Adoratherapy Chakra Playlists with Music from the Past Decade on Spotify – Interview and links

Years ago, I came across Adoratherapy products in my local Whole Foods here in the Northeast and started building a collection. I had been introduced to chakra energy centers through modern dance and was enjoying aromatherapy as part of a restorative yoga class at my YMCA. I instantly understood thevalue of focusing on myself and my own physical/spiritual needs through the simple act of applying fragrance with intention. Since then, I have reached for a different Chakra Boost scent as I saw fit, giving them as gifts along the way.

That is how I connected to Laura McCann, Found & CEO of Adoratherapy. I had ordered a set for my son’s girlfriend and mentioned that her birthday was coming up soon, so any help expediting the order would be appreciated. My correspondence with Adoratherapy quickly became a full-on conversation as I explained how much I loved the products, and the company’s home Asheville, NC. (I had a blast covering the Moogfest music festival there for PopMatters from 2010 to 2012.)

As a PR/Marketing professional, I offered my expertise to assist the brand but also to indulge my love of creating new music playlists. Over the past decade, I have worked as a consultant while handling writing assignments for PopMatters, the Brooklyn Academy of Music and my own website here where I post playlists as new releases appear. After all, music and arts of all kinds feed the soul and instantly boost the mood. 

Here is my Q&A with Laura:

What’s your process for creating playlists?
I’m always listening for my next favorite song or musical messages that resonate throughout the day. These days I collect new releases in a Spotify playlist before carefully ordering them and calling it cooked, moving on to the next playlist about every two months or so. I like to start with something up – tempo to pull the listener into a musical path that ends in a more meditative state after an hour or so. And you know how you hear a song you haven’t thought about in forever, but it’s exactly what you needed? I love coming across a song that informs my day via lyrics, vibe or taking you back to that time in your life when the song was new.

I’m married to a musician but I’m the music Fan. Before streaming, I created CD compilations of new music and before that, cassette mixtapes. I remember listening to New York City radio as a girl in the Connecticut suburbs (shout out to WPLJ in the 70s and WLIR in the 80s!) It was my constant companion and link to a much larger world, leading me to life in that wicked city – as my Southern grandmother would call it – after college before returning to raise a family. And now radio from all over is easily accessed online 24/7.

A good day for me begins with KEXP’s “John in the Morning” show (10 am to 1 pm EST), where John Richards plays a great mix of new music in Seattle for a far-flung community known as the Morning Faithful, sharing thoughts and requests.

Around noon I’ll switch over to KCRW’s “Morning Becomes Eclectic” (12 pm to 3 pm EST) where a new DJ duo of Anthony Valadez and Novena Carmél recently took the reins for this acclaimed new music show in L.A. I’ll also check in on KCRW’s Musical Director Anne Litt’s shows over the weekend. And I tune into local station WFUV’s mix of old and new throughout the week (my go-to in the car), catching up on “The Alternate Side” in the Weekend Archives if I missed the Friday night show.

Plus, it's so easy to take all this music with me on the go with apps on my phone. And I can’t wait until these stations can feature live sessions again when things open up. I also keep tabs on favorite bands and record labels through social media and email lists. I follow artists on Bandcamp and Spotify, happily combing through new releases on Fridays.

How did you come up with each Chakra Playlist?
For the Chakra Playlists, I decided to choose music from the last ten years to embrace the theme of discovery with newer music people might not know. I began by digging into my personal stash of ambient music, rereading the intentions for each scent for reference. Then I traveled back in time via my own new music playlists, finding beloved songs to complement each theme. I also kept my ears open per usual, with older songs and new artists presenting themselves as a perfect fit to complete that hour session for each chakra. After playing with sequence, I gave everything a full listen until I was ready to hand things over with pride: 102 artists/bands over eight hours without repeating one.

Do you have a practice of self love and if so please share it?
The only time I’m not listening to music during the day is during work meetings and a morning walk around my little coastal town – this moving meditation clears my mind as thoughts swirl. Then I end the day with a cocktail hour ritual. Heading to the town beach with friends for this makes things extra special, but even alone with a wine spritzer and something to munch on counts. I thoughtfully choose a pretty glass, fun bowl and party napkins. (I have a whole drawer of them!) It’s a great shut-off valve from the day.

I’m also a firm believer in dancing out your ya-yas. Whether to a song blasting in your home or on a dance floor with friends, I find such joy getting lost in movement – “Dance Yrself Clean,” as LCD Soundsystem calls it. (I love veteran indie bands – watch my vantage point during a LCD Soundsystem concert at Terminal 5!) I am known to break out into a dance solo whenever or wherever a song moves me. And as a performer before I even learned how to dance, I like to dance like EVERYONE is watching.

