Author: museum maddie

assistant daytime music director @ wknc 88.1 fm hd-1 <3

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Playlists

Valentine’s Day with DJ Mozzie

Black and white hearts cover a gray background. In the foreground, there are four red and pink exclamation points.

Howdy y’all! I hope you’ve been doing well. This week, I wanted to put together the ultimate Valentine’s Day playlist for you and yours. I love Valentine’s Day – the pink and red color combination, the fun candy, and getting to express just how much you love the people in your life (although I don’t think you need a holiday to do that). Admittedly, I pulled quite a few of these songs from my Twilight playlist on Spotify, but nonetheless, they make me feel mushy and gushy and grossly in love. Here’s to hoping you get to live out your rom-com dreams this weekend!

Valentine’s Day History

For our history enthusiasts reading this week’s blog, here’s a bit about Valentine’s Day. The specifics about Saint Valentine are quite contested. One legend tells the tale of Saint Valentine marrying young lovers after Emperor Claudius II banned marriage for young men in the name of making them better soldiers. While some believe that Valentine’s Day is in the middle of February to commemorate the saint’s death, others believe it was the Christian church trying to rewrite the Pagan celebration Lupercalia. Valentine sentiments date back to the Middle Ages, while written valentines appeared around 1400. Americans started swapping valentines around the early 1700s, and they became more mass-produced around the 1840s. Now, about 145 million Valentine’s Day cards are sent annually.

  • Stubborn Love by The Lumineers
  • Home by Edith Whiskers
  • Lover Of The Light by Mumford & Sons
  • Flightless Bird, American Mouth by Iron & Wine
  • Falling in Love at a Coffee Shop by Landon Pigg
  • I’m With You by Vance Joy
  • The Night We Met by Lord Huron
  • Sea of Love by Cat Power
  • All I Want by Kodaline
  • Turning Page by Sleeping At Last
  • Even If It’s a Lie by Matt Maltese
  • I’m Happy You Exist by Angus Maude
  • Beach Baby by Bon Iver
  • I Love You Too by Peter McPoland
  • Sweet Creature by Harry Styles
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Playlists

dj mozzie’s January quick picks

Howdy y’all! I hope your semester has been going swimmingly, and hopefully you’ve gotten to see some snow! I wanted to put together a quick playlist of some of my on-repeat songs from January. If you are anything like me, you might already feel a bit overwhelmed with all of the readings you have for the semester. So, I’ve decided to make this blog short and sweet for a quick read. I do want to emphasize how important it is to be taking care of yourself. Whether that looks like taking time to relax or staying hydrated, self-care can look so different depending on you and what you need. Taking care of yourself doesn’t need to involve anything extravagant, but it is so so important. I like to destress and take care of myself by reading a book with my phone turned off or crocheting with some true crime on in the background. Stay tuned for a valentine’s day blog and have a great rest of your week! <3 

  1. Hypochondria by Fenne Lily
  2. Blame by Gabriels
  3. Pink Pony Club by Chappell Roan 
  4. So Hot You’re Hurting My Feelings by Caroline Polachek
  5. ICU by Phoebe Bridgers
  6. Ode to a Conversation Stuck in Your Throat by Del Water Gap
  7. Certainty by Big Thief 
  8. I’m Not My Season – Solstice Version by Fleet Foxes
  9. Cimmerian Shade by Sufjan Stevens and Angelo De Augustine 
  10. Wait by M83
  11. I Should Live in Salt by The National
  12. Elise by The Greeting Committee 
  13. Be Sweet by Japanese Breakfast
  14. Fool’s Gold by Briston Maroney
  15. Next to You by John Vincent III
Categories
Playlists

North Carolina Museums and the Songs They’d Be 

One of many museums in NC
Credit: North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences; Flikr (CC BY-NC-ND 2.0)

Howdy y’all! As you know by now, I formerly went by museum maddie here at WKNC. Although there was some revamping on my part, my love and adoration for museums has not faded in the least bit. As a wannabe anthropologist/museum-curator, I spend a large chunk of my free time wandering around museums. So, what better to do than to give you my museum recommendations with corresponding songs?! I hope you are able to check out a new spot!

