The summer of 2024 has been an exciting time for music fans. Many will undoubtedly be familiar with the larger names currently on the scene. Pop artists like Sabrina Carpenter, Taylor Swift and Chappell Roan have been joined by an eclectic group of creators, with styles ranging from the feud-fueled rap hits of Kendrick Lamar, to the Irish folk phenomenon Hozier, with his April chart-topper, “Too Sweet,” and his earlier collaboration with Noah Kahan on “Northern Attitude.”
Other notable chart-toppers this summer have come from Morgan Wallen, Post Malone and Shaboozey, with his hit “A Bar Song (Tipsy).” Metro Boomin has had another good year as well. With this exciting summer in mind, The Mirror wanted to know what the students and faculty of Fairfield University are listening to as school begins again.
“Right now I’m listening to Rex Orange County,” says Sarah Wasko ‘28. “I’ve been listening to Frank Ocean. I listened to a lot of Gracie Abrams and The Backseat Lovers this week.”
Another first-year, Bridget Swanson, has a somewhat similar taste in music.
“Phoebe Bridgers or Frank Ocean. I also listen to classical music when I’m studying, if I need to lock in. Bach, sometimes.” Swanson explains.
As far as different moods are concerned, Jack Duquette ‘28’s music choice changes depending on the situation.
“When I study or I’m walking, I listen to country. When I work out, I like to listen to either gospel music or rap. So, two extremes.” Duquette says.
Other students, however, are sticking to the classics.
First-year Dominick Gesztesi had this to say: “I listen to all different kinds of music. Usually classic rock—Pearl Jam, Guns N’ Roses, Nirvana, Red Hot Chili Peppers.”
William Roche ‘28 has been keeping up with another classic genre.
“Right now it’s country with some classic rock in there. There’s a new Kelsea Ballerini album in a month that I’m excited for.” Roche states.
Not all Stags are listening to the music on Billboard, however.
Senior Angelo Corsini, a New Student Leader (NSL), is listening to the “same thing as I always listen to—Broadway, Weird Al comedy. I’m testing out Apple Music’s new ‘Find Your Mood’ feature. I used the focus feature while making my FYE presentation. It really worked.”
First-years will have heard the playlist assembled by the NSL team, which features a mix of new music and recognizable hits.
Professor of Philosophy, Fernández, Ph.D. also has a unique view on music.
“I love opera. Love the art form. Love classical music. I was just listening to Bach on my way up there. It’s just an aesthetic that I possess and appreciate,” Fernández shares.
This intrepid reporter, of course, has his own music tastes. Recently, I’ve been listening to everything from Lucy Dacus’ debut album, “No Burden”, and Boygenius’ “The Record,” to Amy Winehouse’s acclaimed “Back to Black” album.
Readers will also recognize summer classics from Dominic Fike, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Vance Joy, and Sublime. In my humble opinion, however, there is no summer song quite like The Clash’s “Rock the Casbah.”
For those of you looking forward to the turning of the seasons, I can recommend The Lumineers, Caamp, Fleet Foxes and Mumford & Sons as fitting autumn bands.
Whatever you listen to, try to keep Fernández’s view in mind.
“It’s a great art form. Super dramatic. The music is beautiful and awesome. It inspires awe and respect. At the same time, it can be enjoyed. It’s really beautiful. It’s moving,” Fernández proclaims.
Happy Listening!
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