The Gold Souls’ Do It Again With ‘Something in the Air’

Although 2025 hasn’t been the easiest year (lord help me, it’s only April), we can at least soothe our feelings with this new album from The Gold Souls. Their third album, Something in the Air, offers their familiar funk sound with an extra dose of jazzy brass and ear warming harmonies.

The album opens with the title track, “Something in the Air” that immediately tells the listener that The Gold Souls haven’t been sitting at home twiddling their thumbs. The song starts with the new brass section setting the stage for what’s to come while the lead singer, Juniper Waller, sings about the community tension around climate change, and how it affects the band’s daily life. Not all the songs cover current events, but the band doesn’t shy away from those topics. In “Human Beings” Waller addresses the relatable burnout capitalism has convinced humanity is the only way to survive. In the chorus the band calls out “we don’t have to work so hard” and reminds us that all we need to do is be human and be alive. That’s enough.

The Gold Souls dressed in gold and black.
The Gold Souls glitter in gold and black.

I recommend listening to this album with headphones in order to fully appreciate the crisp drumming by Billy D. Thompson, especially on “Don’t Give Up”. Thompson is a fantastic drummer, something that’s been obvious since their first album. His crisp beats and clean rolls remind me of Yusef Dayes, a well-known drummer and producer in the hip-hop world. Thompson’s drumming especially shines on the instrumental number “Double Daddy Get Down”, an incredibly funky tune that brings the sound of New Orleans in with a bluesy guitar solo at the end.

The other benefit of listening with headphones is getting to experience the soft and grungy keys on songs like “Calling you (On the Phone). The latter also includes a deliciously sexy trumpet solo accompanied by a strumming guitar. The entire song is one I can see them playing during a live set to give the audience a chance to breathe between all the upbeat tunes.

While the album boasts the undeniably classic Gold Souls sound, the addition of the brass section, crisp production, and overall maturity and cohesiveness of the band is easily noticeable and fun! It’s the kind of album that makes a listener even more excited for what’s to come next.

December

Happy holidays one and all!

Sending you lots of holiday warmth and wishes during cozy December and whether you celebrate Hanukkah, Christmas, Kwanzaa, Solstice, or something else, I hope it’s wonderful.

To be perfectly honest, I had a crazy November and it’s only speeding up as the calendar turns to the end of the year. Because of this hectic-ness, I haven’t created my usual playlist. I tried compiling one real quick, but it felt rushed and I don’t like sharing playlists that feel like they’ve been slapped together simply for the purpose of existing.

So, January will bring a new selection of tunes that will be more thoughtfully curated. While December brings…Christmas music! I love, love, love Christmas music and a few years ago I began a playlist of some of my favorite holiday tunes that I’m sharing with you today. It has the classics like “White Christmas” and “All I Want for Christmas is You” as well as some lesser known tunes (well, realistically it’s lesser known covers) like “This Christmas” by Oh Wonder or “Wonderful Christmastime” by Tuxedo.

Throwing on a random Christmas playlist from your streaming service of choice can be a gamble because, let’s be honest, not all Christmas music is made equal. I hope this playlist helps you bring in the holiday cheer without making you jump up every 5 minutes to skip a song.

As always, let me know if you’re enjoying the tunes and if there are any songs you think this playlist needs, I’m all ears! Happy holidays!

Listen on Spotify

November

Happy November! 

It’s a short one today. October was insane in more ways than one and I know that I wasn’t the only one experiencing that. Eclipse season did a number on us all! But the music goes on, and aren’t we glad that it does? 

For this month’s playlist, I’ve compiled a small list of cozy tunes that range from Fred again’s pulsing beats to Iron & Wine’s soaring vocals. It’s the season of colorful leaves, cozy sweaters, and soup! This playlist is best enjoyed in the later afternoon / evening, wrapped in your favorite jumper and with a cup of soup in hand (dealer’s choice on the soup).

Happy listening! And as always, let me know what resonated with you this month or if there’s something you’d like to hear more of.

