Volume #11 | My most random playlist yet, Australian bands Grinspoon & Ocean Alley plus getting ready to fly with Wicked the movie musical.
Mixtape. Changed for good.
Something has changed within me, something is not the same ♪
I suffer (yes, suffer) from anticipation.
That heightened feeling of expectation right before something.
Something unfamiliar, something that has to be done, something that’s a big deal, something that has been stressful before so I assume it will be again. Something exciting, challenging, mundane or triggering. As for the unexpected, I expect it nowadays.
It’s an almost palpable sense of something coming around the corner. I feel like I know what’s going to happen, but the reality is, I don’t know. It’s the confusion between gut feeling and anxiety and it often takes me away from being content and present.
There’s every chance the rigorously organised planner in me has caused this. The need to feel like I’ve got my shit together, in every facet of life and in advance so that I can control the next something.
My father was an absolute stickler for leaving home way before he needed to. It was always a race against time, even though he allowed so much of it. He is probably the reason I have a low tolerance for lateness, however, since having kids I always seem to be late. Funny that.
Some days, I hardly recognise myself. Planning ahead is out the window, the mental load of organising family life is over my head and disruptions to my well-structured routine are constantly being thrown my way (*cough* sick kids *cough*).
Can you relate to this? It’s all so normal, isn’t it.
I’ve learnt that the expectations I have of myself to be orderly don’t match the weight of what I’m carrying or allow for any kind of freedom. This has led me to my ‘untangling phase’. I’m finding balance. Embracing the disorganisation. Reducing the worry. Dabbling in spontaneity. Accepting that done is better than perfect. There is plenty of room for me to lower the bar, and you know what? It’s likely I’m still more organised than most.
I see loved ones go with the wind and I used to think they were crazy disorganised, but now? They inspire me. You lot don’t know how calm you are!
So what does all this self-reflection have to do with Mixtape? Writing about music has become a helpful tool in putting aside anticipation and self-expectations. I write with very little thought about what’s next. The content comes easy, the creativity flows and it is my ultimate cup filler. It’s a space where the only anticipation I feel is an exciting, buzzing sensation. A forthcoming album (or in today’s case - a movie musical), a new artist, a fantastic song, a nostalgic throwback. It’s peaceful, not chaotic. I look forward to it, even if it is thrown together on a whim when I manage to create pockets of precious time for myself.
Call it what you want, but Mixtape is therapy and it is changing me for good.
What to expect from Volume '#11…
In the spirit of organised chaos, I give you my most random playlist yet.
New single from Ocean Alley
Save the date for Wicked
Grinspoon, I’m coming for you!
Playlist Pause |
Anytime Mixtape.
Length: 3 hrs
When To Listen: Whenever! Roam free.
What To Expect: If my brain had a setlist, it would sound like this. All over the shop. Random as. Current and nostalgic, expected and completely unexpected. These songs have all grabbed my attention in the last few months, many have been Shazam’d or rediscovered while waiting for coffee.
I hope you enjoy my Mixtape playlist. Whilst this one is FREE, future Mixtape curated playlists will be exclusive to paid subscribers. You can sign up here!
Showstoppers Spotlight | Wicked
The anticipation is building for Wicked, the movie musical, to be released in Australian cinemas on November 21. I am beyond excited, this is one of my all time favourite musicals! It’s going to be magic. The songs, the songs! The costume design, the world of Wicked on screen, the story and experience as it comes to life in our current world. I have a feeling this film will redefine Wicked as we know it but continue the legacy of strong characters and songs that we love. We’ll be ‘changed for good’.
The music is synonymous with the storyline, it’s what makes it come alive. To amplify this for the film, the star-studded cast have chosen to sing live on set for all songs which I’m sure will connect us to the authenticity and raw emotion of their performances. ‘Defying Gravity’ has long been a favourite in my household, not to mention ‘Popular’. I can’t wait to see Ariana Grande as Glinda and Cynthia Erivo as Elphaba do their thing. If the recent Australian press tour is anything to go by, these two are the epitome of an empowering female friendship. What an experience this is going to be.
Without further introduction, allow me to prepare you for the beauty of Glinda and Elphaba and all things Wicked.
Artist Spotlight | Ocean Alley
Genre: A fusion of Reggae and Psych Rock
Region: Australia
New Single: ‘Tangerine’
'Tangerine' is a track inspired by the experience Baden & Lach had driving across the Nullarbor, an incredible stretch of road through Southern & Western Australia that contrasts arid desert country with crystal blue oceans and tangerine sunsets.
- Ocean Alley Website
My Favourite Album: ‘Low Altitude Living’ is one of the most infectious albums I play regularly from front to back. A reliable pick-me-up.
Viral Moment: Securing the number one spot in triple J’s Hottest 100 in 2018 with their song ‘Confidence’ which led to masses of views on YouTube and streams on TikTok. I have a distinct memory of hearing this song for the first time, the groove was addictive.
Gig Countdown | Grinspoon
I’m really excited to see Grinspoon perform in Adelaide this weekend. The rock band of my teenage years and beyond have released their first album in 12 years and it’s a cracker. Let’s fu***** go!
Until Next Time, Mixers.
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I have never seen wicked.... you have me so intrigued!!
Your untangling phase is beautiful and this shines through. You’re defying gravity! What a special edition to read.