Music

It’s JUNO Weekend!

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The weekend is finally here for all you Vancouver music fans! It’s JUNO weekend. The awards are rolling into Vancouver and it’s shaping up to be an unforgettable celebration of Canadian talent. With the festivities starting tonight and the awards on Sunday it is set to be a jam packed weekend but definitely one to remember.

Before I get into the nitty gritty of what you can expect going on this weekend, let’s rewind a little bit. The JUNO Awards date back to 1964 and at that time they were known as the RPM Gold Leaf Awards but in 1971 the awards ceremony was rebranded as the JUNO awards. The name JUNO nods to Pierre Juneua, the inaugural chairperson of the CRTC. And today? The JUNOs have come the pinnacle of Canadian music recognition. Vancouver is acting as the host with the most this weekend. But it actually isn’t the first time Vancouver is hosting the awards, our beautiful city has had the honour multiple times, the last time in 2018. But enough with the history lesson, because I’m sure you wanna know more about what’s going on in the city. 

If you aren’t able to make it to the actual awards ceremony no need to stress because there’s lots of other events happening around the city. 

From 4:00 to 10:00 today and 10:00 to 10:00 tomorrow the “Let’s Hear It Live JUNO Block Party” is happening at šxʷƛ̓ənəq Xwtl’e7énḵ Square, which is formally known as the Vancouver Art Gallery North Plaza. So what can you expect? Lots of live music, local eats, food trucks, and of course the unbeatable Vancouver energy. You will hear a lot of new Canadian talent, people who are just beginning their music career, on the TD Stage! Some of the performances are local to Vancouver which is always super fun seeing people representing Vancouver, and you also can catch some JUNO nominated artists hitting the stage! And the best part about it? This event is free! No need to buy a ticket ahead of time! 

Today at the Centre in Vancouver for Performing Arts there is the JUNO Songwriters’ Circle, Presented by SOCAN & FACTOR. This event starts at 7:30 and it gives visitors a chance to have a conversational style interaction with JUNO nominated artists about all things music from the meaning behind the song you are hearing to even some performances! If you’re looking for something to do where you really get to interact with the artists, this is the place to be. 

CBC is hosting JUNOFest! This spans over 10 venues with artists lined up hour by hour to deliver constant entertainment. If you’re looking for last minute Friday or Saturday fans you literally have to look no further. There is something for everyone and there is truly no better way to spend your weekend than celebrating Canadian artists! 

But of course the main event takes place Sunday. The grand ceremony will bring an electric energy to Rogers Arena and of course our very own Michael Bublé hailing from Burnaby will be the host. This year, British Columbia’s music scene is taking charge with 208 nominees representing your province. It’s a testament to the incredible talent brewing right here in our backyard. Let’s show them some hometown love! 

And get ready to see some crazy talented artists hit the stage. Aqyila, Josh Ross, Tia Wood, bbno$, Peach Pit, and Nemahsis are just some of the few that will blessing the stage with their presence. And of course, one of the most exciting parts of Sunday will be Sum 41 coming for an historic last ever performance. Sum 41, Canadian Music Hall of Fame inductees will be bringing the energy to the stage one last time, and that is something you will not want to miss.

But don’t hit the panic button yet! Tickets are still up for grabs! Whether you’re aiming for the main event or the surrounding festivities, make sure to secure your spot. Check out Ticketmaster for availability. But if you can’t make anything in person either but still want to be a part of the magic tune into CBC or stream it live on CBC Gem. 

Vancouver doesn’t get too many exciting things coming to our city so when something comes you know the anticipation builds and it’s going to make for an awesome weekend. So whether you’re watching from your couch or taking part in the celebrations, get ready to celebrate our nation’s music and all of the talent from behind the scenes, to the performers on stage. The JUNO awards promise a weekend of memories, laughs, discovering new music, and celebrating old. Happy JUNO weekend Vancouver, let’s make it one for the books. Happy JUNOs!

My Spring 2025 Playlist!

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I don’t know about you but whenever a new season rolls around I like to do a playlist refresh. Spring is finally here, and with it comes a new playlist with my current lineup and the songs I have on repeat from top hits, classics, and songs that just scream Spring. Whether it’s sunny morning vibes, road trip anthems, or spontaneous dance breaks in my kitchen, this playlist has a little something for every mood. This is what’s on my Spring 2025 rotation. 

A little disclaimer: I’ve been known to have the most basic music taste of all time, but hey these are the songs that I have on repeat! So don’t be surprised if you see a lot of Taylor Swift, Sabrina Carpenter and of course, some Tate Mcrae. 

To start off, one song that has really been getting me into the Spring vibes has been “Add Up My Love” by Clairo! To be completely honest, I’ve never really listened to much Clairo, it’s just never in my rotation, but this song changed that all for me. It’s such a happy beat and when the sun comes out in the morning it’s one of the first songs I put on in my car to start my day off on the right way. If you need a little morning boost this definitely one I think you should check out! 

Continuing with the Clairo, “Bags” is another one I have on my Spring playlist. It’s another one that just has that upbeat tone and gets you bobbing your head. It’s an easy listen and sometimes that’s the best type of song, one you can just put on and do some homework to. 

