Time to (Pumpkin) Spice Up Your Fall Playlists: 2K15 Playlist Challenge

October rolls around and, you guessed it, midterms are upon us again. If you’re like me and you’re pretending that summer is still occurring, then I think it’s time for a little reality check. That being said, what better way to get back into the 2015/16 campus vibe than to organize your life with a few playlists here and there?

Let me tell you a little story about playlists because believe me, I’m your guy when it comes to this stuff. All the way back in 2012 during my senior year of high school, I suddenly acquired a pretty rad taste in music. With the stresses of trying to get good grades for university and the struggle of wanting to leave the whole high school scene, it was easy to find solace in music. About a year later I found that it was so therapeutic to listen to music I listened to the year before. Not only did each sound and lyric give me the same emotion I had when I first listened to a certain song, but it helped me realize how much I’ve grown as a person. Alright, I know this is starting to sound a little sentimental, so pack your bags for a ‘feels trip’ because my goal is to inspire your very own playlist mania.

To me, autumn is one of the most inspirational seasons. I know that spring may be the season of new life and growth, but I feel that we start over when September rolls around. Whether it be starting a new job/school year, promising yourself you’ll attend every class, or even taking a new step in your own personal developmentl; autumn has that special feel we all just can’t resist. In this pumpkin spice world that we live in, managing your playlists can form amazing memories to look back on. When I think of my favourite songs, I don’t think of the lyrics or anything like that. I think of what situation I was in while listening to that song and how I felt during that time.

I know what you’re thinking: “Okay Jesse… that’s super awesome. Now what do you want me to do with this information?”

I personally use Spotify to organize my music. Whenever I reach a point in my life where I think I’d be able to look back and think, “Oh that was cool,” I start a playlist! The songs that I add usually range from new ones I listen to during that present time to ones I listened to the previous years around the same season. However, whether you have iTunes, Spotify, Soundcloud, etc, you’re able to catalogue your memories and feelings into a group of sounds and melodies.

The autumn 2k15 Playlist Challenge:

After reading this article, I challenge everyone to make a list of the songs that have a special place in their hearts right now. Try to tackle about 20-30 to start and slowly add more when you discover or remember songs that you feel a connection to. After about a year or so, when you’re treading through the same time of year, I guarantee you’ll feel a tidal wave of nostalgia when looking back on your playlists. And to be completely honest: who doesn’t love that feeling? No memory is too big or too small. If listening to Rihanna while walking down the street with a PSL you experience is independence, then let that feeling continue to motivate you. Good luck!

Picture Credits

Cover Picture, 1 & 2

• fall
• music
• playlist