Wow, it’s July – officially the start of the second half of the year! This Arctic blast has been a bit much hasn’t it – I may sound like a bit of a ‘Jafa’ but we don’t get snow-like-weather up here so this past week has been freezing!
This month we round up new music from Willow, a few July events, Lin-Manuel Miranda’s big screen flick and new music for your playlist (including Lorde’s return of course!)
Music: Willow
Willow has come quite far from her Whip My Hair days when she was younger, with the now 20-year-old’s release of Transparent Soul featuring Travis Barker. Willow also recently showcased her musical chops in a tribute performing with her mother’s former metal band Wicked Wisdom. The talented daughter of Will Smith and Jada Pinkett Smith also co-hosts popular Facebook web series The Red Table and her new upcoming album which is also said to feature one of Willow’s favourite musicians, Avril Lavigne is due out later this year which I look forward to hearing (Avril sounds like an incredible collab too!) (Image @willowsmith)
Travel: Plenty to experience in July
As we head into July, it is officially All Blacks season, after wrapping up this year’s Super Rugby, the AB’s will take to the road with games in Auckland, Dunedin, Hamilton and Wellington. If you’re looking for a taste of Broadway, the much anticipated Lion King Musical has taken over Spark Arena and the incredible show is heading for a sell-out season so you better grab tickets fast to experience it! You can also catch local music live with multiple artists touring across the nation including Paige, Drax Project & Mitch James and Louis Baker plus if you’re a foodie (or love some good samples), The Food Show is on later this month at ASB Showgrounds. (Image @we_are_818)
Book: Gmorning, Gnight! by Lin-Manuel Miranda
You’ll likely know Lin-Manuel Miranda for his incredible work across Broadway and film, most recently with In The Heights. I’m always looking for new interesting reads and as I was scrolling the other day, I saw my fellowKimberleyCrossman.com writer Jess Molina share a post about this book, I searched for it and was sold instantly so had to share! I’m a creative so love seeing words come together in this form which is described as “little pep talks for me & you”. Gmorning, Gnight! seems like something everybody should have on their bookshelf for when they need a bit of extra pep in their step! (Image @intheheightsmovie)
Film: In The Heights
Rolling into more Lin-Manuel Miranda content, it only felt right to mention the In The Heights flick that has recently taken the cinemas by storm. Crazy Rich Asians director Jon M. Chu takes Lin-Manuel Miranda’s (who also stars in it) Tony-winning Broadway stage play to the screens that has the reviewers raving including Variety calling the adaption a “blast” and USA Today sharing “viewers will find themselves immersed in a song-filled, universally relatable story about chasing dreams and building community”. In The Heights is a film we need and what a great year to experience it in, it’s in cinemas now. (Image @intheheightsmovie)
Playlist: I’ve been listening to…
* Bad Habits by Ed Sheeran
* Let It Happen by Denel
* Good Without by Mimi Webb
* Solar Power by Lorde
* Traitor by Olivia Rodrigo
* Let Them Know by Mabel
* Lost Cause by Billie Eilish
* Holiday by KSI
* Transparent Soul by Willow ft Travis Barker
* Remember This by Jonas Brothers
* Starting Line by Luke Hemmings
* Love Again by Dua Lipa
* Remember by Becky Hill & David Guetta
* Working by Tate McRae & Khalid
* Goodbye by The Veronicas
* Good 4 u by Olivia Rodrigo
* Heartbreak Anthem by Little Mix, David Guetta & Galantis
* Drive Slow (Urungi Auto) by Rei
* Brighter Day by Louis Baker
Quote: @voicesofhope
A reminder to save on your phone – “things you are… enough, worthy, loved, unique.”