North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences (Raleigh)

The NC Museum of Natural Sciences will always have a soft spot in my heart. Beautifully modern, this museum is currently being renovated with a new dinosaur exhibit that should be done in 2023. Noticeable from the streets with a gigantic metal globe. My partner and I recently visited the Exquisite Creatures Exhibit, which showcases the amazing art of Christopher Marley. If you get the chance to go, I highly recommend it!

  • Masterpiece by Big Thief 
  • Beyond the Sea by Bobby Darin
  • Ride or Die by Hippo Campus

North Carolina Museum of History (Raleigh)

The NC Museum of History is right across the walkway from the NC Museum of Natural Sciences. With rotating exhibits, there’s always something new. The main level exhibit about the history of North Carolina goes deeply in depth with artifacts galore. This museum is an absolute dream, and one of my favorites of all times. 

  • Moon Song by Phoebe Bridgers
  • Cimmerian Shade by Sufjan Stevens and Angelo De Augustine
  • I Think I Like When It Rains by WILLIS

North Carolina Museum of Art (Raleigh)

The NCMA has two buildings as well as an entire outdoor Museum Park. New work is constantly being showcased, as well as a newer project which puts more modern works next to older works to compare and contrast themes that transcend through time.

  • Mystery of Love by Sufjan Stevens
  • April in Paris by Billie Holiday
  • Blame by Gabriels

Museum of Life and Science (Durham)

The Museum of Life and Science is interactive and features an expansive outdoor area. The butterfly house and weather machines are two of my favorite things there. Be on the lookout for the dinosaurs outside!

  • Not Dead Yet by Lord Huron
  • Where’d All the Time Go? by Dr. Dog
  • Souvenir by boygenius

North Carolina Zoo (Asheboro)

While I have mixed feelings on zoos (and while they aren’t museums), the NC Zoo works on research and conservation and offers 200 species of animals and 40 different plants. You can also hike around the zoo on trails. I really loved The Desert, a glass dome building housing desert plants and animals, and the Honey Bee Garden. Art is featured around the zoo as well.

  • Change by Big Thief 
  • Wasted by Tomberlin
  • Sunblind by Fleet Foxes

Bechtler Museum of Modern Art (Charlotte)

A quaint little museum nestled next to the Mint Museum Uptown, the Bechtler Museum of Modern Art has a small and spectacularly curated collection. Notably is what I believe to be a bronze statue on an outside landing that overlooks the city. 

  • I Fall In Love Too Easily by Chet Baker
  • Bookstore Girl by Charlie Burg
  • Once Upon a Dream by Emile Pandolfi

Mint Museum Uptown (Charlotte)

The Mint Museum (Uptown) is a newer visit for me, but it was love at first sight. My partner and I enjoy going to new museums, and The Mint offered an extensive amount of pieces in a beautiful building. We got to see an exhibit there based on borders which was so spectacular and moving. 

  • The Most Beautiful Thing by Bryno Major
  • Painter On His Way To Work On The Road To Tarascon by Clint Mansell
  • Dog Years by Maggie Rogers

Discovery Place Museum (Charlotte)

The Discovery Place Museum was my favorite in high school. Although I have not been back in a few years, the memories of the fun interactives have stuck with me through all this time.

  • The Wave by Bedouine
  • A Mermaid in Lisbon by Patrick Watson and Teresa Salguiero
  • Fall, Fall, Fall by Caamp

<3 dj mozzie

Categories
Blog

Ranking Songs From Animal Crossing New Horizons

Howdy y’all! I hope your first week of classes has gone well! In honor of the amount of Animal Crossing I played over break, I wanted to put together a ranking of some of the songs from the game.

I love finding new soundtracks to games or movies to study to as background noise, and quite a few of the songs from Animal Crossing have made it to my studying playlist.

Welcome Horizons

Coming in first is Welcome Horizons, which is the theme for New Horizons. Ultra relaxing. Makes you feel like you are laying on the beach soaking up the sun. Also makes me feel nostalgic and reminds me of the beginning of the pandemic. 

Aloha K.K.

