MUSIC MOTIVATION

For most of my life, music has been essential to my survival. Music has helped me get through the toughest moments and has also provided joy, celebration, y mucho baile when things are at their peak. Music is one of life’s greatest companions. You can always rely on music, on sound, for transformation.

I mention this because May is Mental Health Awareness Month. I selected some songs in this mini-playlist that I hope provides an uplifting swing in your day. May these beats and rhythms brighten your day as they’ve brightened mine.

Enjoy the sounds. And, ya sabes, it’s okay to not be okay.

WRITTEN BY SANDRA TREVIÑO PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY OF ARTISTS

Beats y Bateria

Get moving with “Bride’s Song,” a wonderful track by Beats y Bateria off their title track EP.

Find Beats y Bateria Bandcamp

Britteny Carter

Brittney Carter’s music is moving and so full of hope. Plus, her flow, wow! I love Prove ‘em Wrong.

Find Brittany Carter Instagram

ESSO

ESSO’s music as well, you could pick any song and have your mood change immediately. The tropi-funk goodness in their music is like sunshine poppin’ out of the clouds on a gloomy day. One of my favorite songs is IWBWU.

Find ESSO Bandcamp

Gabacho

Gabacho is definitely a happy mood. Pick any song, trust me. For this I like Sweet & Sour.

Find Gabacho Bandcamp

Impulsive Hearts

“Come On” feels like a friend is literally grabbing me by the shoulders and shaking me a little bit to ‘snap out of it.’ Ha! “Come on, come on, come on…” in the wonderful voice of Danielle Sines of Impulsive Hearts had to be on this mini-playlist.

Find Impulsive Hearts Bandcamp

Los Vicios de Papa

From Los Vicios de Papa I chose “This Girl,” a super divertida love song.

Find Los Vicios de Papa Facebook

Lykanthea

From the album Migration, I selected “My Sisters,” a majestic song that’s a perfect introduction to this set of music. It brings together Chicago artists, Lykanthea with guest Rasplyn. It’s heavenly, harmonic bliss.

Find Lykanthea Website Find Rasplyn Instagram

The Lawrence Peters Outfit

You know, I grew up in Houston and grew to love country/western music. Don’t judge me and instead get into “Another Year” by The Lawrence Peters Outfit. So good, y’all!

Find The Lawrence Peters Outfit Website

The Lemons

The Lemons! ANY of their songs will brighten your day.

Find The Lemons Bandcamp

The Sea and Cake

“Bombay” by The Sea and Cake has a lovely, jazzy, peppy flow. It’s from their debut album (1994).

Find The Sea and Cake Thrill Jockey Bandcamp