Songs to Give you That Early Morning Boost
Note: since the writing of this article it has been revealed that Loren Ashton of Bassnectar has had sexual misconduct allegations come out against him. The music meant to me what it meant to me at the time, but now I am no longer interested in supporting the movement. Do some research and learn more about the incident, and let’s all help one another (ESPECIALLY the victims of sexual abuse) heal during this time.
(Come to find out, many of my “wellness” posts are about music. Music is a great coping mechanism for many people with mental illness— and without— and I love celebrating that with everyone! Since I can’t go to festivals this year, sharing music here with everyone is a great way for me to experience that cathartic feeling in a new, digital way. Anyways...)
Some days I wake up and feel ready to roll. Others, I wake up and need a *boost*, ya know? Lately, two albums released just this year (and a few songs from each, more specifically) have given me that early morning, or late night, jolt of energy and motivation I’ve desperately needed. Those include none other than...
Albums by two of my all-time favorite artists: EDM and social change vehicle Bassnectar, and the legendary Lady Gaga. In one of my previous posts I discussed Gaga’s impact on my life through her lyrics dealing with mental health, trauma, self-acceptance, and more, but this time I want to dive a little deeper into her album ‘CHROMATICA’, as well as Bassnectar’s latest full-length, ‘All Colors.’
First up, ‘CHROMATICA.’
Gaga’s sixth full-length effort, ‘CHROMATICA,’ is another testament to the star’s ever-evolving image, as well as a reminder of her constant, core message: accept yourself, you were *born this way.*
The opening track on the album, after the first interlude (“CHROMATICA I”), is titled “Alice,” and it will give you ALL the dance-floor, get-to-work, let’s-go-girls vibes that you’ll ever need. Seriously, this track will get you moving in moments. As Gaga croons, “My name isn’t Alice / But I’ll keep looking, I’ll keep looking for Wonderland,” you can feel the inquisitive nature of the statement come to life. What are *you* looking for? How long will you keep looking? Well, in Gaga’s case (and mine), she’ll keep looking, she’ll keep looking for Wonderland. TL;DR? Never stop dreaming, reaching out, exploring, going further. Keep on keeping on, y’all.
Promotional Image from Gaga’s ‘CHROMATICA’, Courtesy of Rolling Stone
Another track on LG’s sixth effort that I absolutely love (and that makes my body move in sheer celebration) is “Free Woman.” Ladies, this one is for us, and it’s a complete banger. Gaga sings, “This is my dance floor / I fought for,” and that resonates. Truly, this one hits close to home; for every woman (or person, in general, regardless of gender identity) that has fought to be where they are today, this song is a celebration. An anthem. A true testament to the work you’ve put in, and the rewards you’ve reaped (or will reap very soon.) TL;DR? This one is empowering in every way, celebrating how far you’ve come and the work you’ve put in. Look at you go!
Last but not least, ‘All Colors.’
‘All Colors,’ Nectar’s latest full-length effort, is full of original mixes, redux tracks, and Bass Remedy remixes. Two original tracks in particular amplify the project’s message of social change, acceptance, and healing through music and community, and they are...
“Nice and Easy,” featuring Rodney P., for starters. Not only does this track have a wildly hype intro, it also has genuine lyrical substance. Referencing the current situation surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic, Rodney P. speaks over the beat, “Inside for the people,” celebrating the bass community’s commitment to the safety and solidarity of all humans during this wild (and dangerous) time. P. goes on, “We plant the seed, and the Bass is the nectar / To feed the bees (...) / We got the medicine to cure your disease.” If that’s not a perfect summation of Bassnectar’s commitment to the community, then I don’t know what is. TL;DR? This track celebrates what the Bassheads already knew— that Bassnectar is more than Loren Ashton making music. It’s a movement that celebrates life, love, music and community in the best ways.
Bassnectar Performs on Stage, Image Owner Unknown
Next up is “Rewind the Track,” which starts with a Ashel Seasunz rapping over a relatively simple beat, “Ayo, feel this sound / Clash this, spastic...” but the true message comes in the next few lines, which declare, “Backflip, knock the world off axis / (...) Rewind the track, rewind the track again.” Like, WOW— if that doesn’t energize you, I’m not sure what will; the image of doing a literal backflip while the beat amps up to a fever-pitch is enough to get me going anytime, any day. TL;DR? Get up, get moving, and “knock the world off axis” with your immovable dedication, flow, and pure energetic expression. You got this!
There are many more songs off each album worth writing about (these are truly some “no skips” records, TBH), but I digress— go listen for yourselves and let the magical, musical sounds fill up your souls and move your body. You won’t regret it.