When I hear this next song’s intro I am immediately brought back to Sunny warm days. The days where you spend the day baking in the sun with friends jumping in and out of the lake, laughing and having the best song, that song is “Missed Call” by Treaty Oak Revival. This song is definitely more of a Summer song for me but the reason it’s on my Spring playlist is because whenever I hear it gives me that hopeful motivation that Summer is just around the corner. If you’re looking forward to Summer just as much as I am, give this one a listen 100%. 

Another standout on my spring playlist is “Come a Little Closer” by Cage The Elephant. I have a vivid memory of me and my friends at the beach on our highschool Spring break having this song on repeat so now whenever I hear it brings me back to those simpler times. I love this song because it has a laid back vibe but it’s still energetic. Definitely a top contender for one of my favourites on my playlist. 

Continuing with Cage The Elephant “Trouble” is the next one I want to talk about. A Cage The Elephant classic. Whenever I want to put on something chill this is one I have on repeat. For some reason it really just brings me out my winter blues and brings me those happy feelings. 

Now it wouldn’t be a playlist of mine without a little Taylor Swift action (a lot). But seriously, have you listened to “Fortnight”? I think one of the reasons I have this song on my Spring playlist is because the album that it’s on (The Tortured Poets Department) came out last April so everything on it just brings me back to last Spring. But this song is sooo good and there’s even a little Post Malone feature on it for the Posty fans out there. 

I discovered this next song just a couple days ago and it’s been stuck in my head ever since! “Dive” by Olivia Dean is your next song that you won’t be able to stop singing to. Her voice is beautiful and the song is soooo amazing. Again, another upbeat one that brings those Spring vibes to life. This song is a gem! 

Tate Mcrae from Calgary recently released her album “So Close To What” and if you are into pop music this is an album that you need to hear. The two weeks after this album came out I had it on a constant shuffle, but if I had to recommend two songs from it that I think you should listen to it would be “2 hands” and “It’s ok I’m ok”. Both are very pop-y and I know that can either be a hit or miss for some, but for me it’s a total hit!

It’s safe to say that “Espresso” by Sabrina Carpenter was the song of the Summer in 2024 but I think there’s a contender of hers that could take that place this Spring/Summer and that song is “Busy Woman”. It has such catchy lyrics and a great beat that is just so fun! Sabrina constantly delivers pop hits and this one is definitely bringing those vibes! 

This next song was a hit in the Winter especially with it being super popular sung as part of the opening act at Taylor Swift’s Eras Tour, but I honestly don’t see this one going off of the charts any time soon, and that song is “That’s So True” by the one and only Gracie Abrams. I mean how can you not like this song?! It’s got an awesome catchy beat and guaranteed to put whoever listens to it in a great mood (and also get it stuck in your head for months!)

Another Gracie song that continues to be on my Spring playlist year after year is “21”. I think I like this one so much because I’m also 21 and I can relate to the lyrics well, but even if you’re not 21, it’s still a gem! It’s super fun and one of those songs I can play in the car and whoever I’m driving is into it. 

I’m going to end things off with a hit song that I know allll of my friends are loving right now and that is “BMF” by SZA!. This is a great song to dance to and always a carpool karaoke hit in my world! Such a fun song, I absolutely love SZA so I am a little bias 🙂

So there you have it, what I’ll have blasting in my ears this Spring 2025! Whether you’re looking for chill vibes, dance-worthy hits, or a little nostalgia, these songs have been my go-to soundtrack for the season. I’ll probably have these on repeat until summer rolls around (and let’s be real… probably after that too). If you give any of these a listen I hope you love em as much as I do! 

The Power Of Music

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Have you ever just had a really bad day and put on a little bit of sad music just to make you feel even sadder? No? Just me? Okay. I don’t know about you but my mood can do a real 180 depending on what music I’m listening to or even just amplify whatever mood I’m in.  

Sorceress

Picture this: you’re driving up the Sea-to-Sky, the sun is just about to set and is glistening on the pacific, it’s literally a perfect picture, and then your favourite song comes along. The song that is just perfectly curated for those sunset drives and seems to make your good mood just that much better. It’s magic in a song. Or maybe you’re curled up on your couch on a rainy day with a good book and that perfect acoustic rainy day song turns on just making the day that much more cozy. Music really does have the power to shift your mood or even your behaviour. It has a grip on you. That one song that comes on the radio on your morning commute to work can either change your day for better or maybe even in some cases, the worst. 

Time for a quick science/psychology lesson. It’s pretty obvious and I guarantee you know that music is able to make you feel things. Whether it’s the pulsing bass of your favourite rock song or a melody of delicate piano keys the sounds you hear trigger emotional response. Not to get all scienc-y on you but that’s because music taps into the brain’s limbic system (I was a psychology major at one point in time) and the limbic system is responsible for processing emotions. When you hear a song or a beat that you love, your brain releases dopamine which is the happy-feel good chemical – the same one that fires off when you eat your favourite food or scoring a good grade on your final exam. Dopamine can change your mood in a positive way. So the next time you’re sad and shuffle your “favourite songs” playlist and suddenly feel a bit better, you can thank your good friend dopamine for that. Dopamine is also addictive, we want to feel that happiness and satisfaction so that could be one of the reasons why your favourite songs are always on repeat! When you hear music that sounds good to you, your brain lights up like a Christmas tree. Different parts of the brain process various aspects of the music: pitch, tempo, and lyrics each activate distinct neural pathways. The auditory cortex deciphers the sounds, the motor cortex gets you tapping your feet, and the prefrontal cortex helps you interpret the emotional content. But it’s not just the brain that gets impacted, your body can have a physical response too. Fast paced or intense jams can increase your heart rate and blood pressure while chill melodies can lower anxiety and reduce stress hormones. 

