It's 90 degrees outside. The UV index is practically begging for us to get out and tan. I'm starting to get that all-too-familiar feeling of sweating while walking to class.
Spring has sprung — and then some, so it's only right with the change in seasons, we change up our rotations of music, movies and media.
Feeling a little lost? The Echo has you covered. From movies to music, the resident arts experts of The State Press have carefully curated some media you can consume to commemorate the changing seasons.
Music, music and more music
Recent release: "10 songs" by Q
Vibes. Do we need anything else? With shades of Frank Ocean and Blood Orange throughout the ten-song mixtape, the criminally underrated Florida native gives us a project where all R&B heads can find something to enjoy.
There's a lot of diversity throughout the project. "be with ya" is an upbeat warm-weather anthem, "pretty woman" envelops you in a cozy, neo-soul ambiance, and "number one" is an emotional ballad perfect for mourning the end of your latest talking stage.
Side note — Q wrote and produced every track on the mixtape. The guy has serious talent, and I can't wait until he gets his big break.
My personal favorite: "after dark"
Needing nostalgia: "Lucy Pearl" by Lucy Pearl
Consisting of members from '90s institutions in A Tribe Called Quest, En Vogue and Tony! Toni! Toné!, this R&B supergroup was bound to produce bangers. Lucy Pearl's eponymous (and only) album is as dance-able as it was when the project dropped 25 years ago.
"Dance Tonight" remains a carefree, feel-good jam (Grammy nominated! Don't sleep on it). The simple yet infectiously sweet vocals on "LaLa" brings back memories of that Y2K, Amerie and Aaliyah sound that's tragically absent in the contemporary music scene.
If you want an oldie to impress your parents, "Lucy Pearl" is the album for you.
My personal favorite: "Lucy Pearl's Way"
Going Nonverbal: "open this wall" by berlioz
Lyrics aren't for everybody. As finals are quickly approaching and I find my unexcused absences catching up with me, I'm due to lock in with some background music that won't keep me too distracted.
"open this wall" is the perfect candidate — a noncommittal, 35-minute listen that seamlessly merges jazz and house music and makes for a great introduction to both genres. Each of the eleven songs has its own identity while never being too jarring when transitioning between each other — perfect to keep you focused on that stats homework.
As jazz's saxophone and house's groovy drums masquerade as copilots, the UK-based artist transports you to a hazy, dim-lit club across the pond, espresso martini in hand.
My personal favorite: "joycelyn's dance"
The spring playlist to end all spring playlists
Spring is a lot of different things for a lot of different people, so I focused on putting something for everybody here. Whether you're feeling classics like Stevie Wonder's "My Cherie Amour" or newer tracks like Playboi Carti's "WE NEED ALL DA VIBES," you're bound to find a track that gets you in the groove.
Just be sure to give me credit when your friends ask what you've got on aux.
End of semester outings: 2nd Sundays on Mill
Feeling those Sunday scaries? How about heading outside and grabbing some fresh air? The 2nd Sundays event is one of the many things that gives Mill Avenue its distinctive charm. From 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., the streets are shut down in favor of foot traffic, letting you roam about and see all downtown Tempe has to offer.
Whether it be live music, street vendors, a vintage car showcase or a barber battle, there's no shortage of entertainment on Mill — and on this 2nd Sunday, the last of the school year, Mill just might shine brighter in the daytime than it does at night.
From the depths of my Letterboxd: "Dazed and Confused"
April is one of those months that lacks a central identity, so why not give it a movie that doesn't have much of a central plot? "Dazed and Confused" is a classic coming-of-age film from the mind of Richard Linklater.
A killer performance by Matthew McConaughey, some great fits for the late '70s Pinterest moodboard and a plot that's far more about the ride than the destination? There's nothing to be dazed or confused about (I'm hilarious) — this is a must watch for anyone with two hours of free time.
One last thing — the soundtrack in this movie is in a league of its own. Oldies and goldies galore.
Edited by Andrew Dirst, Sophia Braccio and Katrina Michalak.
Reach the reporter at stroeste@asu.edu and follow @samtroester on X.
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Sam is a sophomore studying political science with a minor in business. This is his first semester with The State Press.
