#mine and back to December vibes fits right in with the album

[yerimoonlight]

the vault songs were...impeccable

[standardlovers]

speak now taylor swift

including taylors version vault tracks bc foolish one is abt me fr <3

The Story Of Us

Speak Now (lets assess greys fan taylor being a japril girlie !!)

Mine

Haunted (now lets discuss the theory is taylor swift an andriel girlie)

Back To December

Enchanted

Foolish One

Last Kiss

Better Than Revenge

Timeless

Sparks Fly

Dear John

I Can See You

Long Live

Mean

Never Grow Up

Castles Crumbling (would be higher but lowkey this was right to be cut just bc it didnt fit the vibes of the album its too mature for this album imo)

Innocent

Ours

Superman

When Emma Falls In Love

Electric Touch

[jessconrad]

Fine Line by Harry Styles: The Sunshine We Needed Through A Very Dreary Year

Or An Album Review (One Year Later)

On December 13, 2019, Harry Styles graced the world with his second studio album, Fine Line, and I don’t think it has ever left my Recently Played section on my Spotify account since its release.

I honestly don’t know how I would have survived 2020 without this album. As I reflect on everything this year had to offer, I realized this record will always shine through as it is tied to my best memories of the year.

I listened to this album a lot, with three of my five top songs from my Spotify Wrapped coming from Fine Line. (They were “Sunflower, Vol. 6″, “Golden”, and “To Be So Lonely”, respectively, if you were curious!)

I spent dull afternoons in January walking around the freshly snow covered ground on my college campus blasting “Lights Up” in my headphones. This single was released in October 2019, two months prior to the release of Fine Line, and had been a top favorite of mine with its 70s soulful style. Not to mention, the small choir of backup singers and layering synth gave me an almost nostalgic as the Christmas season started to come to an end. This song was all about finding who you are- and I was starting to figure out who I am with it.

The next month I visited Denver for a conference and I began noticing how this record was starting to become the soundtrack to my year. February’s track was “Sunflower, Vol. 6″ where I started to feel my attachment to this song. I am not sure if it was the mesmerizing lyrics, the drums, or even the Indian instrument known as a sitar that made me really hooked to this song... But as I walked through the streets of rainy Denver (which would normally make me feel very gloomy), I couldn’t help grinning from ear-to-ear as I listened to this song. It’s the feel-good musical track you listen to, in whatever mood you’re in.

Sometimes I can’t fathom how apocalyptic March felt. The beginning of March was completely normal, and I was at my peak. Looking back now, I can’t wrap my head around that I attended five live shows within one week during that month. But all good things come to an end, right? And of course suddenly, it all came crashing down. I was sent packing up my college freshman dorm and moved back home with my parents while juggling all my courses remotely. There was a song that I was always replaying though, and that was “Golden.” Arguably one of the most upbeat tracks on Fine Line, next to “Sunflower, Vol. 6,″ but the lyrics say otherwise. As the opening track, it has a very chill pop vibe, but listen closely to the lyrics. The contrast pulls at my heartstrings every. single. time.

“Cherry” and April go hand-in-hand for me. As I continued to navigate my thoughts and feelings with the pandemic, struggling with the course load of online courses, and overall the anxiousness of all the unknowns- “Cherry” was the comfort I needed. With its soft acoustic guitar, it is the perfect song for any in-your-feels playlist. And trust me when I say that the fragility of “Cherry” really helped me when I was in my feels. 

Arguably the biggest summer hit of this year was “Watermelon Sugar,” and my go-to anthem of wanting to feel any normalcy of a summer that I stayed mostly indoors for. I remember when the music video dropped in May, I was grabbing coffee with a friend and begged her to watch the video with me. We sat in her car in the middle of a park, watching the YouTube video count down to the premiere of “Watermelon Sugar”. That “this video is dedicated to touching” opening message made me laugh and realized how truly brilliant Harry’s mind is. The warm, very enjoyable tune made this the perfect summer anthem with its really good electric guitar and slide guitar mixed with the horn. It’s the one song that will stay in your head for weeks.

Another song that feels like summer to me is “Canyon Moon.” In the end of June, I went ‘glamping’ (otherwise known as glamorous camping, we stayed in a very nice tiny house in the middle of the most wooded area that Nebraska could get) with my family. It’s a very upbeat song with a nostalgic feel, and the fun instrument rhythms can’t help but make you beam. The song also experiments with a dulcimer; a musical instrument with a long rounded body and a fretted fingerboard played by bowing, plucking, and strumming. I think this is what makes the song more upbeat and happy, especially the beginning as well as the slide guitar giving it unique sounds throughout. It personally is one of my least favorites on the album, but it does make me think of warm summer days and spending time with family every time I do listen to it.

July was starting to feel a little rough for me again. I was really getting tired of staying indoors and barely seeing any of my friends. I was really longing to go back to school and being around my people again. “To Be So Lonely” was a song that felt like it really understood me. Harry revealed in an interview with Rolling Stone that the song was composed on a guitalele, which resembles the sound of guitar, for that light and upbeat tone that the chords give off, backing the lyrics. It’s the perfect song you listen to when you’re sad, and you’re ready to push past it. And I knew that I was ready to push past my sadness because I had one more month until I was surrounded in community.

