As we continue to tread into the depths of fall this November, it’s important to keep in mind the cultural atmosphere from which we came last. Brat Summer. The release of the album BRAT by Charli xcx was truly one of the highest points of my summer. Catchy, abrasive, electronic dance pop was the perfect summer soundtrack that kept my and many others’ spirits high for three months straight. My aim was to create a playlist that encapsulates most if not all of the emotions one feels within the transition from summer to autumn, because while summer ends, the energy never dies, it simply changes form. Hence the arrival of Brat Autumn. 

I think about it all the time ft. Bon Iver - Charli xcx

This pensive, melodic track already served as a point of rest and reflection amidst the fast-paced BRAT; but the remix featuring Bon Iver’s vocals adds another layer of melancholy that comes with the changing of seasons. Charli expands on the existential nature of time passing on “I think about it all the time” by wondering if it’s too late to pursue the path she truly wants in her life. I find autumn is the annual time in my life when I come to a crossroads about how I’m going to move forward through the rest of the year.

Sexy to Someone - Clairo

The abrupt synthesizer after each line of the song combined with the soft horns after each verse gives the listener a warm, cozy sensation like wearing your favorite sweater at the park after a night out. Seeing the vibrant warm leaves on a stroll through the crisp air is exactly the time I’d pop in my headphones and listen to this gem of a song.

24k - Tkay Maizda

This is the ideal song to listen to in the fall while riding the bus or train home at night.

Its instrumental is the perfect intersection between the soft flowy nature of autumn-themed music and the dance/club pop hits that ruled Brat Summer. Its style is also reminiscent of 90s R&B, adding in that nostalgia factor that is so prevalent during autumn. 

Holy (Til You Let Me Go) - Rina Sawayama

This is one of my all-time favorite songs by any artist simply because of how unique it is. Listening to it feels like being serenaded by a siren in a flooded church on Halloween night. The synth and electric piano as the beat, Sawayama’s raw emotional vocals, and the ominous church bells ringing in the background really curate the spooky vibe of clubbing in hell. 

Everywhere - Fleetwood Mac

From the glittery opening of the song, we’re taken on a journey of longing, true happiness, and friendship. This song is perfect for going to the pumpkin patch or apple orchard with friends and simply delighting in each others’ company. 

Psychedelic Switch - Carly Rae Jepsen

Off of her 2023 album “The Loveliest Time”, this track is all you could ask for in a fun pop song. A catchy and strong beat, fun and flirty lyrics, and a more toned down house-influenced style that fits right in with the concept of Brat Autumn.

Kiss Me - Sixpence None The Richer

This song makes me think of being on a picnic on a warmer fall day enjoying the last lingering moments of summer. The sugary-sweet instrumental adds to the romantic nature of fall, of the tendency to see beauty in everything and everyone with the backdrop of autumn.

mr useless - Shygirl, SG Lewis, Club Shy

This soft electronic dance song offers a digital-esque beat and the buttery-smooth vocals that can provide a productive environment for working, baking, or some fall cleaning. The lyrics promote a message of independence, reminding the listener to prioritize self-care in a busy time like the fall.

The Louvre - Lorde

The surreal painting that the synth heavy instrumental creates represents how it feels to have a new, exciting romance with someone after summer finally closes. I’m sure plenty of us have experienced the notorious time of “cuffing season”,  but somehow, despite how many years go by, the thrill never seems to fully fade.

Mona Lisa - Dominic Fike 

This song is catchy, comfy, and simple. It’s a nice one to cruise across campus to, whether you’re headed to class or grabbing coffee. The acoustic guitar gives it a little extra flavor and allows the listener to absorb the autumn scenery around them with a peaceful song in the background.

Suddenly I See - KT Tunstall

The final song of the playlist immediately brings to mind the opening scene of The Devil Wears Prada. To me, it leans into the productive, independent work-oriented aspect of fall. Dressing up in the sharpest blazer you can find for that important interview and going in with all the confidence in the world is the true essence of this song and that harvest energy of autumn. And now as Miranda Priestly would say, “That’s all”.