This is what I have playing in the third floor room which I turned into my bedroom. The tropical-beachy feel makes it *perfect* for my beach themed bedroom. 

K.K. Ska

K.K. Ska is so much fun. Sounds like MarioKart music.

Stale Cupcakes

This is what I have playing in the main living room in my home! Despite the name, it is relaxing and very pleasant to have as you bumble around your house.

Visitor Arriving

I love this little tune! It plays when my brother comes to visit me on my island. Reminds me of playing ACNH together when we are both home. 

Chased by Wasps

I shake a lot of trees and encounter a lot of wasps. I’ve learned to love the little song that plays as they chase you around until you either catch them or get stung.

Museum (Bug, Fossil, Art, and Fish exhibits)

The museum is my favorite part of my entire island. Formerly known as museum maddie when I DJ-ed, I feel as if this is super self explanatory. With the new 2.0 updates, there are so many new critters to donate to the museum!

DoDo Airlines

Elevator-esque. 

K.K. Rock

Wishing that this was more of a classic rock situation. 

K.K. Swing

Has the potential to be nice, but makes me mildly uncomfortable.

K.K. Synth

I don’t really get it. I tried to, but it doesn’t reach the full potential of a song that is named “K.K. Synth” could have. 

K.K. Folk

Could be the background music of a horror movie. My least favorite of all of the tracks I have so far to play from at my house. 

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Blog

Songs I’m Bringing Into 2022

88.1 WKNC

Howdy y’all! The start of a new year often makes me want to rearrange all of my Spotify playlists and try out new music. There are a few tried and true tunes that I will be bringing into my first playlist of 2022 with me and I wanted to share those with you. 

Oom Sha La La by Haley Heynderickx

Haley Heynderickx is an amazing artist and lyricist. Oom Sha La La has been on repeat for me at the end of 2021. I have to bring this gem with me into 2022 because it is simply just that good. 

New Romance by Beach House

Beach House never fails to deliver dreamy music that makes the listener feel like they are floating through a sky of cotton candy clouds. Perfect for the transition into a new year. 

Killer by Phoebe Bridgers

This is specifically about the 2015 single Killer, not the newer version that appears in Stranger in the Alps. Sung with such raw emotion, this song will aid in the times of crying that will inevitably happen this year. 

Ragged Wood by Fleet Foxes

Fleet Foxes are a staple for me, so it is no surprise that they made my list. Ragged Wood is like a shot of espresso on a hiking trail. 5 minutes of pure bliss.  

It’s Called: Freefall by Rainbow Kitten Surprise 

This song makes me feel like everything is going to be alright, and with the times we are living through that is exactly what is needed. 

Clay Pigeons by Michael Cera

This was one of my favorite songs of 2021. Michael Cera’s cover of Clay Pigeons is like being wrapped in a soft blanket. Comforting and catchy, it is a song I keep very close to my heart.

Two Weeks by Grizzly Bear

This song will make you feel like the main character as you walk around campus. Two Weeks makes the cut because I know it will be utilized for the cold walks from the car to my 8:30 a.m. entomology class.

Night Shift by Lucy Dacus

I’m a sucker for a long song, and Night Shift is no exception. Night Shift is perfectly moody, great for playing with the car windows rolled down.

Every Time the Sun Comes Up by Sharon Van Etten 

Slow and emotional, Every Time the Sun Comes Up makes me want to sip my morning coffee and make my bed. Searching for routine as the semester starts, I foresee this being a song I’ll use to start my mornings. 

These are just 9 of the songs that I’m bringing into 2022 with me, but there are quite a few more that will stay on frequent rotation. I hope your holiday and break was fulfilling, and I wish you the best with the start of a new semester!

<3 dj mozzie

Categories
Playlists

Song Recommendation Guide: Book Edition

Howdy Y’all! I hope your finals week has been good and manageable. With the semester wrapping up, the beautiful urge to read thaws out from within. Here is the song recommendation guide: book edition. These are a handful of songs that I believe pair well with the books I’ve read lately. I like to imagine that a book has a corresponding soundtrack, and here is what I think some would sound like. Hopefully you get the chance to try one of these books over break.