“Adore You” was the second single of Fine Line that was released. This song is filled with so much love and passion- and it was the same immense feelings I had in August when I got ready to move back to my college town and see all my friends again. As I packed my bags and moved into my sorority house, I constantly played this song. What can I say? This was a really great song to vibe with, especially with the opening keyboard and the consistent bass that you cannot help but groove to!

Out of all the months of this year, surprisingly September was one of my darkest. With only two weeks living into my sorority house, I made the decision to move out for the safety of mine and my family’s health. I moved back in with my parents again during this month, and I felt completely lost. “Falling” had the same underlying message of being lost. This love ballad displays a theme of brokenness and creates a tone of unhappiness- the perfect song for a post-breakup or an in-your-feels playlist. I had this song on repeat more times than I can count- the soft piano setting a broken and lonely tone. 

The beginning of October began to really turn around for me. I moved into an apartment with one of my best friends and I was back in my college town. I was starting to find community again and “Treat People With Kindness” became this month’s anthem. Coined after Harry’s Treat People With Kindness (TPWK) campaign, this song has a 1970s sound and makes you want to dance along with the catchy choir lyrics such as “Maybe we can/Find a place to feel good/And we can treat people with kindness”. The lyrics were very prevalent in my life, especially with the amping news of the presidential election and the continuation of the pandemic. This song was the best reminder to be kind to myself, and those around me. And let’s not forget the conga sound throughout! I believe Queen would have been very proud of this underrated track.

The timeless mature sound of “She” could have not fit November anymore. I celebrated my twentieth birthday this month (which of course included a Harry Styles themed birthday party with my roommate and some close friends). The guitar kicking in at the chorus giving so much emotion to Harry’s voice, and that’s exactly how I felt around my birthday. Lots of emotions. Not to mention, the guitar solo played by Mitch Rowland sounds like it could have been something that was released years ago, with a little modern touch. It’s growing to be one of my personal favorites on the album.

Lastly, we get to December and I felt as if this year was the longest year of my life (but also flown by way too quick). The song that resonated with me most this month was “Fine Line,” the last track of the album (and the longest at 6 minutes and 16 seconds). My favorite memories in December consist of driving around with my friend, looking at all the Christmas lights as we drink hot cocoa and blast “Fine Line”- singing our hearts out to the repetitive lyrics of “we’ll be fine line” and “we’ll be alright.” Harry discussed in an interview with Capital FM that this song would always be the last on the album, and how fitting that I resonated with this song most in the last month of the year. “Fine Line” represents the ups and downs of life, and the thin line that separates the two. This song that includes an orchestra, drums, horn, acoustic guitar, and melodies building in the background, it could not be the most perfect finale to the album- and to the year 2020.

Today is December 13, 2020- exactly one year after Fine Line has been released. Since then, Harry Styles has made headlines from petty to political. He has shown up for Black Lives Matter, cared for our sleeping habits by releasing an audio bedtime story, made us feel confident in wearing whatever we want as he appeared as the first solo male on American Vogue- all while accomplishing some of his greatest achievements with this album: releasing five music videos, being nominated for three Grammys, and climbing the music charts and catching the hearts of critics. 

But Harry accomplished something even greater- he made an album that made us feel good when it was nearly impossible to. To put it frankly- Fine Line was my comfort album, and I know that it was a lot of other people’s too. And as we step into the new year, with the help of this album, it does in fact feel like... we’ll be alright.

[welovelofi]

Christmas is upon us and we brought you presents. Another round of Loves Me / Loves Me Not, with a little extra candy to last you through the holidays. Lets commence:

Neighbours Burning Neighburs - Grace

https://soundcloud.com/neighboursburningneighbours/grace

What better bandname to start off the holidays edition than this by Dutch punkrockers? It’s a perfect outfit to fill that void you’ve had in your soul ever since Sonic Youth was no more. This tune of theirs will instantly take you back to the late 80′s and early 90s with all the right teenage angst to cause a riot. This band is releasing their stuff on Dutch label Subroutine, who continue to bring forth class A acts, lately they’ve released songs by The Sweet Release of Death and The Homesick. Neighbours Burning Neighbours seems a wonderful fitting addition to their brilliant roster and I can’t wait to hear more by the band.

Modesta - Violet Fields

When you wake up after that long night and the hangovers are actually kind of nice and you’re feelin’ happy that you don’t need to have any plans for the rest of the day cause you’re too woozy to really do anything proper. This is most likely the first track on the album you should be putting on that day. It doesn’t require anything of you, but it’s gonna make you feel better about anything. If you’re going swimming, skiing or just taking a trip down the street on your electric kick-scooter - you know in a heartbeat this tune will make you look sexy no matter what you’re rocking <3

Postcards - Freediving

https://soundcloud.com/t3records/8-freediving/s-GOkJa

I really loved the Alvvays album Antisocialites that came out in 2017 - it’s a perfect testament to how you can make something as pleasant as worldly possible without giving up on aesthetics. This song by Lebanon artist Postcards is by far the song that comes the closest to capturing that same feeling, and I can only look forward to what other songs they might be releasing the next year time. They will be touring Germany in March, I would go if I was close.

Bauwaves - Early Morning Summer

https://soundcloud.com/bauwaves/early-morning-summer

This is the most gritty diy sound, I’ve heard in a long time, that is somehow also extremely pleasant to listen to - way too much distortion on everything in just the right way. Drums sounds terrible in just the right way. I’m not 100% sure how much of this was done on purpose - but the less it was the more authentic and chaotic it sounds. And this guys vocal is just fucking great! It could very well be a solo project - I’d love to find out? This is none the less as fresh as it comes. I’m keeping my eye on it for sure.