Thanks for reading and here is the link to the spotify playlist! 

https://open.spotify.com/playlist/3FWK997yXOoPhOCKu8wQJW?si=91f388a0913842bb

PLAYLIST LINK (Spotify):

*Apple Music link to be updated soon!*

Sasha Vry:

“Good Days” by SZA: The glittery intro of this song reminds me of the time when I was in a cab on the way back from meeting some online friends for the first time. The windows rolled down, the summer breeze hitting my face, yelling their names as they were running down Michigan Avenue trying to get to their train. The concoction of that moment is the embodiment of this song. The color of the sounds, her emotion in her voice, the progression of the song, all represent the summer glimmer.

“U Say” by Goldlink (feat Tyler, the Creator & Jay Prince): This song is the ultimate groovy club hit. I can imagine going out to a Miami bar, sangria in hand, as the base is bumping inside. This song is meant to get sweaty and down to, and Tyler’s verse adds to the hotness. Body beads, flowy skirts, small bikini tops, and some platform heels, swaying back and forth and hands in the air. The video to this song is the vision but add in a girls night out and it’s scene.

“Letstalkaboutit” by KAYTRAMINÉ and Freddie Gibbs: This song is exactly what I imagine riding down Lakeshore Drive with the top down. Summer air and the girls in the back as we bump the Kaytranada and Aminé collab album.

Mariah Cade:

“Bodyguard” by Beyoncé: This track is super fun and upbeat, definitely a shoe in for my song of the summer.

“Lotus 72 D” (Fast Version) by Zé Roberto: Sun’s out, windows down, this song blasting while I fantasize about a summer in Brazil.

Hannah Chen:

“Young and Relentless” by Against the Current: This song is so upbeat and the music video really captures the vibes of what summer should be: running around, having fun with your friends, and enjoying the sunshine.

“Winnebago” by Gryffin (feat. Quinn XCII and Daniel Wilson): Road trips and driving around in your parent’s car with your friends is what this song and what summer should be about. This song reminds me of having that kind of freedom to go anywhere you want.

Halena Laven:

“Guilty as Sin?” and “Cruel Summer” by Taylor Swift: These both remind me of summer love and feeling happy with someone who you love and loves you back. 

Katie Denison:

“Después de la Playa” by Bad Bunny: When the good weather arrives, the Bad Bunny comes on. I was in Spain with friends the summer after this album came out. I miss the endless nights of tapas, bar hopping, sangria and fiestas. This song reminisces on the summer days you spend at the beach–or lake–and scramble to make spontaneous plans as the Sun goes down.

“That Girl” by Pharrell Williams & Snoop Dogg: Going into summer, every girl needs to have the mindset that they just are that girl. This song is the ultimate confidence booster whether it's to make you feel better about your outfit, get over a boy, or just blast through your windows. 

Dalila Divanovic:

“Black Memories” by The Growlers: Summer is such a nostalgic time for me and this song perfectly captures that feeling. Everyone is moving on, everyone has stuff to do, and as I lay under the summer sun I wish I could stop time from moving and ask “Where are you going?”

“Gravity” by Brent Faiyaz & DJ Dahi (feat. Tyler, The Creator): You’re driving home from your long day in the summer. Your windows are down and the wind is warm. You’re so tired and yet, you cannot wait to wake up again tomorrow to see what waits for you. This is the song for that drive home.

Sabrina Longo:

“La Noia” by Angelina Mango & “Oro” by Mango: This father-daughter duo are popular Italian singers. My parents blast these songs way too throughout the house while doing chores or in the car on the way to the airport.

Alyssa Medvedeff:

“Chemtrails Over the Country Club” by Lana Del Rey & “Novacane” by Frank Ocean: It reminds me of my friends and summers when I was younger!

Ollie Roloff:

“Dance for Me” by 88GLAM: Catchy as hell. A real ear worm. 

