Thanks For Listening
It means a lot that y'all subscribe to this little newsletter. I really love making mixtapes and sharing them with folks, and I get very excited by any thoughts, recommendations, etc. that people have shared with me in response.
When I set out to make a mixtape a month in 2020, I expected a very different year. I had no idea this would be one of the few things that provided structure and a creative outlet for me, so I've been so grateful for all of you letting me do this month after month. I've got one more left until I complete my goal! I'm proud of myself!
Not sure if I'll keep up the monthly schedule in 2021, but I've already got some ideas for future mixes, and I'm definitely keeping the newsletter alive.
If you've enjoyed these emails/mixtapes, it'd mean a lot if you shared the newsletter with one person you think might be into it. Could be this email or one from your favorite mix this year (you can find the archive here, starting with Boot Cuts).
I'll be making two physical copies of November's mix, Keep Me Safe, once we're allowed to leave our apartments. Hit me up, as always, if you want it. <3
Keep Me Safe
Created for cultivating calm.
Look, this month is going to be stressful for obvious reasons. This whole year has been a series of nightmares, and it feels like it's all bubbling up. I really hope that Trump loses the election in embarrassing fashion. I hope it's quick. I hope it's an overwhelming landslide.
No matter the outcome, I'm still stressed, because Joe Biden brings with him a whole other set of nightmares that we'll need to fight tooth and nail to overcome. It's all enough to make you want to crawl into bed and stay there.
SO... I made a mixtape for you (and me) to cultivate a sense of calm, comfort, and coziness. It's not warm and sunny, but it's gentle. I wanted it to feel like wrapping yourself in a big quilt, tea or coffee at the ready. Expect honey-voiced singers and soft, acoustic arrangements.
I built the mix around the Judee Sill song that opens it up, and I hope it helps you the way that it's helped me.
Love you all. Hope you enjoy!
Join Me: I'm on a Podcast!
Queen of podcasts Rachel Chapman had me as a guest on her incredibly fun new project, This Is The Mix, a podcast where guests create a mix they would've listened to in high school and chat about it and high school life in general with your charming host, Rachel!
My episode isn't out just yet, as of writing this email, but there's a bunch of episodes you can check out right now. The whole experience was so fun and got me to revisit a bunch of my old favorites. Some have held up really well! Others... well, it was fun!
Check out This Is The Mix.
RIYL: indie, twee, nostalgia
Check out my high school mix that we discuss on the pod here.
Other Music From High School That I Love
(that you might love too!)
The Streets's Original Pirate Material - I actually can't believe how well this album holds up. It sounds like nothing else in the world. It's fun, poignant, funny. It's perfect.
Björk's Homogenic - I was obsessed with Björk in high school. She's a creative genius, and this is my favorite album of hers, for sure. The vocal delivery on "You sussed it out didn't you" from the song "Hunter" is still one of the most beautiful moments I've ever heard in any piece of music.
Of Montreal's Satanic Panic in the Attic - I expected Of Montreal to age terribly, because good LORD was twee A MOMENT, and a fleeting one at that. BUT, this band sounds as fun and fresh as ever. Pop music done different.
Godspeed You! Black Emperor's F#A# ∞ - Hey if you love 20+ minute instrumental songs about the end of the world, this still gets the job done. I don't listen to post-rock a lot anymore, but this still has the capacity to floor me.