Sophie (Chanko) Dare

Creating, writing, and writing about creating!Connect with me on Twitter and Instagram @yesimsophie

LISTEN HERE:

https://open.spotify.com/track/3n4WGL1dH2hiD3ixcYohFQ?si=9BKHSfXkT9ygAWmfpSnbig

The Gray Havens are a pop-folk, husband & wife duo who hold a creative, engaging niche in the world of Christian music. They are actually friends of a family I know, so I have seen them live and heard all about them quite a few times. They have opened for Josh Garrells on tour, as well as collaborated on tracks with artists like Propaganda and John Mark McMillan.

The name of their band comes from the Lord of the Rings series, the Gray Havens being the mystical land of prosperity, a metaphor for the final goal of Heaven.

This song sounds like waking up on a sunny morning, with shimmering synths and even birdsong in the background. The lyrics are a reminder of the need to rest and recharge amidst the hustle of the modern day.

Gray Havens frontman, Dave Radford, shares:

“In the fall of 2019, I had committed to too many things and was waking up in a panic about all I needed to do. A friend introduced me to The Bible Podcast, which had just started a series on the Sabbath. The series reminded me that taking a day to enjoy God's good works, and living like the ultimate rest, or the new Eden, has already come is a good 'rhythm of resistance' to practice in a culture that largely demands unending work with no real rest. That idea was the catalyst for the song and the EP.”

(source: *jesusfreakhideout.com*)

Thanks for reading!

Life is CRAZY, you guys. And mine has been made even MORE crazy (in a good way!) by the magical world of the Internet.

Some background: A couple months ago, I got an email for an internship opportunity that was absolutely perfect. No, really, I mean it! It was local to the city I'm moving to, it was $15 an hour, completely remote, and would give me countless connections and jumpstart my career in the digital marketing world.

I revamped my resume and put on my new blush pink blazer, and I talked my way through my Zoom interview without a hitch. I even created a LinkedIn profile to look my very best!

(I'm pretty proud of it, actually... check it out.)

https://www.linkedin.com/in/sophie-chanko-85297518a/

I was totally qualified, had good foundational skills, and was ready to get started.

And... I didn't get it.

Honestly, I couldn't believe it- I was SURE I was a great candidate for a position. It felt pretty bad to be rejected for such a great opportunity. I was disappointed that I was going to miss out on it this summer. But I figured it was for the best, and I'd make it through.

Then, out of the blue, I saw a TikTok on my feed:

https://www.tiktok.com/@keenyakelly0/video/6836419829805649158?u_code=d06el11f6k0d2g&preview_pb=0&language=en&_d=dc436fl7fj499d&share_item_id=6836419829805649158&timestamp=1593224383&utm_campaign=client_share&utm_medium=ios&user_id=6558807443065012230&tt_from=more&utm_source=more&source=h5_m

...and I thought, “I'll email my resume, why not?”

And now, five days later, after countless emails, creating a portfolio, and writing sample sales pitches under a 24 hour deadline...

...I have an internship working for as a content writer & marketing team member!

Crazy, right??

It's such an amazing story to be able to tell – “I got my internship through a video on TikTok” – and I can't wait to jump into the industry I want to have a successful career in.

It's likely going to be a lot of work, and I want to do my very best at what I'll be creating, so I don't know how often I'll be able to post here on Coil while it's going on. However, I have a feeling I'll be so excited to share what I'll be learning and experiencing that you'll still be hearing from me a bit!

Finally, I just have to say how much Coil has contributed to me reaching the point where I have the guts to cold-email someone, selling myself to be their intern. I feel like I have something to show for myself, and that I can prove my skills in writing and creating because I've got over 100 blog posts to show off. So thank you to every single one of you members of the Coil community for reading my content, giving me pointers, supporting me, and giving me the confidence to snag this dream internship!

Coil subscribers, keep scrolling to see the creative portfolio I made to showcase my work!

Thanks for reading!

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It's that wonderful time of the month: boost time! I couldn't be more grateful that I get a payout for creating content on this lovely platform, and I can't believe how lucky I am to be a part of this new community that only continues to grow and improve.

