Volume #1 | A song to make you smile, the perfect artist for pre-drinks, a playlist for hosting friends at home.
Welcome to Mixtape, your friend in music.
Hey Google, play Mixtape on Spotify.
Welcome to Mixtape! Thank you for being here. I’m Jess, and I don’t know about you, but I LOVE a good mixtape. I’m the girl who breathes in music as if it were oxygen. I happily spend hours curating playlists to perfection. I’ve even been referred to as a Playlist Queen *stop it*, so here I am, embracing it! After all, sharing is caring.
How good is that feeling of discovering a new song, or rediscovering one that prompts nostalgia?
This mixtape mantra of mine is nothing new. From a very young age, I’d record songs from the radio onto cassette tapes and create my own mix. This is where it all began…
Fast forward to adult life. Despite my two little ones dominating my Spotify with their songs on repeat (shoutout to our faves, The Wiggles!) I’m obsessed with music and it's a huge part of who I am.
New music, old music, music that triggers memories, evokes emotion, reminds me of someone, sounds like a place or a movie, music that takes me to my piano with lyrics in hand, music that entices me and makes me want the whole damn story!
Music that is worth escaping to.
What To Expect From Mixtape
Feature songs and artists from varying eras and genres that I love - no limitations. Thoughtfully explained and linked so you can hear them in an instant.
Playlists I highly recommend, because you can never have too many.
A snapshot of music news to keep you in the loop and share in the group chat - you’re welcome!
Bangers that demand attention, this is where I place my bets for chart toppers!
Storytelling with fun, intended puns, personal anecdotes, misheard lyrics and music related babble you didn’t know you needed.
History and education, because learning is the spice of life.
I’ll also dive into instruments, gigs, album art and music videos. It’s a package deal you guys!
How far can Mixtape go? I can’t promise you interviews with artists… but a girl can dream, right?
If you share a love for music, then you’re in the right place.
Playlist Pause |
Front Left - Spotify
Genre: Indie
Length: 4h
When To Listen: At home, background music, picnics, walks. My go-to, at home playlist. I pop this on when I’m cooking, doing life admin or when we need background music while hosting friends.
What To Expect: Chilled, trendy, upbeat vibes. A bit of spice, songs you most likely won’t hear on mainstream radio. Being a Spotify generated playlist, it is regularly updated with the freshest songs. I stumbled upon it through my obsession with RAYE.
It’s A Hit |
Lady Gaga, Bruno Mars | Die With A Smile
Collabs are cool. The story goes, Bruno Mars invites Lady Gaga to his studio, magic happens, boom. These two are perfection in their own right, let alone when they work together. No doubt it’ll reach number one in Australia (currently #5 ARIA Chart). You can hear the chemistry. It’s a beautiful track you’ll want to sing along to.
It’s been a great year for collabs! Post Malone + Taylor Swift. Beyonce + Miley.
Tell me your favourite collab of 2024 in the comments, I’d love to take a listen!
Craving |
Artist: Tommy Richman
Genre: Dance / Electronic
Play It When: You’re getting ready to go out.
Feels Like: A mood booster that pairs nicely with pre drinks.
Sounds Like: Charli xcx, The Kid LAROI
Surprise Fact: Tommy’s only 24 years old!
In Case You Haven’t Heard |
Missy Higgins featured on ABC’s latest episode of Australian Story, available to watch on ABC iview:
It’s an honest insight to where it all began and how she has stayed true to herself. The best live show I've seen this year (big call) was The Sound of White 20th Anniversary Tour—on the same stage where I performed high school musicals! The singer-songwriter’s storytelling, both live and in her music, is unmatched. She’s incredibly talented, authentic, and relatable. Her spine tingling music takes me back to my teens. With a new album coming soon, she’s extended her tour, adding more shows including another one here in South Australia! I am so grateful for this woman and her vulnerability.
“Can’t Fight The Moonlight” by LeAnn Rimes is 20 years old! What a throwback. LeAnn is also one of the new judges on The Voice (Seven Network). Check out the dance-inspired re-release of this classic—it’s perfect for a wedding dance floor!
Adele announced to her Munich audience that she “won’t be seeing us for a long time” after her 100-show performance run ends in November. She hinted back in July that new music isn't on her radar, following her busy Las Vegas residency. Given her past album gaps, I’ll be eagerly waiting, but whatever comes next will be phenomenal. In the meantime, let’s admire her stunning live show looks and enjoy my favourite track from her album 30. Queen.
Pictures: @adele Instagram
Fan Fact |
In 1996, Australia’s Silverchair were the support act for Red Hot Chili Peppers on their US tour. Can you imagine?! Wild. Where’s a time machine when we need it?
Next Time on Mixtape…
I do a deep dive on Silverchair, the rock that brings me peace.
A playlist full of early 90’s hits including an appearance from The 12th Man
In Case You Haven’t Heard | Peking Duk pushing boundaries - from Bunnings to Karl Stefanovic
Let me know what you loved in this volume, or the songs and artists you’d like me to feature. Feel free to tell the world about my newsletter! You can like this volume by tapping the little love heart button below.
I’m so happy you’re here, thanks for reading Mixtape.
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I love this newsletter already! Can’t wait for the next edition!
Can’t fight the moonlight is still one of my all time favourite songs!!