A s spring is in full swing, San Luis Obispo High School students and gather around their computer screens to see the lineups of Coachella released to the public, buy their tickets, and inevitably watch their bank balances drain. The famed Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival in Indio, California last weekend and this weekend many SLOHS students flock to draws both national and international audiences. Here is a playlist of artists from the festival you can jam out to on your way to Coachella this weekend or in your room, vicariously living through those who had the pleasure of going:
- “Come On! Feel the Illinoise!” by Sufjan Stevens
Despite being known for his gloomy subject matter, Sufjan Stevens defies preconceptions with this upbeat song off of his “Illinois” album, intended to have been part of the “50 States Project” he failed to complete. The combination of trumpets, cymbals, and stringed instruments flawlessly create a happy environment for your journey.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rmJwraC4p5A
- “Oblivion” by Grimes
The futuristic beat continuously employed by Grimes shines throughout this entire song and is perfect for a chance to practice some funky dance moves before the festival. When paired with its music video, “Oblivion” makes for a surreal depiction of what high school was like for some people.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JtH68PJIQLE
- “Clearest Blue” by CHVRCHES
This song is easy to listen to with its soft vocals from Lauren Mayberry and its lighthearted beat that separates itself from pop music many of us are tired of hearing. If you want a chance to wind down before the busy weekend that lies ahead while keeping the mood lively, this song will be your go-to.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QpFXXPruuqU
- “Myth” by Beach House
Beach House never fails to disappoint with the beats that will make you want to be like Drake and think about all of the people who wronged you in life. This will be the inevitable sorrowful “ying” of a song to mix in with your upbeat “yang” in your playlist. It carries out a dreamy tone that will put you in a reflective ethereal state, but hey, there’s nothing wrong with that!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FuvWc3ToDHg
- “It’s Alright” by Matt and Kim
This song will instantaneously pick up the mood no matter where you are. Its employment of xylophones and creative bursts of brass instruments will be sure to induce hip moving, head bopping, and incorrect lip syncing without a care in the world.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PilVAqMMSnc
- “Chandelier” by Sia
The 2014 hit is sure to have you mimicking the iconic choreography from its music video, and the powerful vocals will make you feel weightless.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2vjPBrBU-TM
- “bodyache” by Purity Ring
Purity Ring’s unique synthpop sound will transport you to outer space and have you dancing like FKA Twigs in no time. As if the beat wasn’t enough, a look at the music video featuring a human-robot hybrid swaying back and forth will make the listening experience all the more surreal.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LbqcXnTt-7o
- “Living My Life” by Deerhunter
This song, with its Mac DeMarco-esque guitar strums, will be sure to allow the good vibes to flow. Although a slower beat than others featured on this playlist, its recurring playful bursts of sound won’t let you take it too seriously. Especially since their performance at the Fremont Theater in SLO on April 17, Deerhunter has captivated the hearts of many SLOHS students.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1x8_3kHM18s
- “Funny You Should Ask” by The Front Bottoms
You’ll appreciate the personal dialogue the lyrics in this particular song shares with you, but it’s also perfect as fun background music you can play that’ll invigorate you.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6j0MUXtycRs
- “Love Me” by The 1975
To close off the set of tunes, there is no going wrong with a song from The 1975. “Love Me” will transform your world into one full with just the right amount of carelessness. Despite the at times hard to understand lyrics, the song has a catchy quality to it you can’t resist.
