It’s such a sunny day outside, but I’m hoping everyone still remembers to practice social distancing! I’m sitting in my parents’ living room, alternating between reading Remember Me Like This by Bret Anthony Johnston (wonderful so far!), downing a glass of Dalgona whipped coffee, and jotting down notes to a potential second young adult novel. All the while, my favorite music plays in the background.
My music taste these days is unpredictable and eclectic. I can’t keep up with the latest hits anymore, but that’s fine. It’ll eventually filter into my consciousness.
I wanted to share a few of my latest favorites!
Heavyweight by Infected Mushroom
Someone introduced me to this Israeli duo in college. I had their song “Becoming Insane” on repeat; it’d gotten me through so many hours of writing and editing, when words started blurring together. But I also like “Heavyweight” because it gets me in the zone.
(Don’t let the album art scare you.)
Pied Piper by BTS
To anyone who’s been following my Tweets and Instagram stories, you know that I’ve recently been obsessed with this Korean pop band in ways that even surprise me! But, honestly, after watching their rise–from the days when all seven were living in one cramped apartment to now breaking records, winning awards, and selling out stadiums–I ‘stan’ them . . . as people say these days. BTS deserves absolutely everything.
Pied Piper is a playful song, its tune seductive but its words contradictory. Listen to the translation!
Suga’s Interlude by Haley feat. Suga
Clearly I am showing “my bias” here, but Suga’s musicality and lyrics are so powerful. His flow is ridiculous.
When I was torturing educating my mom with BTS videos, she said that Suga “thấy buồn quá.” Or “he looks sad.” In interviews, Suga has talked about his struggles with depression–a taboo topic in Korea–and he wants to confront it honestly through music.
Passing By by Yiruma
I read somewhere that Yiruma composed this piece after his father-in-law passed away. I feel the gratitude and sadness in his notes, and that cello entrance just lifts me up. I love, love this song.
Interlude: Shadow by BTS’s Suga
You didn’t think I was done talking about Suga, did you?
This is another song with meaningful lyrics. Suga talks about his fears being at the very top of his game. In an old interview, he once said that he wanted to be rich, but not famous. I can see why. The spotlight puts so much pressure on BTS; their privacy is limited.
“People say, there’s splendor in that bright light /
But my growing shadow swallows me and becomes a monster“
Violet Evergarden OST
“Violet Evergarden” is an anime series on Netflix about Auto Memory Dolls, or people who write letters for other people. It’s beautifully animated and made all the more emotional by its soundtrack. I listen to the whole soundtrack on repeat, but I think “Never Coming Back” is my favorite.
TBC!
Share your writing playlist below!
Loan Le 
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