The Routine Refrain Vol. 1
Very much inspired by Gabby Whiten's Weekly but with my flavor and only about music!
The Gabby Whiten Oh Eight Weekly is truly a ground breaking and iconic piece of substack media and I have been following along for a minute! I have been contemplating what to put in my Media Melting Pot section of my site for a while now, but wanted to focus my efforts on my weekly posts first.
Here we are though after much contemplation and consistency. Music is my most consumed form of media. I am constantly looking for new artists, new songs, and even make very eclectic playlists to encapsulate the songs throughout the year that either 1. Have a big impact on me 2. I rediscovered and played on ADHD hyper-fixation loop.
Welcome to the first volume of the Routine Refrain. Coming every Sunday as a capsule of the past week, and a snapshot of songs you can use to start your next week! I am NOT a music critic or will ever pose as one. I just really love music and have things to yap about!
The weekly intros won’t be this long but I found it imperative to intro the series and give credit where it is due!
Deer Hunter by &Team
If you are a self proclaimed Taemin person then say hello to his sons in song and concept form. Before the elusive and controversial TikTok ban—my FYP kept serving me dance challenge videos for this song. Despite hitting “not interested” multiple times—the Taemification could not be denied. I simply cannot miss any song with house elements—it is my weakness.
All Your Love Inside (Sped Up) by Sidibe
Funky bass? Sign me up immediately. I did in fact take the time to listen to the non-sped up version upon discovery. I just think Sidibe’s airy vocals lend themselves to more uptempo songs in a way that doesn’t show on the slower version. I am snapping my fingers, tapping my toe, and seeking the haze of a dimly and red lit dance floor to intimately dance with a hottie until we are sweaty.
Python by GOT7
Come and mf GET IT GOT7!! This comeback has been one of my most anticipated simply because I didn’t know if and when it would happen. The fact that they made this all come together post leaving their founding company, many solo releases and comebacks, and their mandatory service is such a testament to the love they have for each other and making music together. I KNOW I’M AN ICON! WATCH ME WITH THE LIGHTS ON! (Jaebum I am in love with you).
Fat, Juicy and Wet by Sexyy Red and Bruno Mars
Hey uhh, what the actual hell is going on?! Honestly, when my bestie sent this to me I assumed this was Sexyy’s foray into pop stardom similar to when Nicki began collaborating with the pop biggest stars. INSTEAD it’s Bruno—the favorite artist of like every mom and auntie worldwide doing an absolutely filthy track! I was in SHOCK! Fortunately, I like a nasty jam and this beat is infinitely ass-shakeable. So good, Bruno doesn’t even gang bang but he wants to throw up a set, ya know?!
Sports car by Tate McRae
I do not watch the Kardashians but I know a Kardashian reference when I hear one and what a way to start a song LOL. Listen, this does not hit the way that it’s okay, i’m okay did but I can be convinced with a full choreography video. Dancing, full blown pop stars are how I got into Kpop a decade ago and seeing them return to mainstream USA pop is exciting too. Also, anything with Bankhead choreo is getting at least a few listens and a million or so streams from me sawryyyy.
Never Wanna Let You Go by Bren Joy
If you feel immense joy and nostalgia hearing Hey Ho by the Lumineers, enjoy Lord Huron and Mumford and Sons still, or anything that was taking Tumblr by storm circa 2011-2014 you’re legally obligated to listen to this song. Definitely the goodness and joy of these folky, alt, indie musicians but the chords and chorals of a beautiful Black church. AND THAT is like two parts of my existence coming together is such a joyous way. Bren Joy you have found a fan in me and I will see you live!
Similar to what my homie Lizzie McGuire said,
“Well that’s the Routine Refrain I hope you enjoyed it, cause I know I did!”
xx