But music isn’t always about happy feel-good moments. Ever find yourself getting choked up over a sad hit even if you weren’t feeling particularly emotional? That’s because music can act as a mirror, reflecting emotions you might have not realized you were carrying. But you can also feel those sad feelings from either your connection to the artist or the lyrics in the song. 

Not only does music affect your emotions, it influences what you do too. Have you ever noticed you feel like you lift a PR or run an extra kilometre when you hear the beat dropping on the song that gets you energized. I mean c’mon, I know you have that gym playlist. Studies show that upbeat music actually increases your motivation and endurance during physical activity, so next time you’re feeling unmotivated in the gym, put some hip-hop music on and get ready to feel sore the next day. Music can distract that muscle burn your feeling but it can also be like a shot of caffeine right to your system, something that wakes you up and gets you going. 

Submitted by Naomi Green

Music dictates the pace of our lives. Maybe this is just me but I hear an upbeat song in my car like I’m in Fast And Furious. Well not really, my Volkswagon Bug definitely doesn’t drive like a sports car but you get the point. Restaurants use it to create an atmosphere that customers enjoy based on the brand and vibe of the restaurant and retail stores curate playlists to create specific vibes to boost sales. 

 One of the coolest things in my opinion about music is its ability to transport us back in time. A genre that always acts as a time machine for me is country music. As soon as I turn on some Morgan Wallen, suddenly I’m transported back to a summer day on the lake, tired from roasting in the sun but cooling off with an ice cold beer. I can literally feel the exact feelings through listening to the music which I think is super cool. It gets me excited for those Summer days and always puts me into a better mood. But it’s not always super cool, because sometimes it can do the opposite, put you in a bad or sad mood. Since music can tap into memories, triggering nostalgia, it can bring up a past you may have wished to just forget. Say you’re walking through the grocery store and that one song that was a hit at the time of your breakup comes on, yea, not a good scene. Or maybe it was just a period of time in your life where nothing seemed to be working in your favour and you hear a tune that brings you back to the dark days, not an ideal situation. But unfortunately or fortunately your brain is wired to create strong associations between music and memories, especially those times where you’re experiencing a lot of firsts. Like I can vividly remember the song that came on the first time I got behind the wheel. It was “One Dance” by Drake. I am by no means a Drake fan but whenever I hear that song I’m brought back to a 16 year old eager me who just got my first lick of freedom and excitement. So music can either be a shortcut for re-living your glory days or a ticket back to a time in life you just want to leave in the past. 

Something that always shocks me is music’s impact on the brain through its connection to memory. For dementia patients, parts of the brain have a hard time recalling names or faces, but the areas that are associated with music don’t share those same struggles. Many researchers in the field have discovered that playing songs that are familiar to the patient can help with recall of important memories and the names and faces of their loved ones. Wow. 

Whether you’re trying to hype yourself up, relax, or just feel something, music has your back. It’s that universal language that literally can connect everyone and anyone no matter the circumstances, thank god for music right!?

 

Dissecting Taylor Swift Lyrics: Part 2

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Two weeks ago I wrote a piece on dissecting lyrics. Sometimes I only listen to a song for the beat. If it’s catchy and fun and puts me in a good mood then maybe that’s all I need from it. But from time to time I’ll be listening to a song and the lyrics really hit me. “Did they really just say that? They are a mastermind!” I love the process of going through lyrics and lines in a song and uncovering what they are really trying to say. Getting in the brains of other people is fun right? I think so. Trying to uncover secret meanings and get inside the mind of artists is so interesting to me. One artist in particular really makes it fun to dissect her lyrics for me. This artist has 404 songs, that’s a lot to cover, obviously I wasn’t able to get that done in one piece. So welcome back to Dissecting Taylor Swift Lyrics: Part 2. 

Taylor has always been prominent in pop-culture but In the past couple of years she really has taken off, releasing 4 brand new albums since 2020, going on tour for her iconic Eras Tour, with 149 shows spanning 5 continents, and of course, she’s in the spotlight in the sports world for dating Kansas City Chiefs tight end, Travis Kelce. From a non-Swiftie perspective I can (sorta) see why there can be a misunderstanding with the type of artist she is. You may know her from “Love Story” or “You Belong With Me” but I’m here to show you that she has evolved a lot since those days and her lyrics are more meaningful then “it’s a love story baby just say yes”. 

Along with dissecting lyrics I’ll also touch on ones that are just clever. Lines and lyrics that make me think “how did she even think of that”. The ones that bring me chills because how can a person create such interesting and engaging lyrics to relate to everyday feelings. Basically I want to prove to you that Taylor Swift is more than just a pop artist who sings about breakups, she is a lyrical genius. 

DISCLAIMER: I will use the word presumed because obviously we cannot get into the actual mind of the one and only Taylor Swift, this is just what is presumed.

