Not-So-Secret Party

A little while back, I made a playlist for a friend's BBQ and forgot to post it! It was a Not-So-Secret Party because we got permission to hang out at her parents' house while they were out of town. When you realize your parents' plac is a lot nicer to have a party it's #20-Something Problems? I've edited and updated it a little bit since her party, but it's got a throw-back vibe perfect for the kind of laid back celebration I will be having this year on New Years Eve.

Thanks for listening (not-so-secretly)!

Be sure to Follow Me on Spotify and Facebook

Acousticism

Let's ring in the new year with some new versions of old songs. New Year's Eve is often a celebration of the past and present, and what better way that with acoustic covers of favorite songs! This playlist is probably best served with a Bloody Mary on New Year's Day morning to cure your hangover.

Playlist

Acousticism

Highlights

- Track 2/ Till the World Ends by Erato

Brought to you by the original "cup song" girls (they used yogurt Tupperware to make the now infamous acapella version), they do Britney's single justice. Also I love when mellow versions include the cuss words.

- Track 8/ Come As You Are by Yuna

What I really wanted to add to this list was actually Yuna's Frank Ocean cover, and although her "Thinkin' Bout You" is my absolute favorite, this Nirvana cover is a close second. She has a way of bringing out a haunting meaning to Cobain's lyrics and you won't be disappointed.

- Track 11/ Cold Cold Heart by Norah Jones

This song is a Hank Williams classic, but I first heard it in this jazzy interpretation on one of Norah Jones' first albums. This is one of a handful of classic country songs I had learned for a specific patent at the Veterans Home while I was completing my Music Therapy internship, and so has special significance to me.

Thanks for listening (acoustically)!

Be sure to Follow Me on Spotify and Facebook

November Playlist Therapy 2015

I can't believe November has come and gone, but I'm actually excited to start playing holiday songs at work on a daily basis (#musictherapyprobs anyone?). Just in case you're not quite in the holiday spirit yet, here are some non-jingle bells and snowman songs to cut through the holiday sweetness.

Playlist

November Playlist Therapy

Highlights

- Track 2/ Hello by Adele

Yes, I can't help but think of Lionel Ritchie's classic when I hear this song, and yes, this song is everywhere right now, but I pretty much had to include it in my playlist this month. If you've had the chance to purchase 25, you must check out my favorite track: When We Were Young. Unfortunately, her album is not on Spotify yet.

- Track 10/ Sorry by Justin Bieber

Now I wouldn't go as far as to say that I am a " belieber" but I will admit I am guilty of enjoying the Bieb's new album. This is probably my favorite single so far, because of its Latin inspired dance beat and catchy desperation. Don't be afraid to give in to my latest guilty pleasure.

-Track 15/ Everything Changes by Sara Bareilles

I didn't even realize Sara Bareilles had released a new album until I was browsing through Spotify recently! Her voice is always killer, and this love song from her latest release is a perfect example of the kind of hopeful pop song that is her signature. 

Thanks for listening (literally)!

Be sure to Follow Me on Spotify and Facebook

Soctober Playlist Therapy 2015

Yes I know, it's already technically November.... But here's the thing! I have completely fallen down on the job blogging lately, but that doesn't mean I didn't make playlists! So here's a little retroactive playlist of what I've been listening to lately:

Playlist

Soctober Playlist Therapy

Highlights

- Track 2/ Magnets by Discloure, Lorde

I'm a little surprised I'm not tired of Lorde, but this track is a fresh take on what makes her royalty in her genre. Get Disclosure involved in a song and you've got a hit in the making. 

- Track 6/ You're the One that I Want by Angus & Julia Stone

Grease has never been my favorite musical, but this song was my favorite part of the movie as a cute wrap-up to Sandy and Danny's love story. Angus & Julia Stone's version is a haunting memory of the carnival excitement from that scene.

-Track 15/ Our Day Will Come by Amy Winehouse

A song from her album of previously unreleased recordings, Our Day Will Come is retro-inspired in all the right ways: as an Amy Winehouse classic should be. A little Motown and a little reggae, with Amy's soulful approach this has become one of my favorite tracks by her. 

Thanks for listening (literally)!

