Subtext Soundtrack: Stay At Home

Guitar strings hit feelings differently. This playlist is a mix of blues, hip-hop and mellow techno. You can think of it as your newest go-to bedroom tunes whenever you want to slow it down, but with a bit of groove in every beat. I created “Stay At Home” to be your indoor company whenever the cozy weather decides to visit (which is quite often these days).

The featured songs start out slow but pick up some speed for a much-needed change of mood and tempo. It’s got tracks by mainstream artists like John Mayer (I don’t have a single playlist that doesn’t feature his songs), Surfaces, HONNE, and Taylor Swift, but I also made sure to add an interesting lineup from Japanese, Korean and Filipino musicians that I love listening to.

This playlist is perfectly made for this scenario: An afternoon downpour, with the sound of the rain for an added layer of percussion. 

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THIS IS SUBTEXT SOUNDTRACK—YOUR MOOD AND MEMORIES IN SONIC FREQUENCIES FOR A PLAYLIST THAT SOUNDS LIKE YOU. A MUSIC CURATION MADE BY OUR FRIENDS AND COMMUNITY. GOT A GOOD EAR FOR MUSIC? PUT A MUSICAL MOOD TOGETHER AND SEND IT TO READSUBTEXT@GMAIL.COM.

Selpink chillin' in your area

When BLACKPINK (BP) finally released their most-anticipated collaboration with Selena Gomez, “Ice Cream,” I was surprised with the genre they went with—bubble pop. Neither BP nor Selena are known for this kind of music. It was definitely refreshing to see a new side to all the ladies involved. After watching a couple (okay, maybe several) times more, I wondered why all five of them never interacted. Turns out they filmed at separate locations for safety, so big applause for the production team on making it look so seamless still.

THE SONG

I liked this the most among their 2020 releases, ranking above both “Sour Candy” (a collaboration with Lady Gaga) and “How You Like That,” but still nowhere near what they have released before. What I liked about “Ice Cream” is that it’s light, easy to listen to, and has a proper flow. Honestly, the lyrics could make more sense but I like how each girl fit the concept with their own unique styles.

Especially with Lisa owning the rap parts. I honestly don’t know what she was rapping about, (again, I would like to reiterate the lyrics could have been better) but she flows well, so I’m not that bothered. I don’t know what “Mona Lisa kinda Lisa” means but I’ll be saying it all the time now.

Have you also taken time to appreciate Jisoo singing entirely in English? I think she has reached a milestone! Those English lessons with Jennie have paid off. One thing I would also do to improve the song is to give Rose more singing parts. Her voice just fits the song well and she slayed all the high notes in the chorus.

THE MV

If this collaboration won at anything, it would definitely be the music video. Every time I tried listening to this song on Spotify, I found myself opening YouTube instead. Each frame was a beauty shot that emphasized both the cute and sexy side of each person. Definitely loved how Selena was introduced “driving” the ice cream truck in a bikini (that whole look and vibe was fire).

But also, I’m still processing how quickly Jennie switches sides, with one second all smiley and cute, then fierce and a bit sexual the next. There were definitely some awkward moments (which makes as much sense as their lyrics), which is topped by Jennie sharing a carrot with a capybara. These cut scenes came too quickly which makes its viewers instantly move on to their next look.

Speaking of looks, was I the only one that tried to keep count of how many they had an outfit change and failed? My personal favorite is the one shown towards the end; a bit on the edgy side with leather accents and Jisoo was wearing a bandana for a top. I didn’t know it was still a thing. Sadly, it’s the look where they had least screen time in.

Now let’s all celebrate by learning the moves from BLACKPINK x Selena Zepeto dance performance and continue in the wishful thinking that we’ll see them all perform this song together in the future.

Subtext Soundtrack: 100 — a playlist by Lui Banta

Music helps me process whatever I’m going through. I’m the type who listens to a specific playlist when I’m in a certain mood. It just intensifies the emotions I am currently feeling, which can be good and bad! I know I can’t forever drown myself in misery listening to “Self Control” by Frank Ocean, so this playlist are made for days when I gotta pick myself up too!

I chose these songs not just to make you do a ‘lil dance, but to make you feel good about yourself! Here’s to celebrating your awesomeness, my friend. Hope you feel good jujus because I definitely was on a high curating this playlist.

I’m an ad girl, feel-good dancer, and full-time shower performer powered by caffeine and the sun and this is my Subtext Soundtrack: 

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THIS IS SUBTEXT SOUNDTRACK—YOUR MOOD AND MEMORIES IN SONIC FREQUENCIES FOR A PLAYLIST THAT SOUNDS LIKE YOU. A MUSIC CURATION MADE BY OUR FRIENDS AND COMMUNITY. GOT A GOOD EAR FOR MUSIC? PUT A MUSICAL MOOD TOGETHER AND SEND IT TO READSUBTEXT@GMAIL.COM.

Fan Mail: Dear Taylor, I am entranced by Folklore

Longtime Swiftie and graphic designer Geli Luna shares Folklore-inspired art and her unfiltered thoughts on Taylor Swift’s newest album

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Dear Taylor,

I’m not sure I can explain the full effect that Folklore has taken on me since its unexpected release. I don’t even remember what my life was like before this album because in its few days of existence, I have gone through stages of shock, denial, panic, wonder, pain, curiosity, all culminating in plain obsession. Everything has definitely changed.

I guess if I had the chance to ask you one thing about this album, it would just be this: HOW?!

How have you managed to write and develop a full-length album out of nowhere, in the midst of a pandemic no less? Is it even possible for someone to be this creatively productive in quarantine?