Last April, Taylor Swift released her latest album The Tortured Poets Department. The title of this album matches perfectly with the music. It’s a melancholy feeling yet it is so poetic. So it’s only right I start with some songs from this album and the first song I’m going to touch on is one that really gives me chills and is so clever to me “How Did It End”

“Say it once again with feeling/ How the death rattle breathing/ Silenced as the soul was leaving”

Have you ever had something happen to you that leaves you literally breathless and trying to catch air. It’s like when you find out or see something that you didn’t want to know and it leaves you so shocked your system can’t keep up with your brain. How Did It End is a song that looks back on the past really questioning what went wrong and how did it all end? It’s also almost like a goodbye, with the “silenced as the soul was leaving”. 

When I was little with friends a core memory is singing those rhymes “Jessi and Daniel sitting in a tree, K.I.S.S.I.N.G” it used to have us laughing in tears after, to little girls it’s hilarious at the time. I grew up listening to Taylor Swift, so as she has gotten older and the music matures so have I. When I heard this next lyric in How Did It End, it kinda left me with my jaw dropped and an anxious stomach. 

“My beloved ghost and me/ Sitting in a tree/ D.Y.I.N.G”

These lines are nostalgic almost and it’s an odd feeling to look back on with growing up and how time flies so fast. One day you’re on the swings singing about your friends in grade 4 kissing and the next you’re a young adult listening to heartbreaking songs that you only wish you didn’t have to relate to. It’s a line that leaves an odd taste in my mouth. I love how clever she was with that rhyme change, but really Taylor, you didn’t have to make me that sad and nostalgic. 

 

Continuing with the Tortured Poets Department, I think one of the reasons I love this album so much is because it’s still predominantly about breakups and relationships but it’s a completely different take than her previous albums. This album is not at all those “Shake It Off” vibes where she’s going through the breakup in a light fun way, you can tell with this album she took it in a mature way, showing that these feelings were painful. 

Have you ever been really into someone or maybe even in a relationship with someone where everyone just disapproves of that other person? It’s an awful feeling and you feel the judgement so hard. I mean after all it’s someone you really value yet other people are just not seeing those same sides of the person that you see. But afterwhile maybe you begin to see why these people feel that way about that person. Maybe they aren’t so good for you, the relationship is thrilling and seems so good to you, you just can’t take that step away. Taylor’s song “I Can Fix Him (No Really I Can)” kinda emasculates those feelings perfectly. 

They shake their heads saying “God help her”,/ When I tell them he’s my man/ But you’re good Lord doesn’t need to lift a finger/ I can fix him, no, really I can.

The dopamine races through his brain/ On a six-lane Texas highway

Taylor is talking about being with someone so exhilarating and exciting but in reality they probably aren’t the best for you, maybe deep down you know it, but everyone around you can definitely see it. 

 

The feeling of getting old to people is something that I know a lot of people can relate to. Once you’re not this new shiny person anymore and people get to know the real you and see your flaws and quirks, if they aren’t your true friend they can get scared and pull away. Taylor hits these feelings of fear of abandonment in her song “Nothing New” right on the dot. 

“Lord what will become of me/ Once I’ve lost my novelty?

So have I proved to you that Taylor Swift is a lot more than just basic song lyrics? I mean I think I’ve laid it out all pretty good right here, she is the lyrical genius I said she was! Even if you aren’t a fan, I think it’s still fun to dissect these lyrics and get into her brain, and who knows, maybe once you check these songs out you’ll be a new found Swiftie. 

What to Add to Your Playlist in 2025

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As much as I’m a huge sports fan and love to yap about it, I’m also a massive music lover. So, I figured, why not share some song recommendations? Over the past few months—and even throughout last year—I’ve discovered some incredible tracks that have made their way onto my playlist. If you’re a big music fan, you might want to add these to yours as well. Most of these songs are fairly new, while some are a little older, but all of them deserve a spot in 2025. So, let’s get into it.

Genius – Ravyn Lenae

OK, Genius by Ravyn Lenae—so good. This song has a groovy beat, and even though the production is pretty simple, the lyrics are amazing. Her voice is so sultry and soothing that you get completely captivated. It’s like you’re transported to another world when you listen to it.

This track is off her Bird’s Eye album, which dropped in August 2024, and the entire project is incredible—both lyrically and musically. Ravyn Lenae is such a gem in the R&B scene. Her sound has this indie-R&B fusion that I love. It’s not overwhelming, but it’s definitely something you can vibe to when you need a moment of calm. Her music brings me peace, yet it still has a funky groove that keeps things interesting.

Love Me Not (Both Versions) – Ravyn Lenae & Rex Orange County

I discovered Love Me Not in October 2024 and instantly fell in love with it. Then, boom—it blew up on TikTok. A part of me was a little sad that it became so popular, but I can’t be mad because it gave her the recognition she deserves.

There are two versions of this song: the original, which is just her vocals, and a remix featuring Rex Orange County. His voice blends perfectly with hers, and it creates a cool conversational dynamic in the song. The lyrics tell a story about being in a relationship that isn’t really serving you, yet you keep coming back. Having two different perspectives makes the song even more immersive.

It’s so addicting. I’ve played it on repeat, and I’m still not tired of it. It’s groovier than Genius—a little more upbeat—but still carries that same smooth, hypnotic quality. I love that it became popular on social media because now even more people get to appreciate it.

Busy Woman – Sabrina Carpenter

I first heard Busy Woman at a Sabrina Carpenter concert in November. It was one of her Spin the Bottle songs, and I had no idea it was from her upcoming deluxe album.

