Weekly Spotify Playlist: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/1ZtGG7unj4JFxOm96AMNCz?si=tGSVTDzYRCeOsin8HUqQ_g 

Jacob’s picks 

1. MAVI – “TOWN CRIER”
2. Human Serpent – “Maze of Reminiscence” 
3. Gravesend – “Needle Park”
4. Pi’erre Bourne – “Jay P” 
5. JPEGMAFIA – “LAST DANCE!”
6. Playboi Carti and Kid Cudi – “M3tamorphosis”

“TOWN CRIER” is the euphoric outro off of MAVI’s new EP “END OF THE EARTH.” MAVI strikes an emotional chord with the listener through his authentic flow and the somber and layered production. It’s a beautiful reflection piece that will be perfect for night drives thinking about life. 

“Maze of Reminiscence” by Human Serpent is a five-minute kick-ass black metal track full of epic passages and production. The track is constantly building momentum with hectic vocals and fast paced atmosphere. “Needle Park” by Gravesend is a savage and filthy blend of death metal, grindcore and black metal. Mosh pits in the sewers of NYC. 

Pi’erre Bourne has established himself as one of rap’s most talented producers and rappers, and “Jay P” is an excellent example of his talents. The song is full of quotables, memorable soundscapes and an extremely relatable chorus. 

JPEGMAFIA’s track “LAST DANCE!” is a quiet rap track with an undeniable amount of confidence and lyrical ability. “M3tamorphosis” by Playboi Carti featuring Kid Cudi is the moon man meeting rap’s punk monk. It’s hard for the listener to not feel on top of the world listening to this track, Carti and Cudi bring such infectious energy to F1lthy’s and Gab3’s lo-fi and cutting-edge production. 

Brandon’s picks 

1. Arm’s Length – “Talking With My Hands Again” 
2. Medhanit – “Same Things”
3. Teenage Wrist – “Stella”
4. Choir Boy – “Toxic Eye”
5. Jean Dawson – “Power Freaks”
6. Bad Bunny – “LA DROGA” 

From world renowned artists to emerging acts, what I’ve been listening to has been all over the map lately. From self-described “Ontario nightcore” with Arm’s Length and their track “Talking With My Hands Again,” which blends together elements of hardcore, emo and pop-punk culminating in a refreshing listen. Tasmania-based artist Medhanit whose indie-pop sound and infectious hooks will have you singing “Same Things” all day. 

To the middle of the list with new-grunge shoegaze two piece is Teenage Wrist and their song “Stella” off of their recently released album, “Earth is a Black Hole.” This is followed by “Toxic Eye” by Choir Boy, which is a lucid dream-pop track that brims with nostalgia.

The penultimate selection is Jean Dawson’s “Power Freaks,” which, although it was released nearly a year ago, I still haven’t managed to hear anything like it. It’s a hip-hop track laced with elements of alternative and electronic sampling that creates the most electric energy and has all the vibes. 

Rounding out the list is global powerhouse Bad Bunny, the Puerto Rican superstar releasing his latest record late last year, and while the single “DÁKITI” reached #1 on Billboard’s top 100, the track that became my personal favorite is reggaeton-trap track, “LA DROGA.”

Parker’s Picks:

1. The Band – “The Weight”
2. Robert Johnson – “Cross Road Blues”
3. Sam Cooke – “A Change is Gonna Come”
4. Marvin Gaye – “What’s Going On”
5. Phoebe Bridgers – “Kyoto” 
6. Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band – “Letter to You” 

As the semester has gone on and the stress increases, I look to music that seeks to absolve me and keep me sane. “The Weight” is an incredible track from legendary 60s rock band, The Band. The song is all about taking it easy and trying to move on from the incredible weight of life. It’s been featured in many films, like “Easy Rider,” as a symbol of freedom, which is why I love it.

My next three picks are all from incredibly influential Black artists, and they all spoke differently to me about the current race relations in America. Robert Johnson is one of the most influential musicians of all time, having inspired the likes of Bob Dylan, Keith Richards and Eric Clapton. His music and incredible guitar playing, recorded in the 1920s, went unnoticed until the 60s. This reminded me just how much Black artists have been underappreciated, despite many being responsible for some of the greatest music ever made.

Both Sam Cooke and Marvin Gaye voice their support for civil rights in their tracks, and every time I hear these unbelievable songs, I start to tear up.

Phoebe Bridgers might be one of my favorite modern rock artists, and “Kyoto” is a visceral song that gives me hope in the current state of rock and roll. 

Bruce Springsteen is one of my all time favorite songwriters, and the titular track of his latest album did not disappoint. As Springsteen has gotten older, his music has become more self-reflective, and “Letter to You’s” themes of community, death and cherishing the relationships you make are all the more poetic coming from The Boss.