District’s Winter Playlist
Written by Emma Morris, Kashvi Pallapotu & Nathan Adolphe. Graphics by Emma Morris.
With overcast skies, too-crisp weather and a lack of snow here in the South, it’s easy to feel down during the winter months. Feeling this way is completely natural, which is why we’ve curated some cheery songs to combat winter melancholia.
Emma’s Picks:
When it’s cold and gloomy outside, I tend to get that seasonal sadness winter brings. One of my favorite ways to get myself out of that gloomy rut is to listen to music that boosts my serotonin. Here are some of my current favorites for you to stream, whether in your headphones on the way to class or in your car on a joyride.
“Stay Away” by Rooney
If you’re into early 2000s alternative and indie, this just might be the track for you. Despite its uninviting title, “Stay Away” is an upbeat tune with a nice chorus accompanied by heavenly harmonies. With only 250,000 monthly Spotify listeners, Rooney is one of my recent musical discoveries that I just can’t seem to stay away from, no pun intended. In fact, the entire self-titled album is a collection of fast-tempo songs begging to be played at the highest volume.
“Company Calls” by Death Cab for Cutie
If you couldn’t already tell by the first pick, I’m going through a ’90s/early 2000s phase. “Company Calls” originates from one of Death Cab’s earlier albums, encapsulating the vibe of indie music from 2000. Something about it feels very “coming of age,” perfect for erasing those bad winter vibes.
“Booster Seat” by Spacey Jane
Stepping away from the early 2000s, this song from Spacey Jane is guaranteed to lift your spirits. Personally, the intro really does it for me, especially in my car with the windows down (if the weather permits). See for yourself and give it a listen.
“drive ME crazy!” by Lil Yachty and Diana Gordon
This song happens to be my top track from 2023, and for good reason. From the 2023 album “Let’s Start Here,” it perfectly exemplifies Lil Yachty’s experimentation, incorporating pop and R&B into his established career as a rapper. Diana Gordon’s voice is the cherry on top of this already incredible song.
“Nothing in My Way” by Keane
In addition to its motivating title, “Nothing in My Way” has many things to love. Lead singer Tom Chaplin’s crisp voice, along with the catchy chorus, creates a perfect mesh of musicality and good vibes. If you’re a fan of Keane’s most popular song, “Somewhere Only We Know,” you’ll likely enjoy this tune as well.
Nate’s Picks:
Winter quarter has arrived. Students are returning from all over to classrooms and dorms, and usually the cold slows most people down. Being from Massachusetts, I can say the cold has nothing on me; however, sometimes even I need an extra boost to fend it off. What usually helps is my winter playlist. Here are some songs that stood out and helped me fend off the cold.
“Runnin’” by The Pharcyde
When I’m walking down Broughton Street looking for people and places to photograph, whenever this song comes on, I get a nostalgic feeling — the kind you get when you shoot on film and see the grain and color differences.
“Terry” by Action Bronson
I love the sample on this track. It tickles something in the back of my mind. The guitar almost sounds like it’s speaking, grieving the loss of something deeply important while also celebrating it, which ties into the themes of the track.
“Cressidaway! / TPGeeK” by Niontay
I recently started diving into Niontay’s work, and I have to say he’s definitely worth exploring. His style could be compared to artists like MIKE, Sideshow and Earl Sweatshirt. He has a mellow voice that flows seamlessly with the beats he raps over, leaving you satisfied.
“I Can’t Help It” by Michael Jackson
I listened to “Off the Wall” on my flight back to Massachusetts. I had previously heard this song sampled elsewhere, and it sounded great. When I finally listened to it on its own, I realized you can’t go wrong with Michael Jackson. He’s a timeless artist, and this song proves it.
“Girl Like Me” by PinkPantheress
PinkPantheress is a generational talent. Her sound is unique, graceful and eloquent, and I can’t get enough of it. This song makes you feel like you’re in a club, dancing and losing your inhibitions, in the best way.
Kashvi’s Picks:
Winter, for me, isn’t about bundling up and surviving the cold; it’s about leaning into a certain mood. These are the songs I’ve had on repeat lately when I’m craving warmth, nostalgia or that quiet main-character vibe while walking, staring out a window or letting my mind wander.
“Meet Me in the Woods” by Lord Huron
This one feels like a story someone’s telling you around a campfire. It’s a little haunting but also comforting, like getting lost in the woods and somehow finding yourself instead. It’s dramatic and cinematic, perfect for long winter nights when everything feels a little more mystical.
“Ode to a Conversation” by Del Water Gap
Soft, intimate and painfully honest. A friend sent me this song, and my love for her made me love it even more. It feels like replaying a conversation in your head that you wish had gone differently. It’s gentle without being boring and emotional without being overwhelming, one of those tracks that quietly sits with you.
“Niagara Falls” by The Weeknd
The Weeknd is my all-time favorite artist, so this had to make the list. This song has that smooth, late-night energy that hits differently. It feels like walking down Broughton at night with headphones in, streetlights reflecting off cold, wet pavement and the world turned off. Classic Weeknd, effortless vibes with unspoken emotion underneath.
“Gehra” by Darzi
I know this isn’t an English-language song, but the vibe says everything words don’t need to. It feels like watching a burning sunset on a freezing night. It’s one of those songs you feel more than understand, which is my favorite kind.
“Sienna” by The Marías
Dreamy and slow, this song makes you feel like you’re floating. It has that hazy, almost underwater quality The Marías do so well. It’s perfect for nights when the only light shining in the distance is your slightly crooked bedside lamp.
“Wait” by Maroon 5
Pure nostalgia. It’s gentle and comforting, like revisiting an old memory you still deeply care about. This song is my reminder to slow down, breathe and just wait, even when everything around you feels rushed.
