playlist
Beat's recommended playlist for all of your musical needs.
Life is a Jukebox
I sat in a jukebox for all of 2024. A little figurine manuevering through a big machine. Every song imprinting on me, leaving dents, echoing through my speech. I laid in my doll bed thinking "Heaven Knows I'm Miserable Now." I literally was "looking for a job and then I found a job..." I'd roll out of my doll bed and into an toy Uber to Bruckner. The moment the car rolled to a stop, "Welcome to the Jungle" would pound in my chest. "You know where you are, you're in the jungle baby, you're gonna die." I worked at the "Hotel California" (Bruckner) for over 2 years. After my first day I knew I shouldn't be there. I could feel that it would emotionally decompose me, but I stayed. "You can check out any time you like, but you can never leave". Modern and polished on the outside, inviting even but unpredictability and devastation ran from the basement to the roof.
By Jada Fergusonabout a year ago in Beat
The Year I Turned 27
“We don't give in to the weakness”: My mantra when it's hard to get out of bed in the morning. I hear Ruston Kelley’s voice echoing in my head when I fight the innate urge to lie back down. When I feel like surrendering to the lazy voice in my head, I hear the melody start to play. And when I do give in and feel a deep sense of remorse during the late morning or early afternoon, mourning all that I will not have accomplished today, I remember to give myself some grace because “I’m just going through some changes.” It is not only sleeping in that these lines apply to. There are other aspects of my life that warrant this reflection as well. I’ve found it helps to remind myself that “I can do hard things.” There are more days where these reminders are necessary now that the sun went into hiding, along with you.
By Hailey Marchand-Nazzaroabout a year ago in Beat
2024: The Jukebox Musical
January - Here I Am, Bryan Adams Ah, optimism... I always start the year full of hope and determination. I promptly spent most of January arguing on the internet with people who lacked reading comprehension, media literacy or often both, and trying to maintain that sense of hope against increasingly obvious signs that the year was NOT going to turn out like I'd hoped.
By Natasja Roseabout a year ago in Beat
The Songs That Saved Me
With how difficult this year was for me, there was always music to drown out the chaos. These songs hold a special place in my heart and provided comfort during my darkest times. I hope some of these songs make it to your playlist and can help you in ways they helped me <3
By Angel Adagioabout a year ago in Beat
Medicinal Melodies
If you were to ask me if I would rather lose my sense of sight or my sense of hearing, I would choose going blind without a second thought. Being unable to enjoy music would leave me devastated. Music is the one reliable comfort I've had throughout my life. Without it, there is no doubt my mental health would suffer. The infinite silence would most likely drive me insane, and I would be left unable to cope with the dynamics of my emotions.
By Alyssa Mussoabout a year ago in Beat
2024 Soundtrack
Party Train by The GAP JANUARY 1, 2023, we awoke early to finish preparations for guests and our good luck New Year's Day meal for friends and family. "Party Train" by The Gap was blasting throughout the house; we danced around the kitchen while my husband prepared the meat, and we set out snacks. Guests were arriving impatient to eat his exceptional food. We had collard greens symbolizing greenbacks (folding paper money), black-eyed peas to bring wealth in coins, and lima beans and rice, our standard comfort foods for gatherings. He always makes chicken and sometimes his famous baby back ribs.
By Andrea Corwin about a year ago in Beat
2024: The Music Of Its Moments. Runner-Up in The Soundtrack of Your Year Challenge.
I’ve had my fair share of ups and downs this year, just as I’m sure we all have, and I think one of the many beautiful, powerful things about music is its ability to help us navigate life’s highs and lows. Whether we're finding strength in a challenging moment or celebrating a happy occasion, music is there, enriching our experiences and providing a score to the movie that is our lives.
By Emily Albersabout a year ago in Beat
My Musical Journey of 2024. Content Warning.
In January, I listened to a lot of sea shanty style music or Irish jig music. I needed the upbeat tunes to help me stay present for my children as I was fighting an upward battle with feeling like I could never make it out of my life's circumstances whole.
By The Schizophrenic Momabout a year ago in Beat
Standing up . Runner-Up in The Soundtrack of Your Year Challenge. Top Story - January 2025.
Lemonade never tasted so good- photo by M. Dion The hotel lobby is busy. I slip through the bustling throng of guests to the bar. Raising my voice above the din, I ask my friend Pam for a simple lemonade. I've dreamt of this moment all year. I quickly add one additional request and hand her a glass I produce from my bag.
By Meagan Dionabout a year ago in Beat