Will Wolfe - Saying Goodbye

https://soundcloud.com/manimal-vinyl/will-wolfe-saying-goodbye/s-EkYR0

Lets pretend that the 80s glam was all made up of people wearing cowboy outfits. All the same sass but everything in a “Western” bubble. Id definitely fucking go to the champagne parties being awkwardly fancy. My biggest wish would probably be to run into Will Wolfe so I could ask him how he created this world of his and how we can all learn to mix things so wonderfully for the future? until this happens I hope there’ll be some videos out by this guy and his brilliany 80′s Sassy-Western <3

Maxime. - Arm & Hammer

https://soundcloud.com/maximemakesmusic/arm-hammer

Pretty damn nice lofi bedroom tune complete with full yet shoddy midi-drums and early Bon Iver vocals. On top of this it’s just a pretty nice tune in itself which is why this little lazy monday gem should be on your playlist for when you’re feeling off. I can recommend it for laying down pretty much anywhere, on the floor at the trainstation with people rushing by or in your bathtub full of bubbles. Eyes closed or not it’s a winner.

Bled Tape - Black Ice

https://open.spotify.com/track/25VEyGNcJ3WuixjDjswdXR

Second time we have Bled Tape on here and for good reason. There’s something very very right about the lofi aesthetics, vocals drowning in everything, instruments sounding like it was just fresh out of the bedroom. The only thing I’d love to hear is the drums less midi perhaps - it has a nice vibe to it, but I’d think with just a bit more effort this could really go down a wonderful path. It’s not to keep you from wasting any time digging into this act, there’s good indication that there’s more great tunes to come. It’s like all the 90s angst are hanging onto this tune weighing it down to an almost slowmotion pace! Well done, certainly.

baklavaa - dsnylnd

Probably one of the coolest music videos I’ve seen in a long time, the only one rivalling it would be Potty Mouth by the Malpractice> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KWsJJLqndOg - a video in colab with artist Joe Pascale - I recommend you to check it out, but only after you gave this video and tune a look. To me this is nothing shy of Butthole Surfers anno 2020, the music has all the insane diy-like elements of BS and the video is the chaos of our time crammed into a 4min youtube display. I’m pretty sure Gibby Haines and the rest of the band would be proud. Just sit with this tune and video a while and realize how nice it is. Some might cast a first glance and dismiss it as too off - you’re missing out, your loss not mine.

Mother Sun - Happily Sinking Heart

https://soundcloud.com/mothersunmusic/05-happily-sinking-heart

Back to the feel good tunes of 2019, Mother Sun created a laid back tune that hints of country but without all the annoying parts of it. Like in Perfume by Patrick Süskind you get an insight into how they distilled scents, this song probably has 20 albums of bad country songs it was distilled from- It’s not that I’m hating on country it’s just there’s so much silly nonsense there with too many people that have nothing to say. I don’t really care that you went to the restaurant with Dorothy this afternoon and came home to hang out on your porch, just please have more to tell me than that Peter. But I’d venture into the world of the American south with this track on my ghettoblaster. Perhaps I’d even make a friend or two walking down the street pointing a shooting finger or two at passer-bys with a wink and a smile, I’d prefer it to happen in slowmotion, but you can’t have it all of course. Check out the tune for your monday mornings, you won’t regret it.

Nathan & Jessie - Mi Corazon

We all know it’s not Christmas without a little love, so from us to you here’s your 2019 Christmas tune. It’s guaranteed to keep you warm even through the coldest of winters. If you’re in a remote ski-lodge somewhere in Canada with 5 feet of snow to dig yourself out of, just pop this on and you’ll be south of the American border in no time. You can thank us later, or just thank Nathan & Jessie for this wonderful Christmas classic that should be on all the damn streaming hitlists any day of december. Mariah Carey had a good run, it’s time to pass the torch Mari! 

[francesderwent]

hey guys, did you know that the entire Taylor Swift album Speak Now is about The Vampire Diaries?

this goes along with @itspileofgoodthings‘s conspiracy that in fact all Taylor Swift songs are about The Vampire Diaries, but I was incredibly struck by the entirety of this album in particular (with the possible exception of “Dear John”).

here goes!!

1. Mine

The song that launched this crazy train!  This song, particularly the bridge, is so Delena it hurts.  Both of them with their own fear of falling, both of them so inestimably grateful to be able to hold the other and call them “mine”.  

braced myself for the goodbye / cos that's all I've ever known / then you took me by surprise / you said, I'll never leave you alone 

2. Sparks Fly

Also a Delena song, but this one has a strong season 3 vibe for me - except for “meet me in the pouring rain”, which is THOSE scenes from season 1 and season 6.

my mind forgets to remind me / you're a bad idea / you touch me once and it's really something / you find I'm even better than you imagined I would be / I'm on my guard for the rest of the world / but with you I know it's no good / and I could wait patiently but I really wish you would / drop everything now / meet me in the pouring rain / kiss me on the sidewalk / take away the pain

3. Back to December

Basically this song makes me think about Matt Donovan??  I recognize it mostly doesn’t work, but it’s just a sense I have - even if most of his lovely exes don’t actually want to get back together, they can’t help but feel bad about dumping his beautiful, beautiful self.  

