It’s nearly that time of year again, when roses and chocolate hearts are all the craze and every couple you know is just slightly more annoying than usual. I’ve loved Valentine’s Day for as long as I can remember because I’m a hopeless romantic who loves love. If you’re like me, or you’re in a relationship, or you just want a banger playlist about love… you’ve come to the right place.
This playlist contains songs you can slow dance to, songs to sing your heart out to and songs that are downright sappy. Without further ado, let’s get right into it.
The passage of time has been difficult to process, especially during the pandemic. At the end of last year I found myself desperate for a blank slate, wanting to escape everything that the last two years have had to offer. Unfortunately, we live on Earth, where magic doesn’t exist, so that isn’t possible. But what is possible, is using music to process your emotions. Here are four songs that have helped me process we’re in another brand new year with the same old problems. I recommend listening to these in order for the full effect.
“I Want You To Love Me” by Fiona Apple
This may seem like an odd choice, but the lyrics are perfect for a new year during the pandemic. The desperation for love feels like a desperation for peace, calm and acceptance. The love Apple craves in this song is the peace I crave in my life.
“And I know when I go / All my particles disband and disperse / And I’ll be back in the pulse / And I know none of this’ll matter / In the long run / But I know a sound is still a sound / Around no one”
“This Year” by The Mountain Goats
This is a more obvious choice, and has been my anthem for the last couple of years. John Darnielle’s desperation to push through feels accurate and apt for what we are going through, despite having been released in 2005.
“I am gonna make it through this year, if it kills me”
“New Year” by ADDIE
A more obscure pick, but probably the most apt. The first verse sums it up perfectly. ADDIE’s vocals are the soothing calm you need to make you feel like everything is going to be okay.
“New year and everything’s the same / Maybe I just don’t have the capacity for change / New year and I’m still feeling stuck / New year is bringing back the ache of growing up”
“New Year’s Day” by Taylor Swift
This track is a more optimistic view of a New Year, and is especially fitting if you have a significant other you’re going into this year with. It’s more a love song than anything else, but still feels right for the new year.
“Hold onto the memories they will hold onto you”
If you want to listen to these songs in order like I recommended, I made a Spotify playlist just for you.
Lots of artists make incredible music while still flying under the radar. Some artists are well known in the underground/indie scene but haven’t found their way to commercial or mainstream success, at least not yet. Here are some of my favorite artists that I think exhibit enough potential to blow up this year.
Remi Wolf
A graduate of Thorton School of Music and a former contestant of American Idol, Wolf has nothing to prove with regards to her talent. I’ve been listening to her since the Fall of 2019, mere months after she started releasing music, and I immediately fell in love with her unique voice and her catchy songwriting. She manages to have such a carefree, youthful sound while making music that is very detailed and carefully thought out. I’ve been watching Remi Wolf grow more and more popular over the past few years, and would not be surprised if she becomes a mainstream act this year.
When I first found the Texas rapper on a Spotify playlist, he had around 400,000 monthly listeners. At the time of writing this, he has 2,454,279 monthly listeners, and I wouldn’t be surprised if he breaks 5,000,000 by the end of this year. He’s released various singles over the past year following his 2021 debut album, “DLOG,” and each single has been fantastic.
Dimes’ music mostly consists of bangers begging to be played at a party, but he’s also a gifted songwriter, showing lots of versatility with his clever lyrics. At only 21 years old, Mike Dimes shows lots of talent, and I’m anxiously waiting to see what he does in 2022.
Recommended tracks: “NO TRENDS,” “WISS,” “BACKROOM,” “MY STORY (DLOG)”
seeyousoon
This eight-member Florida hip-hop collective is the definition of an underrated gem. If I had to describe their sound, it’s a mix of Brockhampton, Tyler, The Creator, KAYTRANADA, and JPEGMAFIA. seeyousoon is a band with a dynamic and exciting sound that doesn’t let themselves be confined to the rules and expectations of hip-hop. And even though they take opportunities to experiment with their music, they still stay true to their sound, and they don’t let their experimentation take away from the quality of their music.
Seeing a rule-breaking yet accessible act always excites me, and I’m confident that seeyousoon has more incredible music up their sleeves. Hopefully, we get another album in 2022, but either way, I’m excited to see them grow and progress as a band.
Recommended tracks: “BEN AFFLECK,” “FIX YOUR FACE,” “STEAMY,” “MAGIC,”
Below is a Spotify Playlist where you can check out all of these artists.
