Monday, March 30, 2020

(Mini) Monday Spotlight: Mild Minds


Benjamin David AKA Mild Minds is your favourite new artist to discover this week. His debut album scored the Double J Feature Album last week.

Mild Minds is signed to ODESZA's label Foreign Family Collective. Joining fellow electronic artists like RÜFÜS DU SOL, Big Wild, Jai Wolf, Golden Features, Kasbo & more.

His first EP SWIM was released in 2018, fast fast to 2020 and his debut album MOOD is here. The SWIM EP garnered over 1 million Spotify plays and no doubt countless more spins on Apple Music and views on YouTube. It's all about the streams and views in 2020.

Mild Minds is a new artist for me to discover too, so whilst we are in self isolation, working from home or just plain chilling take a listen to MOOD below. Not to mention a previous collaboration with Roland Tings.



Sunday, March 29, 2020

#COVID-19-BINGE-FEST - All American


Season One of this THE CW drama is addictive as all hell. Following my post about Younger, I am also late to the party with All American.

All American launched October 2018 with it's first season and just concluded it's second season. Like all current shows on THE CW (excluding Katy Keene) it's been renewed for a third season.

Daniel Ezra is not only extremely handsome but great in the lead role as Spencer James. The series is based on real life player Spencer Paysinger.


If you are a fan of teen dramas (like I am) this show will have you hooked. Like most THE CW shows the cast are all almost perfect looking. From Ezra to his new roommates/coach Taye Diggs son Michael Evans Behling.

It's not as full on as Friday Night Lights, however it's super easy to watch while being slightly inspiration (fitness wise) in these tough times.

I am very much looking forward to smashing out season two in the coming weeks as I close in on finishing season one.

This will 100% be on my week to week roster when the show returns. In Australia All American airs weekly on Stan or right now every episode of the series to date is streaming now.

Get amongst it. Tomorrow the (Mini) Monday Spotlight is back with Melbourne based artist Mild Minds. Ahead of a quick Easter 2020 break Yaeji will release her debut, What We Drew 우리가 그려왔던.

Following this Yaeji will be featured as a (Mini) Monday Spotlight artist. Finally if you need some more joy in your life today's Sunday Spotlight is Childish Gambino, get around it HERE

Saturday, March 28, 2020

#COVID-19-BINGE-FEST - Younger


*** Seasons 1 & 2 (to date) ***

Sutton Foster stars as Liza alongside Hilary Duff, Debi Mazar, Miriam Shor and Nico Tortorella in Younger. Streaming in Australia on STAN Younger joins a long list of decent overseas imports on the Australian streaming service.

Younger is an easy breezy 20 something minute per episode comedy with wit and romance.

I am only (almost) two complete seasons in and totally hooked. The one liners, Nico Tortorell taking off his shirt at any given moment all together with Darren Star's midas touch on any TV show he has involvement in.

Following his work on Beverly Hills, 90210 (1990–2000), Melrose Place (1992–1999), Sex and the City (1998–2004), and now Younger (2015–present). This series is already heading towards it's seventh season. In TV land these days that is a big milestone.

So if you are struggling with social distancing, self isolation, Younger could be for you. If you have Stan what are you waiting for, it's only 20 minutes!

Wednesday, March 25, 2020

CLOSED


Cinemas, gyms, live music venues, beaches, generally everything fun in Sydney... Now you can't even get a massage :(

Yes this is a whole new world we are living in. It's tough but we need to adapt.

You will be seeing no more film reviews for a while, however you will see a tonne of TV recommendations. If you missed my #RATED posts well here they are again.

For SUMMER a list of 16 shows across a number of platforms. MID SEASON there is another list fo 13 series.

So there you have 29 shows to check out!

So what's good? How are you tracking? I am starting a new exercise routine tomorrow. Gyms are shut but the great outdoors is open.

Let's get through, come on let's do this.

Monday, March 23, 2020

(Mini) Monday Spotlight: Duke Dumont


Adam George Dyment AKA Duke Dumont, hails from Harrow, England and is a beloved DJ/producer.

He has given us hits like "Need U (100%)" "I Got U", "Ocean Drive" and "Won't Look Back", soo his debut album Duality will hit the shelves.

