By Nick Royall
I don’t know about y’all, but the Olivia Management team is ready for spring! To prepare everyone for the upcoming change in seasons, we made a playlist of what we’ve been listening to. Spring can’t come soon enough!
What We're Listening to in The Office
by Maddie Humble
If you ever stop by the office, you can almost always find us playing something in the office. From Selena Gomez to our own artists, you can find us playing a plethora of music genres that we enjoy.
Here are the albums we’ve been listening to this month:
Selena Gomez’s “Revival” album has been on full blast in the office this month. Clearly, we’re team Sel. Some of our favorite songs from this album include Kill Em With Kindness and Same Old Love.
The next album that we’ve been listening to is one of our very own artist’s, Sam Johnston. His album “Cannonball” has been a favorite of ours. One of our favorite songs from this album is Runaway Train.
We have also been listening to quite a few 70’s artists. Abba has probably been the most popular band we have listened to thus far from that era. We personally suggest the songs Angeleyes and Chiquitita on this album.
The 1975’s newest album has also been on repeat in the office. Songs like Oh Caroline and Happiness keep the good vibes going throughout our workday.
We would be lying if we didn’t admit that Jill Andrew’s “Thirties” album isn’t playing nonstop in the office. We LOVE this album. Our personal favorites from this album are Call It Even and River Swimming.
Finally, the last album we’ve been listening to nonstop is John Mayer’s “Battle Studies” album. Grace especially has loved this considering she is a major John Mayer fan. Our favorites from this album are Edge of Desire and Assassin.
We hope this gave you all a little more insight into what we’ve been listening to! Hopefully, you can add some of these to your own playlists.
Your Enneagram Playlist
By: Savannah Hall
Let’s talk about the Enneagram.
https://www.truity.com/test/enneagram-personality-test
Either you love the Enneagram or you're wondering what the heck I’m talking about. The Enneagram is a 9-type personality test that was introduced as a system to describe the emotions and specific patterns of how each type lives their life. By taking this test you can find what type you identify with. Being the creative and moody Type 4, I felt there was no better way to introduce the enneagram to you than with a specially designed playlist for your type! As you dive deeper into learning more about your personality type enjoy this special curated playlist just for you.
Type 1 - The Perfectionist
Type 2 - The Helper
Type 3 - The Achiever
Type 4 - The Individualist
Type 5 - The Investigator
Type 6 - The Loyalist
Type 7 - The Enthusiast
Type 8 - The Challenger
Type 9 - The Peacemaker
The BEST Christmas Songs
by Kaila Divak
Hello, hello! I’ve put together a playlist of my favorite Christmas songs to fuel your gift wrapping and cookie baking this holiday season. These are some I’ve got some classics and some newer tunes in there, as well. Shameless Christmas music listening is one of my favorite parts of the holiday season, and I hope you enjoy these songs as much as I do. Happy Holidays!
My Favorite Music in TV & Movies
by Kaila Divak
1. “Tiny Dancer” – Elton John – Almost Famous
I honestly think this song has to be at the top of my list, because it is tattooed on my wrist for the rest of my life. When “Tiny Dancer” plays in Almost Famous, the whole band is singing together on the bus. Sir Elton John himself said that this song became as famous as it is today because of this movie. It came at such a pivotal part of the film, right after a huge fight, where nobody was speaking. One of the men in the band begins to sing along with the song, playing on the radio, and everyone else just follows suit.
2. “Epilogue” – Justin Hurwitz – La La Land
This one really pulls at the heart strings for me. I think I’ve always loved this song, but the idea that it was in the most frustrating part of the movie for me really made me overlook it for a long time. Once I watched La La Land a few times and understood that not every movie needs to end on a happy note, I realized how amazing this song was. It brings you along on a seven-and-a-half-minute story, and you don’t even need the video to picture what is going on, in my opinion. I also love how the end of the song is so simple, yet so heartbreaking. If you really listen to the end of the song, Sebastian doesn’t play the last note on the piano. I always thought that that was symbolism for him not wanting him and Mia’s relationship to end.
3. “You Don’t Mess Around with Jim” – Jim Croce – Stranger Things
This one was awesome to me. I remember watching this part of the episode in season three of Stranger Things and immediately wanting to be a music supervisor. It obviously fit perfectly because the title is “Don’t Mess Around with Jim” and the scene was focused on Jim Hopper. He just successfully managed to get his step-daughter and her boyfriend to break up, and he is over the moon about it. It cuts from his initial satisfaction about the breakup to him screaming along to the song in his Bronco truck. The transition to this was unbelievable and could not have been placed better.