Song of Achilles by Madeline Miller

Song of Achilles is a beautifully moody love story set in the Greek Heroic Age. It is an adaptation of Homer’s Iliad told from the perspective of Patroclus. This was my favorite book of the year. Be prepared to have your heart ripped out. 

  • Achilles Come Down by Gang of Youths
  • PATROCLUS MEETS HIS FATE by Andrew Achilles DiMestico
  • Anchor by Novo Amor
  • To Be Alone With You by Sufjan Stevens 
  • The Night We Met by Lord Huron

Annihilation by Jeff Vandermeer

Annihilation is the first book in the Southern Reach Trilogy and centers around a team of four women’s journey through Area X. The book is better than the movie adaptation!

  • Deep End by Holly Humberstone
  • My Heart Goes Bum Bum Bum by Flatsound
  • To Build A Home by The Cinematic Orchestra and Patrick Watson
  • Cherry Wine by Hozier
  • Oceans by Seafret

One Last Stop by Casey McQuiston

One Last Stop was a great LGBTQ+ read. Casey McQuiston, author of Red, White, & Royal Blue, pens a perfectly crafted sapphic love story with some twists.

  • mom i think im gay by Boyish
  • Space Song by Beach House
  • Shut Up Kiss Me by Angel Olsen
  • Heaven Knows I’m Miserable Now by The Smiths
  • Her by Dizzy Fae

Normal People by Sally Rooney

Normal People was another one of my favorite reads of the year. Great for the hopeless romantic turned realist. 

  • All I Want by Kodaline
  • You’re Somebody Else by flora cash
  • Like Real People Do by Hozier 
  • Icarus by Fana Hues
  • Wash. by Bon Iver

We Were Liars by E. Lockhart

We Were Liars was an easy read. This book is very last-great-american-dynasty-esque, following a girl from a wealthy family and a tragic summer. 

If you read We Were Liars by E. Lockhart, try…

  • Home for the Summer by Sara Kays
  • As the World Caves In by Matt Maltese 
  • Things We Lost In The Fire by Bastille
  • Our Time is Short by Gang of Youths
  • Royals by Lorde 

I hope you enjoy this song recommendation guide: book edition and have a safe and happy break/holidays!

<3, dj mozzie

Categories
Playlists

Songs I’ll Never Skip

Howdy y’all! You know those songs that, when they come on, you’ll never skip past? Maybe you’ll even go back and listen to it again as soon as it ends? I wanted to share a list of my never-skips with you and a tidbit about why. I hope you have had a great holiday weekend and I wish you the best with finals!

Upbeat

Kokomo by The Beach Boys

  • My boyfriend and I used to sing this in the car, so whenever I hear it it’s like a happy memory. 

Bloom by The Paper Kites

  • Reminds me very much of 2014 Tumblr

baseball by Hippo Campus

  • What I imagine people who like sports feel when their team does well.

It’s My Party by Lesley Gore

  • 1960s delightfulness

Melancholy

A Sunday Kind Of Love by Etta James

  • Not necessarily melancholy, but not necessarily upbeat either. Makes me wish I was living in New York City.

Tommy’s Party by Peach Pit

  • So sad yet so good.

I Found by Amber Run

  • Another 2014-esque sad song.

By and By by Caamp

  • I love Caamp, and By and By is probably one of my favorite songs from them.

Turning Page by Sleeping At Last

  • This song reminds me of Twilight and brings tears to my eyes. I love love!

That Funny Feeling by Bo Burnham (BUT the Phoebe Bridgers cover)

  • While Bo Burnham’s version of his own song is grand, the Phoebe Bridgers’s version takes the cake for me.

Savior Complex by Phoebe Bridgers (or any other song off of Punisher)

  • Must I say more?
Categories
Blog

dj mozzie’s Movie Soundtrack Recommendations

Howdy y’all! After writing about the music of Swiss Army Man a blog or two ago, I was feeling inspired to share more of my favorite movie and television show soundtrack albums. Included are recommendations of songs from each.

Any Wes Anderson Movie Soundtrack

Film director Wes Anderson is quirky, and the music that accompanies his movies matches the whimsy of his characters. Anything Wes Anderson has directed is bound to have eccentric music, including but not limited to The Life Aquatic, The Grand Budapest Hotel, and Fantastic Mr. Fox.

