Although I’ve been thoroughly manifesting fall weather through my outfits since the beginning of this semester, autumn didn’t make its official debut until last week on Sept. 22. And, let me tell you, I can finally relish in my element.
Fall is, without a doubt, my favorite season. There’s something so incredibly divine about seeing the world around me shift in preparation for winter. The leaves are changing, new layers of clothes are seen worn about and warm tea can be had at any time of the day — all so comforting.
With the season changing once again, it’s time to pull out my Spotify and create a new seasonal playlist.
This seasonal habit is something I started about four years ago during my junior year of high school. And, funnily enough, the first seasonal playlist I made was indeed a fall one. Ever since then, anytime the seasons shift, a new playlist appears.
These playlists soon became the spot where I could put songs that I associated with that season, new music I discovered during that season and music I found myself rediscovering or coming back to.
Looking back on some of my older playlists, it is fascinating to see how my music taste has shifted and changed as time has trudged on.
Now, with the start of fall happening recently, I thought there was no better way to kick off the season and kick off my new playlist than to share some of the gems I have on this fall’s playlist so far.
The first song I want to highlight is one that has been continuously in my rotation since it was released last spring: “North Poles” by Samia.
Originally based in New York but now based in Minneapolis, Minnesota, Samia is an incredible lyricist who draws listeners in with intense metaphors that capture feelings not much else can.
Some might recognize her from her hit song “Pool,” which went viral after Samia’s Tiny Desk Concert hit the sad edit corner of the internet. Samia also recently released a stripped-down version of the viral song, capturing the raw vibe of the Tiny Desk Concert.
Despite having many standout hits in her discography, “North Poles” has to be my fave. This song was released with her latest album drop, “Bloodless.” Indie pop and roaring, this song, as well as the whole album, weaves incredible lyrics with intense production.
The standout line from this song that never fails to hit every time is:
“To find each other like north poles of magnets. When you see yourself in someone, how can you look at them?”
Leaning more into the folk and rock of indie music is Cameron Winter’s devastating-yet-jumpy song, “Love Takes Miles.”
A great fall walking tune, this song encapsulates the intense yearning and emotional turmoil that comes with love.
“Love will call when you’ve got enough under your arms. Oh, oh, mama. Love will call. Love will make you fit it all in the car.”
This song is placed in stark contrast with the rest of Winter’s debut album “Heavy Metal,” with the rest of the songs having far more haunting production paired with intense lyricism. “Heavy Metal” made its debut last winter in 2024.
Although new to the solo artist scene, Winter has been in the music scene for far longer, serving as a member of the New York rock band “Geese.” Winter is the lead vocalist for the group, as well as playing the keyboard and guitar. The band just released their third album titled “Getting Killed.”
The final song that I wanted to share from my recent fall playlist has been a constant contender, finding its way back into my playlist no matter the season: “All My Friends” by LCD Soundsystem.
Cathartic, captivating and rushing, this song is absolutely stunning in every single way.
The song starts with piano chords being played in rapid eighth notes, soon followed by percussion. These intense piano chords and percussion play through the whole song; it’s energizing and emotional.
Every listen makes my life feel like a brilliant coming-of-age film, even if I’m just listening while writing an article about the song.
Hailing from Brooklyn, New York, LCD Soundsystem is a band known for blending incredible production with enticing lyrics — a combination that never fails to provide energy. The band has shows coming up in Queens, New York, and in Aspen, Colorado.
Feel free to follow my Spotify, and give me any suggestions for songs that I should add to this fall’s seasonal playlist.
Hirata can be reached at [email protected].