She just dropped the deluxe edition of Short n’ Sweet recently, featuring songs like 15 Minutes and Busy Woman. I love Busy Woman because it’s snappy, full of attitude, and packed with charisma. Sabrina knows how to write insanely catchy lyrics—like, she always has that one line that just hits.

This song is so fun and empowering. It’s got this retro ’70s-’80s vibe that makes you want to throw on a cute outfit, do your hair, and twirl around your room while getting ready. If you need a confidence boost before heading out, this is the perfect song to blast.

Sally, When the Wine Runs Out – Role Model

This one is from Role Model’s album Kansas Anymore, which came out last year. I loved that album from the moment it dropped, so when he released the deluxe version alongside Sabrina Carpenter’s, I was all over it.

Sally When the Wine Runs Out has a country-twang mixed with an upbeat, danceable energy. It makes you want to do a little line dance, and I love that about his music—catchy and fun but still packed with emotion.

The thing about Role Model’s music is that even when the lyrics are sad, the melodies are so infectious that you just have to move. It’s that perfect balance of heartbreak and good vibes. I already know this is going to be on repeat for me all spring and summer. I can picture it now: driving with the windows down, sun shining, headed to the beach—Sally When the Wine Runs Out blasting in the background. That’s the kind of song this is.

Nokia – Drake & PARTYNEXTDOOR

This one dropped on February 14th as part of Drake and PARTYNEXTDOOR’s collab album. And let me tell you, it was a much-needed release from both of them.

Nokia is just classic Drake. From the moment you press play, it’s got you hooked. It’s such a club song—perfect for dancing and having a good time. It has this fusion of ’80s, ’90s, and early 2000s vibes, which makes it even more addictive.

One thing I love about this album is that a lot of the songs have a two-part structure, where the first half sounds different from the second. It keeps things exciting, and Nokia is no exception. Drake has mastered the art of making ridiculous yet ridiculously catchy songs, and this one is no different. Another thing I absolutely love about this song beyond it’s surface level listening if you have a good ear you can hear a phone ringtone going off which I thought was a great touch to the song and quite fitting for it’s lyrics as well.

Another honourable mention from the album? CN Tower. It’s the perfect opener—sets the mood right away. Definitely worth a listen.

Final Thoughts

So, those are some of the songs you should add to your 2025 playlist. If you’re into R&B, indie, and even a little bit of country influence, you’ll definitely find something you like. My taste is kind of all over the place, but I think that’s the beauty of a great playlist—having variety keeps things interesting.

Give these songs a listen, and let me know what you think! Hope you enjoy them as much as I do.

Dissecting Lyrics: Taylor Swift Edition

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Taylor Swift has certainly gotten a lot more media coverage in the past couple years, from releasing and re-releasing albums, to touring her iconic Eras Tour, and dating Kansas City Chiefs tight end, Travis Kelce. I mean this girl is everywhere. Even if you aren’t a fan I can bet you’ve seen her somewhere. Whether it was presenting an award at the Grammy’s or on your TV on Sunday night football, she’s everywhere. But I think we can all agree it’s safe to say that Taylor Swift gets her fair share of hate. “All her songs are breakup songs” “all her songs are about her exes” . Sounds familiar right? Well, I’m here to enlighten the haters and share that Taylor Swift is more than just a country turned pop singer who sings about her breakups and past situationships and show that lyrics go a lot deeper than just “shake it off”. Obviously music is all subjective but in my opinion, Taylor Swift is a lyrical genius. “All her music sounds the same” Well sure you could say the albums have the same vibe, but you cannot tell me 1989 sounds anything like Folklore. 

One thing I’ve learned to appreciate about music in the past couple years is dissecting the lyrics. In all honesty, music used to just be about the beat and rhythm to me. If I liked it, I’d just listen to it and not really hear the lyrics, now (especially with Swift) I read the lyrics and dissect the meaning. It’s fun, sometimes it’s hidden, sometimes it’s just a blatant meaning. I’ve chosen some of the lyrics that prove Taylor Swift is far beyond the pop breakup anthem artists that she is known for. So what are my credits for being able to give you this information. 1. I’m a hardcore Swiftie sitting at the top 1% of Taylor Swift listeners according to my Spotify wrapped and 2. I’m a part of way too many chat groups that dissect Swift’s songs. 

DISCLAIMER: I will use the word presumed because obviously we cannot get into the actual mind of the one and only Taylor Swift, this is just what is presumed.

Starting with her album Folklore (one of my favourite albums) that was a surprise release for fans in the summer of 2020. There’s one song on here that I want to talk about first and that song is seven. This song is presumed to be about childhood innocence and friendships and there is reference about her friend having an abusive father.

“And I’ve been meaning to tell you/ I think your house is haunted/ Your dad is always mad and that must be why”

“And I think you should come live with/ Me and we can be pirates/ Then you won’t have to cry/ Or hide in the closet”

These lyrics reference that Taylor knew what was going on in her childhood friend’s life and at a young age, she just wanted her friend to run away and live with her. 

This song is a perfect example of Taylor being more than just her breakup songs, this song is about the nostalgia of your younger years and how you perceive traumatic events when you are younger. 

I want to touch on a relationship-y type song, however, it isn’t about breakups and getting over your ex, it’s about staying with them when you are pouring more into the relationship than they are, it’s one sided. This song is pretty gut wrenching to me, I’m sure you’ve been in that position once or twice, putting your all into someone just for them to, well, tolerate it. This song is from the album Evermore which is a so-called “sister album” of Folklore. The song I’m dissecting next is, “tolerate it”.

