Volume #9 | A playlist to savour with a long lunch, Cher shines at Victoria's Secret Fashion Show plus a tribute to Liam Payne.
Mixtape. Try it on.
Girl, put your records on
Tell me your favourite song
You go ahead, let your hair down.
Sometimes, I need to escape my own norm. See the world. Throw myself in the deep end. Try on that dress. Order a different drink. Let my hair down.
I recently spent a beautiful long weekend in Queensland, Australia with my besties. Leaving all my responsibilities, routine and caretaking of my little rascals behind is never easy, but always worth it.
I didn’t listen to ‘The Wheels on the Bus’ for four whole days, hallelujah! Instead, the weekend was a great opportunity to give some of my Mixtape playlists a run. The girls and I spent a lot of time talking about music—upcoming tours, songs that remind us of people or special moments, and the ultimate tracks that get women in their mid-30s moving on the dance floor. We were also treated to some live music, simply a guy and his guitar, nothing beats it. The weekend was a solid reminder of how music fosters connection, the kind that has entrenched these women in my life. I can’t imagine living without them or our tunes.
I’m manifesting more of these escapes, especially by the water. We’ll be sipping cocktails in Hawaii and wearing matching loud shirts in no time. Time to go and work on my next holiday playlist. Aloha!
In Mixtape Volume #9, I’m sharing…
An album that reminds me of a memorable family road trip
A playlist for your next long lunch
Glamourous performances at Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show
A tribute to Liam Payne.
Album Nostalgia |
Artist: Red Hot Chili Peppers
Album: ‘By The Way’ 2002
My Top Track: ‘Minor Thing’
Songs You’ll Recognise: ‘By The Way’ and ‘Can’t Stop’
Sounds: Carefree. This was the Chili Peppers eighth album and in subtle ways, it was a change in sound compared to previous records. For me, the album’s warm, melodic rock is what gets me listening to it over and over again.
Memories: We had this CD on repeat in the car as we road tripped to Kangaroo Island, South Australia in the summer of 2002 / 2003. Think white sand, blue skies, winding country roads and bikini-clad beach cricket.
Album Artwork: The artwork illustration by Julian Schnabel is of his daughter who was also guitarist John Frusciante's then-girlfriend, Stella Schnabel.
Playlist Pause |
Long Lunch Mixtape.
Length: 3.5hrs
When To Listen: You’ve sat down for a long lunch and with the many bottles of wine and good company around you, there’s no doubt that you’ll be there all afternoon. Let time slip away with this Mixtape in the background. A great alternative for Christmas Day tunes if you’re not into Mariah, Bublé, etc.
What To Expect: Chilled indulgence with soulful artists and a few guilty pleasures.
Live Performance |
Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show
There’s something about music on a fashion runway. I’ve always loved fashion shows and was obsessed with Australia’s Next Top Model back in the day. The underlying message of Victoria’s Secret 2024 comeback show was “it’s all about the women” and they really brought it.
Lisa appeared on the runway on the back of a motorcycle singing her track ‘Rockstar’ with the ultimate (and very sexy) ensemble of dancers. Followed by supermodel Gigi Hadid rising from beneath to open the show to an INXS classic ‘Never Tear Us Apart’, a cover version performed by Paloma Faith which is a must listen.
Then Tyla arrived with her hit ‘Water’. She could easily be mistaken for one of the Victoria’s Secret models, her ‘fit was incredible. Cher stole the show though, you know you’re watching an icon when she hits every note and all the models are singing along with her as they walk. She was amazing and a fitting choice after the fashion shows’ six-year hiatus.
In Case You Haven’t Heard…
Anyone else feeling completely overwhelmed by all the tours and shows being announced for 2025? I need to go to everything but my budget is telling me no. Oasis, Fatboy Slim, Katy Perry, Kylie Minogue, Rüfüs Du Sol, Luke Combs, Billie Eilish and Gracie Abrams who Volume #8 readers will recall - Gracie’s music features on Netflix show ‘Nobody Wants This’.
Devastating news about the sudden death of Liam Payne. A young, shining star of the music industry taken way too soon. I can’t even imagine how ‘the lads’ are feeling. If you’re not familiar with Liam’s rise to fame, he auditioned on X Factor UK and in 2010 became part of a purposely formed, charismatic and talented boy group called One Direction. They went on to become a worldwide phenomenon (like, as big as The Beatles!)
My first memory of Liam was hearing him sing the opening of ‘Torn’ by Natalie Imbruglia (what a song!) on the X Factor UK finals. He often took the lead on opening vocals with his signature, warm tone. He helped to redefine the meaning of ‘popstar’ from the tender age of 16. Since his time with One Direction, he produced a successful solo career with hits like ‘Strip That Down’.
RIP LP.
Bye bye, darling.
I am so grateful you take the time to read Mixtape. Let me know what you’re enjoying the most. You can like this newsletter by tapping the love heart button below or leaving a comment.
Please subscribe and share Mixtape with your family and friends.
Subscribe to get full access to Mixtape and publication archives.