Happy October… it seems so weird to be saying that because it definitely felt like it came out of nowhere, like how is most of 2022 gone already?!
This month we shine a spotlight on singer-songwriter Maddie Zahm, book-to-TV series The Summer I Turned Pretty, Black Fern Ruby Tui’s new book and some fresh tunes to add to your playlist!
Music: Maddie Zahm
I’m so thankful to social media platforms like TikTok for spreading the wonderful tunes of a wide variety of artists. Maddie Zahm, an American singer-songwriter, is one of those that I came across on the app. I remember a few months back hearing her song Fat Funny Friend and the lyrics were so honest, raw and relatable, I really admired her songwriting. Maddie has followed that up with the release of her EP You Might Not Like Her, that I think will make people feel ‘seen’ in a way as although everyone’s journeys are different, there’s definitely some relatable parts in there, and I for one, can’t wait to hear what’s next. Image @maddiezahm
Book: Ruby Tui – Straight Up
Black Fern & Rugby Sevens player Ruby Tui is known for her incredible play and fierce attitude on the field and now she is letting everyone into her world with the release of her biography, Straight Up. The book, which is set to release next week, gives a honest, open and raw account of Ruby’s journey from her childhood to where she is today – a journey that includes being an Olympic gold medalist, World Rugby Sevens Player of the Year for 2019 and mental health advocate. This is Ruby Tui, Straight Up. Image: Allen & Unwin
TV: The Summer I Turned Pretty
I remember first hearing about this series as Taylor Swift dropped This Love (Taylor’s Version) and it was being used in the trailer for The Summer I Turned Pretty. This Prime Video production is based on a book by Jenny Han, who is also the same author as To All The Boys I’ve Loved Before. The cast is full of newcomers to the acting scene, not that I think you could likely tell as they fit into their characters and carry the storylines so well – it’s full of summer romance at an incredibly dreamy beach house. I watched all of season one (7 episodes) in one go as it’s that good (and easy-to-watch) and the good news is that it has already been picked up for Season 2! Image: Amazon Video
Playlist: I’ve been listening to…
* 2 Be Loved (Am I Ready) by Lizzo
* Forget Me by Lewis Capaldi
* Shut Down by BLACKPINK
* Kokomea by Rei & Olivia Fao’i
* PSYCHO by Anne-Marie & Aitch
* Feel the High by Chores ft. ASHY
* Blonde by Maisie Peters
* motions by Mitch James
* Don’t Feel Like Feeling Sad Today by YUNGBLUD
* Million Dollar Baby by Ava Max
* The One You Want by Stan Walker ft. Jess B
* Sun Will Shine by Robin Schulz & Tom Walker
* HISTORY by Joel Corry & Becky Hill
* Hot In It by Tiesto & Charli XCX
* Irrelevant by P!nk
* All My Loving by Sam Fischer
* Not Over Yet by KSI ft. Tom Grennan
* Narcissist by Lauren Spencer Smith
* BLENDER by 5 Seconds of Summer
* Forever Drunk by Peach PRC
* Sway My Way by R3HAB & Amy Shark
* Make You Say by Zedd, Maren Morris & BEAUZ
* On the low (shh!) by PRINS
Quote: @wetheurban
If you don’t already follow this Instagram account, I highly recommend it – I always seem to find their affirmation posts at the right time! One of my favourites from this month that they posted was: “Keep an open mind. Be willing to experiment. Embrace the trial and error. Be patient with the process. And be patient with yourself.”