What music do you turn to when you need hope? What are you listening to this week?

When I need hope, one of the songs that I turn to the most is Smile by HIRIE. I used this song in a music therapy practicum session in the behavioral health unit at Winchester Medical Center a couple semesters ago in order to guide patients on their journey from hopelessness to hopefulness. We discussed the simple things in life that make us smile each day, no matter how big or small. It was an incredible experience to share with that group, and I think about it all the time. I still listen to that song, and many others like it, this week during these times of uncertainty.

Some artists who always lift me up with their music are Jacob Collier, Hiatus Kaiyote, Ella Fitzgerald, and (the) Steven Universe (soundtracks). For their own particular reasons, these artists reach a part of my being that illuminates, in the best ways, what it means to be human.

I’m enjoying listening to the musicians who are on campus like The Tribe, Nick Leasure or Alumni Bronsen Vidas on Spotify. All of them have really good music that needs more streams!

I have been listening to a lot of music from the 50s and 60s this week, music full of good beats and positivity. I often turn to this music when I need hope because it reminds me of a time in my life when it was not stressful. It is my grandfather’s favorite music, and every time I visit his house there is always 50s and 60s music playing. Listening to this music brings me so much joy, and it has definitely been keeping me grounded lately.

A lot of Jason Mraz. His music is extremely calming. Nothing but positive. “Yes” is the best album.