I understand that some people only cared about Spotify Wrapped 2021 the day (and maybe day after) it dropped. That being said, I still care. Elliott Smith was my top artist but sixty-four of my Top 100 Songs on Spotify were rap. As the Assistant Underground Music Director, this makes sense. Which rap songs you may ask? I’m not going to list all of them, but here are some favorites:
“Baby I’m Bleeding” by JPEGMAFIA
“New Slaves” by Kanye West
“Just How It Is” by Young Thug
“girls like drugs” by Paris Texas
“EAST” by Earl Sweatshirt
“Ghost (In the Shell)” by MAVI
“Throw Dem Gunz” by Lil Ugly Mane
“Campbell” by redveil
“Primma Donna” by Vince Staples (feat. A$AP Rocky)
“Please Forgive” by Powers Pleasant (feat. Denzel Curry, IDK, Zombie Juice & Zillakami)
“Jailbreak the Tesla” Injury Reserve (feat. Aminé)
Here’s to rap music being the most transformative and flexible genre,
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!
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)
Melancholic music knows no genre bounds but rather manifests in the minds of people with similar thoughts and feelings. I’ve put together a playlist that includes some of my favorite “sad” music that makes use of insightful, personal, or simply raw lyricism. There’s quite a bit of genre mixing as the first line of this post implies, so I hope there’s a track or two (or fifteen) for everyone.
“Drive All Over Town” by Elliott Smith
“Giving Up” by Corbin
“And I Love Her” by Kurt Cobain
“Milk and Honey – 2001 Remaster” by Jackson C. Frank
I hope you all aren’t feeling melancholic, but as winter approaches rapidly and with a cold bite, maybe this playlist will keep you warm when you’re not feeling so right.
Here’s to plugging Elliott Smith into WKNC content as often as possible,
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.
It’s getting cold outside. Not freezing cold, but enough to wear a couple pairs of socks and layer up on shirts. Thus, out with fall music and in with winter (even though it’s not technically winter for over a month). These fifteen songs are ones that just feel chilly without the need for an abundance of acoustic guitar. They’re the ones that make you feel colder just by listening to them. A perfect mix of shoe-gaze and regular old indie-rock to float you through these months.
“Subterranean Homesick Alien” — Radiohead
“November” — Azure Ray
“I Couldn’t Love You” — Cursive
“O Contest Winner” — Frankie Cosmos
“gray light” — Soccer Mommy
“Mary Of Silence” — Mazzy Star
“Need 2” — Pinegrove
“Under Wraps” — Her’s
“Potions” — Day Wave
“Medicine” — Gus Dapperton
“Bad Role Models, Old Idols Exhumed (psst, teenagers, put your clothes back o)” — Car Seat Headrest
“Wasted On The Senate Floor” — Emperor X
“Falling in Loves too Mean” — Hether
“Blown a Wish” — my bloody valentine
“Bleachers” — Emily Yacina
As usual, I’ve put these fifteen tracks on a Spotify playlist for convenient streaming.
Now that it’s November, it’s time for me to give you the third and final installment of the “it’s fall, y’all” playlist. September’s theme was folk and acoustic sounds, October’s was haunted and synth-y for Halloween, and I’m happy to finally share with you what November’s theme is.
These fifteen songs are jazz and blues themed. Although somewhat different genres, I decided to make the first bit of the playlist jazzy and the last couple of songs blues in order to tie it back to the folkiness of September’s theme. I hope these songs remind you of cold rainy days, warm fuzzy socks and twinkling street lights.
Without further ado, here are the final fifteen songs of “it’s fall, y’all.”
“I Fall In Love Too Easily” — Chet Baker
“The Starlit Hour” — Ella Fitzgerald and Her Famous Orchestra
“The Great Pumpkin Waltz” — Vince Guaraldi
“Some Enchanted Evening” — Etta Jones
“You Are Special” — Johnny Costa
“Nostalgia in Times Square” — Mingus Big Band
“Sleepin’ Bee” — Tommy Flanagan
“Don’t Smoke In Bed” — Nina Simone
“Lilac Wine” — Eartha Kitt
“Baby Won’t You Please Come Home – Live at Newport Jazz Festival 1958” — Louis Armstrong
“Happy Ending” — Sammy Davis Jr.
“Let It Be” — Bill Withers
“A Sunday Kind Of Love” — Etta James
“Mary Had A Little Lamb” — Buddy Guy
“Little Red Rooster” — Willie Dixon
I hope this playlist carries you through the rest of this Autumn and for all of the future ones to come. As always, I’ve made it into a Spotify playlist for your enjoyment.