What’s your favorite Chakra Boost? When & where do you boost?
I have to say my favorite Chakra Boost is Motivation. I love the kick of citrus and the intention to become “empowered in all my experiences” (even the ones I’d rather avoid!) But I take time to reflect on the status of all my chakras and choose the Chakra Boost that best serves the current situation. I apply some fragrance into my palms, rub them together and take a deep breath before spreading the fragrance to my pulse points. I’ll apply it in the morning while repeating the intention, going back to it a few times a day.

Which is your favorite Chakra?
Can’t say I have a favorite Chakra, but I am very aware of energy centers spinning within and around me. I was always told I was too sensitive, which led me to believe I should try to become less so. Now there’s even a term for it – being labeled as an "Empath" has me embracing this heightened perception as a part of who I am. One thing I’ve learned during the pandemic is to let go of things I cannot change, cutting myself major slack to get through this health crisis. My collection of Mood Boosts has been such a source of support, signaling a personal check-in every day and providing that lift of scent on the body.

Click here for more about the Adoratherapy Chakra Playlists and listen on SPOTIFY @Adoratherapy

My Essential Music - More Fave Band Playlists (Talking Heads, Arcade Fire, Spoon, Moby, Beck, Flaming Lips, Cake, Franz Ferdinand, New Order, Gorillaz, The National & Band of Horses)

Visit wfuv.org for more info 

Last week during the pledge drive for public radio station WFUV, listeners were asked to submit their "essential music," a list of five bands/artists, along with their donation. This is clearly a clever way to survey the audience, but it also got me thinking of sharing more of my personal faves in playlist form. In prior posts, I have linked to my LCD Soundsystem Faves playlist with the news the band will be releasing another album after breaking up in 2011 (and an update: the band has signed with the behemoth Columbia Records!) Plus I posted my David Bowie Faves playlist after this legend's untimely death.

So here are links to some more playlists of "essential music" found on my Spotify account @NewMusicMatters, dig in!

Radiohead Faves

Talking Heads Faves

Arcade Fire Faves

Spoon Faves

Moby Faves

Beck Faves

Flaming Lips Faves

Cake Faves

Franz Ferdinand Faves

New Order Faves

Gorillaz Faves

The National Faves

Band of Horses Faves

Top Ten Releases of 2015 With Video Highlights

2015 was a great year for music, but I always seem to say that. Philly's NPR music station WXPN had a contest for The Greatest Year in Music recently with winners way back in the sixties but I couldn't even adhere to the idea... every year is worthy of the title if you open up to the idea!  That being said, 2015 started off with a blast of Kevin Parker of Tame Impala singing Mark Ronson's "Daffodils" which was only a warm up for his band's release Currents, probably my favorite of the year. Other more-than-just-pleasant surprises appeared on the scene from Blur, Mew and Deerhunter plus follow ups from Father John Misty and De Lux. Plus Jamie xx of the xx struck out on his own into the dance party fantastic as Dan Deacon continued to light up the neon covered sweat, and Matt Berninger of the National finally got to that long-discussed collabo with Brent Knopf of Ramona Falls and Menomena for a melodic free form groove. And I'm always a softie for some acoustic songs straight from the heart -- this year Ivan & Alyosha easily filled that need.

Dig into all my Top Ten Albums of 2015 as a Spotify playlist along with Other Fave Albums of 2015, and read up on my Top Ten below. Many of the video highlights are from my go-to online radio stations KEXP and KCRW, both of which are moving into larger spaces to accompany more of an audience for live sessions. But there's something about being right in the band's faces (KCRW uses a classroom at Santa Monica College while KEXP looks like large closet) without a crowd's applause, only the sweet silence of awe on my part. Thinking I'm actually going to miss this "fly on the wall" view, especially when I can catch things as they happen live. Oh well, there's still WFUV with similar constraints on space, although videos are posted weeks later.

1. EL VY, Return to the Moon 
EL VY appeared as a new band with a strange and confusing to pronounce name, as familiar band greats Matt Berninger and Brent Knopf took their friendship to another level. The sound turned into a fun ride into more stream of consciousness lyrics wryly conveyed via Berninger's mellow baritone. The pair appeared on KEXP with touring musicians in customized outfits to match the polka dots in the background. During the interview Knopf jokes about The National's "depressing music" and the reaction is just priceless, check it out  at 12:58 in the video for the entire session. Here's the melancholy song "Need A Friend" which brought a poignant end to the set.

