Category: Playlists
Staff Picks to Satisfy Your Inner Choir and Band Nerd
Whether to help you study or because you’re actually a choir/band nerd, orchestral and choral music are a staple. Personally, I’ve been singing in choirs since middle school, discovering many fantastic pieces throughout my years.
Even though it’s not your typical pop music, orchestral and choral music still has the ability to reach souls and spark memories. I’ve often found myself in my deepest reflection when I’m listening to pieces like these.
So, three Vinyl Mag staff have each chosen songs to add to your orchestral and choral playlists, hoping they satisfy that inner band and choir nerd we know lives in each and every one of you. Check it out below.
Staff Picks for Your Perfect Granola Playlist
With the weather warming and summer swiftly on the way, it’s about time to break out your favorite “Life is Good” T-shirt again. The chacos make a reappearance, and driving with the windows down is back “in.” The only thing missing — the perfect granola playlist to transport you away from Athens, Georgia, and into the Colorado mountains instead.
The “granola girl aesthetic” has been something I’ve long aspired to have. The carefree and folky vibes that radiate off every granola person ease my type-A persona. I like to imagine myself in the woods with the sun on my face and growing my chaco tan line.
With that spirit in mind, three of our Vinyl Mag staff have each chosen songs for your perfect granola playlist this spring and summer. Some are perfect for driving and others would be ideal for a night campfire. Check it out below.
Score Soundtracks For Your Whimsical Fiction Movie Life
We all need a whimsical fictional world to escape to now and then. There’s How to Train Your Dragon to make you feel like you’re soaring, and Tangled to get you up off your feet. UP is a real tear-jerker, but Monsters Inc. is a real toe-tapper—all this to say that score soundtracks are a seamless way to transport us into those fictional worlds we crave.
As I’m reminiscing on my time spent in Copenhagen, Denmark, this past summer, I’ve listened to a lot of fairytale scores. Copenhagen was magical—the weather, the air, the scenery, the almond croissants, the parks, the people—I could go on. I was exploring the city on a bicycle when I stopped to take this quick photo shown above. That moment didn’t feel real.
Then again, nothing about travel feels quite real. As soon as I felt the plane take off, a supernatural buzz consumed me. Even though I’d only flown on a plane once before trekking to Denmark, I still knew I had to have a playlist ready for takeoff. The perfect song for being hurled hundreds of feet into the atmosphere: “Test Drive” from the How to Train Your Dragon score.
Here is a playlist of the best scores to be in your fiction movie moments—times like when I biked around Copenhagen and wondered upon the most perfect scenery.
2021.5 Staff Picks Playlist
Hey there Vinyl Mag subscribers, long time no talk. To reign in the 2021 VM revival, consider this the first half of 2021’s staff top picks. 2020 and 2021 have definitely been a whirlwind, might I call them… “unprecedented times” (okay, I’m sorry… I won’t say it again). However, that can’t stop the jams from jamming, speakers from blaring. We hope you enjoy our staff playlist!
Acemoma – “A Future”
Bobby Kid – “Blue”
THE BLOSSOM – “CLOVES”
Courting – “Grand National”
Dayglow – “Close to You”
Elori Saxl – “Memory of Blue”
Japanese Breakfast – “Be Sweet”
Matt Ox – “Infinity”
Shungudzo – “There’s only so much a soul can take”
Sorry – “Cigarette Packet”
Sorry – “Don’t Be Scared”
Taylor Swift – Fearless (Taylor’s Version)
(Editor’s Note: Yes, the whole thing. I’m not sorry.)
Savannah Stopover Artists to Watch
Savannah Stopover is something of a hidden gem as far as music festivals go. Located in Savannah, Georgia, the three-day festival boasts a packed lineup of up-and-coming artists of all backgrounds and genres. Throughout the weekend, shows take place in small to mid-sized venues across Savannah’s historic district, establishing an intimacy that is rare among festivals today. This year will mark Savannah Stopover’s eighth year running, with no shortage of diverse talent. With March 8 just around the corner, here’s a list of the top 15 must-see artists at this year’s Savannah Stopover Music Festival.
15. Wild Moccasins
There’s something infectious about the unique, eclectic look and sound of Wild Moccasins. With a strong female lead vocalist and vintage beats, their sound is reminiscent of ‘80s pop. Known for their creative costume design and infectious stage presence, they’re sure to put on a good show.
14. John Stickley Trio
If you’re looking for good ol’ bluegrass music you can dance to, look no further than the John Stickley Trio. These extremely skilled musicians take their audience on a musical journey with their flawless technique and exploratory jams. Their sound should fit in perfectly with the rustic, coastal scene of Savannah, Georgia.
13. The Vegabonds
Part Americana, part rock ‘n roll, The Vegabonds seem to be gaining more and more momentum each day. The band has grown a great deal since their start in the college circuit back in 2009. Now with three European tours under their belt, The Vegabonds don’t appear to be slowing down anytime soon.