This month, with the social turmoil that the US is currently experiencing, protesting the corrupted justice system and demanding equality for all races, I've felt convicted to put my money where my mouth is, and use portions of my boost payout to donate to causes that are important to me.

I know that this could come off as virtue-signaling, but I honestly want to share these charities in hopes that more people will become aware of the important work that they do, and inspire some of you to give back as well! This isn't to promote how generous I am or how selfless I am with my money, because I'm more here to say that I haven't been giving like I should, and I'm using this opportunity to try and do better.

...

Center for Wrongful Conviction of Youth

https://www.law.northwestern.edu/legalclinic/wrongfulconvictionsyouth/

First and foremost, I wanted to help address the huge problems of over-policing, over-sentencing, and over-arresting that black Americans have faced for decades. Unfortunately, black people are often arrested, tried, and put in prison for crimes they did not commit, or given exorbitant sentences for petty crimes that do not warrant imprisonment. The Center for Wrongful Conviction of Youth works to provide legal help to exonerate young people who have been failed by the justice system, and to give them their lives back.

Hope Clinic

https://thehopeclinic.org/donate-1

This is a local clinic that provides food as well as medical and dental services to the underprivileged in my community. I have personally collected supplies and donations for this organization, as well as visited it on a field trip in middle school, and I even know a few people who work there! They do so much good for so many people, and I wanted to support them for their continued service.

FAAST (Faith Alliance Against Slavery and Trafficking)

https://faastinternational.org/donate/donate

Human trafficking is a horrific and widespread reality, and especially being a young woman, I know that there are thousands of girls just like me who have been affected by it. This is a Christian organization that helps survivors of trafficking to recover and heal.

Dignity Matters

https://www.dignity-matters.org/donate-once/

This organization takes care of details that most people might not think of right away when donating to those in need: feminine hygiene products like pads and tampons. Periods still happen every single month to every single woman, whether they have the money to buy sanitary products or not. It's enough of a struggle dealing with the chronic pain and discomfort of periods, but I can't imagine the stress of not even having products available to keep yourself clean. This is really important to me, and I'm glad to be able to help women in need with this monthly necessity.

Redeemer Ann Arbor

https://www.redeemera2.org/give/

This is my home church, so this is obviously specific to me, but it brings me to the point of how important it is to support your own community. I encourage you to think about any charities, churches, or services that have done good in your life or the lives of people around you, and if you have the resources, give back!

Especially during these times of social unrest, fighting against systemic racism, and fighting for the reformation of policing (all in the midst of widespread unemployment and a pandemic!!), there are a lot of people out there in our own backyards who need help urgently.

While there aren't many opportunities to volunteer your time or services in person right now, it's easier than ever to visit a website, click “donate”, and put any amount of money, large or small, towards important causes. Every bit counts. I also encourage you to do research into specific organizations and what they use their funds for, to make sure that you're donating to organizations that align with your values and don't do anything you wouldn't agree with.

Coil has given so much to me from a monetary standpoint, so it's time for me to give back to people who need it more than I do right now.

Thanks for reading!

Harmony Hall – Switchfoot (Vampire Weekend Cover)

https://open.spotify.com/track/7zBj1M7kZq6ErNfFtsJaRE?si=puiVRAX-Qq-SSqrcLnVs3A

Anything Switchfoot makes is guaranteed to be a great listen, and this cover of Vampire Weekend's acoustic tune doesn't disappoint! It's got a great Southern, around-the-campfire feel, reminiscent of NEEDTOBREATHE, and I can't get enough of it.

Cautionary Tales – Jon Bellion

https://open.spotify.com/track/6BbANlpji0u8ZlqyPVMQiM?si=-XnL2_i_Q8uiEhsIXOTJ9Q

This song is nothing new, but somehow it ended up being one of those songs I always skip over. I finally gave it another listen, and when I tell you it goes hard, it GOES HARD. The lyrics tell a grand, metaphorical tale of a legendary hero, and the chants of the chorus stick in your head.