2. Blur, Magic Whip
Blur fans couldn't believe their lucky ears when Blur released its first album since 2003. (Thanks to a cancelled festival in Tokyo, the guys were stuck with days worth of time on their hands so naturally started jamming!) With the return of the full lineup Blur was back in fine form, especially with Graham Coxon's stellar guitar riffs. Here's the video for the rockin' "I Broadcast" created with fan footage. 

3. Dan Deacon, Glass Riffer

Baltimore electronic musician Dan Deacon might sound like he's just flipping synth switches but he actually uses vocal manipulation to add a live human aspect to production and performance. Glass Riffer is Deacon's eighth album since 2000 as the dance party continues thanks to his busy touring schedule, including a stop at KCRW last spring. Listen and watch the complicated dedication behind "When I Was Done Dying" or indulge in the entire session archived online. 

4. De Lux, Generation

L.A. band De Lux provided my song of the summer with "Oh Man The Future," first featured as the Song of the Day on KCRW. The band's singer Sean Guerin brings fond memories of a lanky David Byrne, both in delivery and random references. De Lux also stopped by the KCRW studios and you can also listen to the full session from this synthpop youth sensation.

5. Deerhunter, Fading Frontier
This fall brought a seventh album from fave band Deerhunter, a collection of songs full of hopeful promise and gleaned over pop thanks to frontman Brandon Cox's being hit by a car of all things. Instead going into the dark depths of life that has also included being born with the genetic disorder Marfam syndrome, Cox has embraced life within a band and we are all the recipients of his gifts. This sweetly sung single "Breaker" has Cox sharing the lead vocals with high school pal Lockett Pundt who has long been in the band. The full live session with Deerhunter is in the KCRW archives, along with a lengthy interview with Cox.

6. Father John Misty, I Love You Honeybear

It's hard to believe Josh Tillman a.k.a. Father John Misty, was once a backup musician for Fleet Foxes. As his own frontman he commands the sound and the stage with his wacky worldview, glorious vocals and glistening guitar (listen for the first chord that provides the intro for "Chateau Lobby #4 (in C for Two Virgins" during this recorded session at the WFUV studios). 

7. Jamie xx, In Colour

Jamie Smith, member of the U.K. band xx, released an album of his side interest in dance music to much acclaim this year as Jamie xx. In this video for "I Know There's Gonna Be (Good Times)," there are glimpses of this dj working the controls along with the adoring crowds with his magic. 

8. Tame Impala, Currents
Tame Impala's single (if you can even call this epic 8 minute song that) "Let It Happen" lifted off into airplay last spring with its extended musical carpet ride ready for all to hop aboard. The album was released months later, full of R&B influences and synth swagger, and is now a Grammy contender for Best Alternative Music Album. 

9. Mew, +-

Danish band Mew also returned to a former lineup with success this year.  The band released its sixth album called +-, the first since 2009. While the group describes itself as "indie stadium," they squeezed into KCRW's studio for a live session this fall. I just swoon over Jonas Bjerre's angelic vocals that cut straight to the core. Listen to "Sometimes Life Isn't Easy" or the entire session and prepare to be musically moved.

10. Ivan & Alyosha, It's All Just Pretend

Seattle's five piece folk pop band Ivan & Alyosha released a sophomore album this year, with savory melodic tunes sung with hearts on those flannel sleeves. Check out this song "It's All Just Pretend" during a live session at their local station KEXP, or settle in for the entire performance to see exactly what I mean -- it's well worth a listen.

Damon Albarn's SXSW Public Radio Rocks Set March 16 (Stream, Photos and Videos)

WFUV has posted the entire set from Damon Albarn's appearance at the Public Radio Rocks showcase during SXSW.  He played new songs from his upcoming solo album, Everyday Robots, due in April. (Check the song "Lonely Press Play" and learn more about this at a previous post here.) Albarn set up to rehearse with local talent and let it rip, calmly in command of the new songs with a ease of a seasoned performer and musician.

Listen to the entire set and see photograph gallery here and watch videos for "Mr. Tembo" and "Heavy Seas of Love" below.  "Heavy Seas of Love" closed the set, a sweet tune that exists as a duet with Brian Eno on the album. Here Albarn sings both parts, but I can't wait to hear that version with my pal from our Asheville airport encounter. There are also sets by The Hold Steady, Temples, Phantogram, Jeremy Messersmith and Lucius all streaming here, along with more exclusive videos. 

Unearthed Gem of a Song: "Getting Away With It" By Electronic

Driving around town this week, a wonderfully familiar song came on WFUV radio.  It was "Getting Away With It" by Electronic, a collabo of 80s icons: Bernard Sumner of New Order, Johnny Marr, guitarist for The Smiths and vocals by Neil Tennant of the Pet Shop Boys.  It was released in the US as the decade ended, with a formula that has only grown in popularity. The swirling synths over a chunky bass line create a foundation for floating vocals to make any dance floor spin.

