I remember this time last month writing that we were stuck in lockdown… I definitely didn’t think we would still be in it (Auckland anyway) but we’ve just got to keep rolling with it!
This month we round up new music from UK singer Becky Hill, a new podcast to get the Celebrity Treasure Island inside goss, Anne-Marie’s book, new series of RuPaul’s Drag Race UK and fresh tunes for your playlist.
Music: Becky Hill
You’ll likely have heard Becky Hill’s voice as she’s released a number of bangers including collabs this year with David Guetta, Topic, Sigala and Ella Eyre. At 18 she appeared on the first series of The Voice UK and turned coaches Jessie J and Will.i.am’s chairs within seconds, she has spent the time between then and now wowing fans with her powerhouse voice and creative presence. Becky’s debut album, Only Honest On The Weekend which features the likes of Remember, My Heart Goes (La Di Da) and Business has just dropped, something she shared she had been waiting for ‘almost 10 years’ to say. If you haven’t already got Becky Hill’s tunes on your playlist, get on that stat! (Photo @beckyhill)
Podcast: Inside Celebrity Treasure Island
Last month I mentioned the new series of Celebrity Treasure Island was starting and it’s been an action packed few weeks of the latest season! Now you can catch all the behind the scenes goss via the weekly Inside Celebrity Treasure Island podcast hosted by our own Kim Crossman. This week’s episode is a female power-hour with JJ Fong, Tegan Yorwarth and Edna Swart, containing chat about “bush weeez, self discovery and the tangled webs of alliances” plus you can catchup on previous chats with Season 1 favourite Matty McLean and this season’s puzzle master Brynley Stent, all available to stream now! (Photo @zmonline)
Book: You Deserve Better by Anne-Marie
I’m a big fan of UK musician Anne-Marie, not just because of her A+ tunes but also how she’s so unapologetically herself and openly shares her journey with things like mental health. Anne-Marie’s new book You Deserve Betterpromises to not do “fluffy promises” but rather have an honest talk about “body image, mental health, being successful at work and more” as you deserve better! If you haven’t checked out her documentary Music & Therapy: How To Be Anne-Marie, it’s a must-watch on her YouTube channel. (Photo @annemarie)
TV: RuPaul’s Drag Race
While casting is underway for the second series of RuPaul’s Drag Race Downunder, we’ve been gifted with the third season of RuPaul’s Drag Race UK. After watching and loving the previous two series earlier this year, I have been hanging on for more. We’re only two episodes in but I always think that I wouldn’t want to be in the judges shoes each week because the way the Drag Queen’s present themselves is incredible and the series has a mix of sass, humour and boldness all wrapped into one so if you haven’t jumped on the bandwagon yet – you should. RuPaul’s Drag Race UK Season 3 is streaming straight from the UK on Friday’s via TVNZ On Demand. (Photo TVNZ)
Playlist: I’ve been listening to…
* Piece of Mind by BROODS
* Good Ones by Charli XCX
* Miss You a Little by Bryce Vine ft lovelytheband
* Rock Bottom by Navvy
* LALISA by LISA
* Healing by FLETCHER
* Love Me Now by Kygo ft Zoe Wees
* Angel Baby by Troye Sivan
* Wildest Dreams (Taylor’s Version) by Taylor Swift
* 24/5 by Mimi Webb
* Better With You by Jackson Owens
* My Heart Goes (La Di Da) by Becky Hill & Topic
* Older by Alec Benjamin
* Have Mercy by Chloe
* Vicious Love by Niko Walters
* Meet Me At Our Spot by The Anxiety, Willow and
* Better Days by Alessia Cara
* Summer of Love by Shawn Mendes & Tainy
* Higher by Bella Taylor Smith (The Voice Australia)
Quote: Charlotte Freeman @momentaryhappiness
I saw this pop up on Instagram and thought it was a pretty fitting reminder for the current climate: “It’s normal to have moments where all you want to do is disconnect from the world. You don’t have to feel ‘on’ all of the time. You’re allowed to have a break to recharge. You’re allowed to look after yourself. Give yourself permission to rest.” – Charlotte Freeman