PLAYLIST: What We're Listening To
We figured it’s about time we showcase some of the unique musical tastes we all have. For our March playlist, we’re highlighting some of our favorite tracks we have on repeat right now.
With 100 founding members, and over 1000 Photo Ladies part of our community, we all have a huge variety of musical tastes, and we plan to showcase them each month through our upcoming playlists. Full playlist below, along with some Photo Lady blurbs behind the choices.
“A female Korean dream pop artist who is also playing in SXSW. She has a unique sound and voice, and psychedelic vibe. ”
“Recently discovered Makoto Kubota & The Sunset Gang's fantastic 19 album "Dixie Fever" and I can't seem to get enough. If you like The Band, you'll like this album.” - @bgallagherphotos | Submission: Makoto Kubota & The Sunset Gang - “ワイルド・アバウト・マイ・ラヴィン”
”I love Hex Girls' new single Electric Eel so much! It's a great fast-paced track in the glam punk vein! The music video is an absolute riot, too.” - Alyssa Leicht @alyssaleicht | Submission: Hex Girls “Electric Eel”
“Jah Phoenix, a queer Latinx trans singer-songwriter, released their debut single ‘Tarot’! With a voice both mysterious and sultry at the same time, you’ll find yourself having this song in constant repeat ”
“L’Imperatrice are a French group with pop and disco influences. Their music is both sensual and lively. Their latest track Peur des Filles (Fear of Girls in English) is the first taste of their upcoming album ‘Tako Tsubo.’ This song is sexy and fun. It is the perfect song to relax and enjoy in any setting. ”
“Kylie Minogue's fifteenth studio album, Disco, was released back in November 2020. Releasing a song like "Where Does the DJ Go?" feels criminal as it seems like a perfect song to play in a packed dance club. But for now, we'll just have to dance to it on our own at home. - Edwina Hay | @arenotphotos | Submission: Kylie Minogue - “Where Does the DJ Go?”
“th1rt3en is the new project from legendary rapper Pharoahe Monch joined by musical visionaries Jack White drummer Daru Jones + renowned guitarist, Marcus Machado. Most will think that this is another venture into "horrorcore" rap, but Monch uses his knack of lyrical wordplay to narrate the story of consumerism, political corruption, police brutality, and murder --dark subjects for the current times but a must needed conversation.” - Victoria Ford | @sneakshotphotography | Submission: th1rt3en - “Goats Head”
“Phil Moore never disappoints me... ”
“Kings of Leon came out with a new album and this song has been on repeat. The KOL brothers have a special place in my heart because they were one of the first rock bands I discovered when I was a teen. Enjoy! ”
PLAYLIST: Love From Both Sides
We can look at February from two different lenses, celebrating or hating Valentine’s Day. There’s plenty of music to encompass both of these feelings as well, which is why we decided to do a DOUBLE playlist this month. If you’d rather gush over love songs or feel comfort in being alone we’ve got the playlist for you!
With 100 founding members, and over 1000 Photo Ladies part of our community, we all have a huge variety of musical tastes, and we plan to showcase them each month through our upcoming playlists. Full playlist below, along with some Photo Lady blurbs behind the choices.
“The brilliant thing about this is song is when one hears it for the first time, you believe you’re listening to a love song but during the second verse, you realize this is something much more sinister.”
“Whether you remember the 80s, or you just remember Adam Sandler's hilarious rendition of this song in "The Wedding Singer", you can't not think of this song when you think of love and all of its complexities.” - Judie Vegh - @OyVegh | Submission: J. Geils Band - “Love Stinks”
”Valentine's Day is often centered around love towards another person, very rarely do we spend Valentines Day for ourselves, falling in love with ourselves. In "Real Love", Jax Anderson pens a beautiful song about self love and acceptance and the art of falling in love with yourself.” - Jess Williams - @jesswilliamsphoto | Submission: Jax Anderson - “Real Love”
“This song is so nostalgic to me for whatever reason- the lyrics are obviously so specific to the subject of the song but that’s what makes it seem so familiar and relatable. I love the idea of these two people hanging out and dancing in a basement together “after the party” not caring if anybody else is watching.”
“Love songs always tend to be slow, but Maggie Rogers gives this one a bit more pep in the step without being to cheesy. It’s perfect for that long car ride with a special someone.”
