As presenter of triple j Goodnights, Bridget Hustwaite spends her weeknights pressing play on the hottest new music releases. Outside the studio, she works on raising awareness and sharing info on Endometriosis — a chronic condition that she was diagnosed with in 2018. Bridget is also a keen wrestling fan and loves cavoodle cuddles! 

Whether you’re heading to Splendour in the Grass, hitting one of the sideshows, or listening in from afar, here are Bridget’s picks of the hot songs full of Splendour spirit.

WinWin: Hey Bridget! You’ve got some awesome songs in this playlist, we’d love to know about your choices!

Bridget: Let’s get into it!

Warpaint—New Song

I think Warpaint are the absolute coolest bunch of women and this song of theirs was one of my favourite releases from 2016. Considered by many to be their poppiest work to date, it still packs some punch and groove with that sick bassline and a super catchy chorus. Bang bang baby!

SZA—Drew Barrymore

Whilst she has shared some high profile collaborations with Kendrick Lamar, DJ Khalid, The Weeknd and Travis Scott, do not underestimate the power of SZA as a solo artist! Her 2017 debut album CTRL is an honest collection of RnB hits and this track was our first taste of it. It also proved to be a head-turning moment for SZA, capturing her true potential as an artist who can convey feelings of vulnerability in a confident and sophisticated manner. 

Little Simz—Offence

This UK rapper really knows how to bring the heat! Her delivery is so sharp, her style so fierce and I really admire the unapologetic nature of the lyrics in this particular track. (Language Warning – her entire album needs a LW!)

Listening to Little Simz makes me feel like a little badass!

Ruby Fields—Dinosaurs

Whilst Fieldsy likes to describe herself as an “average chick”, her music is anything but; blistering indie-rock with relatable, cheeky lyrics that perfectly capture her big personality. Ruby really surprised a lot of people when she showed a more vulnerable side in this offering. With lines like “I’m scared of the fact I’ve been to more funerals in my life than weddings”, you might want some tissues ready, because this song will hit you pretty hard in the feels.

Thelma Plum—Better In Blak

I think Thelma is such a brave and beautiful soul and I love how she is able to translate her experiences as an Indigenous woman through her music in such an upbeat manner.

This particular song touches on her frustration with people trying to take colour from the conversation. It’s a really important listen:

K Flay—Bad Vibes

If you need to step away from some negative energy, then this song from K Flay will definitely help! It’s a thumping pop-rock anthem to remind people that it’s actually okay to be happy. A total mood enhancer, this one.

Kaiit—Natural Woman

If you love a splash of jazz and neo-soul in your playlist, or even if you just appreciate a strong vocal, then you gotta get around Kaiit. Don’t let the title fool you though, this ain’t no Aretha Franklin cover, it’s a confident and luscious original from the Melbourne based artist who, in my opinion, has one of the most commanding voices in Australia right now.

Erthlings—Bridges

Erthlings are an all-girl band from Sydney who are making some really fun, catchy pop tracks. Despite still being in high school, they have already kicked some massive goals — from touring alongside Amy Shark and Clairo, to collaborating with Basenji.

Really excited to see what else is on the horizon for Erthlings. I’m predicting big things.

Moaning Lisa—Carrie (I Want A Girl)

This was one of my favourite releases of 2018 and I expect a huge singalong to it at Splendour. You’ll want to turn this one all the way up!

They aren’t messing around with their grunge rock sound and I adore the celebration of prominent queer female-identifying figures in this anthem.

Meg Mac—Known Better

Meg Mac truly is a class act and I vividly remember listening to this song on repeat when it was first uploaded to triple j Unearthed in 2012. It was often the soundtrack to my train commute between Ballarat and Melbourne, and it really reminded me of that soul-pop sound that The Rubens went for in their debut record that same year. Seven years on and it’s still a classic!

Check out triple j’s round-up of Splendour In The Grass 2019, here!