“I wait by the door like I’m just a kid/ Use my best colours for your portrait/ Lay the table with the fancy sh–/ And watch you tolerate it”

These lyrics perfectly portray the feeling of putting all your effort into something, being so excited for that person, and not having those feelings be reciprocated, but you’re just so happy to have a part of them in your life, you stick with them and tolerate their subpar feelings for you.

“I know my love should be celebrated/ But you tolerate it” 

“Now I’m begging for footnotes in the story of your life”

The feeling of knowing that you deserve more but settling for less but still holding on to that person hopeful that they will give you some sort of attention.

Gut wrenching right?

In 2015, Taylor Swift’s mom, Andrea Swift battled a brain tumour. Taylor then released the song “Soon You’ll Get Better” and this song is one of those songs that will hit hard for anyone who has gone or known someone who has battled an illness. 

When someone close to you gets sick there’s a feeling of “what will I do?” at time it feels like a selfish thing to think with that someone close to you going through a lot worse, but Taylor nails this feeling down with the lyrics:

“And I hate to make this all about me/ But who am I supposed to talk to?/ What am I supposed to do/ If there’s no you?/”

“You like the nicer nurses, you make the best of a bad deal”

“Ooh-ah, soon you’ll get better/ Ooh-ah, you’ll get better soon/ ‘Cause you have to/

“Soon You’ll Get Better” is a real tear jerker. 

One thing that we can all agree on is that Taylor does know how to curate the perfect breakup song that encapsulates every little feeling and moment. As an artist she has certainly evolved from the “Blank Space” and “Shake it Off” days. But it’s only right I end on a breakup song, and I’ll be taking one of her newest albums “The Tortured Poets Department”. This song is about someone destroying you during the relationship and being left destroyed after. These lyrics can be interpreted in so many different ways depending on how you look at it personally so I’m just going to share the ones that left me stunned, from the song “The Smallest Man Who Ever Lived.” So yes, it is about a breakup, but it’s about the behind the scenes, the feeling of being gaslit, manipulated, and being used until you’re left with a version of yourself you can’t even recognize.

“Were you sent by someone who wanted me dead?/ Did you sleep with a gun underneath our bed?”

These lyrics to me just show how you can be so blindsided by a person you thought you knew so well. It’s almost like asking the question “what was the motive for all of this?” “was this your plan all along?”

“I would’ve died for your sins/ Instead I just died inside”

The feeling of doing anything for someone just to have them stab you in the back.

Taylor Swift is so much more than just an artist who makes pop beats about her breakups. And while I do have a bit (a lot) of bias as a hardcore fan, I think some of these lyrics just speak for themselves. So what do you think? Have I turned you into more of a Swiftie? 

Concert Culture

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Concert season is upon us, those sunny days, hanging out with friends, what can get better than that. There’s nothing quite like the electric energy of a live concert. The thumping bass, the flashing lights, and the magic of hearing thousands and thousands of voices singing all together, the concert culture is a world of its own. Whether you’re crammed in the pit, waving a lighter from the nosebleeds, or dancing in a sea of strangers, live music is an experience that goes beyond just hearing your favourite songs.

And it’s not just about the day of the concert – the days leading up is what makes the hype build up so much. The ticket-buying process has become a sport in itself. With pre-sales, fan club exclusives, and the dreaded battle against ticket scalpers and bots, securing a seat (or a standing spot) can be as intense as the concert itself. 

Then comes the build-up. Fans spend weeks, sometimes months, planning their outfits, memorizing setlists, and debating whether to bring a poster or a gift for the artist. Planning on how early you’re going to get to the venue for, what route you’re going to take also just adds into all the exciting buzz. I went to the Eras Tour in December and honestly I think it took me 3 months to finally nail down my outfit, and even the day of I was still making tweaks to it, changing my hair, and my makeup. 

I think the most magical part of a concert is the fact that it brings people together. Anyone, everyone, no matter what you believe in, or where you’re from can share in the magic of singing the same song lyrics and having a passion for the music. It’s honestly amazing to see such a diverse crowd of individuals come together to dance, sing, and celebrate one artist. 

At its core, concert culture is about more than just music. It’s about the thrill of the live experience, the connections made, and the temporary escape from reality. That’s why people keep going back, show after show, year after year. 

Playlist Culture

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There’s some people out there that just have a playlist for everything, every moment, and every mood. Or even playlists just for that month like “February 2025” or “March 2020” , music that they have on replay for that month and once that month is over it’s kinda like a time capsule that brings you back to those moments and memories. 

The Spotift

I know some people that are really specific with the names of their playlists like “rainy day in a coffee shop” or “the smell of fresh cut grass on a spring day” and to me the funny part is, the playlist gives off those exact vibes. I always wonder how my friends are able to nail it down so well, maybe it’s cause they’re musically inclined but for me my brain just doesn’t swing that way.

I love hanging out with specific playlist type of people. They can just make every moment better with the right type of music. If the group is a little tired before going out and we all need to wake up, they know how to get us up and going. Or if we’re at the beach for a day of tanning, reading, and relaxing, they have the right playlist to set the summer vibes, it’s just the best. 