“This song is equal parts funky and sexy, channeling Monáe's longtime mentor Prince. This is no surprise since Prince helped work on some songs from the 2018 album, "Dirty Computer" and wrote part of "Make Me Feel". Back in 2018, I made my boyfriend a mix CD and included this song on it. 3 years later, we're still together, and he still makes me feel good! - Judie Vegh - @oyvegh | Submission: Janelle Monáe - “Make Me Feel”
“A pretty perfect love song, in my humble opinion. Simple and hypnotic.”
“I’ve always been a fan of serpentwithfeet’s music, but it’s refreshing to hear a song about the love between friends during February, one of the most heavy handed romantic love months around...”
PLAYLIST: Hometown Heroes
New year new playlists ahead! We’re kicking off January by showing a little love to our hometown favs. With Photo Ladies spread far and wide we’ve really come together with quite the collection of our hometown heroes. As music photographers, a lot of our drive is in supporting the local artists as they grow. You’ve seen this in past photo series we’ve done like The Local Music Project.
With 100 founding members, and over 1000 Photo Ladies part of our community, we all have a huge variety of musical tastes, and we plan to showcase them each month through our upcoming playlists. Full playlist below, along with some Photo Lady blurbs behind the choices.
“One of my favorite albums from last year. So proud to have Orion Sun based in Philly”
“The Greeting Committee are awesome musicians and awesome people. Their most recent EP showed maturity in their sound that I really enjoyed.” - Sophia Ragomo - @sophiaragomo | Submission: The Greeting Committee - ‘Cry Baby’
“Love the passion and energy that Hand Out has when on stage! Their songs are moody, raw, heavy, and melodic at the same time.” - Jordan Hefler - @jordanhefler | Submission: Hand Out - “Care”
“I was lucky enough to shoot the cover art for this single. Colton is a good friend and I’ve loved watching him grow!
I feel like anyone can relate to this song when they’re separated from the person they miss most. It just gives me ALL the feels. ”
“I will forever find it strange that I can see Black Peaks rock the biggest festival stages and then bump into its band members at the local pub!”
“‘Oh Why’ is about emotions that can't be conveyed. People use words and language to describe their feelings. All communication has become indirect, but the explanation is not necessary for understanding something, as all feelings are direct and real.” - Mia Min Yen - @miaminyenphotos | Submission: The Fur “Oh Why”
“If you’re looking for a calm but upbeat summer feeling song check this out” - Steph Wanderling - @wvndr | Submission: Varsity “Sleep It Off”
“As the first week of the year wraps up, my Friday was delightfully surprised by not one, but two song releases. I have been a huge fan of Modern Vices, a local Chicago band. A defining trait of the band is their lead singer’s enticing croon. “Fades” is more upbeat with a sense of urgency. “i” could be considered a response to the first track and filled with more nostalgia. Both songs unequivocally reflect the band’s key sounds that have made them recognized and supported throughout the Chicago music scene. I recommend you treat you ears to their new release x ”
“Enon were a NYC based trio (John Schmersal, Toko Yasuda, and Matt Schulz) and was one of my favorites to see around NYC over the years. I tend to listen their music every now and then even though they’re no longer active and it makes me wish for a reunion.”
PLAYLIST: Best of 2020 + Albums Favs
We couldn’t finish out the year without highlighting some of our favorite tracks of the year. This has obviously been a tough year for everyone but we like to think that music got us through most of it. Here’s our last playlist of 2020 and scroll down for a little bonus content to see what some of our favorite albums of this year were.
With 100 founding members, and over 1000 Photo Ladies part of our community, we all have a huge variety of musical tastes, and we plan to showcase them each month through our upcoming playlists. Full playlist below, along with some Photo Lady blurbs behind the choices.
“Since I spent most of 2020 alone, this has been a bit of a theme song for me and one that I play when I’m feeling a little extra lonely. And it reminds me that things will be OK. ”
“Taylor Momsen’s voice on this song is so beyond good. Ive always been impressed by what a great singer and songwriter she is but this song really showcases her range. I’m very excited for the new album Death By Rock and Roll to be released.”
