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Staff Picks: What is The Scout listening to this October?

The Scout staff compiled a playlist of the songs that they are listening to the most heading into the month of October. You can listen to a playlist of the staff’s picks here on Spotify.

Jonathan Michel: 

“In a Minute” by Lil Baby

“In a Minute” is a great song to listen to when you’re in the zone and looking to find some intense motivation, which is especially handy when midterms are on the horizon. It features Baby floating through verses with a backing female vocal that makes a perfect blend of seriousness and beauty.

“Hello Old Friend” by Jeremy Zucker and Chelsea Cutler 

Zucker and Cutler are like peanut butter and jelly: a combination with plenty of history that cannot go wrong together. The climax of the track is a complete switch-up from the first 90 seconds or so of the song. The line “I’ll be alright when it gets colder outside” makes it a great pick for October as temperatures drop. 

Anaiah Davis: 

“Love Jones” by Leon Thomas feat. Ty Dolla Sign

On this song, Leon Thomas presents a soulful appreciation for a California romance. The excessive distortion of his voice throughout the track can make it an acquired taste, but it nevertheless creates a unique vibe that has mesmerized me for weeks.

“Wasting Time” by Brent Faiyaz feat. Drake 

Anyone who has ever been in love can understand this song. The message of wanting your love interest to take a chance on you and invest time into a future together is clear and relatable. In an interesting duality, the featuring verse explores frustrations toward past lovers, creating a balance of positive and negative feelings about relationships.

Maddy Mirallegro:

“Already Over” by Sabrina Carpenter

This song has been on repeat ever since my friend sent it to me and sparked an idea for a short story. Now, it’s just an overplayed song that I constantly have on in my dorm to jam out to.

“Sweetest Human Being Alive” by George Ezra

To those who may not know, I am the biggest fan of George Ezra and I am constantly listening to all of his songs 24/7. But this one, in particular, will be played in October the most because it is my boyfriend and I’s one-year anniversary on the 17th. 

Matt Lucas:

“Eye in the Sky” by The Alan Parsons Project

Perhaps one of my favorite songs, “Eye in the Sky” is a soft rock classic. It’s perfect to listen to on a starry night drive, and even better when you play it after the band’s song “Sirius,” which segues into it. 

“A Horse with No Name” by America & George Martin

Another perfect soft rock song to listen to while on a night drive, “A Horse with No Name” is just the relaxing type of song I need to close the week on the right foot.

Mason Klemm:

“Bad Habit” by Steve Lacy

This song just makes me feel good. It’s taken TikTok by storm, with Lacy’s smooth vocals and instrumental talent coming out in full force for this single off his newest album. To those that have heard it, you understand that it’s hard to explain why this song brings so much joy. However, if you only pay attention to the lyrics, it would seem like a sad song, as Lacy’s longing for an old flame can feel relatable to many people.

“Die Young” by Sleepy Hallow

Brooklyn rapper Sleepy Hallow collaborated with Canadian rapper 347aidan for this track using Aidan’s vocals from his song “Memories,” which was actually what introduced me to this song. Listening to “Memories” in the car, I thought the song was replaying until I heard Hallow’s raspy verse come in and blow me away. The addition of the drums and Hallow’s wordplay to Aidan’s already great production enhances this piece heavily.

Sam Mwakasisi:

“Screaming” by Loathe

The album this song is from became an all-time favorite of mine recently. It’s very close to exactly what I want out of a metal album and crosses heaviness and atmosphere to create a world of sound that I’ve gotten lost in time and time again. I’ve gone an entire day listening to this song almost exclusively – it’s just gorgeous.

“Somebody Else” by The 1975

After watching a few coming-of-age movies several weeks back, I became fixated on indie/alternative music that I imagine would fit a moody late-night drive down a highway. I’ve found that this song fits neatly into that vibe, on top of also being grade-A “crying in the club” music – so sad, yet so funky.

Daniel Kerns:

“That’s All” by Ben Webster

For me, there’s no better way to relax and unwind than with some smooth jazz. The soothing sound of the tenor saxophone perfectly sets the scene for autumn activities like watching the leaves change and warming up with some apple cider.

“Layla” by Derek & the Dominos

Although Eric Clapton’s rock classic is on the lengthier side at just over seven minutes, there’s a tone shift in the middle that makes it feel like a different song. With fiery electric guitar in the first half, “Layla” balances itself out with plaintive piano in the second.

Payton Egnew: 

“King For A Day” by Pierce The Veil, Kellin Quinn

I really like the vibe of the song. It’s a good song to get me pumped up.

“All Too Well” (Ten Minute Version) by Taylor Swift

This song is perfect to listen to during the fall, and you can never go wrong with Taylor Swift.

Lee Lard: 

“Car Lights” by James Marriott

This song is a perfect representation of the instability of a young LGBTQ+ relationship where two people are in different stages of self-acceptance. It’s both poppy and gritty and is a perfect scream-in-your-car song. 

“Fly for Your Life” by GUNSHIP

GUNSHIP is a British synthwave band with an ‘80s feel. The harmonies in this song remind me of Mother Mother, and I’ve had it on repeat all week.

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