Music That Speaks To Your Soul

I promised you music reviews and here they are. I'm going to start with the concert first.

This week I saw one of my favourite bands in the whole world play live at the Enmore Theatre in Newtown.

Hot Chelle Rae!!

I fell in love with these guys about two years ago at a 2dayfm rooftop party, they played 'I Like To Dance' and it was love at first listen. They are the perfect blend of pop, rock and indie all mixed into one. The very first song they ever wrote and recorded was called "I Wish I Was Emo" hilarious commentary on the genre of teens in the world today and they played it at the concert. Since then they have developed more of a pop feel but not forgetting their great rock and country influences. 

This concert was everything I expected it to be and more. Ryan owned the stage and had more character and presence than most under the spotlight. Nash was killer on guitar and can I just point out that the jacket he was rocking was all kinds of fantastic! Ian and Jamie were all smiles and connecting with the crowd as well. Hot Chelle Rae blew me away! They sound even better live than they do on their albums if that's even possible. Vocals and crowd engagement were at an all time high and it was one of those concerts, where the music sweeps over you, promising to make everything feel better in your life. Making you feel like anything is possible as long as you stay in that frame of mind always. Sorry I'm rambling but you all know how I feel about music, especially the kind that speaks to your soul, it has the power to shape who you are, who you want to be. Hot Chelle Rae is one of the bands that does that for me.

Anyway.... onto the albums.

Lately my playlist has been on repeat with only three albums. Carly Rae Jepsen - Kiss, Pink - The Truth About Love and Taylor Swift - Red. If you're going to buy 3 albums this summer these are it.

Carly Rae Jepsen is the ultimate bubblegum pop album that can make you forget that you're having the crappiest day in the world and just start smiling. My favourites on this album are a close tie between 'This Kiss' and 'Wrong Feels So Right' each has a catchy tune and a great beat that makes you want to dance like a loon on the train to work.

Pink's latest album 'The Truth About Love' is beyond phenomenal especially her song 'Walk of Shame'. This song is the anthem for all those people out there not afraid to admit that we have our skank moments. The thing that I love about this album is that there is a song for every mood you have, grieving the loss of someone you love, being over the moon because the person you like just text you, or even just that feeling you get when you're getting ready for a huge night out on the town, like you can take on the world.

Taylor Swift. Dear lord can this chick make anymore hits? This album tops every other one she's come out with so far. My only criticism is that she didn't include Ronan on the album which is a beautiful ballad that needs to be heard by the world. My faves from this album are '22' and 'I Knew You Were Trouble' both songs are so relate able and great dancey make you smile tracks. I swear if she keeps going this way Taylor Swift will be more than a household name and will have so many Grammy Awards in her house she wont be able to turn a corner without bashing into one.

So that's it from me guy's. You have all the knowledge you need to get you through your good days and bad days. These four artists are your soundtracks for life and I promise you wont be disappointed.

And if you are just remember... Music made me do it.

Bitch Cakes & Skank Face Go International ...

Two weeks ago I went to Kuta Beach Bali with my best mate bitch cakes (aka Sofie), and here are the tips you all need to know before you head there yourselves.

1. Travel Insurance that includes medical expenses is a MUST. We saw so many Aussie guys coming out of hospitals all bandaged up from falling off motor bikes it was insane. This is why I will NEVER get on one.

2. Girls. Only pack the following in your suitcase. 1 dress. 1 pair of denim shorts. 1 singlet. Underwear. 2 bikinis. Minimum make-up. One the first 4 days you WILL fill your suitcase with crazy cheap clothing, shoes and handbags. Pack super light to avoid weight restrictions. Also a portable scale is unbelievably handy we would have been screwed without it.

3. Buy all of your DVDs once you've finished shopping for clothing. They do great deals in town buy 100 get 70 free etc. This way you already know your weight limits and how much you can fit in your suitcase for the flight home.

4. Never pay more than $50,000 rupiah for a dress, don't let them rip you off on this. Feeling bad about it? Buy 4 for $200,000 rupiah makes you feel less guilty. Watches should be the same price along with shoes and wallets.

5. Handbags should only be $150,000 - $200,000 tops. Never EVER pay more than this they are junk and don't last that long so don't be fooled by the claims that they are "real leather" they aren't. 

6. I bought those name necklaces for my family members and got a pretty good deal 6 for $300,000 rupiah just make sure you write down the names CORRECTLY. I did and I still got one for my sister Ashley that said Assley. Obviously I didn't give it to her haha.

7. If you're scared to be adventurous with the food go to the Sardinia in Kuta Beach. It overlooks the ocean and the staff are friendly (ask to see Lily and tell her Jess sent you!) and the cocktails are about $4 Australian and taste amazing. The food was delicious and actually tasted similar to what I would expect at home. This place is a must for everyone who goes to Bali, I promise you wont be disappointed.

8. Don't eat the KFC. You will get Bali belly. Also there's this gorgeous looking restaurant called 'The Kopi Pot' ..... GROSS. We had to wait 40 minutes for a table then I ordered garlic prawns got bbq'd burnt prawns still in the shells with a bowl of half cooked rice and the garlic sauce??? It was a stick of melted butter with a few cloves of garlic sprinkled on top. Vomit worthy. Needless to say we ate McDonald's after that.

9. If you're looking for a peaceful holiday DON'T stay at the Bounty Hotel. It is a rager hotel that throws the most insane parties in all of Bali with live snakes, all you can eat/drink Friday nights, drinking games, nudie runs etc. And all of this is filmed and available to watch on the Bounty Hotel TV Channel. They were great to us and after the first week when we just needed to sleep, they were good enough to move us to the back corner of the hotel away from the noise. One thing to watch out for though? The staff WILL go through your bags to try and find money so take a padlock and lock it all in one section of your suitcase.

10. Above all else have fun. Do the Bounty Cruise to Nusa Lembongan water park it was fantastic we had a great time on the banana boats and flying fish. Make friends with the locals. Once they know you they look after you (taxi's home, free drinks, cheaper meals etc. Again see Sardinia) we did and have made some great friends because of it.

That's all from me guys but keep watching later this week I will be reviewing 3 new albums and also the Hot Chelle Rae concert. 

Keep dancing and being insane and never forget when life gets weird or strange blame your actions on the music :)