Listen on Spotify | Listen on Apple Music

  1. ten – Fred again…, Jozzy – Can Fred do anything badly? I don’t think so. I’ve been listening to this on repeat since it came out and the slightly muffled bass hits me in the chest in such a delicious way.
  2. Suburban Legends (Taylor’s Version) – Taylor Swift – Tswift gets better at throwing shade every goddamn year, and I’m here for it. Even if the shade is being thrown at Harry Styles.
  3. Ode to a Conversation Stuck In Your Throat – Del Water Gap – This is the only song by Del Water Gap that I listen to. Any suggestions of what else I should check out?
  4. Don’t Delete The Kisses – Wolf Alice – If you’re a fan of the show Heartstopper, you’ll recognize this tune. Wolf Alice does such unique things with sound. I recommend reading the lyrics because these hit home.
  5. Beautiful – Yana – Yana is new to me this year and this song is so…beautiful. It really captures the complicated-ness of being in a relationship while life is happening around you and through you.
  6. Afraid of Heights – boygenius – Off of their EP “the rest”, Lucy’s vocals in this are captivating and this might be my favorite song off of this record…but if you ask me again tomorrow that might change.
  7. Flightless Bird, American Mouth – Iron & Wine – It’s the season of Twilight, so I had to include a classic. Those movies might be campy, misogynistic nightmares, but for someone who read all the books and saw all the films when they came out, there’s a level of nostalgia that somehow softens the pain of how absolutely terrible these films are. An even bigger bonus? The music in all five films SLAPS. It will forever be its biggest redeeming quality.
  8. Heroes – Peter Gabriel – I rewatched Stranger Things in October (because that’s as spooky as I get) and I was reminded of this beautiful tune. Originally by David Bowie, Peter Gabriel takes this rock song and turns it into a heart wrenching ballad supported by a full symphony. The use of this song in Stranger Things makes me cry every time.

October

October woods, wherein
The boy’s dream comes to pass,
And nature squanders on the boy her pomp
And crowns him with a more than royal crown
And unimagined splendor waits his steps
The urchin walks thro tents of gold
Thro crimson chambers porphyry & pearl
Pavilion on pavilion garlanded
Incensed & starred with lights & airs & shapes
And sounds, music
Beyond the best conceit of pomp or power
– Ralph Waldo Emerson

Happy October everyone! Enjoy this month’s playlist and, as always, let me know if you discovered a new favorite after listening. Thanks!

