October has been good to me so far (despite the overall vibe of this playlist), and I have chosen to highlight some songs I have gotten to see live this month. If you haven’t heard any of these before, I highly recommend. Unfortunately, I do not believe in a coherent playlist, so my apologies to listeners who experience any whiplash.
Growing up in the Nashville music scene has been a real blessing; especially when it comes to seeing $12 shows on a Thursday night. I went to three shows this month, the first was the Screaming In The Dark tour in Chicago, Illinois. I have seen The Band Camino more times than I can count, so allow me to highlight the openers.
Astral Plans – Bad Suns
If you know Bad Suns, it may be from their bigger hits like “Daft Pretty Boys” or “Cardiac Arrest.” However, they are dropping new music this month, and I implore you to give it a listen. “Astral Plans” is about trusting the plans of the universe, even when it means letting go.
Waterfalls (2023 Version) – The Wldlfe
The Wldlfe is near and dear to my heart and part of the reason I was in Chicago for this show. Two of the members of this band are from just outside of Chi-town, and we have a few mutual friends. so I was invited up to get to support them (and enjoy an incredible concert). They just re-released one of my most played songs by them, so naturally it will be featured in this article. It’s sad-pop goodness, and “Waterfalls” will always be a favorite of mine.
Passing Through – Miki Fiki
The next show I got to see this month was Nashville artist Miki Fiki, who I have been listening to for years. This was the first time I have gotten to see them live. “Passing Through” is easily my favorite from their newest EP, That’s Everything, and feels fitting for the cold and quiet month I find October to be. A song about looking back on a relationship with someone you thought would be your forever and learning to cope with the reality that it didn’t pan out like you had hoped.
Taste – Sawyer
Lastly, I went to see another Nashville-based artist, Sawyer, co-headline at one of my favorite venues in the area. I love so many of their songs, but chose to feature the song that got me HOOKED on their sound. It’s pop, it’s girl-hood, and it’s everything I want in a song. “Taste” is a song about wanting to kiss someone REAL bad and is so much fun to listen to.
So Long – Yam Haus
The co-headliner Yam Haus is newly on my radar, but I am happy to report they are quickly taking over my Spotify. I cannot wait to see what they do. They were incredible live, and I am now regretting not looking into their discography better before their show. Don’t make the same mistake that I did! A boy-band from Minnesota with a bassist/guitarist named Zach will always be legendary to me (big shout out to Hippocampus). “So Long” has been stuck in my head ever since, so naturally, it is the one I chose to highlight for you all.
Take a gamble and listen to the whole playlist below. October has brought me some incredible new finds and the chance to see some old favorites get new life.
daybreak 