Favorite songs: From The Life Aquatic, I recommend Life on Mars by David Bowie and Search and Destroy by Iggy Pop and The Stooges

Perfect for: car trips, dinners with friends, belting in the shower, or strolling around downtown in your favorite pair of fun pants.

La La Land Soundtrack

Featuring Ryan Gosling as jazz musician Sebastian and Emma Stone as aspiring actress Mia, La La Land follows the two hopefuls as they go through hardships with their relationship and respective careers. The movie celebrates classic Hollywood nostalgia so beautifully.

Favorite songs: Mia and Sebastian’s Theme by Justin Hurwitz, Another Day of Sun by the La La Land Cast, and Someone in the Crowd by Emma Stone, Callie Hernandez, Sonoya Mizuno, and Jessica Rothe

Perfect for: date nights with your partner and times when you bring out the fancy silverware.

Loki Soundtrack

Loki was one of my top watches of the year. Although it wasn’t a movie, the movie-like quality was incredible. The music of Loki utilized an instrument called the theremin, which has an alien-esque sound to it. Coupled with the ‘70s design of the set of characters like Miss Minutes, the theremin is a smart and spooky addition to this retro-futuristic show. 

Favorite songs: Very Full by Tom Hiddleston, Loki Green Theme by Natalie Holt, and TVA by Natalie Holt.

Perfect for: Redecorating your mid-century modern A-frame house on a cozy fall day.

Twilight Soundtrack

I stand by the Twilight saga soundtrack being what encapsulates early 2000s like nothing else. Muse. Paramore. Linkin Park. Iron and Wine. Bon Iver and St. Vincent. Lykke Li. Florence and the Machine. Passion Pit. What more could you dream of for an angsty vampire love story?

Favorite songs: It is hard to pick just one, especially if we’re looking at the entire saga, but my favorites would have to be Roslyn by Bon Iver and St. Vincent, Flightless Bird, American Mouth by Iron and Wine, Turning Page by Sleeping at Last, or A Thousand Years by Christina Perri. 

Perfect for: those times when you are contemplating why you had to fall for both a vampire and a werewolf.

Euphoria Soundtrack

I loved HBO’s Euphoria. It is definitely in my top 5 favorite shows of all times. Zendaya stars in this heart wrenching story of personal hardship and friendship. The intense plot is coupled with beautifully intense music. Singer-songwriter Labrinth did the original score for the show.

Favorite songs: All For Us by Labrinth and Zendaya and Still Don’t Know My Name by Labrinth

Perfect for: listening to after fights with your loved ones.

I hope you enjoy my movie/show soundtrack recommendations! Attached is a playlist with every song mentioned.

<3 dj mozzie

Categories
Blog Miscellaneous Playlists

Song Recommendation Guide: Coffee Edition

Howdy y’all! In my semester off during my freshman year, I spent my time working as a barista at a small stand-alone coffee shop. I had total control of the music at 6:30 a.m. in the morning – a total dream! Using my knowledge of coffee and music, I bring you the recommendation guide to translate your favorite drink into a new song to listen to.

Espresso Drink Song Recommendations

If you order an americano (shots of espresso + hot water), listen to Wet Dream by Wet Leg. Anybody who orders an americano is ready to start their day, and this upbeat song feels like a bright morning brisk walk around the neighborhood. 

If you order a latte (shots of espresso + milk + optional flavor), listen to New Song by Maggie Rogers and Del Water Gap. Like a latte, this song is dependable and consistent for relaxing after those long days. 

If you order a lavender honey latte (shots of espresso + milk + honey + lavender syrup), listen to Fall in Love with You. by Montell Fish. This song is warm, dreamy, and ultra-comforting, similar to this drink. 

If you order a seasonal drink (pumpkin spice latte, peppermint mocha, etc.), listen to White WInter Hymnal by Fleet Foxes. Chances are you start decorating for Christmas the day after Halloween, and nothing pairs better with a peppermint mocha than this buttery smooth Christmas-lite song.

