As my friends like to point out, my music taste is stereotypically hipster, with indie beats and eclectic lyrics galore. While some show genuine interest, asking for song recommendations (which is rather flattering), often the classic hipster jokes can become insulting. Playlists are deep reflections of our personalities; when our music taste is insulted, so is who we are.
However, now is the time to embrace my hipster-ness. Here is a glimpse of who I am, seen through my favorite artists, songs, and bands that maybe will become some of your favorites, too!
Songs
(No One Knows Me) Like The Piano by Sampha
The combination of his voice and the piano evokes such a nonchalant and relaxing vibe that it almost feels impossible not to calm down when listening.
Kill for Love by Chromatics
Distinctly capturing an 80s vibe, I tell everyone I share this song with how much it could be on the soundtrack for Stranger Things.
Real Love Baby by Father John Misty
Also eliciting an 80s vibe, this is the type of song where you feel like you have heard it somewhere before, but cannot quite remember when or where.
Because I’m Me by The Avalanches
While not quite an 80s song (because I promise I listen to more than just 80s style music), it definitely doesn’t sound modern, even though it was released just last year. Regardless, it is one of my favorites, and the music video is just as incredible.
Artists and Bands
Bon Iver
I definitely stand by my opinion that his album Bon Iver is better than his more recent one because, in the former, he sounds much more natural and sincere.
Ray LaMontagne
You may have heard of a little song called “Jolene” (not Dolly Parton’s song though). But what you might not know is that Ray LaMontagne actually has an entire album titled Trouble that is full of songs just as good. And, yes, it was released back in 2004 but it’s still amazing.
Mumford & Sons
Anyone who knows me knows that Mumford & Sons is my favorite band of all time. Their most recent album Wilder Mind is their best because it matches more of the mainstream indie genre I have fallen in love with. However, their past albums like Babel and Sigh No More give off some folky vibes with the banjo and still sounds amazing. (Don’t knock it ’til you try it.)
Morning Parade
Their 2014 album Pure Adulterated Joy is quintessentially 90s in every way possible. It is perfect for a party.
Ben Howard
The album Every Kingdom by Ben Howard is a mostly acoustic collection of songs perfect to play when you’re home after a long day. His entire album can boost your mood and help you calm down after long, tiring hours.
Vance Joy
Dream Your Life Away is Joy’s debut album from 2015 and you almost certainly have heard the single “Riptide.” Similar to Every Kingdom, his album has songs that brighten your mood and will surely make you want to dance. My favorite, “Mess is Mine,” is a song that reminds me of Phillip Phillips’s “Home” or “Gone, Gone, Gone.”