“A musical response to Max Porter's novel with the same name. This is a beautiful and mesmerizing EP that provides a sonic journey into the state of grief and explores the worlds beyond it. Worth a listen ( on repeat ) for a cathartic experience or just to be felt understood”. - Claudia Innes | @Jarethsgirl // Submission: Will White - BlancGrief Is The Thing Feathers - EP
“This has been my favorite song this entire year, I just want to sing so loudly and dance when it comes on. Although this song is about feeling ready within yourself to let new people in after a break up, the song is so catchy and upbeat and still makes me excited and happy when I listen to it.” - Amanda Huerta | @PandaH___ // Submission: Hayley Williams - “Pure Love”
“This song was on constant repeat since June, it's infectious beat and Pharrell's voice made this a total bop. Trust me, its a feel good song.” - Victoria Ford | @sneakshotphotography // Submission: Buju Banton feat. Pharrell Williams - “Cherry Pie”
“Mara changed my year. I was in and out of a pretty intense relationship in the beginning of 2020 and that was when the song was released - I fell in and out of love to the song. It feels half like a sad song and half like a dance track and I’m so grateful for that so that my relationship with it can evolve. You have to reclaim songs for yourself even if they remind you of certain memories. Mara hits home so hard for me and I hope people can associate memories with it.” - Carter Howe | @carterkhowe // Submission: Jack Garratt - “Mara”
“So shiny and nostalgic, it will make you forget 2020 ever happened.” - Sasha | @sashamaesephotography // Submission: Dummy - “Angel's Gear”
“MisterWives released their triumphant third LP this year, culminating with the titular “SUPERBLOOM”—a song about having hit rock bottom and surviving to see the other side, and having self-love to congratulate yourself for all you’ve been through. Let’s just say this song has greatly helped me get through 2020 and I’m sure has caused annoyance to my downstairs neighbors for how crazily I dance along to it every. single. time.”
“I was so excited to get a new Strokes album in 2020, and it came at the perfect time. The album was released on one of the first nice days we had in the middle of quarantine, and I remember driving around with my windows open blasting this album and just being so happy for the first time in months. The opening track will always remind me of the true happiness I felt in that moment. ”
“This track completely changed when reworked with strings! It sounds like a dramatic movie scene of a funeral and I love it.” - Sophia Ragomo | @sophiaragomo // Submission: Phoebe Bridgers - “Kyoto"
“I’ve become a sucker for pop music this year. I’ve been loving the LANY Mama’s Boy album. ‘bad news’ was a standout track for me. It’s a perfect rundown of what dating someone in music is like. I always love the way Paul Klein (and ultimately Sasha Sloan) are able to write honest pop music that can be upbeat and heartbreaking at the same time.” -Carolyn Lederach | @cled1024 | Submission: LANY - ‘bad news’
“If anyone ever asks me for a music recommendation, I always say PARCELS. Based in Berlin, these Australian legends are incredibly disciplined musicians. The song Gamesofluck is technically from 2017; HOWEVER, the guys released a live album this year that included a slight revamp of the original studio track. It’s groovy and it always hits the spot. Take a sonically pleasing cruise and listen to this song and this entire live album if you get a chance.” - Jen Machuca | IG: @jen_machuca // Submission: Parcels - “Gamesofluck- from Hansa Studios, Berlin”
“Chris' EP was an absolute delight to have this year but THIS song slaps! Love the opening of beautiful Italian verses accompanied by some great dance music. Can we also please mention that the music video is perfection?!” - Kris Lori | @kris_lori // Submission: Christine and the Queens - “La Vita Nuova” ft. Caroline Polachek
“Open Mike Eagle had a bad year. His television show with comedian Baron Vaughn, ("The New Negroes") was cancelled by Comedy Central. His marriage also ended. The song from his 2020 album "Anime, Trauma and Divorce" called "The Black Mirror Episode" places the blame on an episode of the television show created by Charlie Brooker. The circumstances that generated the song is pretty awful but I dare you to try to not sing "The Black Mirror Episode ruined my marriage" and not try to guess which episode it was (he'll never tell).” - Edwina Hay | @arenotphotos // Submission: Open Mike Eagle- “The Black Mirror Episode”
“Really this could be any song off of Fiona Apple’s brilliant ‘Fetch the Bolt Cutters,’ which is my pick for Album of the Year. I’ve had a moment with each of these powerhouse songs since its release, and their underlying strength and grit have fortified me with resolve in what has been a very difficult year. ”
“When I first heard Murderer, it was in the car, it was late. We were driving over 8 hours and it had just been a really rough day. When I heard this song, I honestly just felt okay, but in a weird, this song is pretty disturbing and crazy, in a really cool way. The lead singer of Hippo Campus, Lupin’s side project is a lot more electronic and different, balancing different key and time signatures, ultimately earning my #1 song of the year.”