I miss your tanned skin, your sweet smile / so good to me, so right 

4. Speak Now

Various men singing to Caroline, because that’s right, she has two engagements in seasons 7 and 8, the part of the show that is so weird I tend to consider it post-canon.  And let’s be real - “but I know / you wish it was me / you wish it was me - DON’T YOU?” sounds exactly like something Klaus would say, doesn’t it?

5. Dear John

Honestly this song is so raw that I hate to think about it.  It’s probably Caroline, but I don’t know if Tyler was quite Dear John levels of bad, and Dear John levels don’t get close to how bad Damon was to her.  Anyway, this bit is definitely Caroline:

but I took your matches / before fire could catch me / so, don't look now / I'm shining like fireworks / over your sad empty town 

6. Mean

Caroline again!!  

all you are is mean / and a liar, and pathetic, and alone in life / and mean, and mean, and mean, and mean / but someday I'll be living in a big old city / and all you're ever gonna be is mean / someday I'll be big enough so you can't hit me / and all you're ever gonna be is mean

7. The Story of Us

Delena, that terrible season 5 period when they were broken up and gave up on being friends and were facing all the prophecy/fate nonsense all over again.  Although it’s also Bonnie and Elena every time they aren’t speaking.

oh, I'm scared to see the ending / why are we pretending this is nothing? / I'd tell you I miss you but I don't know how / I've never heard silence quite this loud / now I'm standing alone in a crowded room and we're not speaking / and I'm dying to know is it killing you like it's killing me, yeah? / I don't know what to say, since the twist of fate when it all broke down / and the story of us looks a lot like a tragedy now 

8. Never Grow Up

I DON’T MAKE THE RULES BUT THIS IS DEFINITELY ABOUT DAMON AND PARENTHOOD

to you everything's funny, you got nothing to regret / I'd give all I have, honey, if you could stay like that / oh darling, don't you ever grow up / don't you ever grow up, just stay this little / oh darling, don't you ever grow up / don't you ever grow up, it could stay this simple / I won't let nobody hurt you, won't let no one break your heart / and no one will desert you / just try to never grow up 

9. Enchanted

I mean I think this is about Damon and Elena’s very first meeting before he compelled her to forget, but to be fair it could also fit Stefan and Elena.  Basically it’s just a very Pilot mood.

this is me praying that / this was the very first page / not where the storyline ends / my thoughts will echo your name / until I see you again / these are the words I held back / as I was leaving too soon / I was enchanted to meet you/ please don't be in love with someone else / please don't have somebody waiting on you

10. Better Than Revenge

KATHERINE PIERCE, TO STEFAN, ABOUT ELENA.

I'm just another thing for you to roll your eyes at, honey / you might have him but haven't you heard / I'm just another thing for you to roll your eyes at, honey / you might have him but I always get the last word / she's not a saint / and she's not what you think / she's an actress

11. Innocent

I’ve said it before, I’ll say it again.  This is a Damon song.  It especially makes me think of As I Lay Dying, but then again, what doesn’t?

I guess you really did it this time / left yourself in your warpath / lost your balance on a tightrope / lost your mind trying to get it back

12. Haunted

Delena, of course.  Both perspectives work, but right now it makes me think of Damon in season 2, and Elena in season 6, because of the aching desperation in the bridge: “I know / I know / I just know / you’re not gone / you can’t be gone, no”.

come on, come on, don't leave me like this / I thought I had you figured out / something's gone terribly wrong / you're all I wanted / come on, come on, don't leave me like this / I thought I had you figured out / can't breathe whenever you're gone / can't turn back now, I'm haunted

13. Last Kiss

This one could be another Delena breakup, but it has to be Stefan, because of this verse:

I do remember the swing of your step / the life of the party, you're showing off again / and I roll my eyes and then / you pull me in / I'm not much for dancing, but / for you I did

14. Long Live

The whole Mystic gang, definitely, but there’s also a special awareness of finitude in this that makes it particularly an Elena song - she’s singing for people who are going to go on remembering her long after she’s gone.  Also, this verse is definitely Delena:

we were the kings and the queens / and they read off our names / the night you danced like you knew / our lives would never be the same / you held your head like a hero / on a history book page / it was the end of a decade / but the start of an age

[themousai]

Q+A: Flirting With Disaster

You released your first single  'Catastrophizing' since your 2015 debut album earlier this year in August, what was the reaction like to it after being quiet on the music front for so long? It was actually really good. A lot of people liked the new direction, the harder / faster sort of vibe. Which is exciting, as a lot of our new album will have a 'similar' sort of feel (but still it's really varied, the overall vibe is 'to the point - no bullshit, no filler').  

Can you tell us how the new music you're working on compares to your first album? It's a lot more direct, but still just as varied I think. I feel like there's not a single part or section in the new album that's 'just there'. It all seems like it fits, and has purpose. Lyrically it's a lot more black and white as well, which I really like. There's some really short and fast songs, and some tracks that have more depth and variances. I'm excited for people to hear this! I think if they liked our last record they'll really dig this one. But still, it's not written to try and appeal to anyone but ourselves (for better or worse!), but I like that - as it keeps it feeling honest. The moment you start writing music "because this type of song does well" it loses credibility and honesty.

