When the news broke over the weekend about Zayn Malik’s severe struggles with anxiety that resulted in the cancellation of a concert in London, I couldn’t help but feel for him.

It wasn’t just because I understood his struggles with mental illness, but because of the fall out that I knew would come from it. I was certain that people would be saying that he was lying to get out of a commitment or using it as an excuse. That it was a cop out, because they can’t see the effects.

When Zayn posted the explanation below, I’m guessing he also had these thoughts in mind. Those final lines seemed to be calling out to those people in particular.

He says the anxiety has that “haunted [him] throughout the last few months around live performances has gotten the better of [him]”. I know exactly what that feels like.

For those of you who have never experience severe anxiety before, let me explain why he had no choice but to cancel. It may also help you understand why some people choose to give up their battle, even though that’s never the right answer.

Think of something you have to do that puts you under pressure. At first, you feel fine. Your head is clear, your deposition is in a positive place and you’re ready to smash it out of the park.

As time goes on, your brain starts to talk. You start to think about the pressure of the task. Your head tells you all the things that could go wrong and everything that can happen to you afterwards. It makes you think that after one mistake (even one that could be tiny and insignificant), your life is over. Your thoughts tell you that you’re not good enough to get through it. Soon, you can no longer understand what your thoughts are telling you. They’re all yelling at once, creating a deafening amount of noise in your mind.

You start to get a headache and your body freezes up. You can’t move or speak. Your head is so full that it feels like it’s about to explode. The pain moves to your chest, where your heart is beating fast. It’s so hard to breathe that your eyes fill with tears as you try to find the air. You start to hyperventilate. Your hands shake. Your body aches from the stress. Your mind and heart are still racing; you need to find a release.

You feel like you’re drowning. It’s all too much to handle.

Sometimes, with a little help, it goes away as quickly as it came. Other times, however, it lasts for what feels like a lifetime. You end up defeated, having to lighten the load by stopping what you’re doing.

But that can sometimes makes you feel worse than the overwhelming feelings that gave you the attack in the first place.

My anxiety makes me feel bad. I feel guilty because I think my anxiety disappoints others. Examples include when I’m out with friends and I need to leave sooner than we’d like to, or when I’m trying to work and I know I’m not quick enough, or my writing is not up to the standard it should be.

I know people are disappointed with me. I’m constantly disappointed with myself.

By talking with my psychologist, I’ve learnt a lot about anxiety. She tells me that everyone has to have a “normal” amount of anxiety. It’s what gives us the rush that we need to get going and do the things that scare us. It’s suppose to help, not hinder, the journey to success. When it starts to do the latter of the two, it becomes a problem that needs to be managed.

I think Zayn’s anxiety is a symbol of his passion for music. It shows how much he cares about the standard of the performances he gives and doubts whether he can continue to give his fans what they want. So much that it can be overwhelming, to the point of inability. I understand that, and so do countless others who have dealt with mental illness in themselves and in those around them.

We need to understand that it can’t be helped or pushed away. He needs to take time out to learn to deal with his anxiety. Once he can maintain the demons in his mind, he can get back to doing what he loves; making music for all of you.

If you are suffering from anxiety or depression, please get some help. Visit Beyond Blue to educate yourself on the issue or call Lifeline on 13 11 14 to talk someone who can help you.

Read more about mental illness in the music industry here.

Image: Stereogum

Talib Kweli, 9th Wonder and Rapsody’s Life Ahead Of Me has been given the visual treatment, with the artists featured in front of a white background, surrounded by eye-catching graphics which tell the story behind the song.

As Rapsody’s raspy voice starts off the song, the tagline “I got my whole life ahead of me” grips onto us from the beginning. The graphics appear as she moves her hand, looking as if it were magic. Halfway through, we follow the images of moving cars to Kweli’s verse, and as the song continues, the designs within the graphics grow in detail. From basketballs to wads or cash and even a petrol station drawn in colour, the animation of Cam Be and Claudia Randel make for a really interesting little video.

