As the weather grows colder and students begin preparing for finals, long drives home and holiday hangouts, a playlist that matches winter vibes proves necessary. The Daily Texan curated a list of local artists whose songs offer the perfect holiday season backdrop and let students take a little piece of Austin wherever they may be this winter break.
Shakey Graves
Austin-born Shakey Graves’ music blends folksy guitar with Americana, as his wistful lyricism makes listeners feel like they’re taking an introspective walk down a snowy road. Grave’s hit song, “Tomorrow,” tells the story of commitment and regret with a soulful acoustic accompaniment, mirroring the dreary winter mood. With a minimal, simplistic melody, his songs leave room for quiet contemplation, whether that be staring at a blank Word doc for a final paper or strolling down Speedway wondering why that one situationship never worked out.
Spoon
For those in need of a mood lifter, Spoon brings classic indie rock and roll with the perfect amount of yearning and reflective vocals. Reminiscent of watching an early sunset, Spoon provides the ideal background to foggy morning runs, late-night cafe study sessions or cleaning the apartment. “Inside Out,” a popular song from their 2014 album, “They Want My Soul,” features a gentle synth line with occasional drum stabs, offering a dynamic and rhythmic experience that pairs well with even the most mundane winter chores.
Wild Child
Specializing in indie pop, the duo turned seven-piece ensemble captures the dreaminess of nature and mountain landscapes with warm guitar lines and passionate harmonies. The dreary lyrics of their popular song “Sinking Ship” transform listeners into the main character of a classic Christmas romcom who ditched their family to make a cross-country drive to a log cabin. The song’s initial plucky guitar and light vocals are akin to Taylor Swift’s “willow,” but feel more like a cozy sweater.
Black Pumas
A well-known Austin R&B band, Black Pumas, offers a bright, soulful warmth to the darker winter months. Known for “Colors,” their underrated song “Sweet Conversations,” evokes a feeling of calmness and resilience, perfect for curling up with the family dog, a warm mug of hot chocolate and a book for a bit of performative holiday reading.
Jackie Venson
As Venson says in her song “Rollin’ On,” “that old clock is always on your ass,” a sentiment that pushes listeners forward during these slower months. As an blues, soul and R&B artist, Jackie Venson showcases bold guitar riffs and soulful, melodic lyrics, evocative of holiday cooking and dancing around the kitchen with family and friends.
