Intern Picks of the Week — Meet the Interns

It’s time for a new semester of Intern Picks of the Week! This summer season has introduced five new interns to the Lightning 100 office: Yvette Navis, Sarah Maninger, Jules Moore, Austin Preston, and Christina Ferrari!

My pick for a song that represents me is undoubtedly “Alter Ego” by my all-time favorite artist, Tame Impala. My dad first introduced me to Tame with their 2021 classic Lonerism, and I’ve been obsessed ever since! “Alter Ego” is my favorite song off their debut 2010 LP Innerspeaker, which also happens to be my favorite album of theirs. Everything about this song is perfect to me. Parker’s hypnotic drums serve as the driving force beneath swimming psychedelic guitars and anxiety-soothing lyrics. Tame Impala is the solo studio project of Australian native Kevin Parker, who writes, records, and produces every track himself. As a live act, Tame Impala tours as a group with Parker and band members. Jay Watson (synth/guitar), Dominic Simper (guitar/synth), Cameron Avery (bass), and Julien Barbagallo (drums), who each have solo projects themselves as well. “Alter Ego” is a song I turn to for so many moments in my life. I hope you enjoy it as much as I do!

I am currently a senior finishing my degree online at Arizona State University, where I attended in-person before moving to Nashville. I’m super excited to be interning for Lightning 100 this summer, and can’t wait to keep sharing some of my favorite music with you!

I feel like anyone who has ever listened to this song feels an instant connection to it and I am no exception. This song is so fun but also so unique lyrically. Not many songs can get away with being 7 minutes and 46 seconds long, but this one can, easily. The first few notes of the track serve as an instant serotonin boost that will cause me to jump up and dance (Spoiler alert: I’m a horrible dancer). Thankfully, this song doesn’t care that I look like a baby monkey taking her first swings when it comes on my playlist. I love a good driving song, and this one will get you from point A to point B in one, maybe two plays max. If I hit traffic, I’ll play “Mr. Jones” or “Long December” before another listen of “Mrs. Potter’s Lullaby.” I’m not sure why I love this song so much, but it’s really fun, really different, and it’s a song I loved instantly. There are so many great songs that take a while to fall in love with (Sunflower Vol. 6 by Harry Styles, I’m looking at you), but that doesn’t make them any less important. But there’s something to be said for the songs that, when you hear them for the first time, it feels like you’ve been listening to it for years.

I am a senior journalism student at Belmont University here in Nashville! Fun fact, my first (and my second) concert was One Direction. But fear not, my third concert was Springsteen.

My pick of the week is “Witchunt” by Violet Moons. This song is the second of two singles released by Nashville’s witchy, ethereal, indie rock duo Violet Moons. Continuing on the path set by their previous single “Hex a Man,” this song is defined by upbeat instrumentals and contrastingly chilling harmonies. Drawing from the already powerfully haunting genre of folk, the band mixes this influence with modern indie to create their own genre of music that is a breath of fresh air among the Nashville country and traditional rock. Members Aubree Riley and Kierra Bronson carefully craft their songs to convey a message of strength and empowerment. Undoubtedly, Violet Moons are ditching the classic sad breakup song trope to pave the way for more women to write music about power and taking control over their lives.

I am currently a senior Music Business student at Belmont University. My favorite song is “Touch Me I’m Going to Scream, Pt. 2” by My Morning Jacket. When I’m not in school, you can find me managing local artists, advocating for second-hand shopping, and carrying out my mission to try every coffee shop in Nashville.

For my pick of the week, I felt no song was as representative of me as The Avett Brothers’ “Head Full of Doubt/Road Full of Promise.” Coming from their 2009 album I and Love You, this song speaks on unapologetically staying on your path and no matter what society or the universe throws at you, you can still break through and achieve what you want. Like any good song, this track found me exactly when it needed to and continues to be a comfort as I move closer to adulthood and post-graduate life.

I am going into my senior year as a broadcasting major at Western Kentucky University in Bowling Green, KY. When I’m not here in the office or back home in Kentucky, you can find me around town scoping out the best mac and cheese.

My pick of the week is “The Key to Life on Earth” by Declan McKenna! Despite being from Manchester, Declan recorded the song here in Nashville. The song features themes and critiques on people’s hostile tendencies towards one another. The indie-rock artist alludes that we should be less structured and more carefree in order to find the “key to life on Earth!” Declan McKenna was one of the first “alternative/indie” artists I was exposed to, and his sound has been instrumental in shaping my music taste!

I am a rising junior at Simmons University in Boston, and am studying Journalism and Radio and Broadcasting. While up in Beantown, I play lacrosse and enjoy skateboarding and baking! I am home for the summer and am super excited to be working with a station that means so much to both myself and the Nashville community!