If someone were to ask me to describe myself, I would say I am an avid music listener who believes that music is the core reason why I am who and where I am today. I take great pride in my playlist-making talent and consider a compliment on my music taste to be one of the greatest compliments to receive. I'm constantly on the lookout for new artists and am always more than willing to introduce new artists to anyone willing to give them a listen. Over my many years of exploring the depths of YouTube, SoundCloud, and 8tracks, I've come up with a list of just some of my favorite artists and the perfect times to listen to them.
1. When you're relaxing and laying around in bed.
When you just want to relax and listen to music with a soft beat, my go to artists are usually José González, Ry Cuming (known by his stage name RY X), Chet Faker, and The XX.
2. When you're driving around at night and the roads seem deserted.
There's something so simultaneously calming and spooky about driving on the road at night with no one in sight, and I know I'm not the only one who feels that way. Drives like this require music from specific artists, such as Trentemøller, Corbin (formerly known as Spooky Black), and Radiohead.
3. When you're smoking.
When it comes to times like these, I'm very particular with the music I have playing in the background. Some artists I rely on that feel good on the ears are The Acid, Chrome Sparks, Tame Impala, Rüfüs, Starfucker, Röyksopp, DNTST, and Kid Cudi, of course.
4. When you're so upset you're about to break down.
Sometimes the only thing that will make you feel better when you're upset is a good cry, and these artists are perfect at tugging on those heart strings: Bon Iver, Birdy, City and Colour, Lydia, and Angus and Julia Stone.
5. When you're having dinner/spending the night with your significant other.
Whether you've cooked a nice meal for your significant other, or you're just spending the night in with them hanging out and drinking wine, artists I suggest that I guarantee to be the perfect background music are John Mayer, Sparklehorse, Blue Foundation, BANKS, Stateless, Kings of Leon, Lana Del Rey, Portishead, and Alina Baraz.
6. When you're going to sleep.
I'm the type of person who needs absolute silence when I'm trying to fall asleep, but sometimes it's so quiet all I hear is ringing in my ears. When this happens I turn to artists whose music is soft and calming, such as The Smiths, Nicolas Jaar, Margot and the Nuclear So and So's, and the beautiful Sigur Rós.
7. When you're studying.
If you're like me, you know how crucial it is to have complete and total silence when you're trying to study or do homework. Studies do show though that having music playing in the background helps to get the creative juices flowing, so I choose to listen to artists who create classical music with no lyrics such as Marcelo Zarvos, Thomas Newman, Dustin O'Halloran, and Philip Glass.
8. When you're at the beach or sitting by the pool.
We all know that laying on the beach or hanging out poolside all day is that much more enjoyable with a good playlist, and artists I choose to listen to whose music brings a summer vibe are Bonjah, Nora En Pure, Lorde, Kygo, Phonotek, and Petit Biscuit.
9. Pregaming
Pregaming requires music that will amp everybody up and put them in good moods because let's face it, nobody likes a debbie downer at the pregame. Artists whose music makes it physically impossible to not move your body in some way, shape, or form are Adventure Club, Bassnectar, M83, and Above and Beyond.
10. Fire Pit Nights
There aren't many things that feel better than sitting around the fire with a group of friends on a warm summer night. Whether you're drinking, roasting marshmallows, or just talking about anything that crosses your mind, you can't go wrong listening to Dave Matthews Band, Blink 182, Angels and Airwaves, or Bob Marley.