Listen on Spotify • Listen on Apple Music

  1. Psychotic Girl – The Black Keys
    • One of my favorite Black Keys tunes from their album Attack & Release. It came on while I was grocery shopping (thanks New Seasons) and it felt like a perfect beginning to October. A little grungy, a little sexy, and a little banjo in the background.
  2. What Was I Made For – Billie Eilish
    • Billie somehow managed to encapsulate the feelings of depression and anxiety in one heartbreakingly beautiful song. When I saw Barbie and this song began playing, the tears started flowing without an end in sight. Her voice hits a certain space in my heart that no one else does (or has yet).
  3. lacy – Olivia Rodrigo
    • No sophomore slump for Miss Rodrigo, her new album, GUTS, is fucking ace. The first time I listened to this song, I knew it was going to be a favorite. She’s giving Phoebe Bridgers and Billie Eilish all while maintaining her unique sound.
  4. New Auburn – Big Red Machine, Anaïs Mitchell
    • I spun Big Red Machine’s album, How Long Do You Think It Will Last, the other day and this track, the last one on the album, popped its head up. It’s a song I’ve heard more times than I can count, but it struck me differently this time (don’t ask why, I couldn’t tell you). Maybe it’s Anaïs Mitchell’s voice or Justin Vernon’s harmonies. It’s the feeling of colorful leaves floating through dark gray skies that threaten rain. 
  5. Rosyln – Bon Iver, St. Vincent
    • Rag on the Twilight series as much as you want, their soundtracks went above and beyond for every film. This song is a popular TikTok tune (I don’t know what the proper term is), but it’s thanks to New Moon that we even have this beautiful duet. I think what I’m gathering from this is that Bon Iver is the sound of fall.
  6. The Boxer – Jerry Douglas, Mumford & Sons
    • Mumford & Sons are actually a fantastic cover band, did you know this? Their best cover being “With a Little Help From My Friends” (the Joe Cocker version) in 2013 at Glastonbury festival with help from The Staves, First Aid Kit, Vampire Weekend, and The Vaccines. “The Boxer” hides on the deluxe edition of their 2nd album, Babel, and is graced with the wonderful Jerry Douglas, the dobro master. Marcus’s voice was made to sing folk and I’m so grateful that I’m alive to witness it.
  7. Male Fantasy – Billie Eilish
    • Ugh Billie’s voice though!! I’m not even going to say much about this, just enjoy her falsetto and poignant lyrics.
  8. Part Wolf – John Craigie
    • “You’d best get back in the ring, and learn how to bleed”. One of my favorite Craigie tunes. 
  9. love is embarrassing – Olivia Rodrigo
    • This has 80’s pop rock vibes that scratches an itch in my brain in such a wonderful way. From the driving bass line and drums to the whip-like sound during the chorus, and the funky little bridge, it’s so fun!
  10. all my ghosts – Lizzy McAlpine
    • I love that Lizzy uses an electric guitar on this as if she’s playing an acoustic. It gives the song an edge and teases the audience, like she could go hard on this if she wanted to, but she’s keeping it reigned in. Edging the audience, if you will. She’s a visual storyteller and it makes me really excited to see where she goes in the future.
  11. Fine Line – Harry Styles
    • It’s fall, so here’s some sad Harry. It’s one of the best endings to an album and the buildup to the climax of horns and drums is worth the wait.
  12. Fare Thee Well (Dink’s Song) – Oscar Isaac, Marcus Mumford
    • Oscar Isaac and Marcus Mumford are the duet power couple I want forever and always. This is from the film Inside Llewyn Davis, where Marcus’s voice plays Oscar’s deceased bandmate. It’s an intense film by the Coen brothers and, similar to O Brother, Where Art Thou?, the music was done by the infamous T. Bone Burnett. Check out Another Day Another Time: Celebrating the Music of Inside Lleywn Davis for a closer look at the process and a live show with other bands who were inspired by the folk movement of the 60’s.

September

September is one of my favorite months, for multiple reasons. 

It’s my birth month, as it is for so many of my friends and other people in the world.

Although the heat of summer is slow to leave September days, the nights offer cooler temperatures that fill me with excitement for what’s to come.

It’s Virgo season, which means to-do lists, organizing my shit, meal planning, and feeling the pure joy that comes with all of that.

The vibe of September’s playlist is honestly all over the place, because that’s how I’m feeling of late. Joy, excitement, and creativity are all there but mixed with the high notes of anxiety, low notes of depression, and middle notes of exhaustion. What I keep coming back to is nothing’s “good” or “bad”, it just is and it won’t last forever. So, I’m doing my best to soak up the joy and let go of the anxiety and all she brings. 

As September brings in the change of seasons, it’s a reminder that change is the only constant in life. So, let’s sit in these feels and let them flow through us when they’re no longer needed. I hope this collection of tunes can help.

Enjoy September’s playlist and, as always, let me know if something strikes your fancy.