4. “Joshua Tree” – Ruthie Collins – The Ranch
I love the way this Ruthie Collins song was placed in the Netflix series, The Ranch. The song has a pretty melancholy sound to it, and in this case, it is playing in the background at the bar where Mary meets Heather and Luke to pick up the things that they saved for her when she was evicted from her house while in jail. It is a very powerful scene, as she refuses all help from them. “Joshua Tree” is super powerful in this part of the show, and I think that the music supervisors did a great job at placing Ruthie’s song here.
(This one’s on Netflix… Part 7, Episode 5 of The Ranch)
5. “Between the Bars” – Elliott Smith – Stuck in Love
I love the music in this movie. This song is played as Louis and Samantha sit in his car and share their favorite songs. Louis asks Samantha to close her eyes and listen, and she starts to cry because she’s scared of committing to having feelings for someone. I think that this song was a very indie choice, and it fits so well. It became sort of mainstream because of this moment in the movie. And I will always think of this moment in this movie when I hear this song.
A Fall Playlist for You
by Kate Cosentino
Spooky season is officially upon us and it’s time to get in the spirit. From witchy folk vibes to dark pop - this playlist is your gateway into the spirit of Autumn 2020.
Niki’s new album MOONCHILD features several uniquely produced bops, however “Nightcrawlers” takes the cake for weirdest turn. The songs starts as an innocent, lullaby-esque pop tune with no signs of changing until the third chorus section in which the music drops out and Niki’s vocal is pitched down completely. The effect is jarring and sends the song into a dark place that’s even catchier than the bubble gum beginning. Bonus points to her for using the word CADAVER in the lyric.
Phoebe Bridgers album Punisher has been my favorite album of 2020. Period. Every song is a magical journey lyrically and sonically thanks to Phoebe’s raw poetry and Ethan Gruska’s production. Halloween is perfect for the season.
What better for Halloween than a little Devil ditty? This song just so happen to be the theme song for Wynonna Earp which is on hiatus until 2021 for the next season. Catch up on the show and jam out to this awesome Jill Andrews tune.
What. A. Lyric. Derek Webb speaks to a deep emotion and fear I can relate to in his song “Death With Benefits”. I’ll let them speak for themselves - but it absolutely deserves a listen: Nostalgia gets you just as drunk as whiskey does
“It leaves me talking to imaginary friends
Man, it’s hard not to second guess a second guess
It leaves me doubting my doubts and questioning if
The truth is I just miss the myth of death with benefits”
Ethan Gruska’s production for himself and other artists like Phoebe Bridgers speaks to my soul. This song hits home on the idea of doing what you love even if you might go nowhere and the fears that go along with it.
It’s time for the newest in hyper pop - Blimpee. Blimpee’s song “Cruciflex” combines satire with some of the most innovative production I’ve heard this year. Beyond the clever lyrics such as “Like my bible belt? It’s dior.” the song is catchy like a Doja Cat hit. Jam out with your friends to this witty, funny and absolutely danceable new artist.
“Love Me Right” hits all the right notes. Sister’s voice is hauntingly gorgeous. The song sounds like a throwback to the 60’s with a modern twist. Catchy, stunning and perfect for your drive to a pumpkin patch or haunted house.
Local Natives always boast their unique tone of harmonies in every song. “When Am I Gonna Lose You” is no exception. The song beautifully describes the feeling of fear of losing someone you love- having experienced heart break before, this song perfectly speaks to that human fear of wondering: When will this person leave? Bonus points if you listen to the Sylvan Esso or Overcoats versions-both are beautiful in their own way.
A classic jazz standard, “Autumn Leaves” always gets me in the spirit of fall. Eva Cassidy’s incredible breath support strings you along each phrase of the song as the acoustic guitar follows her every word. She holds you in each phrase for as long as she can - personally I wish she could hold me in this song the whole season.
My Favorite Songs by Smooth Hound Smith
By James Muller
When I first began interning at Olivia Management one of the things I was most excited about; and continue to be excited by, is digging into all of our artist’s catalogs and enjoying the beautiful art that they create. I was familiar with our artists before starting, but I hadn’t yet fully committed my ears to their songs. From Jill Andrews to Derek Webb, Ruthie Collins, Hush Kids , and Smooth Hound Smith there’s a lot of great stuff to take in. Boy, am I glad I took the deep dive. It’s always difficult to pick favorites, but I am going to highlight some of the songs from Smooth Hound Smith that really spoke to me in the past month of diving into these tunes.
I love all kinds of music, but the music that really grabs my attention and sticks with me is the kind of music that you can put on, and it immediately has an effect on your mood. Music that puts you in the space where the artist is coming from. For me, that’s what music is all about: connecting with something and letting it take you to another place.