If you order a cappuccino (espresso shots + splash of milk + foam), listen to Mystery of Love by Sufjan Stevens. Cappuccinos originated in Austria and were further developed in Italy. Mystery of Love was used in a movie that took place in Italy. Romanticize your cappuccino. 

If you order a red eye (shots of espresso + brewed coffee), listen to As the World Caves In by Matt Maltese. This song is dramatic, emotional, and sultry. Also, are you doing okay?

If you order a dirty chai (shots of espresso + chai), listen to Coming Back by James Blake featuring SZA. Coming Back, which samples Lake Shore Drive by Aliotta Haynes Jeremiah, is easy and mellow. SZA’s feature adds something equivalent to shots of espresso in a regular spiced chai. 

Non-Espresso Drink Song Recommendations

If you order matcha in any capacity, listen to Je te laisserai des mots by Patrick Watson. Romanticize your walk to class, matcha in hand, with this beautiful French song. I highly advise reading what the lyrics mean if you don’t understand French (like me). So lovely. 

If you order a frappuccino (blended beverage – Starbucks coined this term), listen to I Know A Place by MUNA. Frappuccinos are a staple in the Starbucks menu, and I Know A Place should be a staple in your current playlist if this is your drink. 

If you order a brewed coffee, listen to You Needed Love, I Needed You by Angelo De Augustine.  This song is melancholy, similar to sitting at your window on a rainy morning with a good old cup of joe. 

If you order a London Fog (earl grey tea, water, vanilla syrup, steamed milk), listen to Love in the Time of Socialism by Yellow House. Sweet and comforting are just two similarities between a London Fog and Love in the Time of Socialism. 

If you order a chai, listen to Clay Pigeons by Michael Cera. Michael Cera’s cover of Blaze Foley’s Clay Pigeons sounds like it should be smack dab in the middle of a coming of age movie. Enjoy your warm chai with this homely cover. 

I hope you enjoy this song recommendation guide and feel inspired to try a new drink! Linked here is a Spotify playlist with all of these songs.

https://open.spotify.com/playlist/3P4XCWxUVrMBbBvnXUjpy7?si=7fae111cef3b4519

<3 dj mozzie

Categories
Band/Artist Profile

The Music of Swiss Army Man

Header for The Music of Swiss Army Man created by me!

Synopsis

Is there anything that can make being stranded on an uninhabitable island bearable? Insert dreamy orchestral indie-rock music by two members of Manchester Orchestra and a character played by Daniel Radcliffe. In Swiss Army Man, main character Hank (Paul Dano) finds himself lost on an island, feeling hopeless and wanting to give up on life. That is until he sees a corpse named Manny (Daniel Radcliffe) wash up on shore. Hank now has a new reason for living, and we follow him as he teaches Manny what it means to be human. We watch Hank and Manny become closer as they journey together to find their way home.

How Music is Used

The music mirrors the sentiments of hopelessness and hopefulness felt by the pair as they run into many obstacles. Radcliffe and Dano are featured both together and alone in a number of the tracks, making them feel even more intimate and emotional. We hear recognizable tunes like Cotton Eye Joe and Jurassic Park sung by the pair. Endearing and emotional, those covers add a bit of humor and lightheartedness. Uniquely, the other lyrics in the songs written for the movie narrate what is going on in the film, which is so incredibly witty and matches the movie’s eccentric plot. 

Musical Masterminds

Who do we have to thank for the music of Swiss Army Man? None other than Andy Hull and Robert McDowell. Andy Hull is the frontman for Manchester Orchestra. He makes a cameo as the news crew camera man in the movie. Robert McDowell is the lead guitarist and backing vocalist for Manchester Orchestra. He has ventured on to work on his solo project named Gobotron. My favorite song from this soundtrack has to be Montage, which features Paul Dano and Daniel Radcliffe. The two sing about starting a fire, hunting critters using Manny’s body’s skills, and letting their friendship blossom. Swiss Army Man is an absolutely heart wrenching story of friendship, enhanced by its capella-esque soundtrack. I hope you get a chance to watch this movie and bask in the music of Swiss Army Man. 

<3 dj mozzie