You've managed to get support slots for some great international bands, with The Red Jumpsuit Apparatus on 28th November and Mayday Parade on 6th December up next. What's been your favourite show you've supported on? I think the Pennywise show was probably my personal favorite, though mostly because it was our first show in about a year at that time. I also had the worst throat infection / cold at the time, so I couldn't hit a single vocal note and lost my voice after 2-3 songs haha, but fuck it - the crowd liked the energy so we fed off that.  

Chazz, you've been a part of the NZ music scene for a long time now. How do you think it's changed over the years? To be honest, we all have. Kev has been in it longer than I have. But anyway - things have changed heaps over the years. Crowds are different, shows are different. I guess at our age (playing punk rock) it's not like you really get a band following like you did when you were in your teens / early twenties. We aren't playing 'popular / radio friendly' music, so it's always sort of interesting playing live - not knowing what to expect from the crowd. I think the older audiences get it much more than the younger ones, and good riddance too - as the younger generations just stand there with their phones out rather than moving, which seems bizarre at a punk rock show. But that's just the way the world has gone. Back in the day the fans sort of would just become your best friends. I don't think it's like that anymore, it's more like "I saw a band live, they were good... Who were they again?" haha.

So how did Flirting With Disaster come about? I was chatting to Kev at a show, I think it was Snakes of Iron and The Rabble on K road many years ago. Kev and I always got on, and he suggested we started a 'Transplants meets boxcar racer' style project. I was in for that, so we asked our friend "Ash" to play bass and eventually got together and jammed and started writing tunes. A few months later, we asked Tony if he wanted to join the band as I've always loved his tunes / voice, so Ash switched to second guitar and tony started playing bass specifically for FwD.  

You've been teasing some exciting stuff like a new album and US tour dates, what can you tell us about the future of Flirting With Disaster that you're most looking forward to? Right now we are really just focusing on getting these new songs as good as we can. We are taking our time because we don't want to rush them out when we aren't 100% happy, but they are coming together quickly regardless. We actually had to say "ok, we have to stop writing new songs or we'll never get this album done" because we are on such a roll with music.  Though, Tony played me a new song he wrote the other day that's so good that I think we'll have to put that one in too. (track 16?).      

Quick Fire

The one song I wish I wrote is... For me, it was always either Green Days "American Idiot" or "21st Century Breakdown". The break in 21st CB, where it goes to that faster "Celtic Jig on Cocaine" style part blows my mind. I've listened to it about six thousand times.

Three things I can’t live without are... My Guitar, Music and unfortunately my phone (as it organizes my life)

If I could only play music in one genre for the rest of my life it would be... Punk Rock. All I've ever played, and all I want to.

Three adjectives that describe my life are... Impatient, Anxious, Busy. hahaha. Fuck knows.

If I held a world record it would be for... Something useless.

My first memory of loving music is... Probably sitting on my parents bed watching a live Queen show.

The song of mine that I am the most proud of is… Currently it's a song called "Rescue Remedy" off our new album. But this changes all the time.

My favourite venue I've ever played is… In Blackpool for "The Rebellion Festival", I think it was "Winter Gardens". Huge hall, massive stage!

The ideal environment for me to create music in is… A tidy recording studio / practice space.

If I could have any two bands open for me they would be… Green day and Millencolin? Or Eminem.

Disclaimer: all answers by Chazz Valentine

Follow Flirting With Disaster on social media!

FACEBOOK  | SPOTIFY

Interview by Scarlett Dellow

Photographer unknown.

[lovewavesxx]

Love Waves – EP 9 – Pink Pillows

October 16, 2017

“A few thoughts from Pink Pillows. –E xx.”

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/user/ericajones10/playlist/6iBQ8u16X0qim0ypl7Yb48

Apple Music: https://itunes.apple.com/us/playlist/love-waves-ep-9-pink-pillows/idpl.u-55D6lDlHx9Xkmj

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLwEZgDEorNRRItkk7C4ZD6enbIpcYm-Iz

This week’s playlist flow is ridic (ulous, if you must be lame and make me spell the whole word instead of attempting to be hip). Leave yo shuffle off bb.

1. mansionz – Wicked (feat. G-Eazy)

2. The 1975 – Girls

3. Rihanna – You da One

4. Kiiara – Wishlist

5. Travis Scott – Butterfly Effect

6.  Ghosted – Get Some (feat. Kamille)

7. Neon Trees – Sleeping With a Friend

8. Marty Grimes – Make It Back

9. Marc E. Bassy – Plot Twist (feat. Kyle)

10. Lauv – Reforget

11. Humble the Poet – H.A.I.R.

12. Daniel Caesar – Take Me Away (feat. Syd)

13. Halsey – Bad at Love

14. Julia Michaels – Issues (Alan Walker Remix)

15. Prince Fox – I Don’t Wanna Love You (feat. Melody Noel) [Adam York Remix]

16. Khalil – No Coincidence

17. Jhené Aiko – OLLA (Only Lovers Left Alive) [feat. TWENTY88]

******I NEED YOUR HELP WITH LOVE WAVES EP 10!!! AS A WAY TO CELEBRATE MAKING IT THIS FAR I WANT THE 10TH EPISODE TO BE ONLY MUSIC FROM OTHER PEOPLE. ALL YOU HAVE TO DO IS SEND ME THE NAME OF A SONG OR SONGS WITH THE ARTIST’S NAME VIA ANYWAY POSSIBLE, OR BY CLICKING THIS PARAGRAPH, AND SUBMITTING YOUR SONG. I WILL TAKE ALL THE MUSIC I COLLECT FROM PEOPLE TO CREATE EP 10’S FLOW. IF YOU’D LIKE, YOU CAN LEAVE YOUR NAME WITH YOUR SUBMISSION, AND I WILL PUT YOUR NAME IN EP 10’S POST AS WELL SO YOU GET CREDIT! THIS IS JUST MY WAY OF SAYING THANK YOU FOR SUPPORTING LOVE WAVES AND HOPEFULLY GETTING PEOPLE INVOLVED IN SHARING SOME GOOD SHT! xx.******