12. David Barbe & Inward Dream Ebb
College professor by day, punk-rock lead singer by night, David Barbe does it all. Rooted in Athens, Georgia, Barbe has successfully embedded himself deep within Athens’ vibrant music scene. His band’s sound is a product of the evolution of punk and rock throughout the years, bringing with it a sound that doesn’t quite conform to any one genre.
11. KOLARS
KOLARS is a two member band consisting of Rob Kolar and Lauren Brown. The combination of Kolar’s vocals (think David Bowie meets The Killers) and Brown’s innovative performance drumming makes for a strange and wonderful chemistry. KOLARS is a prime example of the extensive musical variety that can be found at Savannah Stopover.
10. Acid Dad
Acid Dad’s sound is reminiscent of something you might hear in an underground club twenty years ago, and don’t get me wrong, that’s a good thing. Their ‘we don’t give a damn’ attitude and punk meets hard-rock sound gives them an appearance of self assurance and decisiveness that is often hard to come by in new talent, putting them at number ten on my list of must-see artists.
9. Lola Marsh
Savannah Stopover’s lineup this year is seeing a plethora of strong female vocalists, and Lola Marsh is no exception. Since their impressive self-released EP in 2016, the duo has seen a quick rise in popularity with tours across the US and Europe. Consisting of singer Yael Shoshana Cohen and guitarist Gil Landau, the duo has developed a strong fanbase thanks to their unique, upbeat sound.
8. Stoop Kids
There’s nothing like the infectious energy of bands who look like they’re having a genuinely great time with each other on stage, and that’s exactly the kind of vibe Stoop Kids gives off. The New Orleans-born quintet delivers an updated version of classic sounds found in New Orleans’ rich culture, from hip-hop, to jazz, to rock.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aIKe2aEnCp4
7. Future Generations
Indie pop band Future Generations has really taken off since their debut album in 2016. The album has seen millions of streams on Spotify and the group has been regularly touring across the US. Their music is reminiscent of bands like STRFKR, Moon Taxi and Portugal. The Man, with an alt-indie sound that is popular among most audiences today.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y-syx-QNrX0
6. The Bones of J.R. Jones
The Bones of J.R. Jones is the one-man blues and roots act of New York native Jonathon Linaberry. It’s hard not to admire Linaberry’s extensive skills as he does percussion, vocals and a combination of either guitar or banjo, with an occasional harmonica all at once. If not for his musical ability, it’s worth seeing The Bones of J.R. Jones just to witness the passion in his performance.
5. Larkin Poe
This sister duo is keeping the spirit of old school music alive with their soulful, gritty rock ‘n roll sound. Originally from Georgia and now living in Nashville, Rebecca and Megan Lovell draw inspiration from their southern roots, and after growing up in the same household, they’ve developed an undeniable chemistry in their music.
4. Nikki Lane
I just can’t get over how many great female artists are blessing Savannah Stopover this year! Americana wonder Nikki Lane is a bad**s southern woman with her own personal style and distinctive vocals. Her set is definitely worth making it to.
3. of Montreal
It’s hard to describe the art of Kevin Barnes, the mastermind behind of Montreal. With his extended club mix 80’s pop sound, drag looks and out-of-this world performances and music videos, Barnes is making a serious impression on today’s music scene. With a look similar to Andy Warhol and a self-proclaimed paranoia of big government, Barnes seems to have an artistic complexity within himself that is evident in his music.
2. Cicada Rhythm
These folk/americana Athens locals bring a soulful sound that’s largely uncommon today, along with sincere, impassioned performances. The chilling harmonies of Andrea DeMarcus and Dave Kirslis put them high on my list of must-see artists, and once you see them live, you’ll understand why their sound is so hypnotic.
1. Wild Child
What started as the brainchild of Kelsey Wilson and Alexander Biggins in Austin, Texas has blossomed into a seven-piece indie-pop band complete with ukelele, violin, cello, trumpet, harmonica, drums, guitar and keyboard. With four studio albums under their belt and multiple worldwide tours, the band has gained a solid, steady momentum and developed a devoted fanbase. Their newest album, ‘Expectations,’ exemplifies a mature, confident sound as the artists drew from inspirations all over the world while writing the music while on tour. It’s hard not to smile while watching the band’s undeniable chemistry unfold as they grin cheek-to-cheek while performing.
50 Bands to See at SXSW 2017
We’ll admit it—scrolling through the list of the year’s SXSW artists is intimidating. But, as we all know, preparation always pays off. You have seven days (March 13-19) to soak in as much music as humanly possible, with a smorgasbord of artists featured at showcases and parties all over downtown Austin.
Enter us. We’ve compiled a Spotify playlist of 50 can’t-miss bands at SX this year. From Atlanta and Nashville to Los Angeles and Canada, the artists on our playlist hail from all over. Leo James Conroy (interview coming soon) is a musician originally from Manchester, England who currently resides in Los Angeles, while Mise en Scene and Jessie Reyez are repping the Canadian music scene.
