2021 Kickoff Playlist
The Pacific Index editors share some songs they’ve been listening to to bring in the new year…
“A Phone Call in Amsterdam” – Valley
If there is one thing I am thankful for from this pandemic, it’s the abundance of free time I’ve had to discover new music and artists. One of my current new favorites is the artist Valley. Their song “A Phone Call in Amsterdam” in particular has been on repeat recently. The track is dreamy and upbeat, the perfect thing to drive to late at night, and the lyrics are surprisingly raw. They talk about the anxiety that builds up when you express love to someone, and the reassurance needed after that. Despite the fact that the two people in the relationship are not in the same place, and the song begs the question “How do I know you feel it?,” one can’t help but feel hopeful and uplifted by the percussion and melody. — Ella Cutter
“fuck, I’m lonely” – Lauv, Anne-Marie
2020 was a difficult year for everyone, especially in making friends or spending time with others. “fuck, I’m lonely” captures the feeling of being totally lost without people around you, but somehow it’s an upbeat song. The song talks about not being sure if you’ll make it out and how so much time has passed since you’ve seen that loved one. Though it’s a romantic song, it fits the mood of 2021 as we continue to be under lockdown and unable to see our friends, family, or significant others. We have been so isolated from the community over the course of the last year, and Lauv and Anne-Marie’s song highlights that loneliness in a bop that you’ll find yourself blasting in the car. — Grace Alexandria
“Daisy 2.0 (feat. Hatsune Miku) – Ashnikko
If there was one collab I didn’t know I needed until I had it, the prize would have to go to “Daisy 2.0,” the remixed version of singer/songwriter/rapper Ashnikko and the iconic long-blue-haired Japanese VOCALOID Hatsune Miku. I’m not ashamed to say that I think Hatsune Miku’s music really slaps. I’ve lost count of the times I’ve blasted “The World Is Mine” at full volume or the hours I’ve lost playing Project DIVA Mega Mix on my Nintendo Switch. But I also really love Ashnikko’s brand of weirdo, pop-rap, taking on such a unique character and pumping out catchy hook after catchy hook. I already loved “Daisy” as a single, but adding a guest verse from Hatsune Miku was just the icing on the blue, sugary sweet cake. Absolutely the perfect way to kick off a new year of pop music. — Bren Swogger
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