I’ve spent the first 20-odd years avoiding the aux like the plague. My extreme fear of musical judgement exists because music choice is such a personal thing, and I knew if one person didn’t agree with mine, I might not like it so much. How easily musically influenced I can be was proven by the six-month period I spent listening to Nickleback because my ex seriously liked it, so I convinced myself that I did too. But not in the feel it in your bones- timeless kind of way. You know those songs that everyone loves, that fit in any period, and you know you’d make your kids listen to. That’s what should get more appreciation. With the rise of Tiktok sounds and snippets, a culture of ‘fast music’ has been created. Like fast fashion, but music, you know! And like there are capsule pieces in fashion, the same applies to music. 

 

Another theory I’ve created that is correct is the way music correlates with a stage in your life, a place, or a feeling. I think Aotearoa makes some of the best music in the world and does an excellent job at purely encapsulating the feeling this beautiful country radiates. Now that I’m overseas, there’s nothing more I love to listen to than some vintage Fat Freddy’s Drop, Anika Moa or Flight of the Conchords. These, among many other great artists, have created ‘Capsule’ music, you may not listen to it every day, but every day that you do is a great day, and you appreciate it even more. Don’t get me wrong; there are a ton of new artists doing the same; it’s just that there’s so much new content coming out every day now, so not all of it can be on that tier.

 

What I’m saying is, define what timeless sounds you really like and what you’re confident in liking and embrace it. Who is anyone, including myself, to tell you what you should like? I’m saying you should feel confident in your taste and share it, like I’m doing here. Anyway, because of all my musical theories, I’ve decided to rank this list by a few feelings, moods, and vibes instead of likeness. Have a go!

 

Impressing the In-Laws 

 

Okay, you want to come off cool and respectful and like you have good taste. If all backfires or they tease you about having bad taste, point out you’re already dating their kid, so clearly you do. There’s no rebuttal to that. You also have to seem like you’re not trying too hard, so don’t pick something too niche for their generation- here are some safe bets; 

 

Anything Otis Redding!, Her’s, The Beach Boys (so underrated!!) And if you were trying to impress my parents, definitely play Bob Marley. 

 

After 9… (pm)

 

Anything from the Weeknd’s older albums (think House of balloons), A bit of Frank Ocean, depending on the vibe, dabble in some 50 Cent because why not. Anything on ‘Anti’ by Rihanna is also a super safe bet. I also stumbled back across Bryson Tiller while writing this, and 14 year old I wasn’t as distasteful as I thought; he kind of still slaps! 

 

Before 9…. (am- personal preference 😉

 

Anything Steve Lacy, Anything Mac Demarco, The Smiths and always always always anything from ‘The Devine Feminine’ by Mac Miller! 

 

If you were me…, 

 

Peppers, Lana Del Ray, who knew she would get any better. Breath Deeper – Lil Yachty remix, Tame Impala. Leaning- Dallas Tamaira, so pretty. 

 

Okay, surely, there’s something you like from all of that. However, the essential part of all of this is to have rad playlist names; here are some of mine (that I’ll let you keep credit for!). Better Than Sex, Permanent fuck me eyes, 3 am Boogie Baby, You Look like you Put Honey in Your long black, Tastes like river water sounds like home, I wanna get sandy with you.