Atiya's Music Recommendations

By: Atiya Dasté

As the world finally feels like it is back on its feet again, so does the music world with dozens of anticipated albums this year from the world’s greatest artists. I find myself pondering the universal language of the soul—music. As I tap away on my keyboard, wrapped in the confinement of my apartment bedroom, I can’t help but muse on the melodies that define my life’s greatest and melancholy moments. Whether it’s the strumming of an acoustic guitar swaying us to a calm or a pulsing beat that mirrors the cadence of our steps on the streets, music is the soundtrack to our lives. So, let me share with you my symphony of suggestions, a curated list of artists that promise to be the companions to your highs and the solace to your lows. 

The Last Dinner Party

Starting strong, after forming in London of 2021, this Brit alternative band dropped their debut album, “A Prelude to Ecstasy” this past February. Songs like “The Feminine Urge” and “Beautiful Boy”, pay homage to the beloved fellow alternative artists that have come before them like Lana Del Rey and Florence + The Machine. These songs channel art that expands on withering love, filial relationships, and navigating sexuality. The “Girl Group Phenomenon” is so back.

@thelastdinnerparty via Instagram

pillow queens

The Pillow Queens are an indie rock quartet hailing from Dublin, Ireland. This band has been charming the socks off the Dublin music scene since 2016 but is creeping its way into the American alternative music sphere debuting their sophomore album “Name Your Sorrow” this upcoming April. Their lyrical prowess and knack for ‘Shero’ melodies serve up anthems that resonate with your inner locus. If I were to play favorites, I’d tip my hat to their lead singles  “Suffer” and “Gone.” 

@Pillowqueensband via Instagram

yebba

Where do I even start? If you’re not listening to Yebba you’re so on the outs. Abigail Elizabeth Smith, known as Yebba, is an American singer and songwriter from West Memphis, Arkansas. You’ve probably heard her celestial voice over Drake’s “Yebba’s Heartbreak” or her backing vocals on Chance the Rapper's SNL performance of the song “Same Drugs” in 2016 before releasing her debut single “Evergreen” in 2017. Anything that comes out her mouth has me wrapped around her finger more and more, but her debut album “Dawn” is cataloged with empyreal ballads that soothe and stun you all at once.     

@yebbasmith via Instagram

cmat

Upon tuning into Elton John’s Rocket Hour on Apple Music, I discovered Irish singer-songwriter CMAT. My fellow cowgirl boot-wearing pop songstress has the most soothing voice, paired over a perfect breakup album. You’ve got to listen to “I Wanna Be a Cowboy, Baby,” if you love that perfect mix of country twang and light and airy pop. Think of a modern day Dolly Parton meets Chappell Roan. Her last album “Crazymad, For Me”, has been on replay all of March and is slowly creeping into all of my playlists.      

@CMATbaby via Instagram

haim

Yes, a girl group again (not sorry). This time they are sisters. Could I be more convincing if I told you they collaborated with Taylor Swift twice? First on their sophomore album, “Gasoline Remix”, and “No Body, No Crime” on Swift’s “Evermore”. This trio of sisters 

known as Haim curates traditional pop anthems and inserts their variety of indie-rock blended with a tad of ‘70s style. Walking to class, earbuds in, listening to their symphonic storytelling, 

these sisters’ sound is the perfect background music to keep me grounded.

@HAIMtheband Via Instagram

kacey musgraves

As ridiculous as it sounds to recommend a seven time Grammy Award winner, Kasey Musgraves is a phenomenally underrated artist. She has the powerful ability to make you feel everything she feels as she specializes in her storytelling through concept albums. My favorite of which, her 2021 album “Starcrossed” guided me through all of quarantine. She takes her fans on an immersive experience through love, self-discovery, and life’s everyday beauty through a unique blend of country and pop. “Starcrossed” is a gorgeous exploration of heartache and healing as she serves raw emotion that resonates with anyone who faces change in their life, offering both comfort and empowerment. 

@spaceykacey Via Instagram

Check out these artists, mix up your playlist, and enjoy the vibes. With that being said, let your music walk you home or sing aloud in a moment of spontaneous sidewalk lip syncing.  Happy listening!