Shelter Through The Storm

Michael Writes:

Top 3 Songs from Andie & Why:

What You Want – Danny Dwyer

I like this song for its soft touch that reminds me of the cosy puffer jacket I’d wear before stepping outside. It’s the objectification of compassion and I can wear it into town when I’m out and about. I’d like to picture the idea of compassion being just as cosy especially in those moments when I don’t have things figured. I’ll adapt as things happen – all I need to know is that there’s a comforting jacket to put on when the outside world is a little too forgiving for my liking.

Le Départ – Adi Oasis

I find this song has a way of encouraging me to be mindful – I can let go of all expectations just for a short while and tune in with myself. The first 10 seconds prompt me to take a deep breath in and out as I recline back onto a floating pool chair floating within the vastness of my being. This short track does so much in reminding me that some things aren’t that huge in the grand scheme of things. There’s so much life within us and sometimes a deep breath and mindful moment can feel like washing out the cloudy debris from our eyes.

You’ll See Me – The Soul Chance

I like this song as a closing song because of its vulnerable, soft tone and message. This song evokes the feelings of perseverance despite stormy seas. I find it fitting with the theme of autumn – we’re about to go into colder, darker times, but then we will see the sunshine once more. It’s a bittersweet song, but for me it sends a message of hope, faith and trust in the good times coming in. Through knowing this, let’s enjoy the good times that are here, much like the cover art, let’s have our leaving party.

A poem to you’d like to share

Hold me close. Don’t you dare let go.
It’s not every day we get this chance,
Or even this moment.

They’ve only just opened the gates, and the lemmings are rushing for the best seat – you’d be a fool if you think I’m letting you follow suit.
Is that the citrus you know I like? You know me too well
& I know you too well

I know you well enough to be certain that you also hate this,
This idea, this feeling – of it all ending for far too long.
The lemmings have left us some space.

Maybe I should also chase my herd into the train.
The train won’t leave without me – but yours will.
Honestly, I need something to keep me warm.
Something to hang onto. Something to shelter me, until those leaves turn green again.

Andie Writes:

Top 3 Songs from Michael & Why:

Coolin – Jacob Banks

This is one of the songs that I still have on constant repeat. It’s warm and slow tone makes me feel another level of calm. I had no idea what to expect, and it really did surprise me. What’s more, the lyrics got me. I can feel some sadness to it, at least when I listen to it, or I guess it also depends on my situation, but one thing’s for sure, it’s beautiful and it makes me realise something each time I listen to it.

Phenomenon – ODIE

I was familiar with ODIE, but not this track. I’m so grateful that Michael decided to add it, since it became one of my ultimate favourites! It’s the voice, the lyrics, the tone – everything. It also makes me think and I do love it when a song gets my thoughts going.The instruments are so deep, but light, and the vocal layering hits my ears just right!

Sunrise – Nikolas Paschburg

I was expecting some type of instrumental to be added to this playlist, especially since it fits so well with the theme, and this really stuck with me! I gotta say, it absolutely does sound like a sunrise, like the tones of a new day – a fresh start. I usually listen to songs like this by the end of the day, though, since it’s so relaxing, but it did shift my perspective. It now gives me peaceful mornings, and no matter what’s ahead of me for the day, I make sure to evoke this beautiful start, first.

A poem to you’d like to share

I’m here, holding on, just as close,
As you hold onto me, through whispers and roads.
It’s a fleeting gift, this pause we’ve caught,

A moment unhurried, where we’re simply sought.
I see the crowd as they rush and they fold,
But we linger, where warmth breaks the cold.

Yes, that scent—I chose it for you,
A quiet reminder, familiar, true.
I know you don’t like the end,

How it stirs and unsettles, that quiet bend.
But here’s our space, just yours and mine,
Where winter holds, yet spring waits in line.
So I’ll keep you close until we part,

Shelter through storms, warmth in the heart.
And if you find green leaves before I do,
Remember this moment—when we both knew.

Track Listing

• Summers Over Interlude – Drake
• Coolin – Jacob Banks
• kometostai.aintreallynootherwaytoputitro – Knxwledge
• Daisy Mae – Leon Bridges
• Small Town Girl – Bakar
• Phenomenon – ODIE
• Headaches – Raveena
• What You Want – Danny Dwyer
• CYANIDE – Daniel Caesar
• 10 Years Ago – FKJ
• I’m In Love With You – Poolside
• Hypnosis – Holy Hive
• Spirit 2.0 – Sampha
• Right – Mac Miller
• do you light up? – Dijon
• STEREO DRIVER – Q
• All Night (Unfinished) – Jai Paul
• GINGER – BROCKHAMPTON
• Do You… – Miguel
• you up? – Yaya Bey
• Easier Said Than Done – Thee Sacred Souls
• Still Cold – Cleo Sol
• I’ll Never Leave – Les Imprimés
• Wonder – Fizzy Orange
• Closer – The Silhouettes Project
• Antidote – Orion Sun
• Le Départ – Adi Oasis
• Eternal Sunshine – Lou Val
• Dream – Al Green
• Masterpiece – SAULT
• I Wish You Love, Pt. 1 – Joe Bataan
• It Only Happens – Delegation
• Sunrise – Niklas Paschburg
• Colors of the Rainbow – Lonnie Liston Smith
• Half-Light (feat. Kelly Zutrau) – Rostam
• You’ll See Me – The Soul Chance

Playlist image by Aaron Burden on Unsplash