here’s a playlist I made, and something I wrote about it.
(on spotify)
https://open.spotify.com/user/12130756583/playlist/499JuiZuuW7UcCcZocNlJJ
the prompt for this assignment was to create a playlist answering the question “what’s next?”, and write about why I chose the songs I did what I plan to achieve, want to become “next”, reflecting on my experience at Wellesley so far.
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what next?
Lia Camargo
Playlist featuring: Childish Gambino, Eric Clapton, Flight Facilities, Funky DL, James Vincent McMorrow, Kamasi Washington, Kero One, Lianne La Havas, Lion Babe, Michael Kiwanuka, Ms. Lauryn Hill, Ray Charles, Sinead Harnett, Stevie Wonder, Takuya Kuroda, Talib Kweli, Norah Jones, Thelonious Monk
This is the soundtrack I want to have playing in the background of my life for the next couple of weeks. I initially created the playlist with the intention of compiling solely upbeat, feel-good songs to accompany the positive mood I want to be in. However, I came to realize after listening to ten or so of these tracks that I will need more than just a good beat and light-hearted lyrics to get through life. I began to listen for more variety in genre, lyrics, and mood of the songs I was choosing and looked to some of my all time favorites, and in the process came across new favorites.
In the past three years, at Wellesley, back home, and in Copenhagen, I’ve learned the importance of balancing fun and work. Wellesley College is a very work-heavy place, and the people living here are generally much better at work than fun. Even more generally, the energy here at Wellesley College is one of intensity; when it’s good it’s great, but when it’s bad it’s pretty bad. I think a community made up of so many intelligent and talented high-achievers lends way to this kind of environment. Especially when I first got here, I found myself craving some sort of release from this academic and social pressure cooker. I also let myself take the easy way of finding “fun” by doing whatever was most convenient, which usually meant going to parties I did not want to be at, and listening to music I didn’t like. Three years in and with four months in another new country under my belt, I think I am finally at a place where I am at peace with myself (most of the time) and am in control of my own fun, and in turn, happiness.
But it would be naive and disrespectful for me to think I was able to get to this place or will be able to continue living this way, on my own. Wellesley has also given me the opportunity to learn what true friendship is – I can attempt to be a better person everyday because of my loyal, beautiful, thoughtful friends who make college (and life in general) possible. They remind me to stay true to myself, to take care of myself, and are living examples of the “work hard play hard” motto (not to mention they have great taste in music). This next month I want to continue to take care of myself but also attend to the needs of others. With continued personal growth, I will strive to give and not just take. In the limited time I have left at this college, I want to continue to spend time with people that inspire and motivate me to be the best version of myself and share with them the support, art, and love that has allowed me to get this far.
I could probably comment on or analyze each song I have included in this playlist, but instead I will go through five tracks I particularly enjoy and describe why I feel that these songs will help me finish off this semester with clarity, positivity, and kindness.
Jump Hi by LION BABE, Childish Gambino
I’ve only recently become familiar with LION BABE’s music, but I have quickly become a fan of this duo. I think neo soul is one of my favorite genres, and this track is a great example of new sound meeting an older flow of soul; not to mention it features one of my all time favorite artists, Childish Gambino. This is definitely one of the feel-good tracks I started the playlist off with, but like all good music this song is more than its catchy hook. Jillian Harvey’s singing is uplifting and soulful, and at the very end, Childish (who had been M.I.A. for a bit before LION BABE’s EP came out) reminds us to stay woke, making a quick but witty jab at cultural appropriators.
In Time by Kero One
Kero One, Clara C, and Dumbfoundead are some of the best new hip hop artists. Not only is their music contemporary and wonderful to listen to, their successes as Asian (American) artists in a predominantly black and latinx genre are empowering. The hook of this song is my favorite part :“I know, we know, you know, that everything’s going to be fine.” I wish I could play this to anyone who feels sad or stressed out about something insignificant in the grand scheme of things.
Still Got the Blues by Eric Clapton
My favorite Clapton song is Leila, but I did not include it here because it didn’t match the mood I was going for in this playlist. I chose Still Got the Blues because Clapton just gets it. The way he is able to convey longing and heartache in a five minute track is pure genius. This song will serve as a reminder that to regret, to mourn, to fall out of love, to get the blues, is not something to run away from; being blue can be beautiful, and Eric Clapton is the perfect person to remind me of just that.
Home Again by Michael Kiwanuka
My first semester at Wellesley was one of transition: academically, culturally, spiritually, and musically. The rapid changes in lifestyle and friends I went through after leaving the one place I had always lived were intense, but necessary for my growth. I finally feel truly “at home” here, and I want to remember that whatever obstacles I come across in my Wellesley career, I can always come home.
I Gotta Find Peace of Mind by Lauryn Hill
Lauryn Hill has been with me since the beginning (since I first watched Sister Act 2 when I was in the first grade). I think I watch the video of her live performance, MTV Unplugged No.2.0, once every couple of months. This song is a passionate declaration of Hill’s devotion to god and love of life. Although I do not share the same religious beliefs as her, I cannot help but feel an intense wave of emotions when I listen to Lauryn Hill sing these words:
“You inspire me to be the higher me…free your mind…what a joy it is to be alive, to get another chance”