It's been years of singles (from 2013 to be exact) of singles, EP's and remixes so finally we will get a full body of work from the duke.

He co-owns a record label Blasé Boys Club which he also uses an alias for production.

In 2014, "Need U (100%)", was nominated for "Best Dance Recording" for the 56th Annual Grammy Awards. The next year, "I Got U" featuring Jax Jones was nominated in the same category.

I can't wait for Duke Dumont's Duality, in the meantime here are some of his biggest hits to date. Stay safe everyone!









Saturday, March 21, 2020

Box Office Flop or Blockbuster 2020? - Bloodshot


Ok this review may be my last in the cinema experience due to social distancing and new rules placed upon Australian citizens from a government who has no idea what is going on.

So Is Bloodshot a Box Office Flop or Blockbuster? Ok this is easy, it's a flop, not only due to the virus, but it's not really a good film.

Vin Diesel might have got his last big pay day before all major studios shut down.



Guy Pearce also stars in this film, however even his Aussie charm can't save this dodgy action film.

So what is the future for cinemas in Australia? Will they even be open next week? Here is a complete update of all the films being delayed, along with all the TV shows on hold due to the crisis.

UPDATE - Coronavirus TV/Film list

With hardly any new films coming out in Australia, Palace Cinemas closing all branches, it's a tough time.

My local Hoyts today had minimal staff on. Meaning staff are losing shifts, people are not getting paid. With movies doing average business right now, some countries/cities/states in complete lockdown has streaming finally made the cinema experience null and void?

I love the movies (even seeing a shit film like Bloodshot is enjoyable) I love the feeling of the movie kicking off, the sound, the smell of popcorn, it's just ace.

Will this Coronavirus change everything? To all my friends in the arts, I am sorry, this is rough AF. To all the uni/school students who are working at cinemas, I'm sorry. It's hard to catch a break at the moment, it's hard to stay focused, but we can do this.

Sorry Bloodshot but this was average, so I have to be honest. 2 stars.

Wednesday, March 18, 2020

Stateless (TV series)


In times like this, binge watching is a must! Staying free from boredom, doing some self isolation, staying safe, ABC iView is free and easy to access.

Stateless is halfway through the season and it's remarkable.

If you are new to Stateless you can stream the series HERE.

Starring an all star cast, The Handmaid's Tale, Yvonne Strahovski as Sofie Werner, Offspring's Asher Keddie as Claire Kowitz, A Place to Call Home/Janet King Marta Dusseldorp as Margot and The Affair's Dominic West as Gordon.

Not to mention local and internationally famous heroes Cate Blanchett as Pat and Jai Courtney as Cam Sandford.

This really is a remarkable new series. Hats off again to the ABC, this is drama at it's best in very tough times.

Get yourself a quick taste of Stateless below, a welcome distraction from the doom and gloom on the 24 hour news cycle!

Tuesday, March 17, 2020

The Heights | Season Two


Sadly The Heights returned to under 200K viewers for season two. Moving to one single episode a week on Thursday means it's up against some rather random entertainment. From Rebel Wilson's Pooch show to an Ambulance series.

Whilst ABC is killing it with quality on Sunday night with Stateless currently, the storylines on episode one of The Heights seemed a little dull. Not to mention the rather odd recasting of Pav, from Marcus Graham to Rupert Reid from Blue Heelers fame.

Recasting characters is always strange, I always feel like the character should just be written out. Look at the shit storm on the US series Dynasty.

The Heights was exceptional in it's first 2019 season. It ran for a large chunk of 2019 with half the season airing February through April, returning in July.

The show does have a highly diverse cast whilst also exploring a number of issues/storylines Home and Away or even Neighbours would not touch.

I do have to appauld the ABC for sticking with the series, it may not rate well, however having a truly multicultural cast, looks a lot more like the Australia I know. An Australia you would not find on Home & Away, Packed to the Rafters or Doctor Doctor.

When homegrown drama declines, it's great the ABC is currently airing The Heights, the brilliant Stateless. Mystery Road will also return for season two real soon. You can view my review of episode one, season two HERE.