Be sure to Follow Me on Spotify and Facebook

Paix pour Paris

 I'm back! My newest playlist in months and it's got that je ne sais quoi. In honor of the Thanksgiving holiday and in celebration of family and peace, I decided to pay tribute to Paris and my loved ones who live there by making a compilation of my favorite French songs! 

Playlist

Paix pour Paris

Highlights

- Track 2/ Les Cornichons by Nino Ferrer

This was on of my French teacher in high school's favorite to play for the class. It's sort of that hokey French impression sound and good for learning the language because the song consists of him listing all this items you'd bring to a picnic!

- Track 4/ La Vie en Rose by Sophie Milman

Yes it is sacreligious to include La Vie En Rose and not have it be the infamous version by Edith Piaf. While I absolutely adore the classic version, I am embarrassed to confess that I love this version even more. Sophie Milman is sings a more coy and nuanced version, with such a lovely sax solo by Pat LaBarbera.

- Track 5/ Padam Padam by Edith Piaf

This track is actaully my favorite song that Edith Piaf recorded. Her energy and warbling vibrato stand out in this classic song. 

Thanks for listening (pacifiquement)!

Be sure to Follow Me on Spotify and Facebook

Julygust Playlist Therapy 2015

Just made it in time with another playlist of songs I've been jammin' out to lately:

Playlist

July/August Playlist Therapy 2015

Highlights

- Track 4/ Photograph by Ed Sheeran

I don't know what it is about this song that hits me right in the feels: the emotional oohs and strings in the background, Ed Sheeran's sweet voice, or the desperately romantic lyrics. It's a lot like many of the love songs he has come to be known for, but for some reason this one has become my absolute favorite.

- Track 13/ Here by Alessia Cara

A song about being stuck at the party with all the worst people, this young songstress describes the anxiety most of us felt at this type of teenage event, and it rings true as we get older and face 20-something bar culture. Most of the time I'd rather be at home with family or a group of my best friends too. 

- Track 15/ Coming Home by Leon Bridges

The vintage vibe of this song is unreal, and makes Leon Bridges new favorite soul singer. 

Thanks for listening (literally)!

Be sure to Follow Me on Spotify and Facebook

Humidity 2015

This summer has been hot and I keep complaining that I haven't gotten to enjoy enough beach days. We've had weird weather for LA, including humidity, some rain, and even thunderstorms a couple of months ago! I made the playlist back then, but it still seems to be relevant now in September (I still consider it to be summer even though Halloween candy and PSLs have arrived)

Enjoy some of my favorite songs to hopefully beat the heat:

Thanks for listening (humidly)!

Be sure to Follow Me on Spotify and Facebook

June Playlist Therapy 2015

Just made it in time with another playlist of songs I've been jammin' out to lately:

Playlist

June Playlist Therapy 2015

Highlights

- Track 2/ Beat of My Drum by Powers

A catchy pop tune with a vintage vibes that will make the perfect summer dance anthem.

- Track 8/ I Was Made for Loving You by Tori Kelly & Ed Sheeran

Two talented voices make for a sweet sentimental love duet. 

- Track 9/ Where Are Ü Now (with Justin Bieber) by Jack Ü, Skrillex, Diplo...

Who knew Skrillex, Diplo, and Justin Bieber would be involved in my favorite song this summer?! Also I seriously thought he kept saying "Honeydew" instead of the remixed "I need you"- I like my version better!

Thanks for listening (literally)!

Be sure to Follow Me on Spotify and Facebook

Gimme that P.M.A.!

I like to think I started my therapeutic training in high school as a peer counselor. We called ourselves Peer Helpers, and our fearless leader was one of the coolest teachers I've ever met. She was a strong woman, an inspiring english teacher, and her slogan still sticks with me today: "Gimme that P.M.A. (Positive Mental Attitude)!" To balance out the intensity of last month's themed post, here are some songs focused on strength and positivity that I use (or plan to use) with my adolescent clients!

Playlist

P.M.A

Highlights

- Songs About Inner Strength

Miss Movin' On
Who You Are
Not Afraid
i
Roar
Skyscraper
Fight Song

- Songs of Encouragement

Just the Way You Are
Try
Help Is On the Way
The Middle

- Songs About Positivity
On Top of the World
3 Things
Keep Your Head Up
Blessings

Thanks for listening (positively)!