It wasn’t terribly difficult to find some favorites as I started listening to Smooth Hound Smith. They bring a vibe and a feeling to their music that makes you want to dance, and intently listen to the lyrics at the same time. Which is pretty awesome. Their song “Get Low”, is one of those tunes that gets your feet stomping with it’s pulsating rhythm, laid back guitar grooves, and ethereal vocal harmonies. It’s a song that could just as easily be played at a party as it could on a long drive. As a lover of blues music, “Get Low” is one of those songs that instantly scratches my itch for current blues music that is fresh and fun, while still holding on that rootsy, vintage inspiration. If I was on Spotify going through the blues and roots playlist, this would be the song I would hope to hear.
While listening to records is something I can’t get enough of, there is a level of energy that live music brings that takes a song to another level.
Check out Smooth Hound Smith playing “Get Low” live on #JamInTheVan here.
My next favorite song by Smooth Hound Smith is “Three Shades of Lonely”. This is one of those songs that comes on, and you immediately perk your ears up a little bit. The song perfectly showcases what I love about the band— they undeniably catchy hooks that are melded together through beautiful harmonies by this duo. The chorus from this song gets stuck in my head in the best kind of way, the kind that you are happy to have stuck in your head. One of the other reasons that “Three Shades of Lonely” is a favorite of mine is because of the gritty and soulful guitar that sits back with the drums and then comes out to speak later in the song. As a guitar player myself, this tasteful and expressive guitar work is what I love to hear. Luther Dickinson from the North Mississippi Allstars and The Black Crowes plays slide guitar on this song, and If you're familiar with him then you know that he brings the soul to whatever group he plays with. Next time I’m in need of some music that brings the feels, this will undoubtedly be in the rotation.
Like I said before; It’s tough for me to pick favorites, especially when you're choosing from a lot of great music. I’m glad that I sat down and spun all three of Smooth Hound Smith’s records because I found some seriously groovy, soulful, and fun songs in there that I will be keeping in the mainstay of my listening routine. “Get Low” and “Three Shades of Lonely” take me to those places that I am looking to go when I listen to music, and I hope they can do the same for you!
Check out the duo live next Tuesday, June 30th on their Facebook page for a free livestream of all cover songs. Be sure to mark your calendars for the show! You won’t want to miss it.
How to Find New Music
by Chelsea Hallman
Ultimately, my favorite way to find new music is to hear it live. Going to a show with four artists, only knowing one of them, and coming out on the other side with a playlist full of new music is my ideal Friday night. Right now, since that option is not currently in the picture, we must go digging ourselves.
I find myself digging up the most music when going for drives alone. Spotify really helps me out with this one. I put on my Discover Weekly playlist and just cruise. I often find a single by a small artist that Spotify matches up with my taste. I then add that to a playlist and later will look into more of their music. More often than not, I end up with a new favorite! This is how you find stellar smaller artists like Derek Webb or Ruthie Collins. Another cool thing about my Discover Weekly is I will sometimes land on a single that came out years ago that I would have never listened to otherwise. Tell That Devil by Jill Andrews came out four years ago and every day still is rocks on. With songs like that I’ll listen to one old single and find a whole artist's discography. It’s one of the many tools we’re lucky enough to have these days.
Another way I find music is through my friends. I find they have pretty good tastes in music, too! I’ll follow my friends on Spotify and look at their playlists, or just ask them what they’ve been listening to. I can assume that at least one of your friends gets a little too excited when you like their music taste. We all have that friend (or friends) (or friend groups!) that prides themselves in their playlists, I know I do!
It can also be fun to find music from another generation than you. Ask your parents, aunts, uncles, cousins, coworkers! I know my Uncle Jim is a music fanatic. He will give me hours of playlists of underground oldies. It’s a totally unique and fun listen. It’s also something cool to show off to your friends when you find something great.
Social Media is a great place to find music too. Instagram and Facebook have live shows going on the daily. A new one for me is finding artists on Tiktok. All the dance videos can lead me to some good music that I probably wouldn’t have heard otherwise. Keep on dancing!
Also, I recently found the Music Map. You search one artist you love and it comes up with a whole map of artists around that it recommends you check out. You can get down a hole in this one and find all kinds of new artists. I know for me, I searched for one artist I liked, Billie Eilish, and Harry Styles, Lorde, Lana Del Ray, Ruel, Bea Miller, Lady Gaga, King Princess, and many more of my favorites showed up along with about 40 artists that I hadn’t heard of. I’m a little obsessed with this tool now. Check it out here!
Happy music hunting, and let us know of any solid finds in the music world below in the comments!