https://ericajones10.sarahah.com/

Click here for my twitter @ericajones1010

Also, if you have a Spotify or Apple Music account I would love to follow you and most likely creep on your playlists. Somehow get me your profile link, send me a playlist, or let me know your username. Click here for my Spotify profile Click here for my Apple Music profile

Playlist Description:

Some of my best thoughts come while my head is lying on my pink pillow. Some of my worst thoughts come while my head is lying on my pink pillow. Everything in between is noise, but to be honest, it’s all just noise.

I never really thought much about how an inanimate object could be privy to some of the most important moments in my reality or just in my mind—those moments alone or sometimes with another person.

While in college some of my favorite times were when my closest friends and I were just laying in my room talking about everything, and nothing, while listening to music. They’d be on my bed and I’d be lying on the ground staring at my ceiling fan or on my futon. At times these positions varied, but you get the point.

There were nights I’d shove my face in that pink pillow to cry. There were times I’d hug that pink pillow wishing it was a human body, but it was 1:34 in the morning, and a pillow is what was closest to me. There were days I would pull myself out of bed to go to work and class and when I would return to my room that pink pillow was the first thing I’d see upon arrival.

Some of my best words have been inspired at times my head was on that pink pillow. Some of the best scenarios my head has created were while it was on that pink pillow. I see myself in different situations and places, sometimes alone and sometimes not, while lying on that pink pillow. (I don’t really know what to call the things I write because in my head they sound like songs and I don’t know if they’re considered poetry so I usually just call them words.)

This playlist stems from all of the hours I’ve spent thinking about what I have done, would’ve done differently, hope to do, and will actually do. I think a lot about my own future and where or what I’d like to do, and I also tend to think a lot about who I have or want to be by my side during those moments.

I think a lot about the people I care for and love. I think about the moments that have passed by and tasted so sweet, but I didn’t realize how precious they were. I think about the lines on my friends’ and family’s faces as their eyes lit up while they smiled or laughed too hard at something dumb I said or did. I think about what it felt like while we hugged. Where were your hands? Were your eyes closed like mine were? I didn’t want to let go, but I did. Did I hold on too long? Oh well, it’s over now. I hope I get to hold you again, but I just don’t know anymore. At times, I wonder if my effort or feelings will ever be returned, but it’s been long enough I think. People usually move on by now. “He didn’t seem excited to see you.” What’s wrong with me? Do you love me? Will you ever grow to love me? Am I wasting my time? Are you wasting your time? I think you forgot about me again. I fucked up. Have you fucked up? Would you tell me again if you did? Should I tell you I did? Would it hurt you? Would you even care? Probably not. Will we ever really talk again? I mean really talk again. Like we did on FaceTime that one day I didn’t know you were going to say anything. I thought about telling you I loved you about 80 billion times, but I didn’t. I’ve known since December, but it can wait. It’ll fade. I’m sure of it. You’ll fade. I’m sure of it. That was still a great moment with you. I don’t know. I just don’t know anymore. I’m kind of scared right now. This sht wasn’t supposed to happen, and what if I fall in love with him? I’m so scared right now. I don’t know how to be cool. To play this cool. I just need to find a distraction from this distraction. I need to stop thinking about this right now. Next paragraph.

My pink pillow has been the resting place for much of the good and bad that is in my life. That’s crazy to think about, right?! It’s just a freakin’ pillow. Yet, at the same time it is a constant in the evolution of who I have been, currently am, and strive to become.

Yoo this is was some overthinking sht at it’s finest. :)

Song Explanations:

Wicked by Mansionz featuring G was actually not one of my favorite songs from their album for the longest time. There’s this line G says and it just would make me feel upset and so I dismissed the whole song. I didn’t want to listen to it. Recently, I’ve really started liking this song. I also feel kind of bad because in some ways I am very much like that girl they are singing about. I’m sorry in advance. I hate me too. :)

THE 1975 IS MY ABSOLUTE FAVORITE BAND. It takes a lot of effort for me to not put them in most Love Waves playlists. I think Girls fits perfectly with the theme and flow of this week’s comp sooooo in it went. SUCH a tune.

Wishlist is a song Kiiara literally just released a few days ago. My favorite line is, “I’ll pour the gasoline on your halo.” I’d say I am an angel or positive with good behavior about 98% of the time, but that 2% can be dangerous. It gets more dangerous when I’m with someone equally mischievous. It’s like we feed off of each other’s energy and actions.

Get Some by Ghosted featuring Kamille is a song my friend Adam sent me weeks ago. It sounds all innocent and dancy until you actually listen to the words and you’re like, “Wut tha actual phuq?” It cracks me up, but it also fits the theme. I also highly recommend the music video because you would think it’s going to be a certain way BUT the entire video is not at all what I expected.