“Summertime Madness” by Kool & The Gang: 2006 swimming pool Lebron Nike commercial vibes. One of those songs you totally recognize but don’t know the name of.

LISTEN TO IT HERE!

Spotify:

Apple Music: https://music.apple.com/us/playlist/tfn-spring-jams/pl.u-gxblMy7I5A45NvE

Sasha Vry: “After the Storm (feat. Tyler, the Creator)” by Kali Uchis & “Garden Shed (feat. Estelle)” by Tyler, the Creator

“After the Storm”:

Kali Uchis gorgeously depicts how life has moments in which we have to deal with deep, desolate, and demanding parts of life, but there is always growth after the storm passes. The rain, the song's flow, and the glistening energy represent the transition from one part to another, like winter to spring. It also helps that I have this song tatted on me and that it reminds me to keep my head high.

“Garden Shed”:

The first minute and 15 seconds of the song depict the anticipation of warmth with sounds that have pops of color and a tease of what’s to come. Yes, this song is about Tyler’s way of coming out of the garden shed, but I also see it as taking the tools out of the garden shed to let the flowers breathe in their new life, with no fear and an intention of beauty.

Alyssa Medvedeff: “Flowers in Your Hair” by The Lumineers & “Ivy” by Frank Ocean

“Ivy”: 

As Frank Ocean reflects on the beauty of love, despite heartbreak I enter Spring reflecting on the previous months despite the barren winter and consider that there is so much to look forward to in the upcoming flourishing spring and summer months. 

“Flowers In Your Hair”: 

This song about growing older and the nostalgia of falling in love reminds me of spring, as the weather gets nicer I reminisce on my past while thinking of all the warm memories to come.

Ollie Roloff: “Ice Melts” by Drake and Young Thug & “I’m Always In Love” by Wilco

“Ice Melts”: 

The year is 2017, I’m in the eighth grade on spring break in Puerto Rico. This album had just come out and was the soundtrack to that trip and my entire spring, this song was the highlight. 

“I’m Always In Love”:

One of the few songs I remember from early childhood that I’ve continued to listen to throughout my life. It just feels like good spring vibes idk. 

Hannah Chen: “Hot Rod” by Dayglow & “Put Your Records” on by Ritt Momney

“Hot Rod”:

This song is one I listened to a lot during the past years, especially during the springtime and it gives off early spring vibes where you can start wearing light pastel colors.

“Put Your Records On”:

Also the same reason as above but to me, it signals the start of late nights with friends where you’re walking along a beach eating good food.

Monique Robinson: “Back on 74” by Jungle & “Nikes” by Frank Ocean

“Back on 74”: 

This song has such a good vibe! It reminds me of the weather starting to get warm, flowers are blooming, insects are crawling out of hibernation. In plain terms, it makes me wanna go outside and groove while shaking sum ass. 

“Nikes”:

My go to sulk song on a rainy day in April. That’s all I really need to say…the ones who get it, GET IT!

Mariah Cade: “Dreams” by The Cranberries & “Igual Que Un Ángel” by Kali Uchis, Peso Pluma

“Dreams”:

The song incorporates the nostalgic, yet hopeful themes of change with wistful lyrics and dreamy vocals. These themes are so fitting for spring, the time for rebirth and growth. 

“Igual Que Un Ángel”:

This song is pretty, pink, and full of adoration, reminding me of the loveliest parts of the spring season.

Dalila Divanovic: Sangria (feat. Arlo Parks) by Easy Life & Blue Boy by Mac Demarco

“Sangria”: 

This song feels like falling in love, with its slow beat and Arlo Parks voice which sounds like honey. Spring feels the way it sounds, like you’re falling in love with life again after the brutal cold. Let’s have some sangria and lay under the blossoming trees. 

