Author: Chris Singh

Boundless artist Aaron Maine and his ever-changing Porches project has hooked up with Blood Orange hotshot Dev Hynes for a slinky pop jam named “rangerover”. Sounding like a mile away from his indie rock past, the jam is perfectly in line with what you’d expect from Hynes, but taken in a new direction thanks to…

According to Japan’s tourism organisation, JNTO, Australians were the highest spending tourists in Japan in 2018, dropping an average of 242,050 yen per person (or AUD $3,075) per visit. After 2020, Japan is expected to hit 40 million annual tourists, so we can only expect that number to grow. Us Aussies love to spend in…

Though it looks like fiercely defiant Virginia rapper Pusha T may be reuniting with his brother (No) Malice on Kanye West’s forthcoming album Jesus is King, the beastly emcee is still in his zone when his solo. Proof: “Puppets”. Push rapping over the theme song from HBO show Succession has quickly become one of the…

Entering an immersive world of alt-circus performers and steampunk oddities, watching in awe as one of the most beautiful coastal walks in the world is transformed by art, and taking part in deep, serious and playful discussions about what goes on in a city after the sun sets. These are just a few of the…

Philly outfit Friendship are polishing off a brand new album, Dreamin’, slated to hit in just a few weeks. It follows 2017 sleeper hit Shock Out of Season, and has so far been previewed with singles “Clairvoyant” and, most recently, “You Might Already Know”. The latter track, earnest and thoughtful, has vocalist Dan Wiggins really…

While we’re sure more is still to be revealed about Google’s recently announced truly wireless Pixel Buds 2 due for release early 2020, the company’s annual event in New York City gave us some pretty exciting details. Although only time will tell if these new rivals to Apple’s AirPods, and the superior offerings from Bose,…

Google is going big with Soli radar technology on the long-awaited Pixel 4, the company’s new flagship smartphone which will no doubt be the centre of many techy discussions for the rest of 2019. Not only this, but they’ve taken more than a few of their product lines a step forward, announcing a new laptop,…

Gold Coast is a city built of soft sand and hardy skyrises. At least that’s the short version of it, with the famous beach destination unfairly shouldering the burden of many rash stereotypes throughout the years, the most unfortunate of which has to do with the raucous yearly celebration of “Schoolies”. Much like Canberra and…

Insular, rainy and oft ignored for bigger cities like New York and L.A, Seattle’s music scene in the 90’s benefitted greatly from its relative obscurity. While no one was paying attention, the city birthed some of the greatest artists and bands that have ever lived, sprouting an everlasting impact that would change music and pop…

Japan is about to get its very first hotel from renowned brand Amari, coming in the form of a 126-room resort nestled in the heart of ski-haven Niseko. Announced today, ONYX Hospitality Group will be opening Amari Niseko in 2024 as part of mixed-use development Aruku-zaka Street, designed to complement the Hirafu area’s unique character…

Intergalactic art-rock dealing with an opioid crisis is only something you’d expect from reliable experimentalists Guerilla Toss, who are tackling addiction from all angels on their forthcoming EP What Would The Odd Do?. Following their single “Plants” with a mix of effervescent pop and deep-fried psych rock, the mystical New York band turn in “Future…

Melbourne is just weeks away from its newest luxury hotel, which is part of the prestigious and highly curated M Gallery by Sofitel collection. Titled Hotel Chadstone Melbourne, the $130 million five-star property of 250 rooms, suites and penthouses (2 penthouses to be exact) will welcome guests from the 1st November. Featuring a wellness retreat…

To mark 10 years since Etihad Airways and Virgin Australia first announced their endearing partnership, both carriers have announced a very significant “Bonus Points” campaign which will help passengers build loyalty points over the next few months. In addition to this, Etihad will also be rolling out additional rewards throughout the rest of this year…

Now that the Google Pixel 3 and its XL version have shown what the company is capable of when it comes to premium features and computational photography, the streamlined Google Pixel 3a (and 3a XL) test the team’s ability to balance a much lower price bracket with similar power, taking them into uncharted non-premium territory….

