Five Songs You Need on Your Playlist Expeditiously

As someone who works at a college radio station, I often get asked what music I listen to. And honestly? It ranges dramatically.

Lately I have been really into soft indie pop, which is perfect for relaxing or mourning my romances that live solely in my mind. Other times, I enjoy listening to punk music to really let out that pent-up angst I never let out as a teenager (I was an ASB kid, so I did the opposite of being angsty). 

But honestly, I feel like putting yourself in a genre box is not really productive. Why can’t we just enjoy music? So what if my playlists do not make any cohesive sense, I just want to listen to what I like.

So, with that, I want to share five songs that have been on repeat for myself. These songs add a certain je ne sais quoi to my playlist, and I would love to share the same je ne sais quoi with you.

1. “Ungodly Hour” by Chloe x Halle

   
   
   

The title track of the sister duo’s debut album really can do no wrong. With a fun, KAYTRANADA-esque production, the song is sure to make you dance, or at least tap your feet. Plus, the added vocals from the Beyoncés-to-be add for a dynamic listening experience. For the best experience, listen with headphones (or your car speakers cranked up as loud as possible), and pay attention to their backing vocals! Those vocals are probably the closest I will ever hear to hearing angels sing to me.

2. “Another life” by PinkPantheress featuring Rema

   
   
   

I had no clue PinkPantheress was dropping an album this past month, but I was pleasantly surprised when I decided to listen. What caught my eye at first was the fact that many of the songs on her album are way longer than the typical minute-and-a-half song PinkPantheress usually provides. This song, weighing in just under three whole minutes, squeezes in as much fun and movement as an artist possibly could. The song is super fun, and I can’t help but feel like I am in some sort of fast-paced video game level when I am listening to the song. I had also never heard of Rema, but enjoyed his verse!

3. “Sea, Swallow Me” by Cocteau Twins and Harold Budd

   
   
   

Shifting the tone dramatically, I could not help but include a song by one of my favorite bands ever. This song comes off of their 1986 joint album with Harold Budd, and is sure to leave the listener with some sort of existential dread. Hey, it may not be the typical upbeat music most people enjoy, but experiencing all different kinds of emotions makes us more emotionally mature. Right…?

4. “Houdini” by Dua Lipa

   
   
   

Yeah, yeah, a top 40 radio hit is on my radar. Sue me! “Houdini” is such a fun experience. I cannot help but dance when I hear this song. While Dua Lipa is admittedly no vocalist, she sounds wonderful on the song and is irresistible to not sing along with. It is also a lengthier track compared to most modern top 40 hits (Thanks, TikTok) so that is definitely added points for me.

5. “Prescription” by Remi Wolf

   
   
   

My favorite song on this list, “Prescription” is just a whirlwind from start to finish. I am not sure how to define the genre of this song, but when I was telling my friend how I need to “inject this song into my veins,” I described it as psychedelic-grunge-pop. Honestly, I feel like that descriptor fits the song perfectly. The wacky production mixed with Remi Wolf’s insane vocals, especially in the last 30 or so seconds of the song, really make this a fun experience for your ears. 

Ultimately, I understand everyone has their own unique music taste. So, I would love to hear from you! If you totally loved one of these songs, or even totally hated one, let me know. Or, feel free to drop what song(s) you think I should listen to!

Embracing the Spirit of Christmas in New York City

'Tis the season to be jolly, and there's no better place to immerse yourself in the festive spirit than the iconic streets of New York City during Christmas. As the city that never sleeps adorns itself with twinkling lights and decorative ornaments, the air becomes infused with a sense of joy and wonder.

The world-famous Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree takes center stage, standing tall and proud, decked with thousands of glistening lights and a stunning array of ornaments. It's a symbol of hope and togetherness that draws locals and visitors alike, creating an enchanting focal point that captures the essence of the season.

As you stroll down Fifth Avenue, the flagship department stores showcase elaborate window displays that seem to come alive with holiday magic. From Saks Fifth Avenue's enchanting light show to the whimsical scenes at Macy's, each window tells a story, igniting the imagination of young and old alike.

Venture into Central Park, and you'll discover a winter wonderland that beckons you to embrace the brisk air and snowy landscapes. The Wollman Rink transforms into a magical ice-skating haven, where music fills the air as skaters glide.

For a touch of charm, the holiday markets scattered throughout the city offer a delightful shopping experience. From Bryant Park's Winter Village to Union Square's market stalls, you can find unique gifts, handcrafted ornaments, and delicious treats to satisfy your festive cravings.

Of course, no Christmas in New York City is complete without catching a show. Broadway theaters embrace the season with special holiday performances, ensuring that the magic of live entertainment adds an extra layer of joy to your visit.

                                            

Whether you find yourself in the midst of the bustling crowds of Times Square or enjoying a quiet moment in the peaceful corners of Central Park, New York City during Christmas is a symphony of sights, sounds, and sensations that will leave you with cherished memories and a heart full of holiday cheer.

As I gear up for my trip to the city this season, I am thrilled to immerse myself in the magic and holiday spirit for the first time and watch it come to life. An atmosphere I've only dreamed of being apart of as I viewed it through the movie screen among my childhood years.

