“Play some summer music.”
Frank Ocean’s “White Ferrari?” Skip. Lorde’s “Solar Power?” Nope. SZA’s “Doves in The Wind?” Malikiah, play something else! Yet, I know no one can resist the addictive sound waves created by Calvin Harris’ “Feels.”
With summer approaching in Minnesota, an Arizona resident like myself knows exactly how to react. In my downtime, I found myself listening to some of the previously mentioned artists in addition to Kendrick Lamar, Charli XCX, and even boygenius. Coming from Arizona, where winter temperatures don’t usually go down past 60 degrees Fahrenheit, I find my version of summer music contrasting with others. When you have sunshine all year long, even Phoebe Bridgers becomes summer music.
So, what defines summer music? Is it the replicated feeling of relaxing sunshine on your skin? Is it a cool breeze? Maybe it’s music that causes joyous and celebratory behavior mixed with body sweat and iced drinks. Maybe it’s just open to interpretation?
While some people define summer music as songs with an upbeat and fun vibe like that of artists like Bad Bunny, Doja Cat, and Megan Thee Stallion, others may define it as songs with a laid-back and chill mood citing artists such as Faye Webster, Blood Orange, and Lana Del Rey. Personally, I consider both to be part of my summer listening rotation. Why should I limit myself when I can freely listen to Clairo in 80 degree weather?
However, I have since regulated my summer rotation in order to maintain aux privileges in the form of the debuting of two new playlists — “Spring, Sun, Summer” and “Spring, Shade, Summer.” One playlist is for the summer highs of car sing-a-longs and careless dancing with songs from artists such as The High School Musical Cast. The other is for the lower energy parts of summer, such as sitting in the famous yellow lawn chairs listening to songs made by artists like Kali Uchis. This is what summer music is to me.
While everyone can agree “Princess Diana” by Ice Spice and Nicki Minaj is definitely a summer bop, you can listen to whatever you want. Summer contains a variety of vibes including that of “Kill Bill (feat. Doja Cat)” by SZA. Any song fits. Any genre fits. Just don’t forget to hydrate!
