If you’re anything like me, music is what propels you forward each day. Music is always there for us, whether it be getting ready while listening to your favorite playlist, driving to work, or waiting in line at the Union for Starbucks.
This past year, I have found myself having a lot of coming-of-age moments while listening to music on campus. As the air is getting a little more chilly, I like to put on my headphones and walk to music in between my classes. the record by boygenius has been my everything this semester, alongside my pinnacle Preacher’s Daughter by Ethel Cain, and Unreal Unearth by Hozier. I love you guys.
Finding this music has been an integral college experience for me, as silly as it may sound. At the beginning of my freshman year, it felt like music was the primary way I connected with people and made friends. When I first joined Her Campus, we bonded over “folklore vs evermore” stan battles, and my new friends showed me so many new artists that I love and adore (Anna— I am eternally grateful for Samia!) With this, I found a passion for writing about music that I did not know I had. I really enjoy the feelings that arise from all different kinds of music, but especially the music that makes me feel like I’m walking in an A24 movie.
For the past couple of Autumns, I have found the music that makes me feel literally like the main character in my own movie. I just wanted to share a few of these amazing artists, songs, and feelings with you as we get into the cozy season. Not only do these songs feel like home, but they moved me forward through the many transitions that college brings (and made sure I was walking fast enough to get to class on time). I literally feel my soul in these songs. Every time I listen to them, it takes me right back to where I was the first time I heard it.
Dying Star – Ashnikko (feat. Ethel Cain): Admittedly, I was at home when I first heard this song because I was very excited about its release. This song feels like this ultimate ascension; a return to the soul. The lyricism is like poetry, and I love Ethel Cain more than I love most things. Ashnikko is such a talented artist with such amazing advocacy behind their actions; please listen to all of WEEDKILLER, it’s such an awesome concept album.
Not Strong Enough – boygenius: I’m not religious, but this song feels like knowing that there’s something else out there; bigger than us. Something can’t control how we are, how we act, how we are impulsive in our human nature; but there’s something out there that has to explain why we can’t do what we want to do. The lyric “Always an angel; never a god” changed my life. boygenius is comprised of some of the most talented, amazing artists ever: Julien Baker, Phoebe Bridgers, and Lucy Dacus. Their entire discography both as a group and their respective solo works are all worth listening to, especially as the weather gets colder and the seasonal sadness starts trickling in.
Buyer Beware – Post Malone: Listen to all of AUSTIN. Immediately. Post, while earning Platinum records and radio hits, is so underappreciated for his poetic lyricism and realism commentary. He is such a tender soul, and it really comes through his music. AUSTIN is some of his best work yet, and I think Buyer Beware is a testament to how I question everything I hear in college; whether it be from professors, my peers, or my parents. As an English Education major, I love critical analysis of culture and why people do what they do; but sometimes, we just don’t have the answer— “Baby, I don’t have the answers, s***, maybe I know nothing at all.”
I like to make different playlists for the various seasons. As for now, check out these playlists (one made by me, and one of my personal favorites made by Ashlynn Reed) and for your fall, mystic, dirt-and-grit needs. Happy listening!