Indie Autumn Playlist 2017
It’s that time of year: pumpkin spice lattes, sweater weather and Halloween. Whether you are sitting at home drinking apple cider or watching the leaves change an array of colours, these songs will definitely get you in the fall spirit.
Old Pine – Ben Howard
This is one of those songs where you can just lay back and listen to. It features a very catchy riff on acoustic guitar, although the vocal line could have more variation to it.
Atlas Hands – Benjamin Francis Leftwich
Atlas Hands reminds me of Death By Cabbie’s I Will Follow You Into the Dark and I can’t help but love this song. The acoustic guitar and vocals will pull at your heartstrings, as does the lyrics. It is about sailing away with someone you love. The song is short, but very beautiful.
Holocene – Bon Iver
Bon Iver has such a unique sound that can be distinctly heard in their music. I love listening to Holocene in the fall because you can hear the bird cries and sounds of nature rooted in the piece so clearly.
Cherry Wine – Hozier
Like the PSL, this is a fall classic. The soft acoustics and Hozier’s raspy, yet smooth voice will make you fall in love with the weather.
Only Love – Ben Howard
This is one of those pick-me-up songs whenever you’re feeling down or want to relax. Only Love draws on jazzy vibes with a fast tempo, and call-and-response is used throughout the song.
Woods – Bon Iver
This song is solely acapella, and heavily auto-tuned. I wanted this in the playlist because it is very different from the other songs. It echoes the vibes of a lonely autumn night.
One – Ed Sheeran
Now, who doesn’t love Ed Sheeran? This song is so sweet, and it is perfect for autumn. Ed’s voice is so soothing and comforting to listen to. This is definitely one of my favourite songs on this playlist.
I Found – Amber Run
After hearing I Found, I became a huge fan of Amber Run. Their music just draws on something in my soul and I find that I can connect to it so well. Not only are their voices thick and rich, but the song is also perfectly balanced with piano and vocals.
Bloom – The Paper Kites
This song takes a simple melody and transforms it with layers of rich acoustic background and vocals. Bloom reminds me a lot of nature, maybe because I like looking at nature while I am listening to it, but the song is very calming and peaceful.
A Year Ago – Birds of Bellwoods
The first time I heard this was at the CBC music festival. It’s simple and short, but beautifully written and I love the message that the song is trying to deliver. The lyrics, “When we were young a year ago, that’s all it takes” is such a powerful message for youth that I think this song should be shared more.
Like Real People Do – Hozier
I am absolutely in love with Hozier’s voice in this song. It’s like he’s whispering to me. In this song, he draws on his blues style and uses cymbals and repetitive notes on the piano and guitar to create a warm atmosphere.
The Longer I Run – Peter Bradley Adams
The Longer I Run features a melody on acoustic guitar against the deep vocals of Peter Bradley Adams. The folk-like song is complementary to the colourful leaves of autumn.
Wonderwall – Oasis
Wonderwall is a 90’s rock classic, and it is no doubt a powerful and resonating song. The swampy guitar riffs are memorable and catchy, complimented by cellos and an ever-present rock beat played on the drums. Their frontman, Liam Gallagher has a raspy, yet addictive voice that listeners just can’t get enough of.
Shiver – Lucy Rose
This is probably my favourite song from this playlist. Lucy Rose has a soft, sweet voice that makes you want to fall in love with her. Shiver features a simple melody accompanied by soft strums on the guitar and later, is joined by piano. It is beautifully written, and very different from most female artists of our time. Shiver is both comforting and mesmerizing.
The Girl – City and Colour
The first word that I can think of when I’m trying to describe The Girl is cute. The song has a melodious riff played by guitar and banjo that is strung together by a carefree and cheerful melody. After about two minutes into the song, the cheerful melody is replaced by an even faster and more upbeat riff joined by a chorus of singers that makes you want to get up and dance.
Don’t Cry for Me – Cobi
Cobi has a very similar style to Hozier in that he has that gospel vibe to his music. His grand voice dominates the song. Throughout the song, he uses chopped vocals and is accompanied by a chorus of voices in many parts of the song.
We Don’t Eat – James Vincent McMorrow
We Don’t Eat highlights the airy melodies that James Vincent has so perfectly mastered. It is deeply emotional in lines such as, “And we don’t eat until your father’s at the table, we don’t drink until the devil’s turned to dust.” He combines country and jazzy chords to create a calming atmosphere.
Bonfire Heart – James Blunt
Bonfire Heart is sentimental, emotional and inspirational. James Blunt takes a gentle approach to a classic country tune. His voice is distinct and captivating. The song has that country jam vibe to it as if you were really gathered around a bonfire, singing your heart out.
Youth – Daughter
Daughter has such a special voice that there is nothing like it. Daughter is like a diamond buried in the sand, glittery but almost invisible. It starts out soft and layers are continually added to build to the bridge. Then, she throws in a surprise but cutting out all the layers except for the vocals. It’s a beautiful, resonate song.
Dog Days Are Over – Florence + The Machine
The first time I heard this song, I loved how catchy it was. Dog Days Are Over takes an ostinato chord played by the guitar and hand claps that later turn into a strong bass drum beat to carry the fun melody. English lead singer, Florence Welch has an exceptional and memorable voice.
River and Roads – The Head and The Heart
Featured on NBC’s show, “Chuck”, Rivers and Roads is nostalgic, yet magical. The song is a beautifully written goodbye. He sings, “A year from now we’ll all be gone, all our friends will move away.” It is passionate and sad, but also contains a heartfelt message: that all rivers and roads always lead back to people you say goodbye to.
You can check out the full playlist on Spotify below:
