1. David Guetta ft. Sia – Flames
2. Charlie Puth ft. Meghan Trainor – Marvin Gaye
3. Maroon 5 – She Will Be Loved
4. Jessie J ft. Ariana Grande + Nicki Minaj – Bang Bang
5. Avicii – You Make Me
6. The Shires – Nashville Grey Skies
7. Ed Sheeran – Sing
8. Calvin Harris – Summer
9. Dua Lipa – Be The One
10. Harry Styles – Two Ghosts
11. Justin Bieber + BloodPop – Friends
12. Catherine McGrath – Wild
13. Fleetwood Mac – The Chain
14. Jess Glynne – Right Here
15. Rudimental ft. James Arthur – Sun Comes Up
16. Taylor Swift – Delicate

I was lucky enough to interview one of my favourite artists Catherine McGrath, about her forthcoming music, shows, and her rise to fame in country music. McGrath is a breakthrough artist, sporting a unique blend of country and pop music. Her new album: ‘Talk of This Town’ is due for release on July 27th, and her new single: ‘Wild’ (a personal favourite of mine!) is available now.

This year has already seen some great new music – here are some of my favourite songs, albums and artists so far:

In My Blood – Shawn Mendes

Having been a big Shawn Mendes fan since the release of his early music, I was very excited about the release of his newest music – my personal favourite being the rock-pop single ‘In My Blood’, which I have already been lucky enough to hear live. I love the fact that the song has a catchy beat with an undermining depth. The release of this single, alongside ‘Lost in Japan’ has left me very excited for the release of Mendes’ third album: ‘Shawn Mendes the Album’, which is being released on 25th May.

The Middle + Rich – Maren Morris

I have been listening to Maren Morris for quite a while now, and I really love the way her music authentically mixes pop and country music. Her most commonly known song is probably ‘The Middle’ – a collaboration with Zedd, which has reached number 1 in both the UK and US charts, which is very upbeat and catchy. Another personal favourite of mine is Morris’ newest single entitled ‘Rich’ , from her debut album ‘Hero’, which contributes an element of fun and humour, alongside Morris’ amazing vocals.

Delicate – Taylor Swift

I was much anticipating Taylor Swift’s latest album: ‘Reputation’ following its release last November, and it didn’t disappoint. Whilst her new music is somewhat different from her original country and pop music, it provides a fresh modern twist, as demonstrated through the releases of ‘Look What You Made Me Do’ and ‘Gorgeous’. My favourite song from the album is most probably ‘Delicate’, which is also an apparent fan favourite due to its steady rise in the charts.

One Kiss – Calvin Harris, Dua Lipa  

In my opinion, this song is a perfect summer tune, which I can visualize being played everywhere from the beach to a festival. Lipa’s vocals perfectly compliment the concept of the song and the type of music Harris makes so well.

Wild – Catherine McGrath

Catherine McGrath perfectly captures my music taste of country and pop music, and is therefore one of my favourite singers of the moment. I have been lucky enough to already see her live twice this year – one show being her first ever headline show – and I am looking forward to seeing her again this September. I was very excited about the release of her latest single ‘Wild’, which I had heard live and thoroughly enjoyed beforehand. The studio version didn’t disappoint – it was equally as enjoyable, and I’m glad I can now listen to it on the go! I am also looking forward to the release of McGrath’s debut album: ‘Talk of This Town’, which is due 27th July.

Here is this week’s playlist (21st February) – I hope you enjoyed!

1. Justin Timberlake – Filthy
2. Adele – Set Fire to the Rain
3. The Chainsmokers and Coldplay – Something Just Like This
4. Ariana Grande – One Last Time
5. Dua Lipa – IDGAF
6. Ed Sheeran- Don’t
7. Camila Cabello ft. Young Thug – Havana
8. Harry Styles – Sign of the Times
9. Kelsea Ballerini – Legends
10. The Vamps – Cecilia
11. Girls Aloud – Love Machine
12. George Ezra – Paradise
13. Jess Glynne – Right Here
14. Justin Bieber – Love Yourself
15. Sia – Elastic Heart

2017 has seen some great new music, including the breakthrough of fresh talent, the return of established icons, and in some cases, the continuing success of blossoming careers. Here are some of my favourite songs and artists from this year:

Dua Lipa:

In my opinion – Dua Lipa is one of this year’s best new artists, topping the charts with numerous songs, and having a highly influential debut album. I was lucky enough to meet Dua this February at London Fashion Week, where she seemed to be a relatively niche/up-and-coming artist, yet just months later, she has become a musical icon! A personal favourite of mine is ‘New Rules’ – Dua’s most successful track to date, and her first UK number 1.

Sign of the Times – Harry Styles:

 A song that shocked me, and completely contrasted my impression of both Harry Styles as an artist, and the style/genre of music I expected him to release. His self-entitled album is also  great to listen to – so pure and enjoyable.

Malibu – Miley Cyrus:

 Having grown up watching Miley Cyrus on TV, I’ve always seemed to follow her career to an extent, and the release of Malibu made me feel a sense of nostalgia towards the older Miley Cyrus music I listened to when I was a young child. Cyrus’ album ‘Younger Now’ is also very enjoyable, with such a wide range of songs which are all so catchy!

There’s Nothing Holding Me Back – Shawn Mendes: 

By far one of my favourite songs of this year, which is so upbeat and catchy! I was lucky enough to see Mendes live twice this year – thoroughly enjoying this song both times. I can’t wait to hear what he releases in 2018!

Kelsea Ballerini:

 I’ve recently began listening to country music, and one of the first artists I listened to was Kelsea Ballerini, who I was instantly impressed with. Her second album: ‘Unapologetically’ – released this November has already landed two Grammy nominations, following on from her outstanding 2017 Grammy performance. My personal favourites are ‘Legends’ and ‘In Between’.

Lady Gaga – The Cure:

Having debuted this song at Coachella in the summer and instant;y topping the charts, ‘The Cure’ has been one of my most played songs this year, both on and off-air. In my opinion, this is one of Gaga’s best songs to date, with so much meaning behind it – I’m so excited to hear it live in February at the Joanne World Tour!

Dan + Shay:

Although they’ve only released one single this year – I saw Dan + Shay in November, and was blown away by their talent and how amazing they were. Both of their albums have a captivating range of songs – all of which have a storyline or are able to perfectly articulate a certain moment/emotion. They are definitely one to watch in 2018!

Here is the playlist from this week’s show – hope you enjoyed!

1. Taylor Swift – Look What You Made Me Do
2. Calvin Harris and Disciples – How Deep Is Your Love
3. Ed Sheeran – Don’t
4. Camilla Cabello feat Young Thug – Havana
5. Hozier – Take Me To Church
6. Rita Ora – Anywhere
7. Harry Styles – Kiwi
8. Lady Gaga – Perfect Illusion
9. Niall Horan – Slow Hands
10. Rihanna, Kanye West amd Paul McCartney – FourFiveSeconds
11. The Vamps – Can We Dance
12. Miley Cyrus – Malibu
13. Sam Smith – Stay With Me
14. Little Mix – Move
15. Zayn – Pillowtalk
16. Lorde – Royals
17. 5 Seconds of Summer – Don’t Stop

Hello!

My name is Amy Deller, and I have just started my time as a Phoenix presenter following my extremely enjoyable work experience during the summer. My show: ‘Midweek Megahits’ is every Wednesday between 6 and 7pm, where my favourite songs from past and present will be played! I have enjoyed my first month of presenting and learning how to run my own show, and I can’t wait to learn more, and keep on presenting!

See you every Wednesday!