Blazer update: Autumn Music

Music is everywhere at Blair – from the school-wide morning announcements to the smallest AirPod in your ear right now. But what exactly are Blazers listening to as we are transitioning into fall? And can music taste really change based on the season?

 According to a study by the Royal Society published on the NIH website, people are more likely to listen to music that correlates with their current mood, such as listening to upbeat music in the sun-filled summer. But scientists aren't the only ones to think that.

With artists like Lizzy McAlpine and The Lumineers on her fall lineup, junior Marilyn Ramsdell aims for music that feels like a warm hug. “In the summer, I’m out and it’s hype music. But then I have a completely different playlist for the fall. It’s more chill and low,” she explains. Meanwhile, freshman Oliver Bevington says he really enjoys house music, known for its fast paced electric yet groovy beats, for a positive fall feeling. “There's a lot of instruments in there, so you can vary up the sound. It just gives those overall good vibes for the fall,” he says. 

While many Blazers admit that their music changes with the onset of autumn, many identify specific events in autumn that trigger the change in preference, like a new album coming out and getting hyped up for a big game. “I listen to a lot of rap to get me into the mental zone I need to be in for the game, mostly Pop Smoke,” says senior soccer player Eavenson Cline. Another soccer player, junior Santi Saraeia, also uses music to get hyped for games. I really like Lil Baby and Central Cee. But after the game I like nicer songs to cool down,” he explains. 

Many Blazers also turn to music to immerse themselves in their ethnic culture and religion. “I feel like the music where my parents are from in Ethiopia is more fall because it’s upbeat and sounds really nice,” explains senior Meron Koro. But it’s not just her own culture's music that Meron is listening to. “I’m listening to mostly Spanish songs right now to expand my vocabulary. It’s really nice because I’m watching movies, music, and just immersing myself in the language.” 

While some Blazers are listening to music around the world, others are locked into on beats straight out of Maryland. Many listen to NinoPaid, a trap music artist who grew up in Prince George’s County.“He talks about experiences we live daily in his music, like pulling up to Tyson’s corner. And plus, when you see a DMV artist sing, you feel another level of pride because it feels like a personal success,” explains freshman Franklin Ramsdell.

From different countries to the DMV, it’s clear that the Blazers’music tastes are as diverse and varied as a bulk pack of Halloween candy. As junior Marilyn Ramsdell says, “I like living in a really diverse place because there's alot of diverse music tastes and alot of different music coming from different types of people. 

Blazer Playlist Roundup:

Hotel Lobby- Quavo and Takeoff

Skoul, Chevy, and Browning- Morgan Wallen

LAS NOCHES- Junior H

Burning Blue- Mariah the Scientist

Never Recover- Lil Baby, Gunna, and Drake

Powerlines- Tame Impala 

Porque Te Vas- Gabito Ballesteros and Victor Cibrian

Leave You Alone- Young Jeezy

Landslide- Fleetwood Mac

Safety Pin- Hockey Dad

Your Dog- Soccer Mommy

To the Mountains- Lizzy McAlpine

Angela- The Lumineers 

Go Your Own Way- Fleetwood Mac