Bonus content…Our Favorite Albums of 2020!
Movements - No Good Left To Give
“It’s safe to say that 2020 has thrown the music industry into a whirlwind. Tours got cancelled and thousands of people were forced into unemployment, but our favorite artists still delivered despite the setbacks. My favorite album release of 2020 is Movements’ No Good Left To Give. The Californian band has always provided its listeners with thoughtful and expressive lyrics. My personal favorite off of the album is “Moonlight Lines.” The track embodies feelings of desire for physical connection while still offering an energetic vibe. Transparency in a time where the entire world is vulnerable means more than ever.”
Orion Sun - Hold Space For Me
“I may be a little bias as Orion Sun is a Philly artist...but I truly have come to love this album this year. ‘Hold Space For Me’ is just a super poetic and cohesive album for me and I really love it. Something that goes into a favorite album for me is a cohesiveness that you enjoy throughout, it has ups and downs but everything flows perfectly. It’s the perfect album to find some peace in. ”
Dua Lipa - Future Nostalgia
“The more I read about, listen to, or watch Dua Lipa, the more I fall in love with her. Future Nostalgia is a charming follow up to Dua’s debut album back in 2017, and embodies all the danceable beats and relatable lyrics you didn’t know you needed just as 2020 began to fall apart. Dua experiments with disco, funk and basic pop beats that create the radio hit ‘Don’t Start Now’, and channels classic 80s synths in the Olivia Newton-John-inspired ‘Physical’. This album has lifted my spirits during such strange times, and will hold a special place in my heart. ”
The Strokes - The New Abnormal
“In a year of uncertainty, music became a guiding light for people around the world. No matter what happened in their lives (see: Global Pandemic, historic unemployment numbers), their favorite artist was there to help. Enter: The Strokes. Their latest album, The New Abnormal allowed listeners to remember the days of outdoor music festivals, getting smashed into someone you’ve never met in a hazy smoke-filled music venue and driving along the beach at night. The standout track, “Bad Decisions,” encapsulated every bit of The Strokes signature sound with a roaring drumbeat and Julia Casablancas’ voice bringing nostalgia to every piece of their sound. With tour plans for most of the world still in flux, The New Abnormal is clearly representative of the world we live in, not normal.”
PLAYLIST: November Current Tunes
We’re back with one of our last playlists of the year. Coming together once again to bring you some of the best tracks we’re listening to right now. Hope you enjoy!
With 100 founding members, and over 1000 Photo Ladies part of our community, we all have a huge variety of musical tastes, and we plan to showcase them each month through our upcoming playlists. Full playlist below, along with some Photo Lady blurbs behind the choices.
“In memory of Helen Reddy’s recent passing, let’s remember that no matter the election results on November 3, the fight is not over! We have a lot of work to do.”
“I’ve always loved The Vaccines. Frontman Justin Young and Timothy Lanham created this side project and it’s been lovely. The entirety of Morning Kiss At The Acropolis has been a staple in my quarantine music jamz” - Jennifer Machuca - @jen_machuca | Submission: Halloween’s - ‘My Baby Looks Good With Another’
”It's a heartbreaking song that will get stuck in your head...be sure to also check out the short film for it with her sister and Shia.” - Stefanie Dabs | @sdabspics | Submission: Rainsford - ‘Love Me Like You Hate Me’
“If you’re missing gigs turn this on & you’ll 110% feel transplanted to a sweaty indie gig with your best buds ”
“James Blake always manages to surprise me, either with the melodies and soundscapes or subject matter. Happy boy or Sad boy, i’ll take any version of James i can get.”
“The two tracks share a complimentary message which can be heard throughout Molly’s debut album, Voice on the Internet (out November 13th), about being addicted to social media and the idea that it is difficult to know if what you see online is real.” - Emily May | @emilymayphotography37 | Submission: Molly Moore - “Careful” / ”Identity Crisis”
“Brandy (not the R&B singer who once played Moesha) is a NYC trio and this opening track from their new record is a song I’ve been listening to a lot around my apartment. ”
“I first heard this song while watching Warrior Nun on Netflix and thought it was such an awesome song.”