For now, here is a wee bit of The Heights, give it a shot!

Monday, March 16, 2020

(Mini) Monday Spotlight: Stevie Jean


Hailing from the Northern Territory, Stevie Jean at only 20 years old, has already supported The Rubens, Tash Sultana, The Cat Empire, The Angels, Grinspoon and Icehouse.

Stevie's single ‘Hell in Every Religion’ placed Stevie in the Top 5 of Triple J’s Unearthed High competition, a nomination for NT’s Best Live Voice in both 2017 and 2018’s National Live Music Awards.

2019 saw Stevie Jean supporting Tash Sultana and Ocean Alley, performing festivals like Party in the Paddock and The Hills Are Alive.

By the end of 2019, Stevie Jean released her debut EP Blame Game (stream below) and supported Eurovision superstar Montaigne nationally on her Complex Album Tour.

Finishing up 2019, Stevie played a string of festival shows including Queenscliff Music Festival, Festival Of The Sun and NYE On The Hill.

Stevie Jean could be your new favourite artist. Discover her amazing music below and get set for another big (Mini) Monday Spotlight next week.







Saturday, March 14, 2020

Cruising from Melbourne to Sydney


Delayed or limited posts due to possible data restrictions/wi-fi access.

However meet your (Mini) Monday Spotlight for this coming week, Stevie Jean!

Hope you are enjoying this weekends Hottest 100 of the decade. Very happy 212 made it as well as Robyn's anthem Dancing on my Own! Yass ladies!

Until Monday PM, see y'all on the flip side.

Thursday, March 12, 2020

Box Office Flop or Blockbuster 2020? - Miss Fisher and the Crypt of Tears


Camp, over the top and a little silly, is Miss Fisher and the Crypt of Tears a Box Office Flop or Blockbuster?

In terms of Australian movies, this will do well, mainly considering the coronavirus situation.

There were four people (including me) in the screening I saw tonight. The cinema was dead when I left at 8pm. Yes the last few weeks of releases have not included any monster blockbusters, but this coronavirus thing, wow!



OK, I was a huge fan of the show but you know sometimes (I am looking at you Sex & the City) some shows should remain just on the small screen.

Miss Fisher's Murder Mysteries ran successfully on ABC for three seasons from 2012 to 2015.

Channel Seven had a weird 1960's spin off Ms Fisher's Modern Murder Mysteries which only lasted four episodes.

Yes these episodes were almost the length of this feature film (run time 101 minutes) but the show lacked, well Essie Davis.

Essie Davis as The Honourable Phryne Fisher steals every scene in the film, basically like she did in the TV series.

Unfortunately the globe trotting of the movie, creates this all over the shop plot, with random jewels and murders happening all at once.

The fashion is the main thing in this film. Essie does multiple costume changes like a Las Vegas Cher concert.

The dialogue is paper thin at times, whilst the chemistry between Fisher and Detective Inspector John "Jack" Robinson boils over at times.

This was a fun, camp overly long episode of the once huge ABC series.

It's passable, I did find my mind wandering during the film.So this might just be one for the fans, 2.5 Stars.

Monday, March 9, 2020

(Mini) Monday Spotlight: 070 Shake


Danielle Balbuena AKA 070 Shake is this week's (Mini) Monday Spotlight.

Following two local (Mini) Monday Spotlights it's time to go global for the third instalment for 2020. So let's travel to North Bergen, New Jersey, U.S.A

070 Shake released her debut album, Modus Vivendi, on January 17, 2020. Her solo debut, the 6-track Glitter EP was released on March 23, 2018. Also in 2018 070 Shake gained attention for her guest appearances and involvement with Kanye West's production work in Wyoming.

070 Shake uses female pronouns when describing lovers in her music. In 2017 a Vogue essay on about rising queer stars in rap music mentioned, 070 Shake being in a relationship with Sophia Diana Lodato.

In a 2018 Pitchfork article, 070 Shake said she doesn't like to put labels on her sexuality. In a quote "I don't really identify myself as queer or gay or anything. I just like girls". How 2020.

So it's time once again to discover your next new favourite artist. This week meet 070 Shake.









Sunday, March 8, 2020

Happy International Women’s Day!