It reminds me of the lyrics in "Lariat," a brand new song by Stephen Malkmus & The Jicks (lyric video en français on YouTube here). Malkmus, indie darling of Pavement band fame, reminisces about how "we grew up listening to the music from the best decade ever -- talking about the 80s." I'll agree it certainly was a golden time, when all sorts of electronic instruments instantly became part of a band's set up and dance beats ruled.  As one who shies away from aggressive, angry music of any kind, it was a great time to be a new music fan, and of course, someone who loves to dance.

Check out the video for "Getting Away With It" on YouTube  or below.

SXSW 2013 -- Being There By Being Online

Not everyone is heading to Austin this week for South by Southwest (SXSW) even if it sometimes feels like it.  So thankfully, there's plenty of online offerings to take advantage of just by being near a computer. After perusing my favorite new music outlets, I had to draw up a schedule similar to what I used to do in college diagramming my classes (see below).  It's going to make for a busy week!

For starters, SPIN has picked forty bands as "Must See Acts" as readers can flip through a listing of buzzed about bands even before the buzz begins.  Each group has some background info as "The Skinny" and then some props under a section called "Why You Should Care." Big names such as Vampire Weekend and the Yeah Yeah Yeahs are found here, along with blog faves Foxygen and Major Lazor.  Two new bands that have recently caught my ear are also given a shout out: Parquet Courts and Chvrches.  Even The Hollywood Reporter's website is writing about "5 Buzzworthy Bands" (Alt-J, Atlas Genuis and Haim plus others) along side quirky articles such as "How to Sleep Like Oprah and Eat Like a Local" and coverage highlighting the film component.

Another great preview is NPR Music's The Austin 100: A SXSW Mix, available as a download through April 5.  There is over six hours of songs here, with many proud moments as I spotted blog faves Caveman, Youth Lagoon, and Foxygen on the list.  Nothing new really struck me, but my musical tastes were certainly reinforced towards the indie tilt (no need for Killer Mike or Skeletonwitch, thankyouverymuch). NPR will also live broadcast a showcase on Wednesday, March 13 at approximately 8 pm EST, featuring theYeah Yeah Yeahs, Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds, Youth Lagoon and others.  And on Thursday, March 14 at 12 noon, NPR will broadcast Dave Grohl's Keynote Speech, surely an entertaining listening session. 

LA's KCRW brags how it was one of the first radio stations to broadcast remotely from the festival and this year "Morning Becomes Eclectic" will be there Monday through Friday (12 pm to 3 pm EST).  Musical Director Jason Bentley will be interviewing Depeche Mode and the station will host an official showcase Wednesday night with Ra Ra Riot, Wild Belle, Atlas Genius and Toro Y Moi.


KEXP plans to be broadcasting live Wednesday through Friday (12:30 pm to 9 pm EST) as well as Saturday (3 pm to 9 pm EST).  Among the bands for exclusive live sets are Iron and Wine, Parquet Courts and Billy Bragg.  A full schedule is available on their blog at the link at the beginning of the paragraph.

Five public radio stations are presenting a showcase on Friday called "Public Radio Rocks" (including a local, WFUV's The Alternate Side).  From 1 pm to 7 pm, a full lineup from Divine Fits to Iron & Wine and Vampire Weekend will be broadcast live on those stations.  It'll be a proud day both online and over the airwaves.

The Antlers Perform "Drift Dive" Live on WFUV

WFUV's "The Alternate Side" (TAS) program has released a video of The Antlers performing "Drift Dive," the final track on my latest Late Fall 2012 Playlist. The song is from the group's recent EP, Undersea. I heard it playing in my car one morning on WNYE 91.5, where TAS broadcasts in New York City weekday mornings.  (It's also easy to listen anytime online at thealternateside.org.)

"Drift Dive" was chosen as the perfect closer months ago, with its dream like, floating vocals and spaced out instrumentation.  IIt would also be a good lesson in the power of restraint as the band builds intensity while holding back at the same time. You can also catch an official video of the song on YouTube, which is dedicated to their hometown of New York City after hurricane Sandy.  TAS has posted the rest of the session along with a band interview here.