Forget harmony, Kamasi Washington and his exceptional band, The Next Step, are here to preach the virtue of divergence. The kind you’d hear sparingly in Sydney Well, not entirely; they are here to show how top-tier musicians can veer off onto their own paths, only to meet back at one singular spot, occasionally checking in…

Those already familiar with Dragon Quest XI S would be nodding, big grin on their face, when I write that this is not only one of the best JRPGs to arrive in years, but the single best entry in a legendary series that has spanned decades. That in itself is quite the feat, seeing as…

Next month Whistler Village will once again kick off one of the world’s greatest ski seasons, but in the lead up to that, it’ll transform into a veritable oasis of food and wine, highlighting the many fine restaurants and bars that make up British Columbia’s adventure capital in new and interesting ways. Each November, this…

Gnashing his teeth through guitar licks, Mikal Cronin is back with yet another stunningly gritty psych-grunge track named “I’ve Got Reason”. Following excellent singles “Show Me” and “Shelter”, he prefaces his forthcoming new album, Seeker, by violent clashing the urgent sounds of Nirvana with The Beatles and squeezing his own personality in between. The California…

The humble airline pillow is often an overlooked detail in the overall passenger experience. Too soft? Not soft enough? Not supportive enough? Too warm? Those who aren’t bringing their own rely on this amenity to get that necessary sleep in. Air New Zealand have acknowledged this by becoming the first airline in the world to…

It’s always exciting to re-visit one of your favourite restaurants on the Gold Coast, more so when it’s even better than you remembered. When Chase Kojima (of Sydney’s celebrated Sokyo, and the more recent Chuuka) first opened this slick modern Japanese restaurant at The Star back in 2015, reception was instantly, and understandably, enthusiastic. Sokyo…

The Maldives is in the midst of one the island’s most exciting changes to date, with the introduction and ongoing development of the country’s first and only integrated island resort, CROSSROADS. The lifestyle precinct has added some seriously lush hotels to go along with it, one of which is the upbeat, recently opened Hard Rock…

This may not be the first time Michael Stipe has released music post-R.E.M, but it’s the first time we’re getting an official solo single from him. “Your Capricious Soul” is a masterful return from one of music’s most endearing voices, representing a moment in time that Stipe clearly feels passionate about as the long time…

Queensland born burger chain Betty’s Burgers & Concrete Co are opening up a new location on Mount Street, North Sydney next week, and to celebrate they’ve committed to give away 1,000 free burgers. As the fresh new venue transforms into “the ultimate beach party oasis” with DJs and a general party vibe, the kitchen plan…

Sydney’s iconic Bennelong have not only made a huge change to their beloved wine menu, but a big statement about the strength and vitality of the Australian wine industry. Switching from their wide-reaching wine program, to a menu that is completely Australian focused (except for the Champagne), the destination restaurant has committed itself to showcasing…

Melbourne’s legendary songwriter Grand Salvo is making his way around Japan this week, and is teaming up with Tokyo-based music promoter Vaughan as part of part of his ongoing campaign to introduce some of Australia’s greatest talents to his adopted home. With Vaughan a frequent presence in Japan’s music scene, the multi-disciplinarian, and music promoter…

As if Singapore Changi Airport couldn’t get any better, the frequent award-winner has built upon its reputation with the addition of the experiential Jewel lifestyle precinct. Opening up earlier this year in April, Jewel has already racked up over 300,000 visitors per day, and to acknowledge this the precinct has now kicked off free public…

Iconic luxury brand Raffles officially entered the island paradise of Maldives earlier this year, snuggling into the pristine waters of Gaafu Alifu Atoll with Raffles Maldives Meradhoo. The Accor property has now introduced 16 overwater villas to the private twin-island location, adding to the total of 21 villas and residences which make up this intimate…

Australia’s celebrated Art Series Hotel brand has officially graduated to 9 properties with the opening of Perth’s The Adnate. Standing adjacent to the city’s luxury and lifestyle destination of King Street, the colourful 250-room property promises a vibe big on soul and ‘the art of dreaming big’. An homage to big wall street artist Matt…

It was only a matter of time before millennial-focused Moxy brand landed a spot in New York City’s forever trendy East Village, making it the third Moxy in the Big Apple overall. As the neighbourhood of many movements, this was always a hub of American counter-culture which has given the design-driven hotel brand plenty of…

The folk behind Sydney’s beloved Devon Café sure are banking on the Japanese donburi with their new venue Dopa by Devon. And why shouldn’t they? The staple simmered bowl of rice and protein is a constant favourite for anyone who has ever been over to Japan (which should be everyone by now – flights are…