Listen on Spotify – Listen on Apple Music

  1. Virgo’s Groove – Beyoncé
    • Happy Virgo season!
  2. This Must Be the Place (Naive Melody) – Talking Heads
    • A cover of this song came on a playlist while I was cleaning the house, so I went back to the original. It’s one of my favorite unexpected love songs.
  3. Honey – Maggie Rogers
    • I saw Maggie in Portland this month (my third time seeing her, but first time on the Surrender tour). The whole album is a fresh sound from her, but I really love the rawness of her vocals in this one.
  4. Counting – GC O’Hare
    • This is my favorite song from the Break the Plates EP that I helped GC produce over the last year. It reminds me of Fleetwood Mac’s “The Chain”.
  5. Walking Backwards – Ben Howard
    • From his newest album. His sound shifts every time he releases new music. I wasn’t too keen on the album before this one, Collections From the Whiteout, so I was worried about Is It?, turns out I love it and couldn’t stop myself from adding two songs from the album to this playlist.
  6. Prescription (Extended) – Remi Wolf
    • One of my favorite YouTubers, shoutout to HTHaze, turned me onto this song during one of his live streams. I love Remi’s passion and how her voice squeaks when she’s really feeling it.
  7. Home By Now – MUNA
    • God damn I love sad pop music. MUNA has scratched that itch for me so many times, but especially with this song.
  8. Peace – Taylor Swift
    • As much as I love Tswift, sometimes I get over-stimulated with how long her albums can be, so occasionally I’ll miss some good tunes because I don’t make it to the end of the record. “Peace” is one that made it into my heart much later after folklore was released and it’s a testament to her lyrical growth.
  9. Moonraker – Ben Howard
    • I have yet to dive into the lyrics of this song, but the melody is so yummy.
  10. Hey, Ma – Bon Iver
    • In early August, I checked off an important item on my bucket list by seeing Bon Iver in concert. I’ve been a huge fan of his since his first album, For Emma, Forever Ago, came out. It’s been wonderful to witness his growth as an artist.
  11. Would’ve, Could’ve, Should’ve – Taylor Swift
    • Did I mention I like sad pop? This song makes me emotional every time I listen to it, not because I have direct experience to relate to the lyrics, but because I can feel her emotion and how much she’s struggling. For those who don’t know, this song is about her relationship with John Mayer when She was 19 and he was in 30’s. Since Swift has been rerecording her old work, I have a theory that she wrote this song around the time that she was recording Speak Now, which includes the song, “Dear John”, also about Mayer. There’s so much emotion and symbolism in “Would’ve, Could’ve, Should’ve” that I could write an entire thesis on it, but instead I’ll let one of my other favorite YouTubers, Ally Sheehan, talk about it.

August

Last week I was cleaning out my Google Drive, like you do, and I came across a doc I had written nearly five years ago. It was a list of every radio show I had done during my time at Buzz Radio (Brighton University’s radio station). Each entry included the date, a theme, a list of every song that was played, and notes for each track. I was overwhelmed with pride as I scrolled through the list, and I was reminded how much I love sharing music!

So, welcome to my new project…monthly playlists. I’ll work on a more exciting name, but for now that’s what I’m sticking with. Each month I’ll come with a fresh batch of songs and some personal notes on why each track was chosen. These songs will range from new music (meaning out in the last year) or throwbacks to old favorites. There might be genres that take you by surprise or songs you don’t vibe with, and that’s ok! Not all music is for everyone, this is just what I’m vibing with. If you discover a new artist or rediscover a favorite song through this project please let me know, I love hearing that my hobbies are reaching people in positive ways.

So let’s dig in. Pull up a chair, grab some water and a snack, or hop in the car, or pull out the cleaning supplies. You do you. Happy August!

