Student’s Songs of the spring: What have Hamberites been listening to?
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For many Hamber students, music is essential. Whether it’s walking the halls with a single airpod in, blasting pre-game hype through a speaker, or curating dozens of playlists for very specific scenarios, music can be a part of our daily lives. What do Hamberites have on repeat this spring?
Norah Basha (9) has been enjoying “Face to Face” by Rex Orange County and “Thinking Bout U” by Frank Ocean. “There is a lot of variety and range in the vocals and the lyrics are really engaging,” she explained. Rex Orange County and Frank Ocean are among her choices of artists, as well as Mac Miller and Kanye West. “I really like their style of music and lyrics,” Basha shared.
James Ballack (12) began listening to Elliott Smith’s album, XO, when he was feeling down and wanted some new music that fit his mood. “I was really really shocked by how good it was,” he stated. “I haven’t stopped listening since.” Ballack also enjoys “She found Now”, a song by My Bloody Valentine. “The guitars and vocals feel like they’re giving you a big hug,” he explained. Ballack’s favourite artists include Duster, Frank Ocean, Jockstrap, and Cocteau Twins.
“Arctic Monkeys has that romance and teenage vibe,” says Shahreen Chowdhury (10). “I like how their tracks are chill but also sharp.” Chowdhury is also a fan of Glass Animals for their soothing vocals and calm. “Songs like Mama’s Gun have the prettiest track, especially at the beginning,” she commented. These bands are among her many favourites, some of which include Chase Atlantic, The Neighbourhood, and BTS.
Chloe Moure (8) is currently listening to “Sweet/I Thought You Wanted to Dance” by Tyler, the Creator as well as “Heaven Knows I’m Miserable Now” by The Smiths, though their favourite songs change constantly. Moure’s favourite artists include Mitski and The Cure. “I really like Mitski’s lyrics,” she explained. “She’s bringing a sort of whole new genre to the music industry.”
“I’ve been on a Taylor Swift binge the past two months,” revealed Teresa Deruchie (9), who’s been listening to Swift’s album, Reputation. She enjoys the lyricism and variation in her music and thinks that the nostalgia got her back into it. “I used to listen to the songs on the radio when I was younger,” she explained. Taylor Swift joins Conan Gray on her current list of favourite artists.
As a songwriter herself, Isabelle Jang (10) finds the technical components in Keshi’s album, Gabriel, amazing. “He is able to craft such beautiful sounding songs from chords many other artists wouldn’t be able to work with,” Jang says. In addition to Gabriel, she has enjoyed Constellations by Jade LeMac. “Jade LeMac is actually from Vancouver,” Jang explained. “Being able to see such a young artist from our city have such a popular song inspires me so much.” Keshi and Ariana Grande are Jang’s artists of choice.
“My favourite song of all time is probably Runaway by Kanye West,” says Sonith Salice (9), who appreciates the song for its artistic complexity and deep vocals. “He gets really creative, yet makes a great song in his area.” Salice enjoys hip hop culture and music as a whole: his top artists include Kanye West, Mac Miller, Steve Lacy and many more. Salice is looking forward to Kendrick Lamar’s new album, Mr. Morale & the Big Steppers, which is to be released in May. “It’s been four or five years, so it’s pretty big,” he explained. “It’s definitely going to be good.”
“‘As It Was’ has definitely been a standout this spring,” remarked Basha. This widely popular song, released by Harry Styles this April, remains near the top of global charts. “It got super popular in a short period of time,” Basha pointed out. Chowdhury commented that the song is really nostalgic to her.
Whether you’re listening to hip hop or indie pop, music has been a big part of Hamber’s spring season. Here’s to our favourite artists, past, present, and future.