The song was originally featured in Kweli’s 2015 album Indie 500, which was performed on The Tonight Show With Jimmy Fallon earlier this year. Rapsody credited the performance as a highlight of her year in an interview with DJBooth; “Oh yeah. I did Jimmy Fallon with Talib. Who forgets that shit?! I do! That’s crazy. That’s primetime TV, millions of viewers. Nobody just gets on Jimmy Fallon… And backed by The Roots. Man, my year was awesome!” she said.

Watch the video below. 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OuEuc13TUag

Read our interview with Talib Kweli

Image: YouTube

LA producer ZHU just performed in Sydney this week, and ahead of his full length album comes the new single, and album title track GenerationWHY.

His falsetto voice shines against the deep beats and strong synth of the electro production, which echoes a disco-like sound. While the music will keep your feet moving, the words his beautiful voice is singing will have you hooked throughout.

The song was described by ZHU as one that “embodies a youthful summer.” The good times roll on throughout the track, as the positive vibes travel through your speakers, through your veins and into your soul.  

As an early taste of ZHU’s debut album, the title track gives us an idea for what we can expect. His 2014 release The NightDay EP showed us what he can do in only six tracks, as did his second six-track offering, his Genesis Series EP.

ZHU’s career has also allowed him to work with the likes of A-Trak, Skrillex, Gallant, and AlunaGeorge (with whom he teamed up for Automatic and My Blood) in the lead up to his next release. This weekend he came to Australia’s shores to perform at Vivid, after joining us for his first visit at the Listen Out Festival two years ago.

Grab your dancing shoes and play this track below for all to enjoy. ZHU’s debut album GenerationWHY will be released on July 29 via Columbia Records.  

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OrK6QxS_ZRk

Image: Billboard

Bibi Bourelly has released a new video for Riot, now taken in with a powerful sense of significance, following the Orlando shooting two nights ago.

In a world where we could see Donald Trump as the new US President, millions of refugees are left without a safe home and the growing scenes of violence across the globe, we need something to fill our hearts with the courage to survive.

This video gives us this courage in a simple, yet the most beautiful way possible.

The powerful nature of the black and white video is illustrated by the passionate protests used and lyrics of the stripped back acoustic track, only grows with the addition of the voiceovers. “If we don’t have fundamental changes in our system, we will continue to suffer as people and the planet,” a woman said over the angry screaming of protestors as images of love and pride as shown as the video closes, implying what the answer to the problem should be.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T6cS_DigCjE&feature=youtu.be

In the wake of the shooting, Bourelly has also penned a letter for the victims of the shooting:

“Sometimes when I’m on a plane, flying from country to country, city to city, chasing this peculiar dream of mine… I look down at the world beneath me and realize what we really are in the grand scheme of things. If you pay close attention, when the plane is just taking off you can faintly see people in action, living their own lives. It’s ironic and charming in a weird way because they’re not even aware that someone else is admiring them with fascination from a different angle of the world, as they walk this distinctive earth of ours.

Thousands of tiny, moving heads eventually blend in with the landscape as the aircraft rises higher. The large swaying trees that appear to be so mighty from the ground, shrink into what appears to be green fragments of leaves… and by the time we reach the clouds, everything that we thought to be its own individual thing, every detail of anything that we ever considered to exist on its own, melts into the the scenery and we become one.

We are all one from the clouds
We are not our genders
We are not our religions
We are not our races
We are not our opinions
We are not our doubts, insecurities or fears…

We are not one voice, we are a roaring crowd.

We are the land and sky; We are an ambiguous mixture of every color that exists under the sun.

We are all in this together and we are responsible for each other.

Everything you do or say matters to us, whether you realize it or not.

Love infinitely. At all costs no matter what.

praying 4 Orlando
(and the rest of the entire world.)
Fighting 4 our future.

New society 4 the unity of all.
Yours truly,
Beebz”

Read our interview with Bibi Bourelly

Image: Noisey

What do you get when you put a hip-hop score, a story about America’s Founding Fathers and a diverse cast of Broadway creatives together?