Be sure to Follow Me on Spotify and Facebook

May Playlist Therapy 2015

Just made it with another playlist of songs I've been jammin' out to lately:

Playlist

May Playlist Therapy 2015

Highlights

- Track 2/ Unstoppable by Lianne La Havas

I'm a big fan on Lianne La Havas, and this song features her signature classy vocals but also an ethereal drone before it breaks into smooth beats and uplifting lyrics.

- Track 8/ Cecilia and the Satellite by Andrew McMahon in the Wilderness

Apparently this Andrew McMahon dude was the frontman for Something Corporate, Jack's Mannequin, and even wrote songs for the TV show Smash! I knew I liked him, and this song is my new summer anthem for when you're driving endlessly in breezy LA sunshine. 

- Track 15/ Hold Me by Janine and the Mixtape

One of my patients turned me onto Janine and the Mixtape. He was a dancer, and shared some of his choreography to this earnest and haunting track. I love the lyric: "Give me something good to feel"

Thanks for listening (literally)!

Be sure to Follow Me on Spotify and Facebook

Mental Health Awareness

May is Mental Health Awareness Month, and to celebrate I have compiled a list of songs that are inspired by the patients I work with everyday. As most of you may know, I am a Board Certified Music Therapist, and work at an acute psychiatric hospital specifically with adolescents and children. A lot of my patients are hospitalized for self-harm or suicide, and many of them have a history of trauma and abuse.
Because of their history and current fragile or labile state, I take great care and consideration in the music that I choose to present to them in therapy groups. My training allows me to be mindful of the music I bring in, opting for patient-preferred songs, but also filtering out those that might be triggering or overwhelming. However, my patients often identify with many of these songs, and ask for them persistently and repeatedly.
So for this month's playlist, I am featuring those songs that I probably shouldn't play for my patients. (Although in certain appropriate contexts, I have used them in group!) A lot of these songs feature themes of suicide, self-harm, and low self-worth. Use with caution!

Playlist

Mental Health Awareness

Highlights

- Songs About Self-harm

Bleeding Love (this one is here mostly for the imagery)
Cough Syrup
Hurt
The First Cut is the Deepest (also imagery)
Knives and Pens

- Songs About Suicide or Death

Killing Me Softly
Grenade
Adam's Song
Worth Dying For
Suicidal Thoughts
If I Die Young
Born to Die

- Songs About Feeling "Crazy"

Basket Case

Crazy
Insane in the Brain
Institutionalized
Rehab

Thanks for listening (mentally aware)!

Be sure to Follow Me on Spotify and Facebook

April Showers

It used to rain us out every year when my family went camping over spring break. Now my beloved home state is in a drought, so I'm hoping to send out good mojo with my playlist this month. While you're listening, be sure to throw in a rain dance for good measure!

Playlist

April Showers

Highlights

- Track 1/ Little April Shower by Disney Chorus

Can you guess which classic Disney movie this track is from?! This is one of my favorites, and probably started my love for choral music before I was even fathomed to be in one. Also, musical rainstorms are the best. 

- Track 11/ Raincoat by Kelly Sweet

I don't know where I found this track, but I've been using it as a wake-up alarm for years. Her name precisely describes her voice, and this saccharine song is the perfect start to a tough morning. 

- Track 14/ Warm Water by Banks

Reppin' my SoCal pride, it's easy to say Banks is my newest favorite songwriter. Her songs are magnetic and this track sounds dark and drippy in all the right ways. 

Thanks for listening (rainfully)!

Be sure to Follow Me on Spotify and Facebook

Anatomy

I've been sternocleidomastoid-deep (that is, Neck muscle-deep) in studying bones, muscles, and lately: the nervous system. Although most of the terms used in this playlist would not be acceptable for my anatomy class, I find myself dreaming in anatomy terminology, and wanted to create a playlist for a much-needed study break.

Playlist

Anatomy

Highlights

- Track 7/ Cold Cold Heart by Norah Jones

Norah Jones croons beautifully in my favorite version of this Hank Williams classic. This is one of my go-to songs to perform and I'd like to think I model my take on it after Norah's jazzy version. 

