ON REPEAT PLAYLIST: Fall 2024
It’s a *just slightly* cooler evening in Albuquerque. I am sitting on a bench outside of Rock 101 with Issac, interviewing him for the October blog. We’ve been talking for over 30 minutes, long enough for the sun to set and the outside lights to cut on. The tree branches are silhouetted by the light creating a lovely backdrop for our conversation.
We wind in and out of the interview questions, touching on topics and then devolving into casual conversation. We laugh over memories of cassette tapes, a love of physical CDs, and other odds and ends that prove we share a similar age bracket. Issac talks about music in a way that is both simplistic and deep. Music has the power to change how we feel and how we think. We can use this intentionally as we go through life, whether or not we happen to be musicians. Music is for everyone. And most simply, music just is.
As the days shorten, the air acquires a chill, and the fuzzy socks make a comeback, cozy up with the Rock 101 fall playlist. The staff and instructors have shared their current favorite songs. By doing so, we are providing a glimpse of what each of us are thinking and feeling in this particular moment in time. Please enjoy.
ON REPEAT
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ON REPEAT •
Alex A.
Song: The Yellow Jacket by Shaun Martin
Why: He was an amazing keyboardist and musician who passed away this year so his music has been on repeat.
Alex M.
Song: Can U Hear by Alan Sparhawk
Why: Alan lost his wife to cancer last year, together they were the core of the band Low (a band which I am a huge fan of). Out of the loss of his wife Alan has returned to music with a new solo album and a remade sound. There is so much pain and sorrow but also a sense of urgency and rebirth that I find especially powerful. He is an artist I have always admired for his ability to seemingly grow and adapt in a way that always conveys an unpretentious coolness that seems to defy artists living in an algorithm. He brings a sense of humility and vulnerability to the fold.
Bridgette
Song: Uprising by Muse
Why: I used to love this song - it reminds me of my old orchestra group back in middle school!
Brittney
Song: Cleopatra by Mon Rovia
Why: I like the song because of its emotional depth and storytelling. The song beautifully captures themes of love, longing, and vulnerability, making it relatable to listeners. Its melodic composition and heartfelt lyrics evoke strong feelings, creating an intimate atmosphere that resonates with many, allowing you to connect with the artist's experience. Plus, the unique sound blends different musical influences, making it a memorable listen!
Dan
Song: Usurper of the Sky by Truent
Why: The instrumentation and production is top notch. If I played in a metal band this is what I'd hope we sounded like.
Danielle
Song: O, I Love You by Essie Jain
Why: Since enrolling in vocals lessons with Shane, I have started paying more attention than I ever have to female vocalists and how they use their voices in different ways and for different purposes. This song is so very simple, but I love how Essie Jain uses her voice. When I listen to this, I feel loved and isn't that a magical thing.
Dustin
Song: Volcanic Winter by J Fernandez
Why: Stumbled on this out of nowhere awhile ago actually! Still love to jam it though. Thought it has a great ensemble of instruments mixed with a melancholic kind of feel that gives it a really unique sound.
Emma
Song: Everywhere, Everything by Noah Kahan
Why: Noah Kahan has a beautiful voice! I like the build up in the instrumental, and I think the lyrics paint a truly beautiful love story.
Ezra
Song: Avant Gardener by Courtney Barnett
Why: I was obsessed with this song a few years ago because I just thought it was funny but I heard it again the other day and now I’m obsessed with the weirdness of it. Cool guitar tones, cadence of singing, lyrical content – just a super interesting song overall.
Issac
Song: Thought You Were Waving by Militarie Gun
Why: It's been in my head lately - great lyrics and good melody!
Jabez
Song: Strawberry Soju by Jesse Barrera
Why: Jesse Barrera is part of a conglomerate of Filipino American RnB artists based in SoCal. I love his music because it evokes so much of the romantic melodrama and high skilled musicianship and production that really resonates with me as a Filipino artist. One of my dreams is to go on tour with them.
Jameson
Song: Everything Apart by Foxwarren
Why: I love the drive of the tune and textures throughout- it’s like Wes Anderson directed a spy movie. Andy Shauf is such a good lyricist and vocalist!
Janessa
Song: For Good from Wicked
Why: I have recently been enjoying some musical theater from the show Wicked. Powerhouse vocals!
Kayla
Song: Starting Over at the End by JOSEPH
Why: I fell for the cover art and ended up loving the lyrics by this beautiful female trio of singer-songwriters.
Ken B.
Song: Bugs by Jesse Welles
Why: I like it because it is whimsical.
Ken E.
Song: Mint Tea by Johnny Blue Skies
Why: Passage Du Desir is absolutely my album of the year so far. Sturgill has really taken this album as an excuse to bring in so many new influences and textures. Plus, Mike Rojas MURDERS on keys.
Kendall
Song: July by Mamalarky
Why: I really like the lo-fi tapey quality of it. Love all the interesting sounds. And the synth solo is fantastic.
Kevin
Song: Hawk Is Listenin’ by AJ Woods
Why: AJ was one of the best guitarists at Eisenhower Middle School, inspired me then, and now. This new release of his is so wide and vibey, and I love the production.
Kristen
Song: We Are Shadows by Kittie
Why: Their harmonies and progressions that they play in the chorus resonate throughout my body, bringing up a lot of emotions.
Lise
Song: Sedona by Sir Chloe
Why: It's the perfect mix of rock and vibe and the vocals are sublime.
Lucy
Song: The Snow Goose by Camel
Why: When Lucas Smith still lived here we'd listen to Camel together all the time. The melody sings and the harmonies are beautiful!
Marshall
Song: Heart’s Desire by Las Los
Why: Every so often a song comes along that the words and music match so perfectly. This song is it for me. When that chorus hits, every thought leaves my brain and I'm in it. Probably my favorite album released this year so far. Highly recommend.
Sam
Song: Taste by Phish
Why: I have had Taste by Phish on repeat because of the amazing drum part Jon Fishman plays! In the beginning of the song if you focus on the cowbell it makes the lyrics sound really wonky and misplaced. During the section that starts with “step into space, alter my place” the drummer is singing as well as playing so many polyrhythms. Focus on the kick drum pattern lining up with the notes on the bass!
Tina
Song: It’s a Great Day to Be Alive by Travis Tritt
Why: I have been listening to this song lately because it makes me appreciate the things around me and the life I have even when things are feeling a little rough.
Will
Song: Back on 74 by Jungle
Why: It's just undeniably groovy.
Wren
Song: Stray Italian Greyhound by Vienna Teng
Why: It has this unstoppable energy and every single instrument, melody, and lyric sends us hurtling toward the inevitable conclusion of the song's unwitting optimism.