Listen on Spotify – Listen on Apple Music

  1. Lavender Haze – Taylor Swift
    • The color brings me joy and this song makes me want to bop around my life leaving lavender in my wake.
  2. Danielle (smile on my face) – Fred again…
    • Thanks to Freddie, I’ve gotten back into house music and I’m in a place in my life where I have no shame in enjoying it. His music is so unique and has an authenticity and musicianship that I don’t find in a lot of other house DJs.
  3. That’s Where I Am – Maggie Rogers
    • August is Maggie’s month. This song makes me think of summer and being with my favorite people.
  4. bellyache – Billie Eilish
    • In the last few months I went back to Billie’s older stuff and I became obsessed with her first album, don’t smile at me, which came out in 2017. She was 16!! 
  5. I’m In Love With You – The 1975
    • The 1975 are a group that have been on my periphery for over a decade, but there was a subconscious block around listening to them. I like to think that it was simply a matter of being in the right space in my life for them to come into my listening circle. The music always finds me at the right time. And if it hasn’t found me yet, it’s not the right time.
  6. Horses – Maggie Rogers
    • This song is meant to be belted in the car while the sunsets in the rearview mirror. Don’t resist Maggie’s charm. Just let it all out! 
  7. Deep in Love – Bonny Light Horseman
    • Daisy, I miss you. 
  8. Go in Light (ft. Monica Martin) – Marcus Mumford
    • One of my favorite songs off of this album. Monica and Marcus’s voices mesh so well together and the message underneath touches me deeply every time.
  9. Hey Stephen (Taylor’s Version) – Taylor Swift
    • Like everyone else on the planet, I’ve been going back to Taylor’s older catalog. The week before Speak Now (Taylor’s Version) was due for release, I spun my copy of Fearless (Taylor’s Version) after imbibing in some herbs, and I experienced one of my favorite things. Listening to an album I kind of knew and discovering a totally new song that gave me pure joy. This would probably make it onto a list of top 10 favorite Taylor Swift songs if I was ever crazy enough to make one of those (which I’m not).
  10. PURE/HONEY – Beyoncé
    • One of my favorite songs off of Renaissance, mostly because I came across a TikTok of these incredible dancers showing off their stuff to the last few minutes of this song. Queen B continues to show how she can master any genre she wants and I can’t wait for what’s next. I’ve heard rumors that she’s reclaiming musical genres that were created by black people (ie, country, hip-hop, rock’n roll…) and I’m praying for a Beyoncé rock album.
  11. True Blue – boygenius
    • One of the most realistic and authentic love songs I’ve heard in my life. It covers everything from the good, the bad, and the ugly and makes me think of close friends and loved ones that I remember who I am when I’m with them.
  12. august – Taylor Swift
    • It’s the title of the playlist, it’s the current month, it’s a great song. Need I say more?

Marcus Mumford’s “Self-Titled” is a Rumble In Vulnerability

Holy fucking wow

I didn’t think I could love and respect this man more, but after following Marcus Mumford’s journey with this new album I am in awe of how he has rumbled with his vulnerability (to quote Brené Brown) and given us the honor of letting us into his experience. 

Each song hits powerfully and is hauntingly beautiful in its own unique way while still carrying the story/general vibe of the album.

The album begins with “Cannibal” which focuses on the sexual abuse Mumford experienced as a child. A blistering, raw song that doesn’t sugar coat what happened to him while depicting his struggle to work through the trauma and find release. Which comes when the slow acoustic vibe of the tune is replaced with a crescendo of aggressive guitar strumming and drums (a classic Mumford vibe change). 

Marcus Mumford lying on a white floor looking at the camera.
Photo courtesy of GQ Magazine

Track number 2, “Grace” follows with a twangy, country quality, describing the conversation Mumford had with his mother. She heard him play “Cannibal” through the wall in the house they shared during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic and came to listen to him play. A few days later she asked what the song was about and Mumford was shocked to learn that he hadn’t shared that with her. “Grace” focuses on how a mother and son were able to have a difficult conversation, and find a deeper connection on the other side.

Each track follows Mumford’s healing process as he inches closer to the freedom of letting go of this traumatic event that shaped much of his life. 

The album ends with the song “How” that repeats lines from “Cannibal”, giving the whole 10-song album a beautiful and poignant ending. One that speaks of closure and a new sense of freedom that he now carries with him.

Each time I listen to the album I have a new favorite, today it’s “Go In Light” featuring Monica Martin, a Chicago-born singer-songwriter with beautiful Billie Holiday-esque vocals. Speaking of features, the artists that sing on this album are mind blowing. Phoebe Bridgers on “Stonecatcher”, Clairo on “Dangerous Game”, and, of course, the impeccable Brandi Carlile on “How.” It’s thrilling to see so many female artists collaborating on this record, a conscious choice according to Mumford, who, in an interview with Zane Lowe, said he chose to work with more female artists because, “it’s been a bit of a sausage fest” in previous creative projects.