The world has become obsessed with hip-hop musical Hamilton, with endless sold out shows, tributes from across the music industry, live performances on talk shows and beyond. Now, it has received the highest accolades in the musical world (having already nabbed a Grammy), smashing the Tony Awards, winning 11 awards  out of a total 16 nominations. These included Best Musical, Best Original Score and Best Book of a Musical, while many individuals involved in the musical were also honoured.

The creatives scooped up many of their awards including Andy Blankenbuehler for Best Choreography, Paul Tazewell for Best Costume Design of a Musical and Howell Binkley for Best Lighting of a musical. Director Thomas Kail accepted his award for Best Direction of a Musical while composer and Miranda’s “right hand man” Alex Lacamoire won for Best Orchestrations.

Most of the nominated actors who work tirelessly to perform every night now have Tony wins to their names. Leslie Odom Jr won Best Leading Actor in a Musical against his Hamilton co-star, who also wrote the musical, Lin-Manuel Miranda, for his role as former American vice president Aaron Burr. Renee Elise Goldsberry, who plays the oldest Schuyler sister and Hamilton sister-in-law Angelica Schuyler, took home the award for Best Featured Actress in a Musical and Daveed Diggs snagged the award for Best Featured Actor in a Musical for the roles of Thomas Jefferson and Marquis de Lafayette.

One of the most talked about speeches on the night was Miranda’s moving sonnet after winning Best Score of a Musical, in which he paid tribute to the victims of the Orlando shooting. “The show is proof that history remembers,” he said. “We live in times when hate and fear seem stronger. We rise and fall in light from dying embers, remembrances that hope and love last longer.”

The cast also performed on the night, using two songs from the song, History Has Its Eyes on You and Yorktown (The World Turned Upside Down). They then closed the ceremony with a surprise performance of The Schuyler Sisters.

See Miranda’s acceptance speech for Best Book of a Musical below.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pi44405wMoI

Image: Billboard

Ever since I started getting my work published, my sister Sarah has been complaining that I haven’t written an article about her. I’ve now found a way to do so, but not without her getting involved.

When I came to her with the idea to review an album together, it was tough to think of one.

My sister and I couldn’t be more different. She admits that she wouldn’t have been able to write this herself as naturally as I can. On the other hand, she has a lot more confidence while speaking (anyone that knows her will tell you that the talking never stops), as well as a wider general knowledge. I also envy her ability to reframe from crumbling in emotional situations, while I’d cry enough tears to fill a swimming pool.

We finally settled on the soundtrack for the 2006 film Dreamgirls, which is one we both loved during our childhoods. It focuses on a group of girls, with a career similar to that of The Supremes, who are determined to make it in the music industry. As I assumed when I sat my sister down to write this review, she had A LOT to say about it.

We started with the film’s first song Move. I immediately acknowledged its funky upbeat nature. Sarah agreed, remarking that the heavy percussion complements the vocals. She described the song as empowering, recalling how male dominated the music industry was during the 1960s and 1970s (which was when this movie was set) and how the women had to “rise up” in order to succeed. These women are taking control of their lives, telling the people in their lives who don’t believe in them to “move out of [their] life.”

“That in itself empowers me because it demonstrates that you don’t have to keep toxic relationships in your life,” Sarah said.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uZgo9g8v76U

Family was the first song from the album that came to mind when I mentioned it to my sister. I soon discovered that it was the first on hers as well. Her favourite thing about it is the lyrics. The words “don’t think you’re going / you’re not going anywhere” stood out to Sarah as she reflected on the relationships in her life.