“Blue Boy”:

If Mac Demarco was a season, he would be Spring. His music feels like the sun is coming out again, and I think Blue Boy is a wonderful example of that. “Honey that’s the way that life goes”

Rebekah Turner: “Everybody Watching” by Snoop Dogg, Raphael Saadiq Miguel &
”23” by Cleo Sol

“Everybody Watching”

This song perfectly captures when the weather starts getting warmer and everyone is eager to spend more time outside. The groovy and relaxed beat along with the lyrical descriptions of the scene makes for the perfect Spring jam.

“23”

The softly spoken lyrics that color the effortless beat flow like the freshly sprung flowers that characterize Spring. Cleo reflects on her mother being the source of much of her trauma, but she refuses to be broken by it and instead proclaims how she’s overcome these challenges. Which is a more than appropriate representation of springtime and the fresh start it signifies.

Ragi Vyas: “Peru” by Fireboy & “FML” by Ed Sheeran & Peru

Katie Denison: “Feel Like Makin' Love” by D'Angelo & “A Greater Love” by Yves Tumor

“Feel Like Makin' Love”:

As the flowers begin to bud and days become longer, Spring represents a place for new beginnings. D'Angelo opens with "Strolling in the park/Watching Winter turn to Spring" as he daydreams about a new love interest. The sensual melody of trumpets and bass makes you want to two-step into spring. D'Angelo's melodic voice puts us in a trance as we envision a greener future.

“A Greater Love”:

Yves' love song is about his relationship with a new lover. Just as spring brings new and exciting changes, so has his lover. The lover is compared to the Sun, rain and seasons, complexifying their ability to be multiple things at once, perfectly encapsulating Spring's inconsistent weather patterns but ultimate ability to replenish the Earth. 

Sabrina Longo: “Ciao Ciao” by La rappresentate di lista & “Pink Pony Club” by Chappell Roan

“Ciao Ciao” by La rappresentate di lista was one of the contenders of Sanremo 2022, a singing competition that takes place in Sanremo, Italy every February. My mom watches Sanremo religiously, and naturally, this song was blasted throughout my house and in the car all throughout the spring semester of my senior year before moving to college. :’) 

(I was recently informed that this song is also in White Lotus when Jennifer Coolidge’s character sniffs a line, so that’s cool, too). 

“Pink Pony Club” by Chappell Roan is the first song of hers I discovered over two years ago now (also during my senior year of high school). She’s finally being given her flowers right now, so I thought it was fitting to put here.

Spotify Link: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/71K5uu92GAit8seNY3ekWp?si=c60b614d771a4279

Apple Music Link: https://music.apple.com/us/playlist/uiuc-style/pl.u-jV8994LCdAVdr6o

As a transfer Junior who just started her career at UIUC this semester (Fall 2023), I came to UIUC blindly, with no sense of direction in what the communities were like here. I was blessed to know a select few people from my younger years, and they invited me with open arms to not only join their circle but something even more powerful ... I was introduced to a whole group of people full of artistic direction, with some being visionaries, theater people, and musicians. One of them is Lawrence, the saxophonist for the band Josh Spinner. He spoke about some new events he was playing at, and I was intrigued. Word around the block was that they were a fantastic group of people with a desire for music and a heart full of passion for the art. I knew one of them, but I wanted to understand what people were fawning about. Right before school started in August, I went to the infamous Canopy Club to see what they had in store for me.

The Quad Day After Party opened my eyes to a new community. I always knew about house shows as I knew people in bands from UIC and Columbia College Chicago, but this was different. Not only was UIUC my new home, but I found my nook of something that gave me a sense of belonging. School began shortly after, and as I walked through Temple Hoyne Buell Hall, I bumped into an old friend from high school, Lilly. I knew she was the lead singer of Garden Girl, and they would be unique as she is. Such a sweet soul and a great leader full of exploding passion. I saw her perform twice, and the show always stuck with me. The earworms were insane, but in a good way. After a few house shows, Under the Canopy, Battle of the Bands was announced, and some friends decided to go together.

This was when I was introduced to Emily How, Manifest West, and The Hangovers, and show after show, I was in awe—Not only by their endless talent but how they can fill the crowds with a new sense of energy and almost draw them into a trance. Emily How absolutely killed it, and I cannot deny her voice reeled me in. The Hangover's lead singer had a fantastic stage presence full of dancing and ethereal beauty. 

