Volume #13 | A playlist to hype up your mornings, new music from Ziggy Alberts and John Farnham's memoir.

Mixtape. Not a morning person.

Dec 03, 2024

It’s a stretch.

I have recently taken up reformer Pilates and not surprisingly, what I enjoy most is the music, not the exercise. It’s really challenging! I’m a beginner, everything hurts and shakes, but the music gets me through a gruelling morning session.

I’m no morning person, I never have been. Early starts require an almond milk latte, a decent breakfast and music pumping. Like A Version on triplej will also get me out of bed. Speaking of, Missy Higgins covered Troy Saville’s ‘One Of Your Girls’. Her tone is flawless, effortlessly transitioning from her lowest alto range to the comfort of the chorus, embellishing it with her own vocal runs along the way. Did we expect anything less from this superstar? Of course not. She wins 2024 in my eyes.

I wonder if she’s a morning person…

This leads me to my Morning Hype Mixtape, which began off the back of a group chat (only the best ideas come from group chats!) We all need a little hype to start our day and also get us through the craziness that is the end of the year. When motivation is at an all-time low and you simply can’t seem to squeeze in those extra zzz’s (hello, it’s me) take a listen. Up and at ‘em!

You want more hype? This song has it in spades. I love the way the dance genre evolves with takes from old songs, and this beat from Wuki is addictive.

What to expect from Volume '#13…

My Spotify Wrapped predictions (I’m probably way off and they’ll reveal it’s full of The Wiggles for the third year in a row!)
Artist spotlight on local Folk sensation Ziggy Alberts
Morning Hype Mixtape with songs from Coldplay, The Jacksons, Madonna, Lady Gaga and Alisya Rae.
My first audiobook I’ve ever listened to, the biograpy of Australian musician, John Farnham.

Spotify Wrapped Is Coming!

I’m so excited, and I just can’t hide it! What will Spotify Wrapped say about me this year? It’s a form of personality testing, right? An insightful talking point with friends and family, that’s for sure.

Here are my predictions…

Most Listened Artists:

Missy Higgins
RAYE
Grinspoon
Sabrina Carpenter
Taylor Swift
Silverchair
Royal Otis
Remi Wolf

Most Listened Songs:

‘Cruel Summer’ - G Flip
‘You Should Run’ - Missy Higgins
‘A Complicated Truth’ - Missy Higgins
‘Million Dollar Baby’ - Tommy Richman
‘Add Up My Love’ - Clairo
‘Cinderella’ - Remi Wolf
‘Birds of a Feather’ - Billie Eilish
‘Linger’ - Royal Otis
‘The Thrill Is Gone’ - RAYE
‘Close To You’ - Gracie Abrams

Playlist | Morning Hype Mixtape.

Length: 2.5hrs

When To Listen: At the start of your day. During your morning walk, run or commute.

What To Expect: Made for the slow starters, these tunes will get you going in the morning. Serve with coffee and a fresh morning breeze.

Artist Spotlight | Ziggy Alberts

Sometimes I need music that takes me to another place (preferably one that is much calmer than how I feel when my kids are being noisy!)

Ziggy Alberts is exactly that. I’d describe him as the musician whose style followed in the footsteps of John Butler and Jack Johnson. He has a distinct folk-feel and a songwriting narrative that is deeply reflective, especially on relationships. He sounds like summer and the waves of the ocean! Blissful and beautiful, perfect for a road trip or afternoon at the beach. Dive in.

May be an image of 1 person, guitar and grass

Genre: Acoustic Folk

Region: Australia

Known For: ‘Runaway’, ‘Laps Around The Sun’, ‘Love Me Now’

New Single & Album: Singles ‘Singing For Country’ and ‘New Love’ (see below) are out now. His new album will be released on 21st February 2025.

Upcoming Tour: Click Here For Dates & Locations

Audiobook Recommendation

John Farnham - The Voice Inside

John Farnham's wife Jill reveals plea that led to devastating diagnosis | 7NEWS

It’s hard to top the brilliance of Australian music legend John Farnham. His music has transcended decades and connected with generations. Many might not realise how long it took for his career to truly take off and generate an income, making him one of the most resilient and persistent artists around. Not to mention the years of abuse he endured from his first manager. His songs have left a lasting imprint on my life - definitely worthy of a Mixtape deep dive someday.

For now, though, if you’re a fan of music biographies, you’ll love hearing John tell his own incredible story in the audiobook version of The Voice Inside. It is heartfelt and revealing. I loved it.