A24, The Not So Indie Anymore Production Company Behind Some of Best Films of the Decade

A24 is an American independent entertainment company that has quickly become a mainstream name in the film industry. Known for contemporary horror and arthouse films, it unfortunately gets branded often as the studio behind the “hipsters film bros’” favorite films you roll your eyes to. Not to say there aren’t some overrated films in the A24 catalog, but you can’t deny the long list of exceptional films. Their recent dominance at every major award show backs that up.

There’s something about A24 movies that really stick with you. Every single film by them I have seen is so visually distinct, emotionally provocative, and takes time to sink in. In an age of Hollywood filled with reboots, remakes, and overdone concepts, it is refreshing to watch fresh voices get their shot. Although I have to mention that I thought Midsommar was so disturbing. I still shutter thinking about it.

They built the company with two basic principles in mind:

1. Give directors complete freedom, spend majority of budget here making their vision come to life

2. Use cheaper, less traditional, viral forms of marketing and word of mouth, spending less

It seems like everyone both knows and appreciates some of their big films such as Moonlight, Hereditary, Ladybird. All of these have seen critical acclaim. Their highest grossing film, Everything Everywhere All At Once dominated the 2023 Oscars, earning seven awards. A lot of people don’t know that A24 also produces television shows, one of which is the mega hit Euphoria. 

A24 also got a lot of attention this year amid the WGA and SAG-AFTRA writers’ strike. Since all A24 projects are independent productions, they were able to acquire waivers and continue working and promoting their movies.

Not every A24 project is an A24 production, sometimes it’s just for distribution. The company sees a project that needs funding help to get out into the world, so they buy the rights, then market it and make connections with theaters and streaming so people can watch it. From 2012-2016 A24 was solely a distribution company. It’s much cheaper to start out this way than as a production company. After establishing themselves as a legit distributor, with successes including Oscar Winning Room, and Amy, they produced their first film. Moonlight went on to win Best Picture at the 2017 Oscars. 

If you’re new to A24, here are my 5 favorites you have to see:

1. Close

Close is a Belgian coming of age story about friendship and the ways in which societal pressure gets in the way. You can read exactly what the characters are thinking even in the silent parts.  It's an outstanding movie I think everyone should see at least once. I’m giving you a warning ahead of time okay? I was crying for a majority of this movie.

2. Mid 90s

Set in LA in the mid 90s, this is Jonah Hill’s coming of age directorial debut based on his own childhood. It’s centered around skateboarding but the real themes are all about finding your group of friends and chosen family. 

3. Aftersun

Aftersun follows a father daughter vacation through old camcorder footage. What an insane directorial debut. I can’t wait to see what Charlotte Wells does next. Again, please prepare yourself, I will never be the same after this one. It's a wholesome, raw, gut wrenching story. 

4. Pearl

For horror fans, Pearl is dark, gorey, and quirky.  It can be really funny if you go into it with that mindset. She is the source of the iconic memes “Please I’m a starrrrrr” and “I’m married!”. In 2022, A24 released both X and then Pearl as the prequel. MaXXXine will complete the horror trilogy in 2024. 

5. Waves

Waves is visually stunning. I love how the story is split into two parts. Halfway through the story, the narrator changes. The story is centered around family, anger, loss, growth, and forgiveness.

I remember exactly where I was seeing each film, and the aftermath. All of them took a toll on me, but left me inspired. Aftersun for example, I watched one night at 2 am alone on my couch over summer and I sat there through the entirety of the credits in a puddle of my own tears questioning why I put myself through that. 

I think that’s the essence of all A24 films. They're meant to evoke something in you. They take time to digest and appreciate further. None of the stories are flashy, but there is something so human at the heart of every story. 

Let me know your favorite A24 releases!

The Dilemma of a Gift Card

What is it about receiving a gift card for Christmas that feels so promising yet so unfulfilling? Why do we feel awkward giving gift cards as gifts to our loved ones? A gift can signify many things and around the holiday season relationships get tested. From gifts between mothers and daughters to your exchanges between significant others- when and where is a gift card appropriate? Is a gift card a sign of intimacy within a relationship? Should we interpret it as “Oh, we are close enough, here’s a gift card you already know how much you mean to me,” or should we leave gift cards at the “We are new to each other, here is a gift card. Go buy yourself whatever sweater you think you’d like.” 

Personally, receiving a gift card from friends or family for Christmas or my birthday feels like discovering a literal pot of gold. The world (AKA wherever the gift card is valid) is all of a sudden my oyster. I feel seen, heard, and respected for the fact that they at least know where I want to make my next purchase and are willing to put aside any formalities and just help contribute to my next shopping spree.

 However, I will never forget that white-hot rage I felt when my boyfriend of two years at the time gave me a Sephora gift card for Christmas. Blinding. Consuming. Towering rage. I opened the card with excitement and closed it in silence. It wasn’t the material gift itself, but the lack of effort present in my present. A $50 gift card could have easily translated to a used book, a CD, and a throw blanket from Target and probably would have cost less. 

The line for gift cards versus not gift cards changes with each and every relationship. It isn’t a line to toe around either- it is in bold in 22-point font on a 12-point font paper. I think at the end of the day, sticking to smaller, more meaningful gifts is the way to go. Sure, you have to think for five more minutes of what to buy but then you also get the bonus of wrapping a cute package in some cute paper too!