In the midst of lush guitar chords (a subtle nod to Gorillaz’s Feel Good Inc.), Esky remains grounded and wise in his lyricism. He opens the track with a humble tribute to his kapamilya (family), acknowledging the life lessons best learnt through loved ones.

Breakfast Road (@breakfastroad) are making a statement with their latest project Cerise. With washed-out production and pseudo-nostalgia galore, the boy band aims for the sweet spot between bubbly Y2K-inspired hyperpop and indie for their ‘mixtape mini-album video game OST’ (their words, not mine).

Western Sydney DJ and producer Kase Avila has teamed up with vocalist and rapper Jade Kenji to release their latest collaborative mixtape, entitled ‘Maroyaka’. The mix-tape is a showcase of their love for classic RnB sounds, punctuated with the urban tempo of Japanese hip-hop through remixes.

There’s no doubt that the past few weeks have been rough for a lot of us, but if there is one thing we can all get excited about, it’s the debut of Sydney rapper xTRILLIAMS, also known as TRILLI.

Darug artists and knowledge holders Leanne Mulgo Watson and Erin Wilkins collaborate with artist and architect Peter Rush to present Songlines & Sightlines - Colouring-in Blacktown. This collaborative project was shown in The Leo Kelly Blacktown Arts Centre during May and June 2021 tells of a long, deep and ongoing story belonging to Blacktown.

High school lunches for my mates and I involved sitting around a bluetooth speaker on the hill, critiquing the latest hip-hop bangers.

Erin reviews LETYOUREYESADJUSTTOTHEDARK by Amorist (The Western’s own Michael). His debut album is suave, funky, and bound to throw you back.

Nothing quite matches the dreaminess of Rhodes keys on top of vinyl crackle. That is, until you want to buy a Rhodes and realise how much they cost. But fear not, you can enjoy the dulcet tones of Gemma Navarrete (@gemmasjams) on her debut single Older absolutely free. The Western Sydney songstress opens her discography with a laidback tune, singing about the glow up she anticipates (dw, it’s already begun).

I watched Donnie Darko the night before finishing this write-up, so shout out to Esky (@esky.esk) for making me realise that bunny-masked men can DJ’s. But it’s the aptly named Chrissy Mae Valentine (@chrissymaevalentine) we’re here for, whose debut single Solo is ready to launch you into the Valentine’s Day feels.

In need of some Valentine’s Day tunes to add to your playlists? You’ve come to the right place. Following her most recent drop South Of France released late last year, Sydney artist Edgez is back to give us Butterflies with her latest single.

Filipino singer-songstress Gabby Nacua has recently released her new single ‘Little Bit Shy,’ a sultry tune that speaks to the lovesick wallflowers and introverts with romantic visuals to match.

Why isn’t anyone talking about BRODËM? Since Mount Druitt’s drill group Onefour dropped their music, the Western Sydney music scene has been drowned out by drill. The latest EP from Nes Afara and Rara X has finally given us a long awaited break from pedestrian artists. A well produced hip-hop/ trap influenced collaboration has reminded us of the promising future of Western Sydney artists.

Worlds collide in JMAP’s experimental mixtape 808 JUKEBOX, a collection of genre-bending tracks that push the boundaries of modern taste. Drawing inspiration from 1950’s soft rock and golden-era hip-hop, the artist upends popular music in favour of something a little more unique.

Whether intentional or not, Gibrillah (@_gibrillah) and Danté Knows’ (@dante.knows) latest track Divisions feels like a Kanye West highlight reel. Seriously though, hear me out.

Back and badder than ever. Western Sydney RnB artist Maxine releases her new single and music video ‘Say Something’. There is nothing more badass than a woman in a matrix leather lookin’ piece manning a snake.

Late night shopping for snacks was a quarantine ritual. Legend has it, however, that in the wee hours of the morning, some convenience stores are blessed with live performances from the hottest MC’s in the city.

Michael asks the tough questions in his review of Clarissa Mei’s latest drop WHATCHU BOUT? ft. Esky.

Singer, songwriter Zeadala open’s her heart with her new EP ‘Chapter 23’. She teams up with First Nations producer Mark Munk Ross who brings her music to life.

Lauren strikes the world in the midst of this dull period of time with a fiery, heart-pumping new track titled Work For The Money. Let her take you back to the 80s with her video clip, where leotards and leg warmers are one of the main attractions.

Fresh off the announcement of his forthcoming EP RAW DAWG comes Glimpse, the latest offering from artist Raj Mahal (@srirajmahal). With assistance from Danté Knows (@dante.knows), the track and accompanying video and a three minute tour-de-force that confirm the age old adage; less is more.