SXSW 2012 Media Coverage Recap

Another SXSW has is now in the books. The festival celebrated 25 years with a ten-fold increase in size -- 2000 musical acts descended on Austin to play in 90 venues or even on the street until last call at 2 a.m. on Saturday (St. Patrick's Day no less!)  It's interesting to follow the coverage before and during, especially with more gigs streaming live online.  There was definitely a larger rap and hip hop presence this year, plus electronic dance music continues to enjoy its higher profile in the music industry.  In the process, I heard bands I barely knew get a nice mention and learned about countless new bands, which is exactly the point of this annual gathering.


A good point of introduction is the mix, "SPIN Presents Austin Power: Best SXSW Acts" 2012, available as a free download after handing over your email address.  (They already had mine so it was no big deal.  I enjoy their monthly playlists anyway, however the horrendous redesign of their print issues are another nail in the print publication coffin.)  With 36 songs lasting two and a half hours, there's bound to be something to catch your ear although I found myself skipping ahead more than a few times.  I'm always curious just to peruse listed band names: from the mundane (White Fence, The Coathangers) to witty (Class Actress) and extremely descriptive (Screaming Females).


NPR music also had a "All Songs Considered" preview show which listed my recent interview/review band Bright Moments as one to watch.  During the festival, the site offered a live feed to Bruce Springsteen's keynote speech which is here for those still wanting to bask in the glow of the rock star's presence online.  Basically he was brought in as the member of the old guard to inspire the new guard, reminding everyone that "There is no right way, no pure way of doing.  There is just doing."  Sounds more like a tag line for a sports company, but Mr. Bruce can do no wrong in this beleaguered industry.  I'm sure it was a thrill just to have him in town for a bit. 


Both the LA Times and the NY Times provided nice wrap up articles as stalwart news organizations in the traditional sense.  LA cited Bear In Heaven as the stand out newcomer along with the crowd pleasing honky tonk of Alabama Shakes, and there were props to Grimes for a heightened stage presence.  NY decided to shine a spotlight on the folksy sound of Colorado band The Lumineers as well as Georgia's Reptar (who I saw in a supporting slot last year and maybe I should revisit).  Although the write up by the Associated Press proclaimed that the entire festival show was stolen by the Austin High School marching band, appearing in an outdoor stadium at the University of Texas with Mumford & Sons, Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeros, and Old Crow Medicine Show on the final night.  


Consequence of Sound (COS) required each writer to return with two new fave bands, making for an interesting list. One band chosen for this is Chairlift, who begins the latest Early Spring Playlist here. COS also provided an overabundance of photos which I find is like looking through another high school's yearbook, one that is way cooler than your school could ever be. The voluminous LATimes photo gallery is also way beyond necessary. My favorite photo actually came from blog brand PopMatters, where there is someone literally climbing the walls during Day 2's Burgerstock showcase presented by Burger Records.  Rolling Stone has a nice mix of videos and photos on their website, as does Pitchfork -- although obligated to assert their taste maker cred by anointing bands as "The Best (and Worst)."  Stereogum took it one step closer to high school behavior by listing "SXSW Superlatives 2012," from Best Beard and Best Wailer, to Longest Setup Time.


My fave online radio stations were also at the festival to broadcast live and provide coverage through their online blogs: KCRW, KEXP and WFUV's The Alternate Side.  These links will offer me plenty of new music sustenance going forward, along with the upcoming NPR music wrap up show.  NPR has already submitted some wrap up coverage, including a nice shout out to women rockers.  And for those who actually care about the latest fashions at such festivals, check out the scene via New York Magazine for shoes, eyewear and other trends. 

Billy Bragg's New Tune "Never Buy The Sun"

Billy Bragg is in New York City spearheading “The Big Busk,” a musical collaboration at Lincoln Center with acoustic guitar wielding members of the public as well as a few dates at the City Winery. While in town he appeared on WFUV.org with dj Claudia Marshall, playing some tunes and pumping up the events before heading out on a family road trip which includes a stop at a favorite American city, Asheville, North Carolina. But it the showstopper was a song recently written in reaction to Rupert Murdoch’s The Sun scandal back home in England. It eloquently gives props to the people of Liverpool, who have been boycotting the newspaper ever since the 1989 Hillsborough Disaster killed almost one hundred people and injured hundreds at a football/soccer match. The skewed sensationalistic reporting of the incident horrified the port city. Bragg reasons in the song, “Never Buy The Sun,” that the Scousers (as the Liverpudlians are known after a local dish) are the only ones who can “can hang there with their heads high.” Bragg marveled at the simple YouTube video gaining an audience before a studio recording is even released, a new tool he welcomes to get his message out. Bragg wrote the song on a Friday and performed it on a Saturday at the Garforth Arts Festival. He also told Marshall that there’s a long history of topical songs that the next generation needs to carry on.

YouTube Video "Never Buy The Sun" here.