UIUC Style: House Shows and Undying Passion

Playlist & Intro by TFN Writer: Sasha Vry

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.