No matter where you are or what situation you stand in, sometimes, it feels like all the problems in the world can be solved by listening to the right song. In my opinion, music has a very magical, irreplaceable and pleasant effect (for most of the time, at least).
“People haven’t always been there for me,” Taylor Swift, a country singer who is notorious for directly using her ex-boyfriends as inspiration for her ballads, once said. “But music always has.”
But music isn’t as therapeutic or enjoyable when you’re in a musical rut. If you find yourself listening to the same songs and artists over and over again and need more ideas for what to jam to, look no further. I have never really preferred one music genre over another, so below are three of my most favorite, somewhat uncommon artists, carefully selected from all areas of the wide musical spectrum. Enjoy listening!
If you like Kid Cudi and Mac Miller…
Summer is four months away, but, thanks to Shwayze & Cisco, a musical duo native to Malibu, Cal., you can bring the beach, complete with the tides, sunsets and bonfires to your own room. Shwayze & Cisco attracts those who like easy, laidback, but still jam-worthy music. Just five minutes of listening to Shwayze & Cisco can produce the same Californian feel no matter where you are. My favorite songs are “Perfect for Me,” “Over and Over” and “Do you Feel the Love.”
If you like Coldplay and Death Cab for Cutie…
We’ve all been in that certain situation before. It’s only a Tuesday night, and the sound of silence won’t give you that strike of inspiration we all need to start an English paper. For those of you who need something quiet or acoustic to hum along to while doing your homework, or for those who are searching for tunes to fall asleep to, Iron & Wine, a one-man band, is a viable option.
This music has a very calming, peaceful, albeit melancholic effect; Samuel Bean’s voice soothes you into placid contentment. His songs are comprised mostly of straight singing and acoustic guitar. Sometimes it’s decorated with a tambourine, as in “The Trapeze Swinger,” but, nevertheless, the pure simplicity and lack of many instruments results in an impressive repertoire.
Additionally, Kyle Vaughn, Upper School English teacher and master poet, considers Iron & Wine his favorite music artist; perhaps a few of these tracks just might be enough to hone you into your creative writing and poetic persona. My favorite songs are “Fever Dream,” “God Made the Automobile” and “Naked as We Came.”
If you like Lana Del Rey and Sara Bareilles…
I’ve been playing piano for more than 10 years, and I wish I could only play a fraction as well as Regina Spektor can. Her songs are catchy and range from bright and playful to reflective and soulful. Spektor takes full advantage of her vocal and instrumental talent; her voice conveys colorful emotion and hits all the notes of the piano that accompanies it. Overall, her tunes are deeply expressive. For those girls who just want someone to sing along to in the shower or car, Regina Spektor is the answer. My favorite songs are “Us,” “Genius Next Door” and “Folding Chair.”
-Amy
