Two Is Not A Winner and Three Nobody Remembers

WHO WILL TOP triple j's HOTTEST 100?

by Matt Bond

"Who do you think will be #1 on this year's Hottest 100?" 


It's around this time of year I start getting asked that question a lot, despite my inability to predict even the most basic stuff correctly. Yes, even I could predict that Gotye and Kimbra would be #1 on the Hottest 100 in 2011, but I'm pretty sure anyone could have picked that one. 'Somebody That I Used To Know' was EVERYWHERE. I know people that listened to it so much back then that they still can't listen to even those weird opening beats today. Anyway, there's only nine days left to get your votes in for the world's biggest music countdown and fourteen days until we get to head along to Australia Day parties, barbecues, solo adventures locked inside with the air-con on and only our feelings to keep us company or whatever it is you have planned for the day. Whatever you've got planned, I'm sure it'll be great and there's one thing that will make it even better... listening to the Hottest 100! 

So, back to that question... who's going to be #1 this year? I don't know. Not the answer you were looking for? Sorry 'bout it. What I can tell you is, there's a good chance you'll actually be hearing Justin Bieber come January 26. No, not 'Sorry' or 'What Do You Mean?'. There is that awful collaboration with Skrillex and Diplo though that got at least one play on the j's last year. And I've seen enough votes on Instragram to think that it's going to make the list. I can also tell you that one hundred percent Taylor Swift will not be in this year's countdown, but that's not news at all since the rejection of the #TayForHottest100 campaign last year. For those keeping score at home, Justin Bieber will likely find a place on the Hottest 100, Bruno Mars was able to sneak in last year but there is no room for Swift. The obvious solution is that she needs to guest on a Major Lazer or Macklemore track, because for a commercial pop star to guest on a track is ok by the j. 

Speaking of Major Lazer, it could be a little song you probably haven't heard of before called 'Lean On' that makes it all the way to #1. Along with DJ Snake and Danish musician MØ, the track scored a ridiculous amount of play by the national youth broadcaster, went to #1 in Australia, is the most streamed song in Spotify history and (this one is very important) was big on commercial radio too. So it's not only appealing to those hip, young thangs that listen to triple j, but that fucking NOVA crowd too. Yeah Macklemore is a thing still and 'Downtown' was catchy, went to #1 and got play across a variety of different stations. Working against him though, he didn't make the list of the top 20 artists that got the most play on triple J in 2015. Also, I distinctly remember when 'Thrift Shop' went to #1 on the Hottest 100 in 2015, I said it was the worst thing that had ever happened. I was much more dramatic back then, I'm sorry. It wasn't the worst thing that's ever happened, but like, maybe top 5? Maybe? It's not going to happen again. I suppose I should acknowledge Ryan Lewis' involvement with Macklemore, but no one else does so why should I?

Tame Impala are guaranteed to land multiple entries on this year's countdown. But #1? Unlikely at this point. Also unlikely... that we'll finally see a solo female artist top the list. In a perfect world, Courtney Barnett would stand a chance, but we've already seen the online reaction from triple J listeners when she wins things. Oy vey. Appearances by 'Pedestrian At Best', 'Depreston' and 'Nobody Really Cares If You Don't Go To The Party' would be appreciated nonetheless. Last year's countdown saw more Australian artists than ever crack the 100 and hopefully we'll have another record breaking year in 2016. Tkay Maidza should return with 'M.O.B' and hopefully 'Ghost' too. Jarryd James, Alison Wonderland, Chet Faker (along with that other bearded man who is not Australian), Gang of Youths, The Rubens, San Cisco, Alpine, Daniel Johns and Flight Facilities were played on high rotation throughout the year, so expect to hear a little something something from them. Perennial Hottest 100 favourites The Hilltop Hoods could sneak in with new track 'Higher' as well, giving James Chatburn his first appearance on the list. If you're expecting to hear a whole lot of Florence + The Machine, I'm right there with you. Is there a #1 in the bunch of Flo songs? Absolutely. Will it get the votes? Absolutely not.     

We've covered that I have no idea who will actually take out the #1 spot on this year's triple J Hottest 100. But let's say one of you walked up to me and held a gun to my head and whispered so softly, pick some freaking songs that could be #1... then I suppose I would say:

#1? Major Lazer and DJ Snake ft. MØ - 'Lean On'

#1? Chet Faker and Marcus Marr - 'The Trouble With Us'

#1? The Weeknd - 'Can't Feel My Face'

#1? Kendrick Lamar - 'King Kunta'

#1? Jarryd James - Do You Remember?

#1? Meg Mac - Never Be (one can dream)

Who did I actually vote for? Well... 