At this moment, with my friends surrounding me, the bounce of the bass guitar, the bump of the drums, and the voice's beauty, I found my oasis.

I wanted to end this semester of playlists with my sense of home. I am so thankful for Josh Spinner, Lawrence, Lilly, and everyone who allowed me to be in their space. When I moved here, I was a deer in headlights, but I knew I would eventually find my footing. Their creativity has inspired me not only as an artist. But as a person in this time of adulting, I am finding myself and learning new aspects of being a student at UIUC. I appreciate everyone who took a peek and took the time to listen to my playlists and entries. This will wrap up this semester's playlist articles by Sasha Vry. I hope to shed light on some stylistic choices and musical presence and open your horizons in the world of music. Hopefully, I will be back next semester with some more bangers!

Also, thank you to my friend Anna for helping me grow my own horizons for this playlist. Your recommendations added volume to this set of songs, and I am so grateful for your guidance.

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Spotify Link: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/25RH7GlHsdVoMRITzVDlET?si=a815833ba7174925

Apple Music Link: https://music.apple.com/us/playlist/r-b-love-lust-loss/pl.u-GgA55GBCZGrZJea

When I think of  R&B, I think of the struggle, process, and fruition of a musical genre that evokes an emotional response from personal experience. I think of the distinction between classic Rhythm and Blues and contemporary R&B and how both eras merge the lines of sound, emotion, and fashion. Classic rhythm and blues utilize live bands with a focus on jazz and rock, while contemporary rhythm and blues production and composition use techniques that are tied to hip-hop and electronic music. The emotions tied to experiences of love, lust, and loss are vital within the genre, but so are personal experiences and tribulations. I wanted to focus on contemporary artists with a mix of Iconic musicians from the 90s, including the absolutely iconic Erykah Badu.

Erykah Badu’s debut album, Baduizm, is where my deep dive into her artistry and mindset began. I quickly learned that Baduizm is not only a lifestyle but a mindset in which Badu makes her own direction in music and expression. Badu’s artistry transcends what is expected of many eyes, which also translates into her fashion, which has inspired many people and some other artists on this playlist. Badu’s style embodies HER, which no one else can represent as best as herself. 

Her style has been acknowledged by Vogue, but beyond that, her story and style have inspired artists such as Solange and Jhené Aiko. Badu inspiring the influence of Soul interlacing with R&B to create new sounds has been an experience for the music industry.

Moving on from Erykah Badu and influential women within the R&B scene, let’s talk about some of the men I chose on this playlist.

I tried to be intentional with the choices of men I put on this time around. Brent Faiyaz, PARTYNEXTDOOR, Daniel Ceaser,  and The Weeknd were all names that came to my head immediately when composing this playlist. Brent Faiyaz, in particular, has been on my radar for years. After being introduced to Sonder, he deserved to be on this list. WASTELAND is a fantastic album that conceptualizes his experience with fame and complicated relationships. He just dropped a new album, Larger Than Life, and I will for sure be giving it a listen. I associate Brent Faiyaz's older work with The Weeknds' older work, as they both represented R&B but with a gritter and darker sound. The Weeknd's sound on Trilogy is full of grainy sounds, and their take on R&B is arguably part of the shift of R&B we hear today.  All of the artists and songs I chose intertwine with each other through their stories, pain, lust, and yearning. 

This has been my favorite playlist yet, as I have listened to some of these artists for years. Many of these songs have helped me deal with heartbreak and represent an era of my life where I have become stronger and better at dealing with the pain of having to let someone go. “Killer” by Kali Uchis, “Ex-Factor” by Lauryn Hill, “Spread Thin” by Mariah The Scientist, and “Girls Need Love” by Summer Walker are my anthems. Some of these artists sing gorgeously about their experiences, which sticks out to me. R&B is something that I feel in my heart, and I hope anyone who listens to this can not only feel the music but connect with it. I hope you enjoy my little world of “R&B: Love, Lust, Loss.”

