ON REPEAT PLAYLIST: SPRING 2024
As is true for most of us, I have always loved music. My earliest musical memory is of laying on my belly, chin resting in my hands, in front of the speaker in my family room. With the radio turned on, I would lay there waiting waiting waiiiiitinnnnggg for the DJ to play “La Isla Bonita” by Madonna. When it finally played (if it finally played) what followed was 4 minutes and 3 seconds of supreme happiness. I am most certain that my current day grit, dedication, and commitment was not developed in school or from surviving intense life situations; rather, it grew right there on the family room floor as I waited for my song to play.*
My favorite part about working with Rock 101 is the way that my perspective on music has shifted. Up until this point, my perspective was that of a listener. I was the person who enjoyed the final version of a song. From this perspective, I acknowledge the emotions that music creates; I feel the connection as a group of people listen to the same music at a concert; I notice how music dissolves preconceived boundaries.
Now, I am surrounded by those who produce these experiences. I am learning about the process of musical creation: the exploration and experimentation, the creation/edits/recreation, the vulnerability and open-mindedness that is required. I get to spend my days talking to, interacting with, and learning from the instructors and students who are the architects of this thing that binds us together. Very cool.
A fun aspect of this new undertaking is learning about the songs and artists by which the instructors are currently inspired. Since I still consider Madonna’s True Blue album to be a cornerstone of my musical experience, I never actually know any of their musical crushes. It has been a joyful adventure listening to and discovering new music from those who are immersed in it.
And so I give you the Spring 2024 Rock 101 instructor playlist. These are the songs that the instructors and staff are currently listening to and loving. On repeat.
*A note to my young readers: This is perhaps a situation with which you cannot identify. Stay tuned for my next life lesson in which I describe how I learned to deal with frustration and anger by making mixed tapes from songs on the radio.
ON REPEAT
•
ON REPEAT •
Alex
Song: “Overjoyed” by Stevie Wonder”
Why: I think it's a deceptively difficult song.
Allison
Song: “Green Earrings” by Steely Dan
Why: I love the strange lyrics. Instead of sappy words about love, the premise is really about somebody's green earrings. It's bizarre and mysterious. I love the sparkle and groove of the drums and the sly, laid back guitar parts. It's definitely the song I put on when I want to cruise around town.
Bridgette
Song: “Precious Love” by James Morrison
Why: This song makes me want to dance, be in the moment, and I hope to have Kevin sing it at my wedding one day!
Danielle
Song: “Build Me Up, Buttercup” by The Foundations
Why: I used to love this song and I recently rediscovered it. It can always make me smile.
Ezra
Song: “100 Meter Dash” by Cody Matlock
Why: It grooves really hard and I love the flow over the beat. It's just a straight up BOP. I usually switch music up pretty frequently but this one stuck with me.
Isaac
Song: “Menace” by Hot Water Music
Why: Great melody and catchy chorus. Heavy but accessible. It's the current bop!
Jabez
Song: “Standing Next to You” by Jung Kook
Why: I love the big sound and just how cool Jung Kook sings the song.
Jameson
Song: “Out of Town” by Hotline TNT
Why: I just love it!
Kayla
Song: “Planes” by Olive Jones
Why: It's a super groovy song with a good beat and great vocal layering. It puts me in a good mood :)
Ken
Song: “Will It Go Round in Circles” by Billie Preston
Why: He is the man. From a technical standpoint, there's so much to pull from it, but also, it's a good vibe.
Kendall
Song: “Frisco Blues” by Lewis OfMan
Why: Really love the cool loop and interesting layers throughout the track.
Kenny
Song: “Juniper” by Kate Kirby
Why: Love it.
Kevin
Song: “Tombola 94” by Dina Ogon
Why: Heard it at a Rock 101 concert coming from Marshall's playlist. Tastiest bassline.
Kristen
Song: “Start Wearing Purple” by Gogol Bordello
Why: I love the energy of it, really pumps me up! Plus one of my favorite artists. And getting to see this performed live, the fiddler just killed it and shredded!
Lise
Song: “Everything Is Free” by Gillian Welch
Why: I'm feeling this one lately because it's about the anxiety of being an artist in a culture that is constantly trying to take your livelihood away.
Marshall
Song: “Little Hours” by Dollar Store Queen
Why: A catchy collab from Kendall (of Rock 101 fame) and Rayna (of the Abq band Sweet Roll). I yelled out loud in my car the first time I heard the bridge drop.
Sam
Song: “Auntie Mabel” by Anatole Muster
Why: It's killer accordion playing and it sounds like Mario Kart vibes!
Shane
Song: “La Noia” by Angelina Mango
Why: This is the song that Italy has chosen to represent themselves in the finals for the 2024 Eurovision Song Contest. It's a song about boredom and how tortuous it feels to be constantly doing the same things over and over again without any kind of payoff. More specifically, she's singing about how she feels trapped as a singer in the music industry to continue working until she finally makes it. The song is really melodramatic, but you wouldn't be able to tell from the sound of it because it mixes cumbia and Europop. It's really fun, super catchy, and her vocals are great.
Tina
Song: “Lottery” by Kali Uchis
Why: Love the bassline.
Will
Song: “It Runs Through Me” by Tom Misch
Why: I love it because of the feeling it gives me and also the meaning behind the song. It's about the love of music!
- DANIELLE PARKER