Montaigne - 'Clip My Wings'

Tired Lion - 'I Don't Think You Like Me'

Ngaiire - 'Once'

Gang of Youths - 'Magnolia'

Courtney Barnett - 'Pedestrian At Best'

Little May - 'Home'

Tkay Maidza - 'Ghost'

Jack Colwell - 'Don't Cry Those Tears'

Sarah Blasko - 'I'd Be Lost'

Japanese Wallpaper ft. Airling 'Forces'

Feel free to use those ten as a template for your own votes. Alternatively, pick ten songs that would make your Australia Day awesome. That also works. 

The Medicine Cabinet #29

RYAN, RYAN KEEP ON FLYIN!

by Nayt Housman

Music is my medicine. Is it yours? I ask the public six golden questions to find out if and how they use music to feed the soul.

Ryan by Nayt Housman

Knock-knock! Oh come in Ryan. What’s that? You want a music check up just to make sure you’re in tip-top musical health? SURE! Don’t worry though, I know it can be tough being 19 and passionate about spending money on things you don’t need and filling other voids with TV but it’s all part of the process. Trust me, I’m a professional. Now turn your head and cough…


Thinking of music as medicine:


Who are the musicians and/or bands that flick your switch and turn up the volume?


Ryan: See I don’t really have any artists where I go, “yep, love all their songs.” I kind of like one or two songs by “them” and then I’ll just like somebody else and something else but… A few songs I like at the moment are 'Amsterdam' by Coldplay, I like 'My Favourite Game' by The Cardigans, I like 'Left Alone' by Flume ft. Chet Faker, 'Drunk In Love' by Beyoncé, 'Don’t You Find' by Jamie T and 'Mammoth' by Dimitri Vegas.

Why do you think they are the pills that cure your ills?


Ryan: I don’t exactly know. If I like a song, I just like it, but I just find them uplifting. Basically, if I like the way it sounds, that’s about it really. If there is a meaning to it I’ll be like, “OMG this is so good,” but they just improve me if I’m having a shit day. It will make it so much better. It’s just something to fill in time as well.

What kind of high do they give you?


Ryan: It just makes me feel better. It’s something to do while driving or whatever to put me in a good mood, or if I’ve had a really shit day I just turn on some music and it will be okay.

When do you find yourself craving music for relief?


Ryan: Before work, after work, during work except I can’t hear it because the speakers don’t work down by the registers… Basically whenever I’m driving or before going out and stuff to get in the mood.

Where in life, home, and your world does music take you?


Ryan: It takes me back to better times or just days and events in the past I’ve really enjoyed. Just chilling with friends or simpler times when I was younger before I had to work. Like when I hear something like The Veronicas I’m reminded of my grade 5 teacher who really liked them so she played their CD during class. So there you go!

How do you share your music love?


Ryan: If I have my phone and there are speakers I’ll connect my phone to them at some point so I just force my music onto everybody. Like in the car you have to listen to my music whether you like it or not but it’s pretty diverse. I have some sick beats on there, I have some 90s stuff and some current mainstream stuff so…

-----------------------------------------------------

When you’re young and frivolous and the whole world is at your feet just ready for the taking, music doesn’t really need to be much deeper than a smooth groove and sick beat. Of course that doesn’t mean the soul in the music doesn’t fill you up but when your cup is already full there ain’t no need for more fuel to burn coz baby you can’t use it if it’s overflowing. Also being varied and unpredictable is certainly preferable for a fulfilling life because as Ryan likes to say, “outside your comfort zone is where the magic happens!”


I shall dub this “The Chocolate Sampler Box Effect”. When one is young, especially but not limited to youth, it is always a good idea to branch out and sample from all areas of life, culture, environment AND MUSIC. The world is vast and there is room for all kinds to exist and be appreciated.


Doctor Nayt’s prescription this week is only listen to your music on shuffle, or if out with a friend swap iPods. Get your friends and family to make you a mix CD/USB of their fave tracks and only listen to them for the entire week. You never know, you may end up with some new faves yourself. Of course there’s the chance that you may hate the music so much you consider smashing the side of your head with a brick but that’s the fun of the gamble right? *I don’t publically condone gambling or any other activity that affects the stability of yours or your family’s lifestyle*
 

The Medicine Cabinet #27

Courtney’s Lesson In Sarcasm 

by Nayt Housman

Music is my medicine. Is it yours? I ask the public six golden questions to find out if and how they use music to feed the soul.

'Courtney' by Nayt Housman

Tonight’s patient is one of my favourite people in the world and is equally the bravest person I know along with one of the most sensitive but boy does she know her way around a sarcastic response. I wasn’t sure we’d even make it through the interview and what usually takes around five minutes went for close to fifteen. In the few years I’ve known 24 year old Courtney she has travelled the world playing with dolphins, parrots, caring for orphans and generally looking for that ‘something’ that makes her happy. In the process she has grown so much, learnt more about herself than she imagined and taught me so much too. However as well as I know her being one of my besties, I know little about her music life, so evidently being a professional music doctor, I thought it my duty to find out.


