As a new semester begins, so does a new series of Intern Picks of the Week! This week, the fall interns introduce themselves by sharing the song that they would take with them to a desert island. Although only having access to one song for the rest of your life may be awful regardless of the song, maybe these four tracks could make this scenario slightly more bearable.
Michael’s Pick
Deafheaven — “Dream House”
On a sweltering May afternoon in 2019, the dull brick facade of my high school stained the rearview mirror. In a moment of reflection, looking back upon the formative years spent in this despised location, I grabbed my Deafheaven CD and cranked the volume on my car radio. As the guitars built to their magnificent climax, I recklessly slammed on the gas. I would never see that building again.
To me, no song represents transition quite like “Dream House” by Deafheaven. “Dream House,” with its orchestra of intensely distorted guitars and gut-wrenching screams, is everything that a sunrise wishes that it could be. The whiplash-inducing sprint from tension to release throughout this track embodies raw, intense passion, making “Dream House” a perfect accompaniment to any flavor of intense feeling. Therefore, “Dream House” by Deafheaven stands in a class of its own as a song that I could not live without.
Besides being a melodramatic fan of heavy music, I am a senior music business major at Belmont University. I promote DIY shows in Nashville (@zoological.booking on Insta!) whenever I’m not writing articles for Lightning. I’m looking forward to a great semester!
Katie’s Pick
Quarters of Change — “T Love”
Katie Raines is a Nashville Native, which is something she is so grateful for. She is a Senior Creative Entertainment Industries major at Belmont University. in her free time you can find her either at a coffee shop or in the pit of a show. Katie’s desert island pick is a new one, “T Love” by Quarters of Change. Katie discovered the band on TikTok (as she has most things). T Love is all about being in love with someone who doesn’t give you the time of day. It sounds sadder than the song actually is. Katie says that it gives “Uptown Girl” by Billy Joel vibes with a 2022 indie rock flair. The bridge alone is something she could listen to on repeat all day.
Mikayla’s Pick
Tennis — “Baby Don’t Believe”
My desert island song is “Baby Don’t Believe” by Tennis. I remember it was 2017, I was a junior in high school, and I was in study hall, not studying. Instead, I was venturing out into new music that I typically didn’t listen to. I came across “Baby Don’t Believe” and was immediately infatuated. From the rich, dreamy vocals and indie pop beats, to poetic lyrics and Alaina Moore’s hair, I was more or less obsessed. I had found an artist and a song that resonated with me on a variety of levels.
Tennis was my first memorable exposure to the indie-based genre, which is now such a prominent focus in my everyday listening. Since being introduced to the husband/wife duo, I have been an avid fan and follower, keeping up with their recent releases and tours. Moore denotes many personally relatable themes in her writing. It’s always my favorite thing when an artist appeals to me both sonically and lyrically. Last Fall, I was able to see them live for the first time. It was also the first time I had gone to a concert alone. I felt fully immersed in the experience and am inspired to go to more shows by myself.
I am currently in my last semester at Middle Tennessee State University, as a Marketing major with a minor in Journalism. I am so thrilled to be interning with Lightning 100 and to share more music that I love!
Ethan’s Pick
Kenny Mason (feat. DavidTheTragic) — “Dip!”
I’m an Audio Engineering Student at Belmont University. A senior now, I’ve been hosting a podcast called I’m Bored for about 2 years now as well as releasing music since 2020, recently creating my band Tenneblind, performing around town. This new track by Kenny Mason is my favorite song out right now. With a reminiscent summer beat, the song is catchy and easy to dance to. Takes my mind off everything else when I turn this on!