LMK – Lil Xxel

https://open.spotify.com/track/0efL46uAuNEfukXQYsbPlX?si=dccgV5lURrq13uDYV5SYqw

Modern pop music may be overhyped and overplayed, but sometimes, it just works, and I can't get enough of this simple, summery pop tune. The melody has been engrained in my brain ever since I saw TikTok dances using it, you can read more about some bops from TikTok here!

When The Walls Come Crashing Down – Colony House feat. Jon Foreman & Jillian Edwards

https://open.spotify.com/track/6b0X26lFzNr7FnlbPTD4Qg?si=qKq-PjB3S-iz8-9SWzPQKA

Not only a song by Colony House, but also featuring guest vocals from Jon Foreman of Switchfoot and Jillian Edwards, the wife of one of the members of Colony House??? Doesn't get much cooler than that. The three distinct vocal styles blend and shift the song, while still remaining within the signature inspiring rock genre.

SUGAR – BROCKHAMPTON

https://open.spotify.com/track/6U0FIYXCQ3TGrk4tFpLrEA?si=nrDtSYw7RE2Q0aDENNbOIA

Alright, alright... I heard this song on TikTok too! I've always heard good things about this experimental rap group, but this song is more of an autotuned ballad, and I can enjoy the chill vibes.

Summer Feelings – Lennon Stella & Charlie Puth

https://open.spotify.com/track/49dFIRQCQxPWgoH0m38XQ5?si=MBLcHTJeRWCvdkAZIGYlJQ

I couldn't believe my eyes when I saw two of my favorite artists had made a song together! It's a fun, bouncy, synth-driven pop tune about summer love with great performances from both singers.

History Has Its Eyes On You – Hamilton Original Broadway Cast

https://open.spotify.com/track/1mGO8rwCE9zk7H06OxcU5m?si=M-aT4jHoSki1UN8OfcScuQ

In case you haven't heard the news yet, the filmed original cast performance of the revolutionary musical Hamilton is coming to Disney+ on 4th of July weekend! I spent a good chunk of my life as an impassioned theatre kid, and this musical was a big part of me for years. I got to see it for myself in Chicago a few years ago, and the musical composition, the staging, the themes, and the lyrics were unbelievably powerful. I haven't listened to the soundtrack in quite a while, so I'm listening to it again in anticipation of watching it! I'm so excited; if you haven't heard or seen it before, I couldn't recommend it enough.

Hurt You – Brenna

https://open.spotify.com/track/0Pg0GiA9pDfF4dfqKwWRo5?si=Lzjh4nTwRjml14SFpq7-7Q

This local Detroit artist makes catchy, R&B influenced pop music, and I've loved every one of the singles she's released. She's got great vocals, and her musical style is right up my alley.

Young & Sad – Noah Cyrus

https://open.spotify.com/track/2aav0K63pZ1x2mEj0aDGat?si=HVzNXDMASVuRpU4qvs10DQ

You might not know that Miley Cyrus (aka Hannah Montana) has a younger sister who is also a talented singer/artist! She makes melancholy, slower songs, and the entire EP this song is from is really solid.

Coil subscribers, keep on scrolling for my complete Spotify playlist for this month!

Thanks for reading!

June's Throwback Mixtape

Last month's Mixtape

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I'm only twenty one years old. I'm still a baby!

I might feel a lot more grown up than I ever have, but I know I'm still only just beginning, and I'm going to change immensely throughout the next few years and the next few decades.

I don't know much, but I DO know some things that many people much older than me wish they had known at my age.

...

1. Don't mess around with credit cards!

For some reason, I enjoyed listening to Dave Ramsey's radio program at night when I was, like, 11 years old, and I don't know why, but I definitely have him to thank for my understanding of money.

By the time I was old enough to bring in a paycheck and spend my own cash, I had heard plenty of stories of people getting buried in consumer debt, and I knew I didn't want any part of that. I got a starter credit card at age 19, but I kept my limit low and have paid it off every paycheck. I've now got a stellar credit score and no credit card debt, which is a lot more than most twenty-somethings in America can say nowadays!

