"Some say the creative life is in ideas. Some say it is in doing. It seems in most instances to be in a simple being. It is not virtuosity, although that is very fine in itself. It is the love of something, having so much love for something - whether a person, a word, an image, an idea, the land, or humanity - that all that can be done with the overflow is to create. It is not a matter of wanting to, not a singular act of will; one solely must."
What is it about summertime that makes anything feel possible? I've taken a few weeks off from working this summer to vacation, spend time with friends & family, and reflect. It only took a few days away from my obligations for my horizons to start expanding to soak in all the beautiful things and opportunities around me. A little time off and quickly my head is already buzzing with ideas, my body is feeling restored and stress-free, and I've developed a creative hunger to consume anything and everything inspiring around me. I shared the quote above from my current favorite book, Women Who Run With Wolves by Clarissa Pinkola Estés because creativity has been playing an important role in guiding me as I navigate into a new chapter. And here's a reminder that no matter whether you're an artist or an investment banker, creativity is a river that flows thru all of us, and we must allow ourselves to let this river quench the thirst of our dreams, aspirations, and creations in all that we do.
Music, writing, photography, dancing: these are all things that inspire me and get my creative juices flowing. I hope the tunes I've provided here for you will do the same in countless ways. A mixture of songs I've encountered over the past 6 months, and tracks provided to me from some of my amazing music gurus (shoutout to yall, you da realest), this month's installment might be the most powerful yet. Enjoy <3
IN THE SUN, BY THE WATER
Poolside, beach vibes, or living it up by the lake, enjoy the most important part of summer (fresh air and sunshine, that is) with these jams.
The playlist kicks off with one of my favorite current bands, Desmond Cheese, so start there with "Pimp Floyd" and indulge all the way thru "Free" by the Deadbeats.
WANDERLUSTIN'
I've been vibin' so much lately with sultry female R&B singers, chill electronic, and songs that are brimming with soul. These tracks have been tried & tested on my own recent travels for you to play while in transit on a train, plane, or automobile anywhere in the world.
Tune in for a selection of tracks that will make you feel at home no matter where you are, starting with Rvdical the Kid's "Funk With Me" thru "Ghost Town" by Kanye West.
ON DANCE FLOORS & UNDER THE STARS
Music festivals, nightclubs, day clubs, bonfires, house parties, block parties, even one night when you have the house all to yourself and you're dancing around in your underwear: there's always an excuse to unleash your boogie beast during the sweet summertime.
Warm up with Edamame's "The Silver Lining," then shake what your momma gave ya when you hear Against All Logic's "This Old House I Have" (that's Nicholas Jaar, btw folks) and don't stop until "The Chain" by Kerala Dust.
WHEN YOU MAKE IT TO SEE THE SUNRISE
The world is still, pure, and slowly beginning to awaken anew. Savor every second of this magic with songs that help you get lost in the pastel colors of the clouds, the fresh morning air, and the prospect of a beautiful new day.
Lean in first with "Unknown" by Christian Löffler, and float away with "Outer Space" by G & Genevieve.
My playlist ends with "Summers Gone" off the amazing new NomBe album as a salute to what will surely play out to be another amazing summer in the books, but the music doesn't end there! For continued listening, check out some of my favorite Soundcloud tracks & mixtapes:
HOLY MOB VOLUME 5: A badass phonk compilation, for chilling, cruising, or my favorite, working out.
Hayden James Mix Series Vol. 1 Beginnings: Perfect for when you're feeling your best.
LCAW Away Mix.04: Summer disco vibes.
TYPO & Dessigner Toys, "idec": for when you're ready to move your body like it's never moved before (shoutout to my boy TYPO for trailblazing his way to the top of the Dallas electronic scene!)
Bothan, "Circles": When all you wanna do is ~ wiggle ~
peace, love, and happy listening until next time, my friends <3