PLAYLIST: Dark & Moody (October Playlist)
We’ve somehow reached the tenth month of the year. We can debate how this might be the best month of the year. It’s getting dark earlier, there’s a chill in the air, leaves are falling, Halloween films are on repeat, there’s a 12-ft skeleton that exists to decorate your lawn, the list goes on. Now what better way to accompany your October mood but with our Dark & Moody playlist. Hope you enjoy!
With 100 founding members, and over 1000 Photo Ladies part of our community, we all have a huge variety of musical tastes, and we plan to showcase them each month through our upcoming playlists. Full playlist below, along with some Photo Lady blurbs behind the choices.
“37d03d, or PEOPLE, started as a music festival in Berlin where artist commune, collaborate and celebrate music for a week together before it’s presented to live audiences. This song instantly transports me back to the festival, where I was lucky enough to attend, surrounded by hundreds of strangers hearing new music and watching new bands coalesce right before our eyes. It’s an experience I’ll carry with me always. ”
“Hex Girls just released a music video for this song and I'm so freaking excited about it! I helped with co-writing and production on the video as well as styling the sets and costume design too!” - Alyssa Leicht | @alyssaleicht | Submission: Hex Girls - ‘Cats With No Teeth (Catch No Mice)’
“Her self described musical style of ‘feminist angst horror film feel’ is appropriate all year round, but feels especially fitting for October.” - Julia Simone Paul | @juliasimonepaul | Submission: Alexandra Savior - ‘The Phantom’
“This song always reminds me of the beginning of Autumn, my favourite season. The start of colder weather, Halloween, pumpkins, amazing forest walks and darker shorter days. Oh and there will be a complete full moon on Halloween this year so I can’t wait for #spooktober to start and to play this song on repeat again. ”
“October is my favorite month, and you know I have a good autumnal playlist going all month long! CocoRosie always makes it on the list. While their 2020 release “Put the Shine On” is ethereal and perfect for the season, I felt the classic “Werewolf” from way back in 2007 was apropos for this list. ”
“Foot-stomping, banjo, sounds of a thunderstorm. Elliott BROOD's music has always felt like my youth growing up in the heart of the Canadian Prairies.” - Jenn Kostesky | @jennyramonephoto | Submission: Elliott BROOD - ‘Cadillac Dust’
“This has always been a haunting song to me and one of my favorite to listen to with headphones. The intro alone set a super eerie and immersive sound with the shifting of sound, I love it!” - Carolyn Lederach | @cled1024 | Submission: To Kill a King - “Howling”
“If you want a dark and moody playlist, be sure to fill it with the voice of Beth Gibbons, lead singer and lyricist of Portishead. Mysterons is one of my favorite songs off their debut, “Dummy” way back in 1994. ”
“I am no stranger to having bad things on my mind and feeling like I need help to be lifted up, so this song speaks to me on many levels. I love how the mixture of honky-tonk piano with the super charged electric guitar makes it feel like such a moody, gospel, garage rock oriented track. You want to dance, but when you listen to the lyrics you can’t help but relate.”
PLAYLIST: September Favs
By now you’ve come to love our monthly music playlists (thanks for the constant follows). We bring you another playlist of 22 diverse tracks we’ve been enjoying the last month, highlighting all The Photo Ladies different musical interests. Hope you enjoy!
With 100 founding members, and over 1000 Photo Ladies part of our community, we all have a huge variety of musical tastes, and we plan to showcase them each month through our upcoming playlists. Full playlist below, along with some Photo Lady blurbs behind the choices.
