headie One - Ain't it Different {Feat. AJ Tracey & Stormzy}
8 - Birdz - Bagi-la-m Bargan {Feat. Fred Leone}
7 - DJ Khaled - POPSTAR {Feat. Drake}
6 - Bring me the Horizon - Obey {Feat. YUNGBLUD}
5 - SAINt JHN - Roses (Imanbek Remix)
4 - Sia - Together
3 - Amy Shark - Everybody Rise
2 - The Weeknd - Blinding Lights
1 - Joel Corry - Head & Heart {Feat. MNEK}

Album of the Year Nomination #4 - Disclosure - Energy

Wow not since April 1st (April Fools!) has there been an Album of the Year Nomination for 2020. Since April a lot has changed, multiple album release dates were pulled, then rescheduled only to find nothing has changed in the world.

However (very) late last month Disclosure have given us a very classy third studio record, Energy. Featuring so many on trend guests, Energy is the album the world needs right now.

Kelis, Channel Tres, Aminé, Slowthai, Mick Jenkins, Fatoumata Diawara, Blick Bassy, Kehlani, Syd, and Common all join brothers Howard and Guy Lawrence on various cuts on Energy.

The album was my feature last week, it's classy and fun which is what we have come to expect from the wonderful duo Disclosure. With my highlights being Douha (Mali Mali) and My High. There is really something for everyone on Energy.

Joining Tame Impala, Halsey and The Weeknd in the race for the 2020 Album of the Year, it's Disclosure, with Energy. Stream the album below and get amongst it NOW!

Album of the Week - Offical Music Videos

Album of the Week - SAN CISCO {Between You And Me}

Winters Biggest Bangers | 2020

20 - Doja Cat - Say So
19 - Billie Eilish - my future
18 - Illy - Loose Ends {Feat. G Flip}
17 - Juice WRLD & Marshmello - Come & Go
16 - The Weeknd - In Your Eyes
15 - Glass Animals - Heat Waves
14 - Post Malone - Circles
13 - Eiffel 65 - Blue (Flume Remix)
12 - Powfu - Death Bed {Feat. beabadoobee}
11 - Hilltop Hoods - I'm Good?
10 - Marshmello & Halsey - Be Kind
9 - Tones and I - Bad Child
8 - Tones and I - Ur So Fucking Cool
7 - Joel Corry - Head & Heart {Feat. MNEK}
6 - Tones and I - Dance Monkey
5 - BENEE - Supalonely {Feat. Gus Dapperton}
4 - Sia - Together
3 - SAINt JHN - Roses (Imanbek Remix)
2 - The Weeknd - Blinding Lights
1 - Amy Shark - Everybody Rise

Streaming... NOW! | Key Friday 4 September, 2020 Releases

Kicking off this week, Boy & Bear release a new live record, At Golden Retriever Studios.

Tricky is back this week with Fall To Pieces, check out this cruisey cut now...

Let's get some French dance music from Yelle. The latest record is L’Ère Du Verseau. I won't even pretend I can pronounce this :)

San Cisco have scored next week's feature album with, Between You And Me. Come back all next week from hits from the new record, maybe even a stream or music video for good measure.

Last but not least on the album front, it's been a while between drinks but Kim Salmon & The Surrealists are back with Rantings From The Book Of Swamp.

This weeks singles list is a little shorter than some weeks, however we still have some gold from Buddy and Slum Sociable. See you tomorrow for the biggest bangers of Winter 2020.

Buddy feat. Tinashe – Glitch

Gus Dapperton – Medicine

Paul Epworth feat. Vince Staples, Ishmael & Elle Yaya – Mars & Vebus

Finneas – What They’ll Say About Us

LANKS – I’d Do It All Again

Slum Sociable – Explain Myself

Yours Truly – Funeral Home

SZA feat. Ty Dolla $ign - Hit Different

Fresh Friday Countdown #226 - Friday 4 September, 2020

20 - Sgt Slick - Gimme! Gimme! Gimme!
19 - Drake - Laugh Now Cry Later {Feat. Lil Durk}
18 - Stace Cadet & KLP - Energy
17 - BENEE - Supalonely {Feat. Gus Dapperton}
16 - Bliss N Eso - Lighthouse {Feat. Jake Issac}
15 - Eves Karydas - Complicated
14 - Alfie Templeton - Things I Thought Were Mine
13 - Something for Kate - Supercomputer
12 - Juice WRLD & Marshmello - Come & Go
11 - The Killers - Caution
10 - Billie Eilish - my future
9 - Vera Blue - Lie To Me
8 - Headie One - Ain't it Different {Feat. AJ Tracey & Stormzy}
7 - Calvin Harris, The Weeknd - Over Now
6 - SAINt JHN - Roses (Imanbek Remix)
5 - Amy Shark - Everybody Rise
4 - Sia - Together
3 - Joel Corry - Head & Heart {Feat. MNEK}
2 - The Weeknd - Blinding Lights
1 - Bring me the Horizon - Obey {Feat. YUNGBLUD}

Disclosure @ Plitvice Lakes National Park, Croatia

Energy - Guests

Here is a quick look at some of the fab guests on this week's feature record, Energy from Disclosure.

Album of the Week - Offical Music Videos