In case you didn’t hear, we’re sponsoring the 11th annual Athens in Austin Party, To Eleven on Saturday, March 18. The artists scheduled to play at our party (located at The Side Bar) are a) kickass and b) included on the playlist below. Enjoy, at see you out there.
Playlist: Unwind and Relax
Ed Sheeran’s ‘Thinking Out Loud,” off of his 2014 album, x, has become the first song to hit the 500 million stream mark on Spotify. When it comes to the popular streaming service’s “Sleep” playlists, Sheeran dominates on the charts worldwide, followed by Sam Smith, Ellie Goulding and John Legend. It’s no secret that music is a key tool when it comes to relaxation. With that in mind, we’ve created the perfect playlist to help you unwind and take that much needed break from the stress of daily life.
Spooky Playlist
With Halloween right around the corner, it makes sense that every store around the block has their decorations on display. When it comes to your music library, it should be with the times. We’ve handpicked some great songs to combine into a playlist all in the theme of Halloween, with spooky things in every song title. Hopefully the only thing that goes “bump” in the night will be some jams.
- “Calling All Skeletons” – Alkaline Trio
- “Halloween All Year” – The Orwells
- “Skeleton Jar” – Youth Group
- “Holy Fucking Ghost” – Owls
- “Walking With a Ghost” – Tegan and Sara
- “Spooky Ghosts” – SNCKPCK
- “Halloween Parade” – Lou Reed
- “Halloween Blues” – The Fratellis
- “There’s Too Much Talk About Ghosts” – Park Jefferson
- “Weighty Ghost” – Wintersleep
Listen: A Playlist for the Sunshine
After many gray days brought to us by hurricane Joaquin, the clouds have parted, and the sun has smiled upon Athens, Georgia. Ironically, the only clear day Athens experienced this past week was the day Father John Misty came to town, and when he left he took our hearts and the sunshine. Alas, it is back, and Vinyl Mag has curated a playlist to lift your spirits and your bum. Listen to the playlist and go outside! Or do both at the same time! Here are all of our favorites from past and present, from The Beach Boys to Wavves, organized in (somewhat) chronological order. Enjoy!
The Pope Rockstar Playlist
As the rocking world has heard, Pope Francis is set to release an 11-track album to help preach his message of faith and righteousness with the masses. The pop-rock album will be called “Wake Up!” and is slated to come out on Nov. 27, 2015. The Pope released a single from the album entitled “Wake Up! Go! Go! Forward!” which features his Holiness himself delivering inspirational speeches over beats and background instrumentation.
In honor of the Pope’s budding career as a musician, here are some songs featuring religious figures in the title or the song itself.
- “Hood Pope” – A$AP Ferg
There’s nothing like a bold start to a playlist, and that’s exactly what you get with A$AP Ferg’s “Hood Pope”. The Pope doesn’t seem like a hardened person at all, making this both humorous and serious (because of the lyrical content, it’s not to be taken lightly obviously).
- “Bishop’s Robes” – Radiohead
This particularly dark song by Radiohead is not a light point of the playlist by any means, but it serves as a nose dive into a different territory of rhythm. The bluesy style of “Bishop’s Robes” that sounds similar to something Muse would produce is strangely soothing.
- “Oh My God” – Ida Maria
This song is featured on a lot of soundtracks, but not enough as a single itself. From the gentle crooning of “So you think you’re in control” to the combinations of both singers chanting “Oh my God”, Ida Maria brings a fresh indie element to the playlist.
4. “Jesus Christ” – Brand New
Probably one of the most fitting songs for this playlist, Brand New questions life after death in the reflective “Jesus Christ”. This track questions morality and personal beliefs in a way that both asks for forgiveness and condemns the need for it.
- “Angels and Demons” – Front Porch Step
Front Porch Step brings romantic emotions in juxtaposition with the stereotypical forces of good and evil in “Angels and Demons”. A man and his loved one are at odds and it is comparing his lost heart as being (surprise) sold to the Devil.
- “Superstar” – Jesus Christ Superstar
No religious playlist is complete without a track from the hit musical Jesus Christ Superstar. This is that track.
- “The Pope Smokes Dope” – David Peel and The Lower East Side
There’s no good way to follow up a track as great as “Superstar”, but “The Pope Smokes Dope” is very close. Pope Francis is regarded as the “hippest” Pope in a long time, which probably inspired songs like this. Don’t fret, The Pope does not actually smoke dope.
- “An Audience With the Pope” – Elbow
Elbow is a sleeper hit. Their musical artistry is shown in the cool cascade of random instruments for the intro, followed by the lyrics which are in the style of low-fi indie pop.
- “The Prophet” – Slightly Stoopid
There is no explanation for Slightly Stoopid. They just appear, and whatever they create magically fits into the world perfectly. “The Prophet” is an example of that.
- “Jesus Christ Was An Only Child” – Modest Mouse
The earlier Modest Mouse albums feature low production sounds and are notoriously more indie and acoustic influenced than later albums. The interesting thing about this song is that even though the instruments are friendly and inviting, the lyrics are actually very dark subject content.