Click here to watch the official music video for Get Some by Ghosted

Ayyyy Marty Grimes with the new release titled Cold Pizza. Make It Back is my favorite song right now off of that album. “Seeing things without you ain’t the same.” There are times in my life I wish I had you by my side. Your presence would make this song better, it would make the lighting look better, it would make these breaths I’m taking taste better, it would make me feel better, but sometimes that’s life. You learn to deal with all the moments that will never be.

Plot Twist by Marc E. Bassy featuring Kyle came out a few months ago, but Marc just released his new album Gossip Columns. Go listen to that sht. Anyways, this song is in here because things happen and all of a sudden there’s a completely unexpected plot twist that happens in your life. Like, right now I can’t tell if mine is good or bad yet and that uncertainty is scaring the living sht out of me at the moment.

“I go out just so I can reforget.” I think Lauv’s song is fairly universal for anyone going through a type of separation from someone in life. I see it all the time when people break up. Newly single people are either too heartbroken to do anything OR they go out and do everything. I completely understand what it’s like to feel and act both ways unfortunately.

Click here to read the lyrics for Reforget by Lauv

I stumbled..across Humble *pause so for intended rhyme to be acknowledged* the poet accidently a few weeks ago, but his song H.A.I.R. is extremely dope and the production feels really original to me. I like his lyrics too.

Brooooooo Take Me Away makes me feel like I’m a feather gently gliding down through the atmosphere and landing on a really brightly scenic area near a beach or maybe in a valley full of different flowers padding the space between two hills during sunset. I really like Syd’s sound too. It’s so feely and jazzy and wonderful. Lyrics and vibe on point bb.

Bad at Love. Retweet.

No Coincidence is nowhere to be found on Spotify and that kind of irked me because it makes the flow on that platform slightly different. This song makes me think about the differences between something or someone being a part of your life by coincidence or by putting effort towards something. You used to be a coincidence, and something that was just there by fate, but now you’re just effort. It’s not easy going anymore. That fact makes me really really think about whether all of that effort is taking away the possibility of something better and less forced being a part of my life. I don’t know. Then again we’re the masters sticking it out during our phases. That’s just something I thought about while writing this.

Click here to listen to No Coincidence by Khalil on YouTube

OLLA by Jhené is off of her album Trip. That project is a lot to digest because it’s a double album, but I do highly suggest you give it a listen and also watch the twenty minute film she made to go along with the album. It’s such a unique plotline and executed so well. I like that this song makes me feel like I’m in a disco surrounded by light brown bellbottoms, and pastel tie-dyed clothing, and lights flashing everywhere gently, and everyone seems really at peace, and in the moment together. I see smoke in the air, but I think we both know it’s probably not a fog machine. That’s what I see and feel in my head when I hear this song.

Right now I feel really tapped out from writing and thinking about all of this. Imma just end it now.

Love,

-E xx.

p.s. Don’t forget to participate in EP 10 by clicking here to leave me some music! :)

[airadam]

Episode 115 : Our Streets

"Watch the roads before crossing."

- Tyler

Beating the deadline, coming in a few hours before the New Year, giving you time to play this on the way out - or if you're staying in! This month's mix has some of my favourite tracks of 2018, as well as some choice selections from deeper in the crates. Enjoy the listen, and spread the word!

Twitter : @airadam13

Playlist/Notes

The Mouse Outfit : Late Night Doors

One of Manchester's finest crews blessed us with the acclaimed "Jagged Tooth Crook" album this year and they continue to bring the quality every time out. New collaborator Berry Blacc takes his place on the mic alongside old hands Dubbul O and Ellis Meade for some quality low-tempo flavour, with the beat being an absolute gem. The drums, bass, and piano are all played without flash and to absolutely perfect combined effect - the mark of musicians who know exactly what they're doing!

Maes & Fybre : This One

Pure Manchester again, with these two dub producers almost outlawing everything that isn't bass on this one! One of the many (seriously, many) great tracks on the "From Manchester With Love" compilation.

Curren$y : Drone Footage

I pretty much planned this segment in reverse, and this was the last tune to fall into place. 70-ish BPM is a tricky speed for Hip-Hop, unless it's got trap-type production like this - which ironically was so slow I had to boost it up a bit! Not much to say about this succinct track - a bite-sized portion of Curren$y's signature lifestyle rap over an 808-heavy beat. Pick it up on this year's "Parking Lot Music" EP.

Andy Mineo & Wordsplayed as Magic & Bird : Kidz

I think I found this album on a random Spotify search and was drawn in by the "Magic & Bird" theme - as it turns out, it gave me a great tune for my gym playlist! Andy Mineo isn't someone I've heard before but he's a Christian Hip-Hop artist (well, that would explain the sudden prayer right before the last hook!) out of NYC who's been recording for the last five years or so. Apparently the lyrical theme for this one came from the producer Beam, who, when Mineo complained on hearing the beat that he wanted to get away from the trap sound, told him "just do one for the kids!" Mineo and Wordsplayed ride the beat ably and prove him dead right :)

Z-Ro : Like A Rocket

With the recent release of the "Sadism" album, and last year's "Codeine", it looks like the retirement is off! I'm always here for Ro's half-sung, half-rapped delivery style, and it fits perfectly over Risko Funk's 80s ballad-sampled track. The original flavour isn't overwhelmed by the drums or extra bass, but there are lots of nice touches along the way - heavy filters sweeping in, extreme pitch shifting on the drums towards the end, and a general tendency to make you want to replay the tune :) I don't know if the track title is taken from K-Rino's quote from a Houston Chronicle article a couple of years back, but if so then it's a great connection! Oh yes - didn't realise I bought the clean version of this until I put it in the mix :)

Zero 7 ft. Hidden : Mono

After a long hiatus, Zero 7 are back and I'm always interested to hear what they're bringing. This single starts off with pure spacey vibes before the solid drum line comes in, followed by the vocals of Hidden - soulful, and also restrained. 