Like me, my sister also suffers from anxiety. She recalls how the people in her life haven’t abandoned her, just as she wouldn’t abandon anyone in a similar situation. As Italians, family is one of our most important values. It is second nature for us to take sacrifices for each other when times are dire. The stringed instruments are prominent in this song, portraying an organic, tender feeling that perfectly embodies the closeness and love that many families have.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xhirfooe338

It’s Not Over showcases powerful vocals and high levels of emotion shown through the music. At this point in the movie, Effie, played by Jennifer Hudson, has been acting out and the rest of the group decided to replace her. The anger and frustration is strong in the tones of their tones, as well as the use of trumpets and other loud instruments as they create more noise among the chaos of their argument.

The heavy emotion creates an easy transition to the powerhouse ballad I Am Changing, in which Hudson’s character tries to explain her behaviour. “I need a hand” shows her strength in admitting that she needs help with her struggles. It reminded us that everyone needs help sometimes. We shouldn’t be afraid to ask or stop ourselves from being tolerant of others.

“This has taught me that I don’t have to go through anything alone,” Sarah said. “At the same time, I should be there for others when they need it.”

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vpy0z5d5Z2k

As we continued through the album, we realised Beyoncé’s passionate ballad Listen has the same significance for both of us. My sister mentioned the loss of security her character has when she sings the words “I’m not at home in own home” and how that symbolises how we feel about our struggles with mental illness and not feeling like ourselves.

Still being a teenager, Sarah also reminded me of a problem I had forgotten. Our parents are famous for being highly-protective and stubborn. They’ve loosened their grip on me now that I’m Officially an Adult, but Sarah is still under tight control. To make things even harder, she has another parent telling her what to do; me.

She recites a manta that I wished I had thought of when I was in high school. “You have to listen to your heart at times and do what makes you happy.”

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8n6NE0VQKzI

Sarah had wanted to stop there, but I thought it was incomplete without Hard To Say Goodbye, especially given the significance it has in her life at the moment. She agreed, remembering the stage in her life she is at. My sister is currently in Year 12 and only has a faint idea of what she wants to do once high school is over.

“It’s hard to say goodbye my love / it’s hard to open up that door,” the group sings as they wave goodbye to their career together. Sarah says while she’s sad to say goodbye to her friends and childhood, she’s excited about the future and being able to develop her identity.

To tell you the truth, I’m excited for her too.

Today is her 18th birthday. That surprises a lot of people because she looks quite young for her age. As a big sister, I can hardly comprehend that she will be finishing high school in a few short months, getting ready for the next chapter in her life. Even though I am worried for her, I know she is brave enough to handle the real world.

She is now an adult, ready to take on the world. To me, however, she will always be my little sister.

Forever three and a half years behind me; constantly by my side.

photo (1)

Co-written by Jessica and Sarah Testa

Image: YouTube

If you’ve never heard of Jordan Rakei until now, you have just stumbled upon something very special.

With uni exams and mid-year work stress growing strong at the moment, I think it’s important to take a moment, find a quiet space and relax. Rakei’s new album Cloaks can help you do that.

It seems to promote mindfulness and the silencing of the millions of thoughts that can cloud our heads at once. Rakei confirmed this as he explained concept of the album:

“It was close to midnight. I found myself silently standing on a beach in Piha, staring at the stars. I’d never seen the stars like that before. There was a stillness and oneness that resonated with me. I finally came to terms with the insignificance of “us” and set myself on a quest of self-discovery through music and meditation. It was a war against my pre-conditioned mind, but one I was willing to fight.”

It’s a good idea to keep this in mind while listening to it in order to fully understand and appreciate his delivery of each track. Close your eyes and let it take you somewhere far away.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F-7gy2KvGIw

Midnight Mischief starts us off in the right place, perfectly introducing us to his sound. It echoes a sweet modern-jazz melody to go along with his smooth voice, ticking all the boxes in a matter of seconds. The mellow beat sets the scene for the wonderful tracks that follow as we embark on the journey through the album.

The sensual and romantic Talk To Me tells a great story within its arrangement. The combination of instruments is stunning. The lightness of his voice bounces off the percussion, piano and strings as he sings his beautiful lyrics. The bold guitar strums provide an interesting reccurring pattern that adds a personality to the song. The sudden surge of music demonstrates how quickly feelings and relationships can progress, and how quickly they can just stop. The passion within the notes grows stronger as the song continues before it ends without slowing down.