2. Saving is the name of the game.

I got my first job at Panera Bread as soon as I turned 16, and I got myself in the habit of putting away a good chunk of my paychecks and only spending a bit of it. I'm so, SO glad I made saving a priority, because even though I definitely blew a lot of my cash on food, makeup, and clothes, I wouldn't dip into my savings unless I absolutely had to (for big purchases like a new phone, furniture for my bedroom, or my first car!).

I can't tell you how nice it is to feel secure in the fact that, even if my car died tomorrow or I suddenly had to pay a large bill, I could survive on my safety cushion in my savings account.

3. Relationships are very good very hard, but so worth it for personal growth.

This is a huge thing that I consider myself extremely lucky and blessed to have learned so early in life. My boyfriend and I have been officially together for almost two years now, but we had been good friends ever since we got hired together at Panera Bread at age 16! We started dating at 19, and to say that it's been a wild ride would be a gross understatement.

Being in my first serious relationship has taught me innumerable lessons about how to work on myself, how to address problems and conflicts, how to apologize and correct behavior, how to deal with relationships between our families and friends, and everything in between. I've always said that having a partner has been like having a mirror – we spend so much time together that it's much easier to see your own behaviors and patterns reflected in what they bring up to you. We aren't afraid to be honest with each other, we can share anything, and we are committed to becoming better people as individuals and for each others' sake.

We're both only human and have plenty of past trauma, make plenty of mistakes, and misunderstand each other plenty of times. But being able to see those things more clearly in a relationship and work towards improvement has been the best thing that's happened to me.

Subscribe to Coil for only $5 a month to support blogs like these, and to keep reading!

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Well, I've bought into the hype... I've spent countless hours scrolling through this newfangled video app, and now I'm addicted. TikTok is the social media of choice for young teens these days, so even though I'm outside of the target demographic, I still am a part of this pocket of Internet culture.

A huge part of TikTok is making memes & dances to popular songs, so when a track really takes off, you'll hear it about a hundred times and get it terminally stuck in your head. So... here are some songs from TikTok that I think are actually good!

LMK – Lil Xxel

https://open.spotify.com/track/0efL46uAuNEfukXQYsbPlX?si=9QtGo6SeQmaQ4XEBJUNMmg

This song is SO UNBELIEVABLY catchy, and it's just got those carefree, summer pop vibes- I'm surprised I haven't heard it on Top 40 radio yet, because I'm sure it could be a hit.

ROXANNE – Arizona Zervas

https://open.spotify.com/track/696DnlkuDOXcMAnKlTgXXK?si=GFCpt2LkSHSvDE3-aTqzig

This song has been in the spotlight for a minute now, and it's so simple, yet so good. The melodies are all infectious, and it makes great background music in videos.

Mariposa – Peach Tree Rascals

https://open.spotify.com/track/4ja2gzrNh9VNigzoXfmbwD?si=OCHZzV3TRQug6UohcmWM0Q

This one leans more towards indie-pop, with piano and a sweet, positive feel.

Ribs – Lorde

https://open.spotify.com/track/0TEekvXTomKt3hdXDZxxeW?si=r9JAMFzYS76Mn4ZiYc24FA

Okay, I'll admit it, I don't know if I've ever listened to this entire song because the intro is 50 seconds long, but once you get past that, it's a great alternative pop song that feels like a coming-of-age movie.

Say So – Doja Cat

https://open.spotify.com/track/3Dv1eDb0MEgF93GpLXlucZ?si=csHvcTtYSye_VXNOkUgydg

This one is arguably the most popular TikTok tune, with countless dances, memes, and videos made using it. I don't quite see what's the big deal, but it's catchy and good to dance to.

Supalonely – BENEE

https://open.spotify.com/track/4nK5YrxbMGZstTLbvj6Gxw?si=GZwgPn0aReSH5NVt-DWdjQ

This song brings retro, 70's disco vibes, and you guessed it, it's great to dance to!