Then on the other hand, there’s people like me, with no serious playlist organization. You can usually find me shuffling my liked songs or just playing the same couple of albums on repeat. And it’s not that I’m not into music, I am, I just don’t have the unique creative ability to curate such well thought out playlists. I’m never asked to take aux because I can never just get the group’s vibe right. And even if I shuffle my liked songs it’s just a crazy mix that can go from anything Taylor Swift, to Nickelback, and then maybe a little Kendrick, you never know what’s going to be next in my car. 

A saviour for me is the pre made Spotify playlists. If it is the odd time where I’m required to step up to the plate and take on the aux role, I usually just play it safe and put on a Spotify playlist until people get bored of it and I’m benched from the aux cord. 

So what type of person are you? The type that curates the most amazing specific playlists for every mood or vibe? Or someone like me, who just hits shuffles and see’s what’s next?

Album Review: Short n Sweet Part 2

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Welcome back to our album review for Sabrina Carpenter’s Short n Sweet album.

Espresso

This was the kind of blockbuster hit that sent the media into a frenzy. This song was everywhere during the summer—literally everywhere. I don’t think I have gone out since its release without hearing it playing somewhere. Even in my head, it plays on a loop. That one line—I’m working late because I’m a singer—is stuck in my dad’s head, and my mom knows it too. Everybody knows this song.

She released it at the perfect time, right at the beginning of summer, which was a power move because it instantly became one of the season’s defining anthems. Rightfully so. The song hits you with its chorus rather than easing in with a verse, and that’s what makes it so infectious. You can dance to it, the lyrics are catchy and easy to remember, and it’s the perfect pop hit. Sure, it can get a little redundant after a while, but you can’t deny it makes you want to move.

Espresso is that girl. It took the world by storm. Placing this song in the middle of the album was also a genius move. Sometimes when you’re listening to an album all the way through, the energy can dip, but Espresso jolts it right back up—just like the name suggests. It picks up the tempo right after Bed Chem, which is slower and more sultry, so the placement is strategic. This song is a shot of energy in the middle of the album, and I love it for that.

Dumb & Poetic

Following Espresso, Dumb & Poetic slows things down again. As much as this album is full of upbeat, glittering pop songs, this track reminds you that heartbreak is still a recurring theme.

To me, the message of this song is about trying so hard to break through to someone who just won’t let you in. They put themselves on a pedestal so high that you realize they’re never coming down. The only option left is to walk away.

It also feels like a moment of self-reflection. Maybe my type shouldn’t be my type. That realization of I shouldn’t want you, but I do is so painfully relatable. So many people have been in that exact situation, and that’s why this song resonates deeply. It’s beautifully written, and it’s one of those songs that sneaks up on you emotionally.

Slim Pickins

If I had this song when I was 16 or 17, my life would have been changed. Now, being in a healthy relationship, I look back and think about how much this song would have wrecked me back in the day.

Slim Pickins is a reflection on dating in today’s world. It’s hard to find people with good intentions, and especially as a woman, you never know if someone is playing you. The dating scene feels like a desert, and this song captures that feeling perfectly. The line, It’s slim pickins, if I can’t have the one I love, I guess it’s you I’ll be kissing, is so simple yet so incredibly real. People settle for the love they think they deserve, even if it’s not what they truly want or need.

In my own life, I made the conscious decision not to settle, and I’m so grateful for that now. But hearing this song brings back memories of times when I did, and it’s an anthem for anyone who has ever felt like they were scraping the bottom of the barrel in the dating world. This song is such a moment.

Juno

I did not expect this to be my favourite song off the album. At first, I wasn’t into it, but after giving it another shot—especially live—it became an instant favourite.

The hidden innuendo lines are genius, and the way she references the early 2000s movie Juno is so smart. When I first played this song for my sister, she didn’t get the reference. When I explained it—You know, the movie where the awkward girl gets pregnant by the awkward uhhh Michael Cera guy?—she was like omg no way and I was like see her brain chemistry was definitely altered in that moment.

The internet trends that came out of this song are hilarious, and Sabrina played into it perfectly during her tour. She’s known for adding witty ad-libs to her performances, and this song was no exception. The way she engages with her audience is on another level, and it’s one of the reasons I adore her as a performer. She’s so creative in how she keeps fans involved, and Juno is a testament to that.

Lie to Girls

This song slows things down again and leans into R&B influences. The message? Devastatingly real.

The chorus, You don’t have to lie to girls. If they like you, they’ll just lie to themselves, is a gut punch. It’s so true, and it perfectly encapsulates how people ignore red flags when they’re infatuated with someone. We build people up in our heads, put them on pedestals, and justify their bad behaviour. It’s painful, but it’s something almost everyone has experienced.

This song is raw, vulnerable, and honest. It’s one of the most emotional moments on the album, and I love it for that.

Don’t Smile

We end the album with Don’t Smile, and it is everything. It’s my second favorite song on the album, and for good reason. It has an R&B influence, and its groove is undeniable.

The song’s message is powerful: Don’t smile because it happened, baby. Cry because it’s over. It’s not about Sabrina’s feelings—it’s about his. She’s saying, You should be crying over losing me. And honestly? Yes.

Everyone has someone in their past they secretly hope regrets losing them. Whether it’s an ex, a former crush, or even a past friendship, we all want to believe we left a lasting impact. This song embodies that feeling perfectly.