One of my favourite tracks is, remarkably, the interlude. Still has a simple slow melody, allowing the listener to focus on his beautiful voice. Coming straight after the chaotic Talk To Me allows us a break to calm back down and absorb his passion and soulfulness that scream in this short, yet amazing track. His instructions are clear. “As the place comes// As the thought slide under // Focus on one // Please take me under.” Listen as his voice speaks to your soul.

We realise that the best songs seems to be in the middle of the album as he takes us to Rooftop. With the slow melody like the previous track and beautiful words that teach us exactly how to find out inner calmness and inspiration from deep inside yourself. “I’ve found love // But it’s home sweet home now// Mute conversation// More time alone.” Being truly alone has become a difficult thing with technology constantly capturing our attention, but it’s perfectly easy to do when you switch off.

I’ll talk about every song if I could, but I’d be typing this all day. That’s exactly what the album is telling me to not do. We end the album with Tawo, which reenforces the message and purpose of the album. Tune in to the light, calm melody. Concentrate on interpreting the story his gorgeous voice is portraying. Make the most of the final five minutes away from the world before you have to go back.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7b5aX5bA1m8

Treat your senses and let the sweet sounds from inside the creative mind of Jordan Rakei clear your worries and help you find yourself among the craziness of real life.

Cloaks is available now. Buy here.

Image: Play Bar

One half of the legendary duo Simon and Garfunkel, Paul Simon, is about to score his first number one on the UK charts in almost 30 years as his newest album Stranger to Stranger shoots to the top. The album was released on Friday June 3rd.

If he continues to climb the charts, this will be his sixth number one in his overall music career following the number ones he achieved with Art Garfunkel, which are Bookends and Bridge Over Troubled Water, as well as his solo number ones, Graceland, his self-titled album and The Rhythm of The Saints. The last of the five was released back in 1990, meaning that it has been 26 years since he conquered the UK charts.

According to NME, the current results of album sales say that this will put Drake’s VIEWS in second place, while Catfish and the Bottlemen, who are currently in first place, shoot down to number five.

In an interview with Vox, he described this album as having no theme and instead being “more about attention span, sound changes.”

“It’s really about the way we think and what grabs your attention,” he continued. Drawing on the fact that the album is quite short (only 37 minutes), he tells Vox that it’s best to focus on the “Americana beat” rather than the lack of theme or the lyrical compositions.

“The lyrics are, well, they’re like the lyrics in most of my albums. They’re like what we’re thinking during the day and what’s going on in the world and what’s going on in your life and what’s going on with your kids — just the general observations,” he said.

Hear the lead single from the album Wristband below to see what he means.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O3crKHaBdy4

Image: Rolling Stone

In the months following his passing, the celebrations of Prince’s legacy continue.

On June 7th this year, which would have been his 58th birthday, PETA have re-released his 1998 pro-vegan track Animal Kingdom for fans to download for free. The singer gave the song to the animal rights group as a donation back in 1999.

As a passionate animal rights activist, Prince sang about leading a vegan lifestyle and shared his perspective on why the protection of the “animal kingdom” is important. With lyrics like “no member of the animal kingdom did a thing to me” and “we’re all members of the animal kingdom; Leave your brothers and sisters in the sea,” he presents a strong case in favour of the beliefs of many animal rights activists across the world. 

According to The Guardian UK, his ex-wife Mayte Garcia has spoken about the way he thought was the best way to commemorate the day his presence graced the world for the first time. “Prince didn’t want to celebrate birthdays, but to live life, to elevate and educate to the next level of enlightenment,” she said.

She continued, mentioning her plan as she works alongside PETA. “My mission every 7 June is not only to celebrate his birth, but also with Peta to remember this man by making 7 June a day where Prince fans go vegan to see how much better they feel and to honour his kind legacy.”