Prom Queen – Beach Bunny

https://open.spotify.com/track/6MpCaSIOfqBqbMED4kXgNY?si=SOzhFz1DTH6RhlOVZJGHKQ

This song sounds like it was made by a high school band in a garage, and honestly that's part of the appeal. It laments the superficial standards of being “pretty” as a teenager:

Maybe I should try harder

You should lower your expectations

I'm no Quick-Curl Barbie

I was never cut out for Prom Queen

If I get more pretty, do you think he will like me?

Obsessed – Mariah Carey

https://open.spotify.com/track/3IcIIZMMS7UArJJPtEHXG8?si=xXdLz8SoRYSILNdmY1bpQA

TikTok can find any song from any time and turn it into a hit- case in point, Mariah Carey's track from 2009.

Wait A Minute! – Willow Smith

https://open.spotify.com/track/0y60itmpH0aPKsFiGxmtnh?si=SdnPDMVeSXuAFsGthEUbgw

This funky pop tune from the youngest Smith kid is instantly recognizable.

Coil subscribers, keep on scrolling for my whole Spotify playlist of these songs and more!

Thanks for reading!

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Staying at “your level” is easy.

What do I mean by that? Well, it could be any number of things.

Staying at “your level” of education in school is easy. Taking advanced classes or AP's or dual-enrolling in college classes is hard, but it's worth it in the end.

Staying at “your level” at work is easy. Pushing yourself to learn new skills in a position with higher responsibility is hard, but it's worth it in the end.

Staying at “your level” of knowledge about your faith is easy. Digging deep into the truth and being willing to change your opinions is hard, but it's worth it in the end.

Staying at “your level” of your personality, the way you've always been, is easy. Confronting your issues, your pride, your past trauma, your emotional damage, and your selfish tendencies is hard...

...but it's worth it in the end.

If I've learned one thing in the past couple of years of my life, it's that doing hard things is worth it, even when it feels like it's going to kill you.

I've had to work through all of those examples I just mentioned above in very intense ways in my life. I've had to confront the fact that I was the problem for a time in my relationship, and I had to fix myself if I wanted to continue being a healthy partner. I've had to flip a lot of my beliefs and worldviews upside down because I had to face the truth.

I'm currently finishing up Accounting 1, which has been one of the hardest and most discouraging classes I've taken in a while. But when I finish that final exam and pass the class (maybe not by much, but I will pass), I will be so much better off having fought through, learned the material, and gained the knowledge that I did.

It's been crucial to my current stage of growing up and becoming an adult that I got out of my comfort zone. Moving out and paying bills is terrifying, but I'm doing it in a few months because I know I need to learn how to be my own person, away from my toxic family situation. Going to a new church was strange and was met with plenty of disapproval, but I made the jump, and it's had nothing but positive effects on my life. Putting serious work and communication into my relationship has not always been fun, but we will be so much better off in the long run than if we tried starting to unpack our emotional baggage ten years into marriage, when it all finally started boiling over.

My life has been hard by doing hard things. But I do them because I know that while they are hard, they are good, and they will benefit me so much more in the long run than

Thanks for reading!

LISTEN HERE:

https://open.spotify.com/track/7eHJAKJJ5IhLJlbQ2BMa2c?si=dd0RA6u5SimcMFgJjHbcuA

The youngest Cimorelli sister is back with more solo releases! I'm always excited to hear what Lauren puts out, because she's got such a distinctive style of writing and creating her own music. She produces everything herself, just on her computer in her room, and her lyrics are interesting and metaphorical, yet honest and down-to-earth at the same time.

Automatic Love is a track off of her upcoming sophomore EP, Blue (a follow-up to the EP Orange). It features an unexpected chord progression that really adds to the feel of the song. The lyrics describe the feeling of being on autopilot in a relationship, and not feeling like you can truly be yourself or speak your mind. The melodies are super catchy, and it wouldn't be a Cimorelli song without some seriously stacked, impressive vocals and harmonies.

Coil subscribers, keep scrolling for more commentary on the song!

Thanks for reading!

Last week's Single Saturday

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It might be a little ridiculous to admit that I'm obsessed with a specialty grocery store, but it's 100% true.