You can join in the celebrations at Triple J (and their sister stations/sites) HERE.

Tomorrow I will feature 070 Shake as my third (Mini) Monday Spotlight for 2020. This year it's been an all girl affair with Jack River and Banoffee already featured.

Speaking of the ABC I was lucky enough to review the first episode of season two earlier in the week. Here is a recap of my season one thoughts for some light Sunday reading.

Lastly the most girl power anthem of previous times, take it away BEYONCE! Happy International Women’s Day

Thursday, March 5, 2020

Mystery Road, Season Two


Season one of Mystery Road aired back in the winters of 2018. It was a big winner of the respective award shows 8th AACTA Awards and 2019 Logie Awards.

The ABC series is a spin-off from Ivan Sen's films Mystery Road and Goldstone. Season one saw Jay Swan investigate the disappearance of two young farmhands.

Season one was a slick six episode affair, I am assuming season two is the same. I was lucky enough for the ABC to flick me episode one to watch as part of their ABC YourSpace program. You too can sign up for the program HERE.

Aaron Pedersen is fantastic as always Jay Swan. Swan from the films and season one is central to all this bad shit going down. Like The Blacklist, US procedurals this show has a central mystery as well as other issues being explored.

I was a huge fan of season one, most likely season two will be rolled out after Stateless which is currently airing on the ABC whilst also getting international attention.

The ABC is a wonderful supporter of Australian stories. Channels Seven and Nine are fighting to cut back Aussie content meanwhile the ABC is already out of the gates strong with new local content in 2020.

I am desperate to watch the debut episode of Stateless, for now my sneak peek of Mystery Road, season two. Is BRILLIANT. I really cannot wait for the remainder of season two to air.

Here is the trailer, until next time.

Tuesday, March 3, 2020

9-1-1: Lone Star, Final Weeks Season One


Hosting a double finale next week the spawn of Fox's 9-1-1 creatively titled 9-1-1: Lone Star has been one of my favourite Australian summer series.



Proving Ryan Murphy still has it after the rather flat The Politician on Netflix. I am still exciting to see where he goes with Ratched, also airing on Netflix sometime in 2020.

9-1-1 Lone Star features a few familiar faces along with some new ones too. It doesn't feel as over the top as it's LA cousin, simply 9-1-1.

Where 9-1-1 in LA has given us huge events like earth quakes and tidal waves, Lone Star appears to be more about the characters themselves.

Whilst 9-1-1 does a great job with some of it's main crew, this has really seen through the father/son, cancer storyline. Not to mention Rob Lowe having a hunky gay son, who has so much drama in episode one. Thank god for the move to Austin and officer Reyes.

Unfortunately liv Tyler's character is sort of the weakest link here. The mystery of her sisters disappearance/possible death is a little dull and feels forgotten across some episodes.

Having a gay latino cop, a trans male fire fighter (who is also black), a muslim fire fighter, a deeply christian fire fighter married to a black 9-1-1 operator you feel like Murphy is painting Austin as some liberal heaven. However it is so important to have different faces on TV. This is what I enjoyed about this years live Mardi Gras coverage. All the different faces, stories and what people stood for.

9-1-1: Lone Star looks certain to grab a second season, it's been a big winner for Fox in the US who have little to get excited about in 2020.

Get around this when it finally gets to Australia in maybe 2025.

Monday, March 2, 2020

(Mini) Monday Spotlight: Jack River


Holly Isabella Rankin AKA Jack River delivered a perfect indie pop record in 2018, Sugar Mountain. Rankin has worked with Peking Duk, been nominated for multiple ARIA awards and recently released a wonderful new EP Stranger Heart.

Featuring the singles Later Flight and Dark Star, the EP is an excellent seven track release.

Jack River's debut album featured hit singles like Fools Gold, Ballroom, Limo Song and Fault Line.

You would have to have been living under a rock if you missed her debut on the dance scene with Sugar. Peking Duk have worked with a number of acts, but their team up with Jack River was pure magic!

So it's the start of a new week, I'm in Bali and it's time to discover your next new favourite artist. However I have a feeling some of you may be already across Holly Isabella Rankin! Until next week.