Who are the musicians and/or bands that flick your switch and turn up the volume?

Courtney: Well, ummmm, I’d probably say that…ask me the question again? What do you mean, “flick my switch”?


Okay, It varies and often I don’t actually know the names of people but I would say Missy Higgins because she was like the first ever artist that I had any interest in. The next one you’re not going to like!!! It’s name starts with a ‘D’ and ends with a ‘rake’…I can’t help it, and I named my bird after him, Kirby’s middle name is Drake. And then Chet Faker and this guy called James Vincent McMorrow, mainly because I’m a bit lazy and my friends tell me who’s interesting. So those are two that some of my friends love. Oh and James Blake!

Why do you think they are the pills that cure your ills?


Courtney: Fucking hell Nayt, what does that mean? WHAT DOES THAT MEAN? *Lol* I don’t know what language you’re talking…


Well Missy Higgins, her music and her lyrics are quite poetic I think. So I can be quite like depressive with her and just because I listened to her through my high school years it sort of brings me back to that time. Drake ‘cause I can be ghetto! *Lol* and just ‘cause it gives me like some street cred. The other ones I mentioned, the James guy, he’s very ethereal and whimsical and just really pretty, his voice is just really beautiful, Chet is just cool. He could transport you to a pub like drinking the cider and the other James is just really emotional and beautiful too.

What kind of high do they give you?


Courtney: Oh god…what do you mean? Hahaha.


Well I think sometimes I listen to music that is how I’m feeling if that makes sense. So if I’m feeling a bit emotional maybe I’ll listen to a bit of Missy because it’s cathartic you know? Then some, I think that I can just relax to, like just chill out.

When do you find yourself craving music for relief?


Courtney: These are stupid questions…*lololol* I kind of like having music on all the time. Well sometimes, because I don’t like awkward silences. So if you’re having dinner or whatever it’s just nice to have that in the background…


What was the question? I don’t know how… How would someone answer that? When do you crave music? When you feel like listening to it pfffft! I think these questions are very ‘wordy’ and stupid.


No, I’m going to think about that… I crave music just all the time because I think it enhances whatever you’re doing. So if you’re drinking coffee, it enhances that experience, if you are reading a book, if you are driving a car, it enhances.

Where in life, home, and your world does music take you?


Courtney: Some, like I said before (Missy Higs) it can take me back in time and can just remind you of an era like, you know that song “show me how them apple bottom jeans…” that reminds me of grade 12 and getting my license and thinking I’m really cool and then like other songs remind me of when I was travelling (like Missy Higgins ‘Nightminds’). I also enjoy Christmas carols, I enjoy singing Christmas carols, I love dancing to Christmas carols, I love pretending that I’m the singer. It takes me sometimes to a happy place…I don’t fucking know…

How do you share your music love?


Courtney: I sing it; I’m just the best singer. What do you mean “How do I share it”?


Or DO you share your music?


Courtney: No not really I don’t think. I think music is a very personal thing. It’s like somebody looking at your underwear. So people can just judge you, it’s very private and it can be very embarrassing depending on what you see you know? People say that they like music, like they’ll pretend they like someone even if they don’t because that’s what’s cool.

All I can think now of is whenever I share my music with anyone that they’ll be judging me as if I have dirty undies! But thankfully I can live in comfort knowing a little saying Courtney has “accept the things you cannot change, have courage to change the things you can and wisdom to know the difference.” So in other words it really doesn’t matter what anyone thinks of your music whether it’s daggy, cool or otherwise. But the question really is what has Courtney taught me about music and life?


Well firstly that my questions are stupid but mostly that music isn’t all about idolisation.  It doesn’t matter what you’re listening to or who made it, only whether you find a connection with it in some way, although Courtney did only like Drake to feel ‘ghetto’ and give her ‘street cred’. I guess that’s her dirty underwear and I guess then the lesson is that everyone has their tunes that provide meaning to their life and then some are just for fun.


I shall dub this ‘The I Don’t Fucking Know Because Courtney Has Ruined My Life Effect’. So basically just like any music you want. There doesn’t have to be a reason, or there can be a reason. It can be because your friends like it or because it makes good background music or because you like annoying people with your Christmas carols.


Doctor Nayt’s prescription this week is to not bother even finding out the artists you like or even bother choosing any music for that matter. Just put on the bloody radio or put your iPod on shuffle and just let music, any music, be the background to your life. But even better than that, make everything anyone says into a song, like my friend Courtney does. Because in reality music is just in your soul and it resonates from your heart and when you sing the sentence just spoken back to the person who said it, it will make them smile and tell you “you’re weird” then you’ll laugh together and life will be beautiful.