Life by the Playlist: How Music Shapes My Journey
Why My Life Would Be a Pretty Quirky Mixtape
Picture this: I’m a teenager sitting by the lake I grew up next to, scrawling angsty poetry into a battered notebook while Iron & Wine’s “The Trapeze Swinger” floats through the tiny speakers of my first-generation iPod. The soundtrack isn’t just background noise—it’s a guide, a voice saying, "What you're feeling? Totally universal, even if it feels like it's just you and this 11-minute indie folk anthem."
Fast-forward a couple decades. These days, music isn’t just something I zone out to; it’s a scaffold for my creative process, a spark for my relationships, and yes, occasionally an emotional crutch when I’m reminded my tenth plant of the year has officially entered the compost phase. Whether I’m lost in Montana’s sprawling landscapes I once called home or overanalyzing a text from someone who doesn’t “get” Fleetwood Mac, my life has a soundtrack—and it’s part indie vibes, part accidental chaos.
Now, if my life were a mixtape (or playlist—I don’t want to live in total denial of modernity), here’s what you’d hear.
1. The “Meet Cute” Playlist: Songs for First Impressions
Ever notice how music transforms seemingly mundane moments into full-on romantic comedy montages? I learned this the hard way during my disastrous-but-hilarious first date with a geology student back in college. We went for a hike—because of course, I thought walking uphill and sweating profusely screamed “sexy.” Somewhere on the trail his phone started blaring Marvin Gaye’s “Let’s Get It On” from his pocket. Hilariously great timing. Less great? It turned out to be his ringtone for everything, including calls from his mom.
But there’s something to be said about curating songs for first impressions. Whether it’s meeting someone new or walking into a room with an alarmingly high level of self-doubt, the right soundtrack can set the vibe.
Here’s how I pick mine:
- Go light and upbeat: Songs like Florence + The Machine’s “Dog Days Are Over” or anything by Haim practically hum with optimism. They’re like the sonic version of a confident smile.
- Add a little unpredictability: Sprinkle in something quirky and fun, like Vampire Weekend’s “Diplomat’s Son.” First impressions are about being memorable, not perfect.
Think of it as the musical equivalent to wearing your favorite vintage jacket when you’re nervous.
2. Songs for Getting Over It: The Breakup Anthems
We’ve all been there: staring out a rain-speckled window, dramatically mouthing the lyrics to Adele, pretending the person who ghosted you mattered more than they actually did. If you haven’t done this, I highly recommend it. It’s cathartic in the most over-the-top kind of way.
For me, breakup songs are like a recovery smoothie—equal parts bittersweet and empowering. They carry you through stages—grieving, raging, and eventually remembering that single life means binge-watching “Parks and Rec” without compromising over snacks.
My essentials?
- The “Feel It Out” Track: Brandi Carlile’s “The Joke.” It cuts deep but reminds you there’s power in vulnerability.
- The “Angry and Fabulous” Track: Alanis Morissette’s “You Oughta Know” or anything remotely scream-y by Paramore. Pair it with cleaning your whole apartment aggressively.
- The “You’re Back, Baby” Track: Maggie Rogers’ “Light On.” It’s like sonic therapy wrapped in a kick drum and shimmering synths.
Pro tip: Always make this playlist longer than the relationship you’re getting over. It’s the rule.
3. The “Creativity Boosters” Playlist
You know that scene in every inspirational biopic where the protagonist has a breakthrough while uplifting orchestral music swells in the background? That’s me, staring at an empty Word document with a cup of tea gone cold next to me—except the music in my head is more moody Bon Iver than Hans Zimmer.
When I’m stuck, music becomes my creative engine, pulling me out of those moments when I stare at a single sentence and convince myself I’ll never write anything coherent again.
Here’s my formula to shake things loose:
- Set the mood: Explosions in the Sky’s atmospheric instrumentals are my go-to. Basically, it’s music made for staring at the sky dramatically, which somehow clears my brain fog.
- Keep it non-distracting: Lyrics are great unless you write for a living. Gregory Alan Isakov roughs that edge perfectly—his voice floats in the background without grabbing me by the collar.
- Turn to nostalgia: I swear I channel all my best creative bursts from the music I grew up with—Fleetwood Mac’s “The Chain,” The Decemberists’ “O Valencia.” They feel like stepping into a time capsule of my most formative years, which instantly puts me in storytelling mode.
Next time you’re trying to crack your own creative blocks, build a playlist that mirrors where you want to go emotionally instead of where you’re stuck. (Bonus points if it includes some early Radiohead for flair.)
4. The “Just Because” Playlist: Dancing Like No One’s Watching
All actual “rules” about music melt into nothing when you put together a playlist meant for pure joy. This one? No overthinking. Just good vibes and moves so awkward they’d make a high school gym dance look choreographed in comparison.
I’m not going to lie to you: My “Feel Good Favorites” playlist could singlehandedly destroy any illusions you have about my music taste. There’s Whitney Houston’s “I Wanna Dance with Somebody,” followed immediately by Fleetwood Mac (again—they’re basically family at this point), and then—shockingly—a cheesy 90s boy band hit like “I Want It That Way.” This mishmash works because it’s solely for living-room karaoke disasters and solo car concerts.
So let me say it loud and proud: Life’s too complicated to take your “Feel Good” music seriously. Let loose, embrace the cringe, and lean unapologetically into whatever gets you moving.
5. The “Mountains and Long Drives” Playlist
You didn’t think I’d leave nature out of this, did you? Growing up in the lakesides and mountains of Idaho, I always connected music to the outdoors. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve watched a sunset over Lake Coeur d’Alene with something like Death Cab for Cutie’s “Transatlanticism” playing softly in the background.
The magic of long drives and wild landscapes is that they force you into a meditative state—and the music you take along for the ride needs to feel just as wide-open. When I need perspective, when I need to touch base with the version of myself untangling life in nature’s glory, I turn to tracks that honor the moment.
My staples?
- Roadtrip-ready beats: Think Of Monsters and Men’s “From Finner” or Band of Horses’ “The Great Salt Lake”—songs that feel both nostalgic and sweeping.
- A slow climb to introspection: I rely on instrumental dreamscapes here—something like Sigur Rós to set the mood.
Whether you’re navigating metaphorical mountains in life or actual ones, let music act as the co-pilot. It’ll make even the steepest switchbacks feel cinematic.
Your Soundtrack Matters—So Make It Yours
The best thing about curating a personal soundtrack is that it’s yours. It doesn’t matter if your playlists look like a confused shuffle of emo throwbacks, bangers you’d otherwise never admit to loving, and carefully culled indie discovery tracks. What matters is they reflect who you are in this exact moment. The playlists that defined your past will shift and expand as you grow—just like you do.
So, whether you’re building playlists to survive heartbreaks, shine on first dates, or turn your creative brain back on, take them seriously—but not too seriously. Life’s a mess sometimes. Your soundtrack? It should celebrate that.
