Here we are, the end of 2017. Of course, for any music lover that means the next big event is the upcoming Hottest 100 poll in January. As we approach the 25th yearly countdown of Australia’s favourite songs, we’ve decided to give you a crash course in the voting process, making sure that you know exactly what to do to enjoy Australia’s favourite musical countdown in the best way possible.

Following a stellar countdown last year, we’ve taken a look back at some of the most memorable moments from the last quarter-century of the poll, and we’ve also reminisced with some of the strangest facts as well. But now, let us guide you into making sure that the 2017 countdown becomes the most memorable one yet.

Hottest 100 Voting

As of 8am AEDT, December 12th, voting for the 2017 Hottest 100 is now open. You can head along to the special section on triple j’s website to get all the appropriate details about the acts you can vote for, but now’s the time to start thinking back on the year that was. Who were the bands that rocked your world? What were the jams that you couldn’t get out of your head?

Now is the best time to start going through your Spotify playlist to find your most-played acts, your Instagram to find all those blurry videos of your new favourite band playing your new favourite song, and triple j’s Feature Album list to remember which albums were the soundtrack to your 2017.

Of course, failing that, you can always check out the voting lists that triple j have available to refresh your memory. Maybe while you’re doing that, you can also check out triple j’s AIME (Australian Indigenous Mentoring Experience) partnership, which aims to close the Indigenous education gap. By purchasing a t-shirt or donating, you can vote with the good feeling of having helped supported someone who really appreciates your help.

The Countdown

Arguably the most important part of it all, the 2017 Hottest 100 is going to take place on January 27th, 2018. Due to the station’s recent decision to move the date, the countdown is no longer on the 26th, so don’t start pre-drinking on Friday, January 26th in anticipation of the annual poll, save that for the weekend.

Kicking off close to midday, as it usually does, you can expect to hear Australia’s favourite songs counted down over the course of the day. But the best part is that once we’ve heard song #1, the weekend is only half over, because triple j are once again continuing their new tradition of counting down the Hottest 200 the following day, on January 28th. Understandably, that’s going to make for one pretty intense weekend of music, so it would be smart to pace yourself.

Important Dates

Tuesday, December 12th, 2017: Voting opens
Monday, January 22nd, 2018: Voting closes
Saturday, January 27th, 2018: Hottest 100 countdown day
Sunday, January 28th, 2018: Hottest 200 countdown day
Monday, January 29th, 2018: Hottest 100 weekend recovery day (unofficial)

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