I don’t know about you, readers, but my January feels like it’s flown by! I haven’t had a January go this quick in years and it’s been quite a pleasant surprise. With that said, I’m back with another round of listens to keep you company when completing those projects. As far as my own updates go…well.
If you’ve been a regular reader of Vic’s Picks over the years, you might know that my cross stitching is very much an all or nothing craft for me – or so it seems. I’d been hoping to focus on writing; instead, January had seen me comically locked in on the BTS ARIRANG World Tour presale and assessing seating plans, ticking off those tasks that comes with the daily minutiae of the thing we call life, alongside those famous mid-new-year sort outs!
In those tiny and pointless denim-coin-pockets-of-time I’ve found myself having lately, outside of the above and everything else, I’ve managed to get a few stitches on the proverbial board. Not much, but progress is progress and I’m pleased it’s something.
It’s nice to see the makings of a page finisher that I’ve had on the go for so many years. Underneath the main left line will be the final page and, although it’s a big one, it’ll be great to see it finished after making a bit of a start on it. It’ll certainly make life easier knowing where to start, again!
As per, be sure to check your content warnings before diving into these listens as they may contain sensitive topics and/or language. With that said, let’s get started!
📖 Audiobook – We Need Your Art – Amie McNee
For over a decade now, Amie McNee’s growth has been a wonderful watch. When I first downloaded Instagram, back when you could post the single square images (vibes, honestly), I stumbled across her account, InspiredToWrite. Over the years, Amie’s documented her writing journey, both openly and honestly to her following, where present day, she continues to inspire and uplift other writers.
Filled with insight, original, yet thought-provoking artwork, and admittedly frank moments of conversation, We Need Your Art feels like a buoy when you’re lost in your own creative waters.
Amie’s advice, writing plans and tips feel incredibly honest and confronting at times, but in an astoundingly positive way, encouraging you to hold yourself accountable, yet to go easy on one’s self in the process, all the while reminding us how the world needs our art and just how important our voices are in that conversation.
My first trip to Sydney enabled me the opportunity to take part in Amie’s first writing workshop; an experience I hold dear to my heart to this day. It’s been lovely to connect with her over the years, alongside seeing their devotion to their craft and artistry come into public view through this title and fictional works. Yet since day one, Amie’s unwavering belief and support for others has always been present. Regardless of your craft, We Need Your Art is sure inspire you through your latest project.
🎙️ Podcast – We Need To Talk with Paul C. Brunson – FlightStory
The MAFS enthusiasts among us will know Paul C. Brunson for his sage advice on said reality dating show, asking the right questions and being the calm in the storm, alongside other relationship experts Charlene Douglas and Mel Schilling. Yet Paul’s podcast, We Need To Talk, was something I stumbled across via YouTube.
Much like its Vodcast counterpart, the show focuses on Paul sitting down with a variety of guests, however mostly with public figures, discussing their pasts, setting the record straight on rumours, and more, all while Paul offers a calm and safe space to do so.
I’ve found myself intrigued with some of the guests chosen to be on the show, especially those of which who have been often caught in the crosshairs of the relentless British tabloids.
While topics can wander into those types of headlines, Paul never treats his guests as tabloid fodder, offering them the floor to tell their stories, responding with insightful comments and thoughtful follow-ups, encouraging you to leave any preconceptions you may have at the door and listen to their own stories.
As a fan of The Pussycat Dolls, I found former-doll Ashley Roberts’s episode to one of large interest to me, where she discusses her childhood, time in the group and how she navigates both her mental health and her career, present day.
Other interesting episodes include Paul’s two-part sit down with Kerry Katona; his chat with former MAFS contestant Ella Morgan and her father Chris, as she talks about her journey with identity, keeping the incredibly important topic of Transgender awareness at the episode’s heart.
Keeping connection at its core, We Need To Talk is an insightful show that encourages vulnerability from each guest, allowing listeners to also consider moving forward with a similar openness to those tougher conversations with the right people. Much like I say at the top of each monthly post, please be sure to head into this podcast gently as there are some topics listeners may find upsetting.
💿 Album – The Velvet Rope – Janet Jackson
Hands down one of the best albums ever made – THE END.
But seriously, it’s incredible. It’s no secret to those who know me that Janet Jackson is my favourite artist of all time for the plethora of reasons, but this album in particular is just another of Janet’s that defines such an era and time for her as a woman and as an artist.
Much like her other bodies of work pre and post The Velvet Rope, this album covers numerous topics. From singing about sensuality, to love in many wonderous forms, to heavy topics of prejudice and the incredible importance of speaking up, to loss and abuse in other tracks. Janet takes us on a journey, letting listeners have an aural peek behind the curtain with music that’s close to her heart in a number of ways.
The album sees her work with close personal friends and powerhouse Flyte Tyme producers Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis III again, creating 23 tracks that resonate with the listener through memorable melodies and Janet’s signature stacked harmonies.
It’s hard to view this album as a whole and just pick a select few out to listen to, as I have my favourites for many different reasons. My suggestion to you is to hit play and let Janet take you on a journey through thoughtful lyrics and an incredible title track, featuring powerhouse violinist Vanessa-Mae.
I was only seven the first time I went to see Ms. Jackson live and at this concert in particular; it’s just another reason why I hold this particular album so dear to my heart. Forever inspiring and the reason why so many artists pursued their own musical journeys, Janet’s discography is always worth a listen from start to finish.
That’s it from me for this month – another lengthy one! Thanks for joining me and I hope if you’ve managed to catch up with January’s post, you enjoyed those selections, too. Catch you next month for some fresh listens and, hopefully, more stitching on my part! 🪡