“Active” – Asake & Travis Scott

Sometimes the random Apple Music playlist you put on as background music ends up putting you on. Earlier in September, Asake’s track featuring Travis Scott, “Active,” came through my headphones, and within 5 seconds, I was hooked. The beat, the sample, his voice, the flow—I replayed the song three times before abandoning the playlist entirely for his album, Lungu Boy. That set me off on a deep dive, and I quickly realized I wasn’t just a little late to the Asake train—I was years behind.

Lungu Boy is Asake’s sophomore album, featuring heavy hitters like Central Cee, Wizkid, Stormzy, and LUDMILLA. Before the album even dropped, GQ had already dubbed him the “center of the world’s most influential music scene,” and by August 2024, he was headlining Madison Square Garden. While the album is deeply rooted in his Nigerian heritage, it effortlessly weaves in sounds of amapiano, hip-hop, house, and pop. Beyond the music, his visuals and overall artist identity are endlessly cool. It’s no surprise he boasts over 5 million followers on Instagram and 8.2 million monthly listeners on Spotify.

While 2024 may go down as the year of Afrobeats, this track might just be my personal champion.

-Danielle

‘“Virginia Beach”– Drake

It’s Drake’s month, and as the days get colder his albums start to defrost. Starting right at the beginning, “Virginia Beach” from For All The Dogs has been on repeat. Reminiscent of when the album first dropped October of last year, for me it represents the sounds of the season, of nostalgia and of everything that’s happened since. Perfect for a cozy night-in or a fall morning drive, “Virginia Beach” is my fall anthem.

-Rougine

“Blue Water” – Sally Oldfield

Industry is one of my favorite shows on TV right now, and whoever is in charge of music supervision [a quick Google search credits Oliver White] is absolutely killing it. Nathan Micay’s original score is consistently one of the best parts of the show, and works so well with White’s curation of both modern and classic tracks. 

Sally Oldfield’s “Blue Water” plays as a questionable love affair unfolds on screen in the first episode of the third season. It’s a sexy song. I couldn’t tell you how many times I’ve listened to all eight minutes of it, since finding it online after the credits rolled. 

I usually try to put my phone away when I’m watching a show I love. With Industry, I always end up reaching for it so I can open shazam as needed (often 3-5 times per episode).

-Julian

“The Lakes”- Taylor Swift

As the weather changes, so does my daily playlist. Fall brings the urge to curl up and listen to comforting music, and I’ve always found solace in Taylor Swift’s album Folklore.

To me, Folklore is the ultimate fall album, and I find myself returning to it each October. The song “The Lakes,” which was released as a bonus track on Folklore in 2020, quickly became a favorite of mine. There’s something about the instrumentals that creates an eerie yet comforting atmosphere, perfectly capturing the essence of the season. The whimsical lyrics weave an element of fantasy, inviting you to imagine a rich tapestry of autumn colors.

-Bronwyn

“Rock Star” – Hannah Montana

If you’re a Spotify user, you know that Spotify gives you exactly what you need when you need it. This week my Monday Spotify daylist was titled “2000s Disney Channel Kid”, making me quite nostalgic and excited. 

I was sitting at my desk on a Monday morning and was particularly brought to life when the song “Rock Star” from Hannah Montana 2 started playing through my headphones. The opening guitar solo gives you more energy than your Monday morning coffee ever could! Listening to Hannah Montana while at work made me recognize how far I have come in life (but really I’m still just a kid at heart).

-Riley

“Simple” – Seventeen

Seventeen’s song “Simple” explores the pursuit of clarity in a world cluttered with distractions, expectations, and pressures. As humans, we often overcomplicate life, but “Simple” encourages us to strip away those layers and reconnect with what truly matters. The 13-member K-pop group, renowned for their self-producing abilities, showcases their versatility by moving away from their typical high-energy performances and opting for a more introspective tone.

Addressing themes of burnout and emotional exhaustion, “Simple” serves as a comforting reminder to step back, simplify, and find peace. This track reflects Seventeen’s artistic growth and their ability to connect with listeners on a deeply personal level. Featured on their Love&Letter Repackage Album, it demonstrates a maturity that balances commercial success with meaningful narratives. In a world obsessed with complexity, “Simple” offers a resonant message: sometimes, less truly is more.

-Egan

Nobody Wants This Official Playlist – Netflix

If you’re anything like me, you binge-watched the entire *Nobody Wants This* series on Netflix in one sitting. Now that I’ve finished, I’ve been obsessed with the official playlist—it’s my way of reliving every intense moment and emotion from the show. The music instantly takes me back to all the twists and turns. I’ve already created the entirety of Season 2 in my head so Netflix, HMU!

-Sophie

GUTS Tour Setlist – Olivia Rodrigo

I’ve been diving myself back into Olivia Rodrigo’s music lately, especially after she did her very first and biggest show in the Philippines where she donated her net ticket sales to a local nonprofit! As a Filipina, watching videos from that concert and seeing her be so proud of our culture and heritage makes me feel seen. It makes me proud to witness someone like her representing us on such a big stage. Moments like this truly make me feel grateful to be Filipina, and I can’t help but smile knowing we have someone like Olivia shining a light on our community.

-Tricia

Memoir of a Sparklemuffin – Suki Waterhouse

Sad indie girl fall has officially arrived and the album I have on repeat is Suki Waterhouse’s sophomore project, Memoir of a Sparklemuffin. The namesake of the album, a brightly coloured, cannibalistic spider, is a metaphor for her musical persona, unyielding, iridescent, and not afraid to flash her fangs from time to time. The album plays out in hazy, dreamy melodies, sliding between 60s pop, 70s hippie jams, and 90s alt-rock. Ultimately, this project is an 18-track memoir—a shimmering, indie-pop web woven from Suki’s emotions and experiences. I find myself beautifully ensnared within it.

-Kea