- Track 9/ Hands Are Clever by Alex Clare

Alex Clare is known for his single Too Close, but I think that every track on The Lateness of the Hour is simply good stuff. This track is funky in all the right places, and can come in handy when you need a dance break.

- Track 14/ Into My Blood by Carina Round

This haunting song was introduced to me by a friend when we were in middle school, and back then it felt like it represented all my teenage angst. I wasn't aware of the drug references at the time, but this song still holds its sentimental value.

Thanks for listening (anatomically)!

Be sure to Follow Me on Spotify and Facebook

March Playlist Therapy

Again- just in the nick of time- another playlist for your ears' enjoyment. This month I've got a mish mosh of electropop/dance tunes and soulful folk singers. It's my birthday (month) and I'll play what I want to!

Playlist

March Playlist Therapy

Highlights

- Track 6/ Talking Body by Tove Lo

This Swedish songstress's second single might be almost more catchy than her first: Habits. She writes her own stuff, and I like how it's fun and carefree from a strong female perspective. The melody in her chorus also sounds very familiar to me, but I haven't been able to place it yet. 

- Track 9/ Don't Wanna Fight by Alabama Shakes

Lead singer Brittany Howard can kill with her voice (forget looks), and I've been waiting for a song by this band that I really enjoy. Also this would be a really good song for a lyric analysis music therapy intervention on relationships. Guilty! I gravitate towards songs I can use at work.

- Track 15/ Wherever is Your Heart by Brandi Carlile

My roommate in college (who obviously has fabulous taste in music) introduced me to Brandi Carlile and I really fell in love with her EP of love song covers: XOBC. She's another one with a voice that can kill, and add that to a simple love song and you've got my latest favorite track. 

Thanks for listening (literally)!

Be sure to Follow Me on Spotify and Facebook

February Playlist Therapy

Happy Playlist Therapy Blog-iversary! I can't believe it has been one full year since I began Playlist Therapy. I hope you have enjoyed listening to my music with me, and here's to new year of more awesome playlists! My latest playlist for the shortest month of the year:

Playlist

February Playlist Therapy 

Highlights

- Track 4/ Toxic- Version Revisited by Mark Ronson

Give me a good Britney cover reminiscent of Amy Winehouse and I'm ready to take on anything! Mark Ronson has apparently been around for a minute and I wasn't too surprised to find that he had a big part in producing Amy's Back to Black. 

- Track 8/ I'm an Albatroz by Sebastian Schol

This song is silly, and reminds me a little bit of The Rescuers' mode of transportation. If nobody has made a psychadelic music video of Wilbur's crash landings, the internet is missing out.

- Track 16/ Bright by Echosmith

Although a much different vibe from their hit "Cool Kids," this sweet little acoustic number is my new favorite. Any song with stars and astronomy imagery sets such an adorably romantic mood.

Thanks for listening (literally)!

Be sure to Follow Me on Spotify and Facebook

Feyoncé

One of my best friends is getting married in only 1 month, and this past weekend we celebrated her Bachelorette Party in LAS VEGAS! I was so excited I had to make a playlist to get us in the mood to celebrate with My Girls and inspire some booty-shakin'. This is only actually a piece of the playlist I made for her weekend festivities, but I have picked out my favorites to share with you. (You can find the full playlist here on Spotify.)

Playlist

Feyoncé

Highlights

- Track 1/ Jumpin', Jumpin' byt Destiny's Child
The perfect anthem for a Girl's Night- "Ladies leave your man at home..." You can't go wrong turnin' up to a Beyoncé throwback. 

- Track 8/ Danza Kuduro by Don Omar feat. Lucenzo

I believe the best dance songs are by Britney or Latin singers... I might be a little biased, but you can't deny how catchy this track is. It's the perfect song to get our groove on in any setting!

- Track 17/ Wobble by V.I.C.

We ask every DJ at every club or bar we go to to play this song, and then we get everybody nearby to dance! It's fun, infectious, and also happens to be our signature dance.

Thanks for listening (bachelorette-style)!

Be sure to Follow Me on Spotify and Facebook

January Playlist Therapy

Where did January go?! Oh well, here's what I'm still listening to since my brain thinks it cant possibly be February yet....