Back in his hometown of Minnesota, the city’s governor Mark Dayton has announced that his birthday will now be known as ‘Prince Day’. In his official proclamation, he describes Prince’s work as having made “a contribution not only to the global catalogue of music genres, but to Minnesota’s worldwide prominence and its economic growth.”

He also cites a way to properly celebrate the day. “Minnesotans are encouraged to wear purple on Prince Day in honor of The Purple One’s enduring legacy.”

You can hear and download the song from PETA’s website. 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dKQm3syBAQU

Image: Billboard

We’ve rounded up some of the best new music videos from across the entire musical spectrum, from pop, to R&B, to hip-hop, electro-pop and beyond. Enjoy!

Georgia Mae – Time With You 

This was an interestingly filmed video, with some still shots pieced together with raw footage in a kind of intentionally amateur way. Some warm summer vibes for the beginning of winter from this upcoming Australian artist. The video was filmed in brisbane, and the artist had this to say about its concept:  “I hope it can relate to a lot of people who have really special memories of spending time with someone important to them.”

https://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=em-upload_owner&v=aV0A8oWapzk&app=desktop

Maxwell – Lake By The Ocean

Maxwell has made a welcome return to music, and his first song in seven years now has a visual accompaniment to match. First, we meet a volunteer working at a disadvantaged village, who heads to a bar  after work, only to find Maxwell performing. She dances to the smooth tune, before joining Maxwell on a swim – no doubt in a lake by the ocean – quickly showing their affection for one another. The shadows and low lighting do a good job of keeping the mood. it’s good to have him back.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BsSu0bRZEHM

Kyle Bent – Vibes

Much like the name, the video for the upcoming artist’s new track is all about the good vibes. The bright colours and summer scenes of fun create a warm atmosphere in the mix of clips that go along with the upbeat song. It’s really exciting to see more emerging artists producing this type of cheery, soulful hip-hop infusions, and we’re looking forward to seeing what’s next for Kyle Bent.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rOzyAzXG4Gc

Bat For Lashes – Sunday Love

Natasha Khan seems to be continuing the wedding theme with this video, just like in God’s House. Here, we meet a man driving on a dark road in a storm, looking as though he had been in a fight. He stops the car and is greeted by Khan wearing a white dress with a veil. Suddenly, he falls into Khan arms dead. While she is visibly upset, she kisses him. He disappears, leaving her staring at the sky. Once again, she found a tragic and exciting way to present her stunning song on video.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pBfZooPrmfo

Fetty Wap – Wake Up

Once again, Fetty Wap has killed it with another playful clip for Wake Up, a track celebrating getting “Wiz Khalifa high” (aka – very fucking high.) Here, Fetty goes back to school, singing in the hallways, dancing along to the slow beat. The rebelliousness and disinterest in school that so many teenagers possess is portrayed through the integration of the hip-hop lifestyle into the classroom, which is pretty interesting in itself. The combination of the hand-drawn graphics and brightly coloured clips of high school kids chilling out create an interesting take.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LbARTyio_0Q&feature=youtu.be

Arthur Beatrice – Since We Were Kids

This is a nice little song with a simple little video. Lead vocalist Ella Girardot sits on a stool in a black and white filtered clip, directed by designer and long time collaborator Kate Moross, while coloured cut-outs surround her. They seem to keep her trapped in a suffocating little box as they crowd in front of her while she dwells on the past. A visually gorgeous clip to accompany the latest single from their new album, Keeping The Peace. 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wPt-ZUpkE9w

Clams Casino – Witness ft. Lil B

Clams Casino is back, with new music and a long-awaited new album, 32 Levels, on the way. Now comes new track Witness, which not only features long term collaborator Lil B, but has also been directed by, and stars, the mysterious rapper. While I’m not a fan of his solo work, I’m really digging the track. The video is pretty typical of a slick hip-hop clip, but it’s still a fun watch. We’re really looking forward to this album.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lHitmmi2VdY

Image: Billboard