There’s just a week left until finals are over and summer break is right around the corner. As temperatures rise and students sprawl out around campus lawns to soak up the sun, studying feels like the last thing you want to do. Whether you need some musical motivation to get through the rest of the semester, or want some recommendations to feel the summer vibe, here are a few of my recent recommendations to get your summer started.

“Heavenly Flow” – Men I Trust

Since I shared my last spring break music recommendations, Men I Trust released one of their new albums, “Equus Asinus.” This fifth track off of the album features lyrics that represent a transformation from feeling wounded to becoming peaceful, but with the usage of metaphors through images of nature. I am already a huge fan of the band, but I find myself coming back to this song a lot. The soothing production that feels ambient, along with the stunning chord progressions, come together to paint a beautiful image of nature and its calming essence. I highly recommend playing this song if one is sitting outside enjoying the gorgeous nature scenes of summer. 

“Buzz Me In” – Remi Wolf 

I’ve always been a big fan of Remi Wolf’s unique, funky and alternative sound, and this song is nothing short of that. Although the lyrical themes relate to the feeling of self-doubt and yearning for connection in a relationship, the production is very upbeat and danceable. I discovered this song back in the spring of 2022, but I find myself coming back to it simply because the song has infectious energy. I highly recommend not only this song, but also Remi Wolf as a great artist for anyone interested in finding new music to listen to this summer. 

“Lego Ring” – Faye Webster, featuring Lil Yachty

Faye Webster is also an artist I have recommended before, but this collaboration she did with Lil Yachty on her last album was unexpected. The change in time when the song reaches the refrain is the best element of this track. The refrain feels slower than the rest of the song, and it feels like one is drifting along to the sound of Faye Webster and Lil Yachty’s voices. Faye’s sound is still reminiscent throughout this track, but the addition of Yachty’s purposely auto-tuned, shaky vocals added an interesting texture to the usual Faye Webster soundscape. The two are actually great friends and even occasionally post funny videos together on their social media pages, and this sound captures their vibe together perfectly. 

“Anything” – SOMOH

I was not familiar with this band until my Spotify algorithm recommended this song a few weeks ago, but in the handful of songs I have listened to by them, I am confused why they are not more popular. The smooth bass lines coupled with hard drum beats and soft vocal harmonies combine to create a dreamy ambience. “Anything” describes the feeling of wanting to do anything possible in order to receive attention and love from someone you admire. The chill, indie rock sound of this track is what I think is perfect for a summer playlist. 

“Bumblebee” – Dora Jar 

Dora Jar was another artist I was not familiar with until one of my friends recommended that I should listen to this song. I have not spent much time looking into the rest of Dora Jar’s discography, but I can say I am very intrigued by the quirky production that seems to be a trademark of her sound. In “Bumblebee,” there are usual elements of indie rock and bedroom pop, but every once in a while, there are interesting changes in production that really bring this song to life. For example, the unnatural rising in vocal pitch towards the end of the song, as well as the sudden changes in reverb. This song is very groovy and danceable, and I once again recommend it for your summer playlist to live your summer to the fullest this year. 

“Tonight” – PinkPantheress

This single from PinkPantheress’s upcoming album “Fancy That,” set to release Friday, is an upbeat, dance-pop track that includes elements of U.K. garage and bassline house, that merge together to make a fun party song. The quirky, wobbly bassline is something you don’t hear a lot in American pop music. I am always impressed with the way PinkPantheress incorporates elements of British culture and the UK garage music scene into her sound, but still makes it enjoyable for people who are not familiar with the sound. I cannot wait for the release of “Fancy That” since I am already a huge fan of PinkPantheress and urge you to listen to her music as well. She makes some of the most fun and upbeat music I’ve ever heard, so I know she will be a huge influence on my summer playlist, and hopefully on yours too.