The songs have that familiar Mumford & Sons sound, the obvious element being Marcus’s raw vocals, but sonically it has elements of the quartet. A familiarity that may help those who are anxious about Marcus going solo, but the album is fully him. 

It’s never easy to discuss sexual abuse, let alone in such a vulnerable manner, and he has risen to the occasion by pushing his creative boundaries further. He’s clearly reached a new level in his artistic journey and I am so excited to see what comes next for him. 

No matter what happens in his career, whether it’s more solo work or a new Mumford & Sons album or something completely different, I am so so grateful that he chose to share this work with the world. I think it will be an album that future musicians come to for inspiration when trying to work through their own trauma.

To those who miss Mumford & Sons or are worried what this album means for the band. I hear you, and don’t worry! Mumford and the lads have confirmed that they aren’t breaking up and every interview with Mumford since the announcement of his solo work has echoed this statement.

I also want to remind fans that if they break up, that is ok. They are human beings first and, as fans, we have the responsibility to acknowledge that first and foremost. They won’t always be the same group, and I will continue to support them because I love their art. 

If you miss their old sound, listen to their old albums and enjoy! But we do them all a disservice if we listen to their new sounds/projects and bemoan the departure from the old. Art is never stagnant, it is meant to evolve and if it never changes then what’s the point? 

Personally, if I hated this new album from Mumford it wouldn’t make a difference on how I see him as a human. He did the hard work of looking internally and facing the dark, scary stuff that we all try to hide from and he grew from it. Any interview you watch with him, you can see that he feels lighter and more free, and that’s a win in my book. The bonus is that we have this beautiful album that he decided to share with us, and I couldn’t be more grateful.

The Gold Souls Bring the Funk With Their New Album, “Downtown Sound”

Somehow The Gold Souls manage to sound like Lake Street Dive, Parliament, and Tedeschi Trucks Band all in one album. Even dipping into Nirvana territory during “The Coffee Song”, a groovy jam about that beloved cup of morning caffeine. The bass pulls this album through a winding path of genres and vibes all while keeping you engaged and thirsty for more of that “Downtown Sound”.

All recorded at their studio, Warm and Fuzzy Music in Sacramento, Calif., The Gold Souls released their sophomore album, “Downtown Sound” on October, 29th, 2021.

“I think this record is more cohesive,” said Billy D. Thompson, drummer for The Gold Souls when he thought back to their first album and how their music has changed. Thompson continued that their previous record heard them searching for their sound while “Downtown Sound” tells a story from start to finish. “We also leaned into funk more,” added lead vocalist, Juniper Waller. “We want people to be able to get up and boogie to our music, and that was definitely one of the goals of this album.” 

The Gold Souls album cover.

Listeners can tell from the first track, “’94 Chevy”, that this album is meant for dance parties or cleaning the house if you need to pull a Mrs. Doubtfire and get down with the vacuum. Not only is this song a banger instrumentally, it has an engaging story which really catches your attention during the bridge when three different voices come in and tell the driver to run away from the cops. Why are they running you ask? You’ll just have to listen to find out!

The bass plays a lead role in many of the songs, mirroring the guitar riffs in songs like “Strongman” and “’94 Chevy” while taking the melodic reins in “PTO” and “Streetcall Recall”. “I feel like the bass line is one of the melodies that you remember, and you feel it in your body,” said Thompson. The bass is a force to be reckoned with in “Streetcall Recall” and will get even the biggest party pooper up on their feet. Waller screams, “You think I don’t know I’m hot?” over a beat Parliament would have been proud of. Who doesn’t love a feminist call out to cat callers while grooving to funk? The beat is constant through every song, even on the slower numbers like “Heart Curves”, a slow tune that might become the new make out jam for many listeners. 

With nine beautifully crafted tunes that touch on everything from classic cars to feminism, this album will be a favorite for many years to come.

