VIVI
I'm graduating from the University of Georgia this spring, with a BA in Journalism. Coming from a music background myself, I enjoy exploring the endless variety of music out there, learning about the artist and production behind each song.
Daniel Caesar’s entire Freudian album is a masterpiece—a raw and romantic testimony—to me. Each song flows into the next the way records rarely do anymore, and each track is a contributing piece to Daniel’s story. I have huge respect for the fact that he writes his own music, exposing his heartbreak and Christian upbringing, complicated by doubts that he expresses lyrically. Of all the songs on Freudian, “We Find Love” gets me the most. The swelling voices and piano surround a theme of back-and-forth with a lover, and the core of the song is something every human relates to: with love, we’re lifted up, and without it, we fall.
Daniel Caesar sings about love the way you wish men still did. When “love” on the radio is saturated with money, parties and shiny superficiality, Daniel sings dynamically about the hurt, the beauty and the complexity that is love. His lyrics are incredibly romantic, appropriately complimented by gospel harmonies, yet so masterfully written and produced that nothing comes across sappy. Caesar’s voice is forward, propelled by leading piano chords and a female chorus, sprinkled with voice samples that inspire a sense of nostalgia. After a delicate cry of “heaven help us,” and a final chorus, “We Find Love” bleeds smoothly into the next track, “Blessed”. And then goes a continuation of his musical testimony.
Being a Christian and musician and experienced with a complicated boyfriend, Daniel Caesar really resonates with me. I appreciate that his music, while appealing to a wide audience, is the music hewants to make. The roots of his songwriting are so personal, which actually makes the music so much more relatable and powerful. The hooks and melodies in his songs are also really fun for me to sing. I play the bridge from “We Find Love” over and over, because the vocal walk down (and back up) is so beautiful and catchy: “who knew we’d come around, this thing called love comes crashing down now, pieces all on the ground, what once was lost cannot be found out.” I sing it on repeat.
COURTNEY
IRANOLA
Hello! I am graduating from the University of Georgia this spring with a B.A. in Journalism. I also have minors in Sociology and African Languages & Literatures. I would describe my taste in music as: peculiar. Within the past few years, I have unintentionally strayed away from mainstream music. I have recently found myself listening to more mellow music with meaningful messages.
My current theme song is “Touché” by Zaamwé. This particular song resonates with me for multiple reasons. For one, it reminds me of my current state in life. This song is for anyone who is facing any sort of hardship and is aware of how to escape it, but chooses not to.
It is also for people who ever feel spiritually convicted for any reason. It emphasizes the fact that God always wants to help, even if you continue to resist Him. Throughout the song, Zaamwé consistently admits to his failures and shortcomings without shame, something most struggle to do. His transparency makes any listener at least evaluate the issues they feel uncomfortable expressing verbally.
Zaamwé also uses fencing terminology, like “balestra,” “divine advance,” and “sabre” to signify a battle with him and God, but he always loses. Also, the mellowness of the song is analogous with my current spiritual/emotional state – serene. In addition to this, I think the musician’s rusty, non-traditional voice is makes the song even more intriguing than it already is. Zaamwé's imperfects voice, partnered with the smooth, yet complex instrumentation makes the song even easier to relate to.
Courtney is a senior journalism student at the University of Georgia.
My current theme song is a “Chances” by Kaytranada and Shay Lia. Kaytranada is one of my favorite producers at the moment. He’s a producer from Montreal who tends to fuse electronic, jazz and r&b sounds together. His beats are magical, and I love every collaboration he does with Shay Lia, who is also from Montreal. Her unique voice meshes well with his beats.
The beat is hypnotic, clocking in at 106 bpm. It’s not super upbeat, but it still makes you want to dance. I immediately nod my head whenever I hear the song. Although the beat is great, the lyrics are what really makes the song special to me. Shay Lia sings about wanting to be great at her craft, succeeding and persevering despite what naysayers think.
Shay Lia starts the song off by singing,
“It’s It's hard to see a type of girl like me
The stars truly, they want me to succeed
They doubt, they’re sleep, they keep on telling me
I'm going nowhere
Baby, wait 'til you see morning break, beware.”
This song puts me in good spirits. It’s like a pick-me-up. I am graduating college in May, and I am definitely more anxious than excited right now. I’m stressing out about my next steps like many others. I’m looking for jobs, and it’s a scary process.
Shay Lia sings,
“Don’t let them slow you
You know you're getting closer
You're bound to be golden.”
These lyrics just provide a bit of reassurance to me that after I graduate, I will go on to do great things. It’s also encouragement for me to keep working hard during this semester, as I am suffering from a minor case of senioritis. Shay Lia’s a singer with big career aspirations. I’m a college student with big career aspirations. We can relate on this.
The chorus of the song is, “I’ll take my chances on the road.” It’s simple, but catchy. That’s how I feel right now. I’ll take my chances applying for jobs and internships, and hope for the best.
TYREE
Tyree is a graduating senior from the University of Georgia studying Journalism
My current theme song is “Anywhere” by Anderson .Paak featuring Snoop Dogg. Some of my favorites songs are able to take the rhythmic beats of the funk era and add a modern twist. I dont think a theme song can be a theme song unless it gives me something that fits a variety of moods and emotions and Anywhere does this perfectly.
Starting with the beat, I immediately point out the use of a bass guitar that sets the tone for the entire song. He is known to include a band in a lot of his music and it shows. While there are clearly other instruments at play, the guitar sticks out creating a very calming mood that at the same time insites me to sway back and forth. It adds that funky vibe that works for any mood I may be experiencing. It works perfectly for a saturday afternoon chill session in my room or with a group of friends who are ready to get up and start dancing.
The song opens up with a oh so smooth verse from Snoop Dog, which connects to my old school Hip-Hop roots. It blends perfectly with the psychedelic vibe brought on by the band. Snoop has a knack for creating smooth verses over funk type beats so this brought back several memories of “old-skool” rap albums that make you want to nod your head
Paak’s voice glides over the subtle background vocals and although he’s primarily a rapper,he has a great singing voice. The slight raspiness of his voice fits the old-skool vibe. And if you're not already up dancing you definitely will be singing.