Playlist

January Playlist Therapy 

Highlights

- Track 2/ Love Me Like You Do by Ellie Goulding

This song happens to be on the soundtrack for Fifty Shades of Grey...but more importantly Ellie is back! That is- back to the sound of her first album "Lights", which is when I fell in love with her music. 

- Track 5/ Got It by Marian Hill

All you need is some synth brass, sick beats, and a sultry female falsetto and you've "Got It". I don't know where this duo came from, but this is definitely my new favorite jam!

- Track 9/ The Business of Emotion by Big Data feat. White Sea

Their follow up to "Dangerous": this next single by Big Data is just as catchy. Its the kind of 'jump on your bed-flip your hair around-can't help but feel good' song.

Thanks for listening (literally)!

Be sure to Follow Me on Spotify and Facebook

15 in 2015

To ring in the new year, I have decided to celebrate by looking back on some of the music that has meant the most to me over the years. Here's one song per year that I probably had on repeat for each of the last 15 years: (No regrets, but I would like to add that I was 11 years old in the year 2000.)

Playlist

15 in 2015

Highlights

- 2000/ Amazed by Lonestar

This was the most passionate song to my hopeless romantic pre-teen heart, and I wasn't even that into country music...yet.

- 2001/ All You Wanted by Michelle Branch

My copy of The Spirit Room is completely worn out, and this song was one of the first couple of songs I had learned and sung in public (with my brother on guitar of course!)

- 2002/ You and I Both by Jason Mraz

I have been in love with Jason Mraz and his voice since the beginning, and my discovery of his music marks the start of my adoration for singer-songwriters. 

- 2003/ One More Sad Song by The All-American Rejects

This one takes me back to bus rides and my first love: I'm not sure if he liked All American Rejects' first album or if it was just an excuse to sit next to me on the bus and share headphones.

- 2004/ Since U Been Gone by Kelly Clarkson

And when my first love ended, Kelly Clarkson had the perfect break-up song for me to belt at the top of my lungs. The lyrics weren't really true for my situation, but it was nice to know that Kelly had my back.

- 2005/ These Words by Natasha Bedingfield

This album came out while I was on my first trip to Tennessee: to visit my dad's side of the family and H.S. friends who had moved. It makes me think of driving around on Knoxville roads where all the trees were overtaken by Kudzu.

- 2006/ Samson by Regina Spektor

I'm pretty sure I discovered Regina Spektor while listening to NPR in the car with my dad. She didn't sing this song, but I was hooked! This is one of my all-time favorite singers, singing one of my all-time favorite love songs.

- 2007/ Irreplaceable by Beyonce

She was promoting powerful women even back in 2007, and I loved it then, and still love this song now. But it has come to mean more because I associate it with one of my favorite friendships.

- 2008/ Between the Lines by Sara Bareilles

Probably one of the most underrated Sara Bareilles song, and definitely a good representation of a girl navigating relationships and discovering herself. That's what college was for, right?

- 2009/ Sweet Disposition by The Temper Trap

Ok Ok, I know this song is associated with 500 Days of Summer. I'm not THAT obsessed with the movie, but this song is the perfect drive up the coast, hair in the wind, Perks of Being a Wallflower "infinite" moment kind of song.

- 2010/ Poison & Wine by The Civil Wars

If my love life that year was manifested into a pitter-patter guitar and beautifully haunting harmonies, this would be it. This is the song I wish I had written.

- 2011/ Hold it Against Me by Britney Spears

My whirlwind of a senior year in college: Pauls, Bang!, and this album.

- 2012/ Mercy.1 by Kanye West, Big Sean, Pusha T, & T-Pain

I had to get a little street cred if I was gonna work with teens... also I just love the dancehall samples. This is my get down in the club song.

- 2013/ Follow Your Arrow by Kacey Musgraves

Cheeky and honest (as good country music should be), the message in her lyrics continues to be my motto into the new year!

- 2014/ Love Me Harder by Ariana Grande & The Weeknd

With my favorite song of the year, I have been playing Ariana Grande's most recent album on repeat since it came out in August. I'm reluctant to say it, but I think the Weeknd really makes this track.

Thanks for listening (formerly)!

Be sure to Follow Me on Spotify and Facebook