“Summertime” Brings Poetry to the Big Screen at the Ashland Independent Film Festival

Photo courtesy of Good Deed Entertainment

“And you’ll say it’s because I was raised the ‘Asian way’, well you’re dead wrong. It’s because I studied instead of sleeping, my parent’s palms they kept on bleeding, just so I could keep on eating and I still ended here cleaning!” Gordon Ip slams his hands on the counter of the burger joint counter he manages, emphasizing the last few words so they ring out into the silence. Ip’s poem comes near the end of “Summertime”, a cathartic piece that touches on being the child of immigrants, the systemic racism still present in today’s society, and the woes of working in the service industry where customers tend to think you’re less than human. “I approached [the poem] from the idea of working class Asian-Americans and how we’re shown in the media,” Ip explained when asked where the inspiration for his poem, “Smiley’s” came from. “[Asians] haven’t been shown in the media up until recently and I wanted to show the struggles that I have lived through, my parents have lived through, and their parents have lived through. I just wanted to show a small slice of what it’s like to be an immigrant.”

Ip’s poem is one of many that tells the story of “Summertime”, a film by Carlos López Estrada. Estrada, director of “Blindspotting”,  worked with Get Lit, a nonprofit organization based in LA whose mission is “to increase teen literacy on the page and visual media.” The company hosts multiple classes, workshops and competitions to encourage youth to reach their full potential as creators and writers and has recently worked with the likes of Prince Harry and Megan Markle. “Summertime’s” plot is driven by the twenty-five poets who spilled themselves onto pages which were woven into a story with multiple characters throughout the film. Many of the poets play a version of themselves, which gives a feeling of authenticity that many films lack. 

The cinematography captures everything from dazzling shots of Venice Beach, perfectly accompanied by Olympia Miccio’s stunning vocals, to the street art that makes LA the undulating art piece that it is. LA locals and Southern California junkies alike will find this love letter to the city of angels full of nostalgia, beauty and life. 

Estrada and his team worked with the poets to create a storyline for each of their characters that worked with the rest. Raul Herrera, a teacher for Get Lit and the limo driver in “Summertime”, explained that Estrada asked each poet to write a scene around the poem that was going to be featured in the film. “These scenes weren’t necessarily the final version in the film, but [it gave Carlos] a good sense of the story that we want[ed] to tell,” Herrera said. Herrera’s poem, “Clouds” concludes the film with a beautiful view of LA at night while he discusses the illusion of time saying, “you are more powerful than time” and “love is an art, only learned by the lessons of pain.” 

“Summertime” will give you goosebumps and eyes full of  tears, and will make you leave yearning for something more. Poems like Marquesha Baber’s “Shallow” will rock you to your core while she spits years of repressed emotions into the face of the man who caused her third suicide attempt. Based on a true experience, Baber’s poem does not hold back, “‘Shallow’ is a real experience I went through but I never got the closure I needed to close that chapter in my life, so being able to accomplish that healing through the movie was truly a blessing,” Baber shared.

Each piece is raw with emotion and holds the spotlight with grace and ease. Poems like “Hey, I’m, Gay” will bring a smile to your face with lines like “I’m gay as a wool flannel on a summer day”, while pieces like “Home” will make you itch to write your own poetry with words like “chocolate couches and peeling paint.”  Filled with beautiful inspiration, “Summertime” is sure to make you a poet.

“Summertime” will begin streaming on April 25th. Head to ashlandfilm.org to purchase tickets!

The Music Industry and COVID-19

The Ashland Folk Collective (AFC) has been building the music community in the Rogue Valley for the past two years and was gearing up for another amazing third year when the world shut down due to COVID-19. The AFC squeezed in one last show for the foreseeable future on March 10th with The Ballroom Thieves before canceling/postponing seven shows, their largest season to date. Jacqui Aubert, the founder of Ashland Folk Collective, shared that, “Each show takes about 50 hours of work to produce from scouting, booking and finally production. It was sad to have to cancel all of our plans and very hard for the artists whose livings just fell apart.” According to Aubert, 90% of the purchased tickets were donated to AFC in order to support the non-profit, “the response was incredibly heartwarming.” The AFC is patiently waiting for the state to lift the ban on large gatherings, but until then how can listeners support the music community?

