The acclaimed series has returned for its second season!
Netflix's juggernaut series, Heartbreak High has hit our screens for its long-awaited second season. Having topped the charts across the globe, the program became known for showcasing and highlighting home-grown artists through its soundtrack. Season two is no different.
Who could forget watching Will McDonald's eshay-inspired role of Ca$h running through the streets of Sydney, being chased by officers of the law whilst Nikki Webster's iconic seminal track, Strawberry Kisses, boomed above? The shows first season was soundtracked by Sampa the Great, Genesis Owusu, PNAU, Budjerah, ASHWARYA, Tkay Maidza, A.GIRL, BOY SODA, PANIA, Donny Benét, Flume and Cub Sport to name a few.
Across the eight episodes of season two, we're treated to a treasure trove of music soundtracking the rollercoaster ride of emotions experienced by the crew at Hartley High. When they hit the field to go head-to-head for a game of footy, Miss Kaninna's Blak Britney plays. Strutting to the bus for camp (I genuinely forgot school camps were a thing until watching this episode) is scored by Tkay Maidza's Gone To The West.
One of the seasons most iconic musical moments transpires between Angus Sampson and Rachel House's respective characters, P.E. teacher Timothy Voss and Principal Woodsy, who bust out their own rendition of Shannon Noll's, or Moving Pictures' depending on who you ask, classic song, What About Me, showing off their vocal chops in Hartley High's sick bay. Another is when we follow Ca$h, who is tripping on hallucinogenics, as he lives out his own Rage music video moment - an Aussie throwback.
Furthermore, you'll be able to hear songs from Matilda Pearl, Izzi Manfredi, 1300, Ausmuteants, Genesis Owusu, Troye Sivan, Ms. Thandi, Bell Towers, BAYANG (tha Bushranger), Eddy Current Suppression Ring, Mwayz, Courtney Barnett, King Stingray, yergurl, jesswar, C.O.F.F.I.N., PUNKO, Dead Witch, Maina Doe, Mallrat, Sarah Blasko and many more.
The shout-outs to Aussie artists doesn't stop with just the soundtrack. Thomas Weatherall's character Malakai can be seen sporting merchandise from Budjerah, and Sherry-Lee Watson's character Missy is seen donning a The Kid LAROI tee. Meanwhile plastered on the walls of Dusty's, played by Josh Heuston, dorm there's not one, but two posters of Royel Otis.
There's space for international artists too. Starting off term two riding to school with Mandy Moore's Candy? Iconic. Going down a stoner gummy hole to Tiga's Bugatti? Just works. Two Tina Turner songs? Let's party! Rihanna, Ice Spice, Sam Smith, BLACKPINK, beabadoobee, Wallice, Peggy Gou, The Rapture, New Order and more all feature throughout season two.
Whilst tripping on shrooms in the bush, Anunaku and DJ Plead', Enya, Outkat, Primal Scream and KAROL G soundtrack their outer body experiences. Meanwhile the ever important year 11 formal finds the DJ spinning tracks from Flo Milli, Kylie Minogue, Ike and Tina Turner, Sophie B. Hawkins, ZK king and The Veronicas. Yes that's right, Untouched (our national anthem) has made it into Heartbreak High.
Of course, the cast themselves are no strangers to the microphone. Ayesha Madon, who plays Amerie Wadia, recently unveiled her new single, Eulogy. The introspective song finds the singer dissecting her own life and her portrayal to the world - a theme that perfectly captures her characters tumultuous arc throughout the shows second season.
Meanwhile, Bryn Chapman Parish's band Mac The Knife (Chapman Parish delivers an outstanding performance as Spider) released their long-awaited sophomore EP, In The Shadow Of It All, earlier this month. The post-punk outfit vastly explore the dissection of complexities of human connection and communication across the collection of songs, and are currently embarking on a national tour set to wrap up in Newcastle later this month.
Over the last few years, we’ve seen an increase in Australian productions across film and television showcasing our lush and diverse local talent - but none have championed Australian artists as much as Heartbreak High. Their commitment to representing a diverse range of local talent extends beyond their casting into the music, fashion and art featured within each episode.