With school in person again comes many new adventures and experiences to look forward to. These moments at WSU always need a soundtrack! Let’s charge ahead full force, keeping an open mind to find and listen to all sorts of music we can enjoy! Every month, we will be adding new songs to a playlist for you to enjoy. 

“Freaks” by Surf Curse

If you were into indie or alternative music back in high school or have been on TikTok within the past few months, there is a very good chance you have heard of Surf Curse. On May 15, the band, consisting of members Jacob Rubeck and Nick Rattigan, put out a single called “Freaks.”

The track was made during the time of their 2015 debut album but wasn’t released until recently. With a distinct coming-of-age feel, the song is perfect for the first drive around WSU or hanging out with your friends in the dorm for the first time. Regardless of the situation, this song will have you pumped for the upcoming school year and all the fun that comes with it.

“Silhouettes” by Arbour

Although the school year promises fun and good times with friends, sometimes we all need a good study playlist to get our work done. If you are looking to revamp your homework songs, “Silhouettes” is a perfect addition. Calming yet still intriguing at the same time, this song is a must-have for your school study playlist or late-night creative ventures. 

No doubt you have heard a song or two from Arbour. As an artist with over 800,000 monthly listeners on Spotify, their songs continue to make their way to lo-fi playlists across all social media platforms. If you run out of good study music, head over to Arbour’s Spotify page, and you can have your fix of spot-on study songs. 

“Black City Nights” by Always You

This newer track by Always You, which is immersive and soothing, keeps you interested every time you listen. Originally released on May 18 as a lead-up to their album “Bloom off the Rose,” the brother duo has gained over 5,000 Spotify streams from the single. 

As a song with a fun DIY feel, “Black City Nights” creates an ambiance of nostalgia and new adventures. You’ll want this on your late-night playlist as soon as possible. 

“Kaikai Kitan” by Eve

This absolute banger has racked up over 130 million streams on Spotify and steadily continues to climb as the anime it originates from, “Jujutsu Kaisen,” gains more and more fans. Released on Oct. 3, 2020, this track is a must-have song on your “adventure with friends” playlist or to listen to any time you need some hype.

Originally written in Japanese, the song’s title has recently been translated to its English translation ‘Kaikai Kitan’ and is performed by Eve. This track was written specifically for the anime and perfectly represents the chaotic yet balanced energy that the anime’s first half brings. Eve has also written opening songs for other animations such as “Josee, the Tiger and the Fish.”

“Be Sweet” by Japanese Breakfast

Michelle Zauner, artist behind Japanese Breakfast, is a well-known figure among alternative and indie music listeners. 

Zauner released a three-song set on May 19 called “Savage Good Boy” consisting of the title song, “Posing in Bondage” and “Be Sweet.” These were then featured on her later album, “Jubilee.“

“Be Sweet” has an upbeat yet soothing arrangement that highlights Japanese Breakfast’s vocals and lyricism. The song has gained over 8 million streams and is the artist’s most popular song on Spotify.