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Publication Proposal Form Shoot 4

Spotify Link: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/5ikvVu0a61G9y6VnFBHRx5?si=ba73deae4d3147fd

Apple Music: https://music.apple.com/us/playlist/testing-breaking-the-mold/pl.u-NpXmmrWsmr0m2Bj

What is testing? It might be A$AP Rocky’s 2018 album, literally called Testing, but it’s so much more than a simple title. It’s testing the box that musicians, producers, and creatives are in, especially in the public eye. It’s them making their own box by meshing different genres of music, sample switches, and warping the voice to create new melodies. Breaking the mold like JPEGMAFIA’s whole discography or Teezo Touchdown's choice of vocal sound in his most recent album, “How Do You Sleep at Night?” mixed with punk. It could be Lil Yachty’s development of personal sound from his Soundcloud days to his most recent works. The idea of sounds also ties to the producers, who have a strong handle on the mixing.

Producers like The Alchemist and Madlib are, to be honest, so underrated in the overall music scene. They are musical geniuses who have been around for a minute and are masters in the art of sampling and mixing. They are powerful producers for their vocal counterparts. What if I told you that someone else is a force to be reckoned with? I teased his name already but JPEGMAFIA is not only his own producer, but writes all his music as well. His music was definitely hard to get used to at first, but after getting introduced to 1539 N. Calvert, he opened the door to a new sense of gratitude for artists. He was the gateway to a new appreciation for testing what I understood about music, which could also be tied to my clothes.

Testing could be applied to anything, like what you wear daily. Trying out a new combination of fabrics, going against the fads tossed around every week, or resisting how people perceive you as you walk out your door. It’s saying, “F*ck it, I will make my own path.” It’s the stride, the confidence, the perseverance for being your own person while rocking your own style. Testing what you want and finding yourself in a world where people fear to be different.

The songs I chose this time are songs I put on in the morning as I prepare for class or going out that night. Each song is obviously different but strives to be its own creative explosion. Thug Tears scratches a part of my brain with its sounds. Freddie Gibbs and his works with The Alchemist and Madlib are so dope in how his voice meshes with their production. My first time getting a taste of Teezo Touchdown was when he opened for Tyler, the Creators Call Me if You Get Lost tour, and his stage presence was insane. Speaking of stage presence, seeing Redveil recently and his “Kingdom Hearts Key'' performance added to how passion transitions into music. Enough with the music nerd talk, I hope you enjoy it!

Also, a quick thank you to my friend Sam for helping me flush out and properly organize this playlist, as there are many types of sound throughout. A legend, to say the least.

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Publication Proposal Form

Spotify Link: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/0sy0xlX9bgUtarIqGbDupM?si=e9643950a35a4800

Apple Music Link: https://music.apple.com/us/playlist/all-things-opium/pl.u-NpXmm27Tmr0m2Bj

Atlanta is known for bringing out the best in the music scene. You might know some artists like Young Thug(Free Thug), Future, Metroboomin, Young Nudy, and Playboi Carti. What if I told you Playboi Carti had a little something up his sleeve in 2019? That’s when Opium came to be, and in his search for adding to the label, he came across the new wave of rappers, producers, and a signature style that we see all around us today.

Known for some things more than just music, members Ken Carson, Destroy Lonely, Homixide Gang, and head honcho Playboy Carti all rock black, but think of it more than that. Wearing Rick Owens, Balenciaga, Vetements, and Alyx in their sleep, each member is on their own page. Still, all of them are rock stars with a combined vision for the Atlanta fashion scene that has bled everywhere, including social media. They flex in their songs and custom jewelry, but the choices of brands, like Rick Owens, are all about the textures, fit, and lack of physical branding, which makes it all more mysterious. They are the new wave of consumerism within Gen Z and the vision of musical trajectories.