Musicians may not be able to share their work like they are accustomed to, but many are seeing this as an opportunity to reach beyond their comfort zone. Matthew Lennox has been busking full time in the city of Bath, England for ten years and is using his extra time to learn how to record and edit videos. He explained that he hopes this new skill will help him gain even more traction when busking is an option again. Portland based musician and AFC favorite, John Craigie shared that, “now’s a great time to connect with your fanbase and see what they like about your expression and see how you can meet them.” Like many other artists, Craigie has hosted several live streams on Instagram and between songs, takes calls from fans to connect during this crazy time. Craigie said, “…livestreams are not the most enjoyable, the most enjoyable part is the crowd and playing a song in my empty room is more awkward than it is fun. You know people are watching, but you have no idea if they’re hearing it well or if they’re liking it whereas if you’re in a room with people you can feel everyone’s collective joy or sorrow…[the] next one I’m going to focus more on [taking calls].” The live music scene is having to adapt to this new normal, but thanks to the internet and creative minds, a new way of experiencing live music is available.

Right now might be the best time for new music. John Craigie released two singles at the beginning of April to a fanbase that was eager for something fresh. His Dylan-esque voice and poetic lyrics in “Vallecito” are captivating while “To Love Somebody” brings in many voices with a classic Craigie sing-a-long. Hiss Golden Messenger, who was scheduled to perform in Ashland on May 7th, but postponed with a new date in progress, released a new live album, “Forward, Children: A Fundraiser for Durham Public Schools Students”, also at the beginning of April, to support the Durham Public Schools Foundation (DPSF) in North Carolina. MC Taylor, the man behind Hiss Golden Messenger, had been working with DPSF on his last tour, adding $1 to every ticket sold and since the release of “Forward, Children” has donated at least $20,000 to DPSF.

Taylor explained that he wanted to give back to his community and said, “my wife is a public school teacher and when schools started closing down because of the Coronavirus, the first thing she said is there’s going to be a lot of hungry kids out there because so many of them depend on public school for at least two of their meals every day.” While it is a strange thing not being able to tour after the release of a new album, the current global situation has given fans more time than ever to fully enjoy new music and personally connect with their favorite musicians.

We may not be able to see the bands and artists that we love in person, but we can still support them and enjoy the new ways they are creating content. According to Craigie, there are musicians like the accomplished Portland based Clara Baker, who are offering private virtual lessons. Now might be the perfect time to finally learn the guitar or to sing like you’ve always wanted. Jeffrey Martin and Anna Tivel, who performed for the AFC last February, have been sharing songs for kids and adults alike through Band Camp. Their work is all donation based and to help families enjoy something new together while staying at home.

Music is paramount in this world and while we are all isolated music continues to connect us around the globe. Musicians are being forced to think outside the box in order to maintain their livelihoods, so it’s time for us, as listeners, to follow suit. How can we continue to support musicians and the connection of humankind from the safety of our homes? Follow your favorite artists on streaming platforms like Spotify and Apple Music as well as on social media.

According to Laurie Shook, one half of the folk duo The Shook Twins, “[streaming and subscribing] is a really great indication for promoters and booking agents for [bands] to get into bigger places in the future.” Apple Music, Spotify and other streaming platforms pay artists every time a song of theirs is played, you can support your favorite band purely by streaming them through your phone or computer. Share your favorite music with your friends and family by making playlists or sending YouTube videos. Tune into live streams and tip artists through their PayPal or Patreon accounts. Purchase merchandise from artists directly through their website to show your support.

 The Ashland Folk Collective are currently working on bringing live music to the community all while maintaining safety guidelines. Aubert is working on creating live performances in a drive-in movie theatre-esque style with a mobile stage that would drive around Ashland. The non-profit is also working on hosting small performances with tiny audiences as well as live stream shows. Follow AFC on social media to stay up to date.