“Ugh next song.” This may have been your thoughts listening to music as the seasons change. Music is such a big part of our lives. These lyrics and melodies really affect listeners and how they go about their lives. Seasons are inescapable and constantly changing, but how does this affect the music we listen to? 

“I think the seasons affect music because you’re surrounded by it so it just gives you energy. You have to find music that matches the energy it’s giving you,” said junior Brooklynn May.  But how do we determine what kind of music is the vibe and how do we decide what to listen to? I got you; this is a quick guide to seasonal music and the major differences as they change.  

Now officially in Fall people have created their fall playlists and shifted the music that they are listening to. But what is Fall music; senior Samantha Najera believes “autumn brings a sense of nostalgia with songs that reflect bittersweet transactions from summer to winter.” Fall music is more mellow and at times sorrowful with a sense of longing. Jazz is definitely a must for anyone wanting to truly feel the feelings of fall. Woodwind and Brass instruments such as Saxophones and trumpets are the epitome of fall; they make beautifully smooth sounds that create quiet and calm feelings for listeners. Artists like Billie Holiday,  Ella Fitzgerald, Chet Baker, and Frank Sinatra have strikingly soulful voices conveying strong emotion within their music. Blues is for melancholic feelings featuring instruments like double bass and the piano which are ideal for creating the sounds of fall blues. Blues artists like Etta James, Ray Charles, Big Mama Thornton, and Janis Joplin create uniquely extraordinary music. Not to be forgotten, Mr. Louis Armstrong with his unique raspy tenor voice and amazing trumpet playing he is an artist that time and time again used to put forth amazing music that transcends the feelings of fall. This variety of artists are perfect for fall with their music calming listeners and slowing racing minds.

Nearing winter time the music we listen to will change once again. Slow strums of guitars and gloomy melodies start to take over music. Winter music has two sides; slow and soft music, and upbeat holiday tunes. “ Everyone can agree that Christmas music is the best music to listen to , even when it isn’t near christmas time. Winter music is also very nostalgic, just by listening to it makes you feel like you’re in a place where Winter is all year long,” said Junior Carla Reyes-Fuentes. Holiday tunes are cheerful and often include instruments like bells, chimes, organs, and snare drums as well as choirs. Artists like BIng crosby, Dean Martin, Mariah Carey, and Wham! Are all well known for their holiday hits and are not to be missed for any holiday playlist. Everyone is familiar with holiday tunes, but what about winter music outside of that? Dream pop is the music of winter with breathy vocals and chorus creating a somber sound that amplifies the seasonal depression. Artists like Cigarettes after sex, Mazzy Star, Ethel Cain, and Grouper all have hazy voices to truly make you feel the cold. 

Spring brings new beginnings and fresh starts. As flowers start to bloom and young critters all around, music gets a fresh new sound. Music starts to become more light and upbeat. Indie/ indie rock is excellent for spring often having full bands with a variety of instruments creating sounds that put optimism in the air. Often having heavy guitar throughout these songs. Artists like Bôa, Cage the Elephant, Beach Bunny, Peach Pit, Kona, and Mac Demarco create indie rock songs each with sprinkles of their own unique touch. All just right for spring yet different and one of a kind.

As Summer comes around, the weather warms up and moods lift. This is reflected in our music as well.  Senior Matías Nicholls says “Summer you have more of a party vibe or kinda hype vibe.” This is reflected in music as rhythms become more upbeat and lyrics start to change becoming more positive. Dance-Pop is a genre absolute for summer. This type of music is made for dancing and clubs, featuring a variety of electronic instruments such as synthesizer, keyboard, and sampler creating sounds just right for dancing. Artists like Bee Gees, Rhianna, New Kids on the Block, and Jennifer Lopez have created many popular dance pop hits that you may already listen to. The Americana genre has time and time again been music of summer as artists use their music to talk about life and tell a story through their songs. This genre is a blend of multiple genres; blues, jazz, R&B, rock and roll, and bluegrass giving Americana artists lots of freedom to choose their own sound. These songs often have lots of symbolism, double meaning, and typically have introspective lyrics. Some Americana artists include Bob Dylan, Lana del rey, Grateful dead, and The Byrds each belong to the same genre but have created their very own sound.