Back to the impact of social media on members of Opium, it’s important to talk about some of the members came to be on the Label. “Bane” by Destroy Lonely took Tiktok by storm in 2021, but Carti saw the vision beforehand, to the point where they became good friends and eventually signed Lone to Opium in early 2021. After “Sky” off of Whole Lotta Red also popped off on Tiktok, a video was released where Destroy Lonely was featured with other members of Cartis posse. Ken Carson, a frequent collaborator and soon friend of Destroy Lonely, was the first signed to Opium in 2019 after Playboi Carti spotted him on Soundcloud making beats. Carti took a liking to Carson, to the point where he has points of production on Whole Lotta Red’s “Beno!”

I remember when Whole Lotta Red dropped, and the hype was insane after Carti's release of Die Lit in 2018. Carti delivered a new sound on the album, which impacted the listener's vision of how he ties to rock, hip-hop, and trap. The album had everyone talking Christmas morning in 2020, debating if the album was good and met expectations. The album was a perfect example of how a vision can be executed and how everyone might not be on the same page. The sound still took over the music we hear today and stuck with Opium’s vision. All of these elements embody the members' sound, creating inspiration for music coming out today. This talent and visionary mindset does come with some nasty history, though.

Disclaimer: I feel like this should be discussed: multiple members of Opium*, leaving out Destroy Lonely, have been accused of multiple things. Playboi Carti has been accused of abusing his then-pregnant girlfriend. Homixide Gang was accused of grooming underage girls. Ken Carson was arrested and accused of domestic violence but was let go. Acknowledging that those we listen to might not be the best people is essential. It brings up the discussion of differentiating art from the artist, which is something to consider when you’re listening to someone you might admire or romanticize.

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Publication Proposal Form

Spotify Link: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/3Cr2oJA884PaLZspy5K9YI?si=5e8e0ceb6628451d

Apple Music Link: https://music.apple.com/us/playlist/skate-culture-all-things-odd-future/pl.u-WabZZeVId05dBmp

Imagine this: It’s the early 2010s, and you skate to your local Zumiez to open the doors to hear “Oldie” echoing from the skate shop. “Who’s that?” you ask. Its OFWGKTA. The pink, yellow, and teal doughnuts in shape are everywhere: stickers, skateboards, t-shirts, corny button-up Hawaiian shirts, and beanies, but it's not just the only thing you notice. Thrasher shirts folded nicely at the entrance, Vans showcased on the wall, Supreme stickers in a glass showcase, Obey on the racks, and Skateboard decks in the back corner for sale. You already have a sick skateboard of your own, but “Oldie” had you enough in a trance to cop one of those doughnut shirts. The group's hype and sound make you feel like you're part of this new community. You exit the shop with a new sick piece of clothing, a new passion for the skate community, and a new sense of belonging. That's what Odd Future was for me.

All of these songs have a place in my heart. If it means The Internet's choice of chords having me levitating, Frank Ocean's lyricism having me think deeply about my life or Earl Sweatshirt's storytelling, so be it! Most importantly, the impact of Tyler, the Creator’s music has helped me through some challenging points in my life. It was so hard to make this playlist as I had so many choices to work with. I hope you all take something new from one of these songs; it means I have done my job. Enjoy!

Disclaimer: During this era of Odd Future, a collective of skaters, photographers, artists, videographers, and publishers, the main man, Tyler, the creator, was known for being rather vulgar. If you know his older music, you know. He was known for making stories surrounding triggering topics to gain a reaction and some sort of notoriety. It worked but at the expense of people seeing him as a joke. During his Flower Boy era, he captured the public, not for his controversial words but for his growth as an artist. Please keep in mind that not only him but all his growth, visionary mindset, design, and overall maturity.

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Reminiscing on our High Rollers shoot from this past semester? Check out our High Rollers playlist from Issue 10 out on Spotify now. Curated by Monique Robinson and Sophie Mennenga.

And if you haven’t already, click the link below to read our latest publication, Issue 10.

https://issuu.com/tfnuiuc/docs/tfn.10

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