The summer is always my favorite time to indulge in new albums, tv shows, movies, podcasts, and books without restraint. With this being my first summer post-college and unemployed, I’ve had a lot of free time on my hands to obsess over the art that’s been on my to-watch/listen/read lists for far too long. Here’s what my August consisted of this year. <3
Music I’ve been loving
Charm by Clairo
I haaaatee to seem basic because this album has literally gone triple platinum on tiktok and instagram but honestly the hype is well deserved!! I’ve always been a semi-fan of Clairo, but she was never one of the artists that I looked to for “real” music--more so just something to play while I’m studying or reading to pass the time. But Charm quite literally changed the trajectory of my August and fully transformed me into a Clairo stan. “Juna” seems to be the song social media is obsessed with from the album (with good reason), but my favorite has to be between “Sexy to Someone" and “Add Up My Love.”
Bird’s Eye by Ravyn Lenae
If you know me, you know I’m absolutely obsessed with Ravyn Lenae. I’ve been listening to Bird’s Eye on repeat since it came out August 9th, and so far it’s no skips! I was so scared that I wouldn’t like this album as much as her last (THE Hypnos) but I appreciate both in different ways. I’m hoping to see her live in October during her tour stop in Atlanta. If anyone wants to tag along, let me know! <3
Pointy Heights by Fousheé
I first learned of Fousheé when she featured on Ravyn Lenae’s song “Mercury” on the album Hypnos. I admit, I wasn’t the biggest fan of the song (or her feature), but she started to grow on me when she featured on Steve Lacy’s song “Sunshine” the following year. She’s set to drop her first full length album on September 13th and I’m in love with the three songs she’s released so far. If you’re a fan of Steve Lacy and Ravyn Lenae I recommend checking out her music. Her song “Still Around” is def my favorite from her so far.
“Candy” by Mk.gee
I heard this song for the first time a few months ago on an Instagram account dedicated to posting emerging artists. It kind of reminded me of some of my favorite 80s songs but better. I plan on listening to Mk.gee’s full project, Two Star & The Dream Police, before September is up (I have to give myself deadlines or else I’ll never get to it), but so far “Candy” is enough to get me interested in his music and is def a song worth checking out.
Precious by Sogumm
I decided to revisit this album and I’m sooo happy I did. I never knew an album written almost completely in a language I don't understand would mean so much to me, but here we are. Sogumm’s voice is so angelic that I honestly don’t care what she’s saying. The songs “Precious” and “Fairytale” will always live in my heart. <3
Books I’ve been reading
The Woman in the Purple Skirt by Natsuko Imamura
I finished this book on the last day of August, just in time for me to add it to my list of August reads. Like most Japanese authors that I’ve read, Imamura does such a great job at exploring loneliness and how it affects identity. The novel’s narrator--who calls herself “The Woman in the Yellow Cardigan”--is both interesting and disturbing. Throughout the novel we witness her become more and more consumed with the daily life of “the woman in the purple skirt” until she inevitably snaps. Her stalker tendencies and obsessive personality reminds me so much of the main character in one of my favorite novels, Convenience Store Woman (also written by a Japanese author). I think Imamura does a good job at highlighting the thin line between love and obsession, and I would love to see the novel turned into a limited series at some point.
The Art of Loving by Erich Fromm
I was lucky enough to find this book in one of those little free libraries in D.C. while visiting my sister earlier in the summer. It’s easily been over a month since I started reading it and I’ve still made little to no progress. The book is definitely good so far, but I always find self-help books a little overwhelming. I realized I can’t read more than five pages without having to take a break to try and absorb everything I’ve read. I’m still determined to finish reading it, but I’m allowing myself to take time to fully understand Fromm’s analysis of love.
What I’ve been watching
Monster (2023)
I have such a soft spot for this movie. Not only is the cinematography incredible—typical of Kore-Eda films—but the story is so moving that it’s impossible to watch without having an existential crisis afterwards. The way the movie shifts from the perspective of adults to the perspective of children really makes you realize how much we change (mostly for the worse) as we get older. It also makes you think about the ways in which we’re all “monsters” in someone’s life, whether we know it or not. I wont say too much about the plot because I don’t want to spoil anything but I cant recommend this movie enough!
Mr. and Mrs. Smith (2024)
Okay. I have a love/hate relationship with Donald Glover a.k.a. Childish Gambino. I love (most) of his music, but as far as his tv series go, I’m typically not a fan (I’m still recovering from whatever Swarm was). I make sure to steer clear of anything he has his hands on in the tv/film sphere, but this show is gold. I’m only on episode four out of ten, but I’m wholeheartedly invested. From Jane and John’s ever fluctuating relationship (I’m rooting for them!), to the cameos by actors I adore, I’m pleasantly surprised by the series. I’m also now obsessed with Maya Erskine (who plays Jane) and am determined to watch every series she’s been in, starting with Pen15.
Upstairs Neighbors Podcast w/ Dom & Maya
I’m so happy my Youtube explore page randomly recommended this podcast to me. Dom and Maya are literally hilarious and listening to their hot takes every episode is the highlight of my week. Maya (a fellow gemini) really inspires me to find an earth sign friend that will laugh at my jokes but keep me grounded they way Dom (capricorn) does for her. Also the fashion?? hello??? They literally inspire me to take risks with my outfits every episode. If you’re not tuned in you’re missing out!!
That’s all for August!! If you liked or hated any of these recs let me know (don’t be shy!) Until next week. <3
Also September is Suicide Prevention Month! If you or a loved one are experiencing suicidal thoughts or ideations, don’t be afraid to call or text the Suicide and Prevention Hotline at 988! Sending lots of love. <333