“The world lost Justin Townes Earle August 23rd, 2020 at 38 yrs old. His music needs to be heard so he lives on. Americana lost a great story teller and an incredible voice. ”
“As a traveling photographer I deeply related to this song about touring and this Nashville band is doing rock music so well, I had to share!” - Jessi McKee | @jmckeephotos
“Been super excited for the return of Lewis Del Mar! The new album is everything I’ve been hoping for the last like 5 years we’ve been waiting for this.” - Carolyn Lederach | @Cled1024
“This song is a stripped back version that’ll fit perfectly into any of your quarantine playlists” - Whitney Hensley | @whitneyhensleyphoto
“While “Best Part of Me” was specifically written for acknowledging your mental health and making time for self-care, Madison thinks the lyrics can resonate with a lot of people struggling to cope with the current state of our society. “I can only imagine the anxiety, depression and anger people are feeling right now and I think ‘Best Part of Me’ can help to reassure that while it feels like the world is burning or even ending, it’s okay to take a day, cry it out and then get back in the saddle and kick some ass the next day.” ”
“Sylvan Esso. They never let me down, and this song actually makes me feel being stuck inside during quarantine in a tiny NYC apartment is totally fine. ”
“I absolutely love this Flo Milli song thanks to the beat and her reworking lyrics from a Snoop Dogg song into a chorus.” - Edwina Hay | @arenotphotos
“From the new album “Ghost in the Shadows” by NYC hardcore band Rebelmatic. I’ve been working on a video interview with frontman Creature, and have included this song.” - Stephanie Augello | @sawjello
“I heard ENGLISH BOYS on a Discover Weekly Playlist and instantly fell in love. Hearing the vocalist sing about burning down all of the preconceived notions in her mind is super refreshing during these uncertain times. ”
PLAYLIST: August Addiction
Somehow we’ve reached August already, which means it’s time for another playlist! The Photo Ladies came together to share 40 tracks we’ve had on repeat over the last month, and we hope you enjoy them as much as we do.
With 100 founding members, and over 1000 Photo Ladies part of our community, we all have a huge variety of musical tastes, and we plan to showcase them each month through our upcoming playlists. Full playlist below, along with some Photo Lady blurbs behind the choices.
“‘When I heard the news of the George Floyd murder on the heels of the murders of Breonna Taylor and Ahmaud Arbery, and the Christian Cooper incident in Central Park, I knew I had to release the song. It is my response to the feelings that have been rising in me ever since my heart broke in 2012 with the murder of Trayvon Martin.’ (Taken from our interview with Doug Locke)”
'Enemy Reimagined' is far from Designer Disguise's classic hard-hitting core sound, as the original song has been tailored into an acoustic version which leaves the listener raw, vulnerable and exposed. Jackson Bengtsson, vocalist, stated that this song is a true representation of the fears they have of themselves when they're at their worst. They hope that by talking and singing about mental health, it can begin the process of normalization. We are no weaker just because we are vulnerable and open. Instead, by admitting and sharing our struggles we are stronger. - Sara Scott | @scenestories
This collab with Grace Carter and Jacob Banks is one of those beautifully heartbreaking tracks. That line ‘It was a one way track, why don’t you love me back?’ I think is super relatable and honest. I don’t know how you can listen to this and NOT feeling something. - Carolyn Lederach | @Cled1024
Father John Misty’s cover of Anthem by Leonard Cohen is a beautiful homage to the artist. A reminder to us all that in these times of darkness and uncertainty through the tiniest of cracks light (hope) can get in. We could all use a reminder of these during these times. - Skylar Davis | @helloskylar
“Detroit’s Protomartyr are probably one of my favorite acts ever since discovering their second album six years ago. They’re a band that continually push themselves and on their latest record, Ultimate Success Today, came out in July and features jazz musicians. Vocalist Joe Casey has stated that “Processed by the Boys” was written with the US agency ICE in mind. ”
“I’m sad that Mitski has decided to retire from touring (indefinitely? Maybe?) but it seems she did it at the right moment in time. Her shows were incredible, and I’m hoping she can give us new music inspired by these isolated, strange times. ”
This song struck me the second I heard it. It has a beautiful storytelling element and a level of innocence that is so childlike, and the melodies are so soft and gentle. It feels like the end of a good summer day. - Nina Tadic | @ninatadicphotography
The very first single from new indie band Stablemate is such a mood. A dreamscape to get lost in, I have caught myself listening on repeat without even noticing. - Angela Rose | @itsmissgirlface
“A new-ish Chicago rock band, “You Died” came out with their first EP last year. This song was so catchy, I couldn’t get it out of my head for days! ”
“Fiction has an energy that is unmatched, and the brand new Felonious Punk single is no exception. Exciting, innovative, and catchy... I can’t stop listening!”