At the concert, the crowd screamed this song at the top of their lungs, and I felt so validated knowing I wasn’t the only one who related to it this deeply.

Final Thoughts

And that wraps up our Short n Sweet album review!

This album was something special. It set Sabrina apart from the competition and proved she’s a force to be reckoned with in the industry. Seeing her rise from her Disney days to where she is now makes me so proud. I’ve been following her career for years, and witnessing this level of success is so rewarding. And now at an older age I can appreciate it more too. From singing “Can’t Blame a Girl For Trying” at age 11 to now screaming out “Good Graces” at age 20 it’s just so iconic to me.

She took the music world by storm with this album, and I cannot wait to see what she does next.

 

Album Review: Short N Sweet Part 1

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In honour of the Grammys being tonight and in honor of this artist winning her first-ever Grammy, we are going to be doing a very late but much-needed album review of the great Short n Sweet by Sabrina Carpenter. So let’s get into it. We’re going to go track by track, and I’m going to be sharing my thoughts on each song because this album was so incredibly special to me. I think it’s one of the best pop albums I’ve heard in a really, really long time—along with Brat. But Brat is on a whole other level that we won’t get into today. So we’re going to be narrowing our focus mainly on Sabrina Carpenter.

Taste

Now, Taste is the opener of the album, and I don’t think she could have picked any other song to be the opener. This song, to me, is so timeless and classic. It has that kind of sultry yet classic vibe to it. It takes inspiration from Britney Spears to 70s and 80s rock music, and it all intertwines into one. To me, this song kind of reminds me of “Bette Davis Eyes” by Kim Carnes. It just has that 80s movie soundtrack feel to it, which makes it an even better opener for this album.

I also got to see her live back in November. I think she sold out the Pacific Coliseum, and she rocked the show. Having this as her opener was just incredible. It drew you into the show—it felt like being in a TV show or movie for almost two hours. It was one of the best openers I’ve ever heard in my life. If you’re going to open an album, you open it with a song like Taste.

Please Please Please

Please Please Please is our second track on the album. This song is so incredibly relatable, and it also pays homage to her last album because it pokes fun at a girl’s type. If you haven’t heard this song, there’s a line that goes, “I beg you, don’t embarrass me, mother f—er,”  is just so real.

It’s such a simple line, yet it sums up every experience that any girl has had in their life with a partner. Every girl has, at least once in their life, dated a stupid boy who embarrassed the crap out of them. So when you move on to the next one and haven’t changed your type, you’re just begging and pleading, “Please don’t prove me right,” as she says in the song.

Please Please Please has a very melodic and colourful sound. If you close your eyes, you can almost see sparkles of colour around you. It’s like a bunch of soft fireworks or comparable to eating a chocolate cake—sweet, yet if you eat too much, you might get a tummy ache. The meaning of the song is bittersweet, and I just purely love it. It’s incredibly relatable.

Good Graces

Now, Good Graces— as soon as I heard it, it became one of my favourites immediately. I have never, ever been hooked on a song so fast. I was just blown away because it’s so incredibly real.

In the song, she says, “Boy, it’s not that complicated, you should stay in my good graces,” and it’s a warning— a full-on warning. It’s also an incredible anthem for the ladies. Like, “You should stay in my good graces because I will switch it up on you very fast.” It’s definitely a getting-ready-to-go-out kind of song and has absolutely become an anthem within the album.

Sharpest Tool

Ohh, Sharpest Tool. Our third track, and she is something very, very, very special to my heart. I think Sharpest Tool is one of the most beautiful songs Sabrina Carpenter has ever released.

Sharpest Tool is such a sad kind of story. You feel like you’re riding this emotional rollercoaster with her when you listen to it. From beginning to end, she takes you down this path of her life. Again, back to the relatability— a lot of her experiences resonate with young women and men today.

Sharpest Tool is such an important song that brings this album together. To me, it’s one of the biggest puzzle pieces that completes this album.

Coincidence

Now, Coincidence. Coincidence is awesome. It has that kind of country feel to it—you’ve got the tambourines, the drums, the snares. It’s awesome. It makes you want to clap your hands, but then when you listen to the lyrics, you realize it’s still kind of a sad song.

It’s a huge “screw you” anthem, but at the same time, it’s a realization moment—like, “Ohh, you played me? Of course, you did.” The song basically describes an ex who was still in contact with their ex, and she questions if everything they did together was really just a coincidence.

When she performed it live, it was so much fun because she really got the crowd to interact. That’s what makes this song really special. Everybody knew this song was going to be an interactive crowd song, and I thought it was awesome. The musicality is incredible and off the charts.

Bed Chem

Okay, okay—Bed Chem. Now, Bed Chem is one of the most seductive songs I’ve heard from her in a while, and it’s also so funny.

Her wordplay in this album and in her entire career is incredibly witty and smart. She pulls that into her music, and that’s what I love about Sabrina the most. Lines like “Come ride on me. I mean camaraderie”—like, come on, that’s hilarious! It reminds me of her song Nonsense, and I think it kind of pays homage to that song from her last album, Emails I Can’t Send.

This song is so cute. It also has a very 70s-type vibe with its incredible use of synths and a slow-disco feel that makes you want to get up and dance.

So that’s my Part 1 of the Short n Sweet album review! Come back for Part 2, where we’ll review the second half of her album. We still have six more songs to go!