“One of the many things I love about music is the way it weaves its way through our lives sometimes without us even knowing,” Casey Donovan tells Apple Music. “Songs can bring back memories of a first kiss, glances across the dancefloor, moments you wanted to last forever—and some you wanted to end. They can uplift you, comfort you, empower you, and make you want to dance like nobody’s watching, or curl up in a ball let it all out.” The singer, songwriter, actor, and author of Gumbaynggirr and Dungari descent has handpicked these songs to start the WorldPride festivities—and it’s as diverse as her own musical output. “My mixed bag of lollies is just that,” she says of her playlist. “A bit of all-sorts for everyone.” Read on to discover more about Donovan’s top picks. “Higher Love”, Kygo & Whitney Houston “I performed this song at my first ever afterparty performance at Mardi Gras with the Sydney Gay & Lesbian Choir. It was very special and a hell of a lot of fun. It was also the first year I went to Mardi Gras being wholeheartedly me.” “How Will I Know”, Whitney Houston “Is it even a playlist if this song isn’t on it? I don’t speak for everyone but this song has, in my opinion, one of the biggest vibes. It is certainly a party or pre-party track to get you in the mood for a good night or day out.” “Wish I Didn’t Miss You”, Angie Stone “What a track! I was recently out at a low-key bar and this banger came over the speakers and I had somehow completely forgotten about it. I am still trying to find the exact remix I heard. I love the beat to this song and let’s face it—we’ve all had that feeling about someone and really wished we didn’t miss them.” “Insensitive”, Jann Arden “I love a ballad and I know this is supposed to be a party vibe playlist, but sometimes you just need songs reminiscent of a past summer love. To sing your heart out and find the inner triumph we all have inside us; to get out there and live our lives to the fullest. I also listened to this song almost every day for a year.” “Crush”, Ralph “This was on high rotation when I was younger. Such a great track and this remix is a treat to all the senses. Something to get you in the mood for Pride.” “Born This Way”, Lady Gaga “What a song! Not only is it a track you can dance around and scream sing to, it also holds such a great message and I absolutely love that. Every time I’ve performed it, it just makes people feel loved and appreciated.” “Why Am I Like This?”, Orla Gartland “I was watching the TV show Heartstopper and this song came on—I needed to have it on my playlist instantly. I love songs that can emote feeling. Growing up, that’s how I lived my life: with music having the words I couldn’t say out loud perfectly sung and written in someone else’s song.” “You Might Not Like Her”, Maddie Zahm “I have burned a hole in this track so much that it was my most played song of 2022. This song has pulled at my heart since I heard it. It makes me smile and feel all of the feels. It says all of the things I’ve said to myself over many, many years.” “Shake It”, Casey Donovan “It would be rude not to put my brand-new single on this amazing playlist. Let your hair down, get your dancing shoes on and get out there and dance like no one is watching. I am very proud of this song and absolutely love it.” The artwork above was created in collaboration with Dja Dja Wurrung and Yorta Yorta artist ENOKi. Apple acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of country throughout Australia and their continuing connection to land culture and community. We pay our respects to Elders past present and emerging.

Casey Donovan: Sydney WorldPride 2023

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