Trader Joe's is a small, colorful grocery store that originated in California and now has locations all over the US.

image source

They have tons of fresh food and produce, as well as interesting desserts, premade meals, snacks, frozen foods, and anything in between. So many of my favorite foods are from here, so I thought I'd make a master list of must-trys if you're in the vicinity of one!

(all product shots are taken from *traderjoes.com*)

Chili & Lime Rolled Corn Tortilla Chips

These bad boys... my mouth is watering just thinking about them. They're the perfect blend of tangy and spicy without burning your whole mouth off. Healthier, less painful Hot Cheetos or Takis!

Cauliflower Gnocchi

A veggie-based approach to pasta/dumplings, these are way tastier than they sound! I love cooking them and adding sauteed onions or garlic and any type of pasta sauce.

Vegan Banana Bread

This stuff is amazing- moist, sweet, and vegan to top it off!

Crunchy Slaw Chicken Salad

TJ's has plenty of pre-made salads and refrigerated meals, but this one is my favorite by far. It's a cabbage/coleslaw based salad, with grilled chicken, carrots, crisppy chow mein noodles, and the most tasty, sweet & spicy peanut dressing you'll ever taste.

Everything But The Bagel Seasoning

This is what brings my avocado toasts and egg sandwiches in the morning to the next level. It's great on almost anything, and it adds a hearty flavor to your food.

Jumbo Cinnamon Rolls

Forget every other tube of take-and-bake cinnamon rolls you've tried before, I guarantee this one is better.

Soft Pretzel Stick

This one is addicting- it's like a personal size baguette, but with all the salty, doughy goodness of a soft pretzel.

Scandinavian Swimmers

These little guys are great treats, and even though they're obvious rip-offs of Swedish Fish, they've got their own unique flavor.

Chocolate Chip Dunkers

These aren't your everyday chocolate chip cookies; their skinny shape allows them to be dunked into a tall glass of milk with ease. They're pretty thin and crispy, which I really enjoy sometimes instead of soft, chewy cookies.

Vegan Pesto

This is a must-have for me- I make pasta salad with this, as well as put it on sandwiches, or anything that would be good with a kick of basil.

Sparkling Watermelon Juice

This stuff is seasonal (it only comes around in the summertime) so I am enjoying it while I can! It's the perfect summer drink, mixed with lime juice or other flavors of sparkling water.

Coil subscribers, keep on scrolling for a little-known secret about Trader Joe's!

Thanks for reading!

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This month, I'm revisiting the music from a specific time in my life- the month right after I graduated from high school. It was the beginning of summer and the end of my childhood as I knew it. I had a new job at my favorite makeup/beauty store, new friends outside of my former high school class to hang out with, and of course, new music as my soundtrack.

Hawaii (Stay Awake) – Waterparks

https://open.spotify.com/track/3cgTtcNf7iSQbX440j7N9v?si=DkukUJZsSXe_zEPr2jn2rQ

I discovered the pop-punk band Waterparks this month, and I loved blasting their upbeat, carefree music in my car on my drives to and from work.

Rain – The Timbre of Cedar

https://open.spotify.com/track/7r5yygDQMl4nzTqNNJrFoS?si=mgYbA2B2Rr24ZoUsnczseQ

I started listening to this band at this time because they were friends with my friends (also in a band). It's crazy to see that it's been exactly three years since my first listen, because I'm now close friends with Marrissa, the lead singer, and I've gone to see them play shows countless times! I've also written reviews for their lovely tunes, which you can check out here!

The Night We Met – Cimorelli (Lord Huron Cover)

https://open.spotify.com/track/3Gy10sZDdOE2TNHXIGZD59?si=G5h1eYzZSdCniUQA9yDJZA

This song DEFINITELY deserves a spot here – I literally think I've listened to it more than any other song in my life. It's so hauntingly beautiful and it evokes such a specific type of longing, love, and sadness. I love the girls' cover of it, but the original version is incredible as well:

https://open.spotify.com/track/0QZ5yyl6B6utIWkxeBDxQN?si=lF8tsmtdRsWcbc-gug3h-w

I Found – Amber Run

https://open.spotify.com/track/5zT5cMnMKoyruPj13TQXGx?si=gilSGNtsQouqpy0yqVlzVQ

In the same vein of sad, beautiful songs, this one kept me company during late nights sitting in my car, wondering what to do with myself after various failed romantic efforts with boys I knew. The lyrics really hit hard, and music is very dark and grandiose.

