Welcome to The Cascade’s first ever shuffle! As Editor-in-Chief, I thought I should try and focus on something relevant to our campus or community. But then I thought: fuck it. So here’s my entirely self-indulgent playlist — full of songs I love with absolutely no relevance to anyone but me.
Souls of Mischief – “93 ‘Til Infinity”
This ‘93 banger screams summer. It’s all chillin’, good vibrations, and that distinct ‘90’s hip-hop sound I love. There’s nothing flashy about it, just some dudes hanging out — certainly something I wish I was doing instead of being someone’s said “silly bitch.”
BROCKHAMPTON – “BLEACH”
Again, a summer frickin’ banger. It’s the perfect blend of R&B, rap, and a hint of synth. This song is an instant dopamine hit from an artist I haven’t actually explored much… yet. Plus, frontman Kevin Abstract is an openly gay man who frequently raps about his sexuality, not something overly common in the hip-hop community. Neat! Happy Pride summer!
God, how had I not listened to The Sundays before this summer? Somehow this band completely slipped under my radar. This track is an immensely upbeat satire about our relentless pursuit of love. Here’s a girl holding hands with her lover in the park (surely that’ll be me one day!?). Either way, trumpets!
I’ve never felt the same kind of magic I did in the spring of 2023. I solo-sailed to Victoria, stayed in a hostel, wandered over to the Capitol Ballroom, and stood absolutely raptured by the enchanting Lou for an evening. I refuse to explain my love for her — I’ll just leave you with these lyrics: “If you should see me / as I sparkle in the night / Don’t be a fool, it’s not for you / It is for the divine.”
Darien Johnsen is a UFV alumni who obtained her Bachelor of Arts degree with double extended minors in Global Development Studies and Sociology in 2020. She started writing for The Cascade in 2018, taking on the role of features editor shortly after. She’s passionate about justice, sustainable development, and education.