Kaytranada : Nevalie

A very old one from the man out of Montreal, first posted on his Soundcloud about six years ago. Took a while to find a good track to follow the Zero 7, but EQing this one down to just the snare and trappy hi-hats initially opened up a really good opportunity for a mix!

Children of Zeus x Black Milk : Won't End Well

Manchester and Detroit combination! When this was released at the start of December I thought it was a one-off single, only to be completely surprised on Xmas Eve with the release of "The Winter Tape", an essential and completely free album! This track featured appropriately bleak and sparse production from Black Milk while Konny and Tyler describe the lack of happy endings in the street game - as your parents certainly did if they're anything like mine. 2018 has absolutely been the year of Zeus and they're carrying big momentum into 2019.

1982 ft. Lil' Fame and Haile Supreme : It's On You

The union of Termanology and Statik Selektah has finally returned for their second full LP "Still 1982" - and not before time. The hi-hat-less drums and occasional chimes in this beat made it mix smoothly with "Won't End Well" and got it the nod over another cut that we'll definitely play here in the future. Haile Supreme is new to me but the soul he puts into the hook certainly grabs your attention, and M.O.P's Lil' Fame steals the show on the rhyme side, though Termanology is absolutely solid as always.

Marco Polo ft. Invincible : Drunken Sleuth

It's always good to hear Invincible, who is always one to come with high-quality bars. In the guise of an overlooked drunk, she takes on corruption, homelessness, and the lack of democracy in her home city of Detroit on this ambitious and well-executed track. This is one where it's well worth reading her own annotated lyrics to get more background on the specifics. Beat-wise, Marco Polo is one of the finest in recent years and his work here and on the rest of the "PA2 : The Director's Cut" album is a great example of modern production that is inspired by a classic sensibility.

Cormega ft. Chantelle Nandi : More

The Queensbridge veteran brings a positive, uplifting message on this selection from the 2014 "Mega Philosophy" album, with the vocalist Chantelle Nandi making her debut appearance. As the album title suggests, the 30-minute collection is centred around this kind of theme, so it's definitely worth taking a short while to hear the whole thing!

Doo Wop : Castle To Castle (Instrumental)

I was torn in planning over whether to play the vocal version or just this beat, but the direction the mix went in meant that we'll save the Raekwon bars for another episode. This is the A-side to a vinyl that features the Rahzel-voiced "Ten Tape Commandments" on the flip, with both of course produced by one of the undisputed legends of the mixtape game.

Pusha T : Numbers On The Boards

Stomping, aggressive tune from Pusha's first solo album "My Name Is My Name" with Don Cannon, Kanye, and 88 Keys all combining to provide the production. No matter how good the beat though, you come to Pusha T for lyrical ability and he brings it as per usual - double-meanings aplenty as he dresses down any and all challengers. Michael Kors also catches a stray on the second verse!

The Step Brothers : Step Masters

I hadn't played this album for a while and am not sure how the illness of this cut slid managed to be forgotten by me for so long! Evidence and Alchemist are both underrated on the mic, and Alchemist must get the biggest "WTF?" laugh for "flippin'... like things that flip" :) The energy in this track is much more than you'd think possible given that it's only about 91 BPM, which is a credit to the production from these two heavyweights. Oh yes - do have a genuine laugh at the video!

Alchemist & Prodigy : We Got This

I was sure that one of the samples from the previous track had been used by Alchemist before, and I was right! This version is from the "Chemistry Files" mixtape, but for the full version you'll need to find the bootleg 12" single that includes it.

Camp Lo : Love Is Love

Just the right tech-sounding track to fit this space in the mix! This wasn't even my favourite track on 2017's "The Get Down Brothers" but it's a great example of how Sonny and Geechi aren't afraid to jump on different kinds of beats and lace them with their trademark slang waterfall.

K-Murdock : New Religion

A friend of the show who is an endlessly creative beatsmith, and his "Soundscapes Vol.2" is a mix of video game-inspired beats and instrumentals from his work with MCs. I had this one playing in the house and found a good home for it here :)

9th Wonder ft. Skyzoo and Ness : Let It Bang

Closing with pure slick-talking battle rap here from the "The Dream Merchant 2" compilation, all produced by 9th Wonder, then only about five years into his career. The drums and bass definitely have the classic flavour of early 9th, as well as the great chop/re-purposing of a nice soul sample. It's all east on the mic, with Brooklyn's Skyzoo and Ness from Philadelphia (you may know him from Da Band) trading bars and telling us to play this until you break the tape - which I suppose gives away the age of the track...

Please remember to support the artists you like! The purpose of putting the podcast out and providing the full tracklist is to try and give some light, so do use the songs on each episode as a starting point to search out more material. If you have Spotify in your country it's a great way to explore, but otherwise there's always Youtube and the like. Seeing your favourite artists live is the best way to put money in their pockets, and buy the vinyl/CDs/downloads of the stuff you like the most!

Check out this episode!