Afterglow – All Time Low

https://open.spotify.com/track/4nou22UEIrqNbtS9ZY3wjL?si=5E6b4LLpSpmq-FmIxDCEoQ

All Time Low released this album this month, and I couldn't have been happier. They leaned more into their pop sound with this release, and this album closer is one of their best hidden gem tracks (in my opinion). It really captured the carefree, magical, summer night vibe that I was enjoying so much at the time.

Don't Play – Halsey

https://open.spotify.com/track/7hHTbI9DRg8u9oJ92RQJkw?si=dxbcb13mR5-AC8CjPKQm_Q

Say what you want about Halsey, but once in a while I just wanted an edgy, pop, girl power soundtrack, and this delivered for me. It made me feel a lot cooler and more badass than I actually was (lol).

The Way I Are (Dance With Somebody) – Bebe Rexha

https://open.spotify.com/track/6Pw3Gvw4wNMZfTYZa6IQal?si=cNWpnLLuQMis33PX4ul38w

This one is kind of a funny memory for me that sticks out- I had it stuck in my head SO HARD on the day of my graduation party, so I played it on repeat as I was setting up and running back and forth from home to the event space!

Longview – Green Day

https://open.spotify.com/track/3LRJbFT9rKoKv4aW7PuBJC?si=6BnsFwkTQOuXO84PytlHJw

My friends played this one in their backyard at their graduation party, and I had never heard it before, but once I heard them jamming to it, I was hooked. Banger all the way.

Despacito – Daddy Yankee, Luis Fonsi, Justin Bieber

https://open.spotify.com/track/6rPO02ozF3bM7NnOV4h6s2?si=UrKyqlMaQW6a1pZJ2dIDbQ

This was the summer of Despacito, and I will admit that I played it on repeat for a couple days at its peak. My halfway-decent knowledge of Spanish helped my enjoyment of it considerably.

Steady Love – Christina Grimmie

https://open.spotify.com/track/5OeosnBYzaRqTBLh1zGw9B?si=uRHJHYuHS_Slc42psaB0kA

This album was released on the 1 year anniversary of Christina's tragic death. I had been a fan of hers for many years beforehand, and I still enjoyed listening to her posthumously released music, even though it was tough to deal with the tragedy of her passing. She was so talented, her vocals were always so impressive, and my heart goes out to her family and friends left behind.

Painting Flowers – All Time Low

https://open.spotify.com/track/0AuNW1iBQUJoAnj5SlRjQP?si=G8jLx4kcTve-tyiuUsz_Ag

I discovered this B-side track from 2011 this month, and to say I loved it would be an understatement. It's grand and anthemic, and I really just fell in love with the lyrics.

What's Wrong – PVRIS

https://open.spotify.com/track/6HhtmXZi4wh1ssdFGsE55G?si=EAgZfZTDQ5WOO_9LaI--UQ

I went through a big PVRIS phase for a while there, and for good reason- Lynn Gunn's vocals are unreal, with lots of grit and growl behind them, and their dark, alt-rock sound is a nice change from my usually bright pop-punk favorites.

I Will Possess Your Heart – Death Cab For Cutie

https://open.spotify.com/track/77vYwoC7e3pVoPq8BA9CuL?si=O3pkJEWuTRCd1SWvBQge2w

My aforementioned friends in a band covered this song at one of their shows in this month, and I thought it was amazing. That bassline!

Don't Believe a Word That I Say – Shiny Penny

https://open.spotify.com/track/2IBwAdNaujKQPkTh5RlRdi?si=yKiGgYkUTO-zpF2nNtkB2A

I saw these guys open for my friends in the band, and I thought they were super talented! They had a great stage presence and catchy tunes, and I still listen to this song anytime it comes on shuffle.

Thanks for reading!

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