May kicks off dozens of music festivals around the country, which brings more and more music to our ears. But with those festivals usually means travel time, playlists and so much more. Read our May Staff playlist and follow it on Spotify here.
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Rut – The Killers
At the end of May, I’m headed to Napa to go to BottleRock Music Festival. With an insane lineup, BottleRock will be one of my first big three day festivals of the summer. This year, The Killers are headlining and I’m not going to lie, they’re one of my favorite bands. “Rut” is this track that continues to kind of stick with me because it’s just something I really relate to in my own life. I recently listened to a SongExploder about it and it just is really relatable. – Addie Whelan, Editor In Chief
River – Bishop Briggs
I’ve known of Bishop Briggs for a while now, but never got around listening to her music until recently. This was the first song I listened to, and I completely fell in love with her music. Her music is completely different from what I thought it would be, and I really, really love it. – Delaney DeAngelis, Deputy Editor
Stay – Post Malone
“Stay” is easily my favorite song on Post Malone’s new album ‘Beerbongs & Bentleys’. Ever since I watched the live stream of his set at weekend one of Coachella, I’ve been in love with it. It’s so different compared to the sound of his first album, and I think it’s a great direction for him. It’s pretty emotional and mellow, and it’s nice to see a more vulnerable side of him. – Gina Scarpino, Photo Editor
Crystal Ball – State Champs
It’s the second single off their new record coming out this year and one of my favorite songs they’ve released so far. The riffs and the melody in the verses are such a refreshing take. It’s obvious how much time they put into this one—it’s so well-written. “Crystal Ball” is absolutely on my summer playlists. – Kristen Humphries, Content Assistant
Give – You Me At Six
This song was put on the playlist of my work and it reminded me how much I love You Me At Six. The emotion in this song is credible. I could listen to it on repeat for hours. You Me At Six is such a talented band. I can’t wait for the day they come back to the states. – Chelsea Gresh, Contributing Photographer
Little Changes – Frank Turner
This was one of the singles released before Frank Turner’s new album, Be More Kind. I’ve loved every one of the singles so far, and I think these are some of his best songs lyrically. “Little Changes” branches out to a bit of a fuller sound than his usual folk-rock music, and I love that it’s about making small adjustments to your life that can add up to something bigger. “Little Changes” is the perfect song for the spring weather, especially if you’re feeling a little overwhelmed about life or school or just everything going on in the world right now. – Abby Fox, Contributing Writer
24/7 – The Neighbourhood
I’ve seen The Neighbourhood three times now and photographed their Portland show a couple weeks ago. Side note, their drummer Brandon Fried reposted my photo of him WITH CREDIT on Instagram and I’m still not over it. This is one of those bands where I’ll listen to them obsessively for a while, and then forget about them for months, but fall in love for them all over again when I either rediscover them or they release new music. They recently released some EPs and their third record, and I’m in love with all of it. They’re a band that’s constantly evolving and trying new things, and it’s pretty cool that the growth and evolution of the band aligns with the growth of my own music taste. Plus, their shows are incredible and so much fun. 24/7 is one of my favorite recent released and I’ve been listening to it, well, 24/7. – Joe Hernandez, Contributing Photographer and Writer
Dancing With Our Hands Tied – Taylor Swift
In honor of Taylor Swift’s Reputation Tour kicking off, it seemed appropriate to highlight my favorite song from “reputation”, and one of my all time favorite Taylor Swift songs. Throughout her career, Swift has always been able to tell a story and paint a picture with her songwriting, and Dancing With Our Hands Tied is a perfect example. The electro-pop track details a love where the world is doing everything in its power to tear Swift and her lover apart, but that doesn’t stop them from trying. Managing to perfectly walk the line between danceable, cinematic, and heartbreaking, this track marks new sonic territory for Swift, all while keeping her signature songwriting style, making for arguably one of her best tracks to date. – Blake Charles, Contributing Photographer and Writer
Friends Don’t – Maddie and Tae
I just recently heard this song for the first time and became obsessed. I dont listen to country music often but when I do, I usually find an artist or song and get hooked and thats what happened with this song by Maddie and Tae. I love the powerful emotion heard throughout the song, and it is so relate-able and the lyrics are so easily understandable. I enjoy how the song tells a story about a couple who call themselves just friends, but the lyrics talk about things that they do that people who are just friends don’t. It is a super cute and emotional song. – Sam Aneed, Contributing Writer
Brooklyn in the Summer – Aloe Blacc
This song has a great upbeat feel to it that makes it perfect for the upcoming season. On top of that, the lyrics tell a raw story of lost love that pull on your heartstrings. – Lauren Klonowski, Contributing Writer
Sappho – Frankie Cosmos
The simplicity of Frankie Cosmos is beautiful. – Stone Fenk, Contributing Photographer
I’d Rather Be Me – Mean Girls Broadway Soundtrack
I love broadway music. When I first heard that they would be making broadway version of Mean Girls I was skeptical about it. After hearing this song, I am excited to hear the rest of the soundtrack. – Bailey Flores, Contributing Photographer
The Middle – Zedd
I’m sorry for being so basic. This is the only song that pumps me up at 3 AM, as I drive to work every morning. I try to wake myself up by dancing and always click this song first. But then I let it repeat until I’m suddenly at work. There’s a short behind the scene video on the making of this song, which only made me love it more. Turns out the writer has also penned another one of my favorite songs. All the more reason to love this basic pop bop. – Nicolita Bradley, Contributing Photographer
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