As an early birthday present, my father bought me a record player and records of all the concerts we’ve gone to together. Not only is this an extremely meaningful gift, it’s something that I’ve wanted for a long time, as music has always been such an influential part of my life. Whether I’m walking in between classes, doing homework, cleaning my apartment, showering, trying to fall asleep, music is constantly in the background of my daily life.

Having a “walking to class” playlist is essential when you attend a school that has building so far spread out that a casual stroll can take anywhere from 10 to 25 minutes depending on how many hills you have to stop and catch your breath on. Therefore, as I started up my junior year last week, I wanted to add some new songs to my everyday playlist, just to make the walk a little more enjoyable.

“Sunshine” by KYLE (feat. Miguel)

This is the kind of song that automatically tricks the mind into thinking it will be a good day even if you stepped in gum and tripped up the stairs. Not only that, but it’s easy to imagine being anywhere other than Kansas when “Sunshine” is playing.

“Imagination” by Foster the People

I’ve always loved Foster, and in particular the way they’ve shaped the indie pop genre. With this new song “Imagination”, the vibes are dark and island/beachy, and is a fun listen while people watching.

“Rainbow” by Kacey Musgraves

With “Golden Hour” being my first vinyl purchase, the album has always meant a lot to me. My favorite track (besides “Butterflies”, for obvious reasons) was “Rainbow”, because the song hits close to home this year. Most of Kacey Musgraves music does, and her music usually comes on daily through my headphones.

“Hot Shower” by Chance the Rapper (feat. MadeinTYO, DaBaby)

In order to make it up some of the brutal KU hills, songs with a quick beat are required. Having seen Chance live a few summers ago, his new music is just as good in my opinion, and this song is a great bop to wake me up for my 9 a.m. British Writing Before 1800’s class.

“Sofia” by Clairo

Having discovered Clairo recently through an Indie Pop playlist, I replayed “Pretty Girl” and “Flaming Hot Cheetos” at least five times a day. While listening to the local radio, my friend and I discovered that she would be coming to Kansas City in October – which will be the next concert I am attending this year!

“sriracha” by bbno$, Lentra

Another Spotify playlist discovery, this short song is another instant push for when the hills or the heat is unbearable. Bbno$ has recently gained popularity in the charts with the song “Lalala”, but the rapper has several other hits such as this song.

“Say It” by Maggie Rodgers

I had a few friends who have been highly recommending Maggie Rodgers, and obviously we’ve all heard “Burning”. Her entire album “Heard It In A Past Life” is one of my favorites, and definitely a record I plan on adding to my collection next. My favorite track from the album is probably “Say It”, and is a great song to sit on a bench in the shade and people watch, or think about all the homework I could be doing instead of hanging out observing.

“Circles” by Post Malone

As typical as liking Post Malone might be, the new single (and in a few days, a new album) is so different from his past music in my opinion, and I couldn’t help but add it to my playlist. Not only are the lyrics emotionally vulnerable, but they hold a strong meaning in my opinion for a lot of relationships in college.

“Find U Again” by Mark Ronson (feat. Camila Cabello)

Even though this song isn’t exactly new, I’ve liked Camila since the 5H days. Once again, even if this song is overplayed by the radio, the powerful lyrics and pop vibe beat is constantly on repeat in my mind.

“Lucy” by Still Woozy (feat. ODIE)

With dreamy, psychedelic energy, the first time I heard Still Woozy I was taken aback that I hadn’t listened to his music sooner. “Goodie Bag” will never get old in my opinion, and “Habit” has become more recognizable in the Indie world. And yet with “Lucy”, a relaxed and easy song, it calms me down in times of unbearable homework, heavy backpacks, and the always-present anxiety of debt, grades, and a career out of college.

I am sure that by the end of the week five more songs will be added to the playlist, and regardless of my changing music, the hills of college will stay just as steep (physically and metaphorically).

Best,

Madeleine