Music Contributor Soliyana Pellicer Alemayehu shares her playlist for April, perfectly curated for springtime
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Kouji Tsuru
April marks the season of fresh starts, brighter days, and a slow return to motion. As spring unfolds, there’s a sense of shaking off the stillness, like waking gently from a long hibernation. The days grow longer, the sun sticks around, and life begins to bloom again. This is a 38-minute playlist perfect for a commute, with each song carrying a different shade of spring: the reflection, the restlessness and the romance. It starts soft, like the calm of an early April morning, then gradually builds, catching rhythm and warmth as it goes.
April Come She Will – Simon & Garfunkel
Paul Simon & Art Garfunkel are an iconic American folk-rock duo. Meeting in elementary school they continued their friendship with many classics such as ‘The Boxer’, ‘Cecelia’ and The Sound of Silence’. ‘April Come She Will’ is from their 1966 album Sounds of Silence, and it captures the quiet, fleeting beauty of seasonal change. It has an acoustic sound which feels like the perfect opener: it is soft, reflective, and brief. It sets the emotional tone for the playlist like the first bloom of spring.
Pink Moon – Nick Drake
Following the soft start of Simon & Garfunkel, ‘Pink Moon’ by Nick Drake gently deepens this tone. Drake was a folky English singer-songwriter whose work, though largely overlooked during his lifetime, has become deeply influential in the decades since. This song is the title track from his third and final studio album released in 1972. Many people remember ‘Pink Moon’ from the 1999 Volkswagen advert which left a profound impact on them due to the song. With just voice and guitar, it feels quiet, haunting and oddly comforting. It echoes the feeling of coming out of the cold and gloomy hibernation days that we were in – shaky at first, but calm and full of promise.
Mystery of Love – Sufjan Stevens
Commonly recognised from the film Call Me By Your Name (2017), this track by Sufjan Stevens continues the playlist’s gentle emotional arc. Stevens is an American singer-songwriter known for his delicate, poetic songwriting and his ability to blend folk, classical, and electronic influences. He gained widespread acclaim for albums like Illinois and Carrie & Lowell. ‘Mystery of Love’ feels magical – like the beginning of falling in love, like the blossoming of spring. Everything suddenly feels new, exciting, and full of wonder.
Nature Feels – Frank Ocean
This track is the epitome of spring akin to the first truly warm day of April. Frank Ocean, an American singer-songwriter celebrated for his dreamy production and emotional honesty, brings a new pulse to the playlist. Previously part of the alternative hip-hop collective Odd Future Wolf Gang Kill Them All, his 2011 Nostalgia, Ultra album was his debut self-released album. ‘Nature Feels’ is a straight sample from MGMT’s ‘Electric Feel’ but Frank Ocean brings his own playful, impulsive tone with a full desire for life.
Strawberry Letter 23 – Shuggie Otis
Shuggie Otis was a teenage prodigy, guitarist, songwriter, and producer whose blend of funk, soul, and psychedelia was far ahead of its time. This track comes from his 1971 album Freedom Flight, and it radiates warmth, nostalgia, and dreamy complexity. As a follow-up to ‘Nature Feels’, it keeps the energy high with its shimmering textures and upbeat groove. However, the track has a soft bittersweet undertone evocative of letting go of what has passed to make room for the new beginnings that spring provides.
Sick – Lunar Vacation
Atlanta indie-rock band Lunar Vacation released their album Everything Matters, Everything’s Fire in 2024. While there are many great songs to choose from, ‘Sick’ seemed like a fun addition to the playlist. It brings a youthful energy with its hazy guitars, reminiscent of shoegaze and surf rock sounds, adding a modern indie sparkle to this spring.
Out of Time – Blur
Blur is a British band and one of the key figures of the ’90s Britpop movement. ‘Out of Time’ comes from their more experimental 2003 album Think Tank, created during a period of internal change and creative reinvention, including Gragham Coxon, the guitarist, leaving the band during the recording of the album. ‘Out of Time’ has layered sounds, production, and space which creates a whole world, rather than spotlighting one instrument or performer. It is a track that has been on repeat for me this month, so giving it the spotlight feels only natural.
Fader – Róisín Murphy
Róisín Murphy is an Irish singer-songwriter known for her bold fusion of electronic, dance, house, and alternative music. She first rose to fame as one half of the duo Moloko, known for their hit ‘Sing It Back’, before launching a solo career. This song is part of her 2023 Hit Parade album. ‘Fader’ adds a refreshing shift in energy to the playlist. While the beat remains steady, its upbeat spirit and repeated lyric “keep on” feel like a motivating push forward; perfect for carrying on the playlist, and yourself, into the rest of the season.
I’ll Pick a Rose for My Rose – Marv Johnson
Marv Johnson was one of the early voices of Motown discovered by Berry Gordo. Johnson blends blues, R&B, and soul into a smooth, heartfelt sound, making him a defining force in 20th-century music. He is best known for tracks like ‘You Got What It Takes’ and ‘Come to Me’. Released in 1969, ‘I’ll Pick a Rose for My Rose’ is a romantic gesture wrapped in rich harmonies and classic soul charm. This song reminds me of seeing the flowers bloom in spring. It carries on the upbeat feeling and captures that hopeful, blossoming energy.
Al Mar! – Manel
Manel is a Catalan indie pop band with folk and rock influences. It is comprised of Guillem Gisbert (lead vocals), Roger Padilla (guitar, vocals), Martí Maymó (bass, vocals) and Arnau Vallvé (drums, vocals). Their 2008 debut album Els Millors Professors Europeus introduced their signature breezy, feel-good sound. ‘Al Mar!‘ feels like you are at the beach when the sun is about to set, but the warmth still lingers in the air. It’s the perfect addition for spring, offering a smooth, optimistic vibe. And with their influences, including Sufjan Stevens, it ties back nicely to the gentle beginning of the playlist.
Cordeiro de Nanã – Os Tincoãs
Os Tincoãs is a Brazilian group rooted in Afro-Brazilian rhythms and culture, blending traditional music with tropicalia and jazz influences. ‘Cordeiro de Nanã’ comes from their 1977 self-titled album, where they mix intricate percussion and harmonious vocals to create a deep, spiritual atmosphere. This track carries that sunset warmth and celebratory energy from the previous track. It’s a reminder of the joy and richness that comes with the changing of the seasons
Abracadabra – afrosurrealist
Wrapping up the playlist is afrosurrealist, a UK artist who always leaves a lasting impression. His Reworks EP, which dropped in 2023, is packed with great tracks, and ‘Abracadabra’ is a standout. With its experimental rap sound and unpredictable energy, it makes for a fun way to close out the playlist.
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