Comforting tracks often played through headphones in a quiet library or on a sunset car ride are seeing the big stage this summer as familiar favorite musicians are traveling on tour. From the warm breeze of an outdoor venue to the glow of an orange sunset lighting up the stage, summer nights create a perfect atmosphere to listen to an artist’s discography, ranging from classics to newer tracks.
The sweet season of summer carries a carefree soundtrack of bliss that can be amplified through high-quality speakers and cinematic stagecraft, allowing audiences to appreciate the atmosphere only made possible by live music. Here are four songs from artists that are on tour this summer to encourage celebrating the season on stage.
“STAY HERE 4 LIFE” by A$AP Rocky featuring Brent Faiyaz
A$AP Rocky’s newest album “Don’t Be Dumb,” released Jan. 16, features Rocky’s evolution across different personas. “STAY HERE 4 LIFE” depicts his current stage — a family man with a more laid-back lifestyle. The end of the song is broken up with a chime, a soft melody and an honest narration from Rocky speaking to listeners who should not be disappointed that he gave up the more lavish tendencies of his younger years to respect his loving, long-term relationship with Rihanna.
Brent Faiyaz’s calm, angelic singing, contrasting with A$AP Rocky’s assertive rap verses, creates a dynamic song that brings out the strengths in the two opposing sounds. The smooth, catchy verse “I wish that I could stay here for life” begs to echo in stadiums while the song’s R&B beat encourages the audience to join A$AP Rocky in his high-energy performances. Rocky’s tour, named after the album, brings the rapper’s signature energetic flows and melodic rhythms to venues around the world, treating audiences to a journey through his musical career in an unmatched celebratory environment.
“Someday” by The Strokes
The jubilant glee of summer is not met without the realization of fleeting youth. “Someday,” from The Strokes debut album “Is This It,” touches on the fondness of old memories and relationships as it becomes dauntingly clear that the present is rapidly transforming into the past. The band copes through this sentiment by brushing real, tough decisions off with the simplicity of waiting for “someday,” followed by an upbeat, merry melody to childishly avoid the life decisions that await them.
The indie, hometown band feel to “Someday” makes it easy to catch on from the start. The drums carry a steady beat, paired with an iconic guitar introduction, making it nearly impossible not to nod one’s head along. The raspy voice of frontman Julian Casablancas invites listeners to share in his passionate singing. The Strokes are mostly performing in large outdoor amphitheatres and festivals this summer alongside their new album, “Reality Awaits,” taking the garage band experience to a larger scale and allowing audiences to belt out songs like “Someday” around the world, from Merriweather Post Pavilion in Columbia, Md., to the Summer Sonic festival in Japan.
“Let It Happen” by Tame Impala
The ocean of purple and black waves interrupted by the turbulence of a silver sphere paints the iconic album cover of Tame Impala’s third studio album “Currents,” home to one of their most iconic songs, “Let It Happen.” At nearly eight minutes long, the song has become a fan favorite within the album, reeling in beats that reminisce on the adrenaline of dancing through long summer nights. The flowy synths, pulsating beats and electric guitar share the spotlight, crafting a song that encourages people to explore the unknown and “let it happen.”
Tame Impala’s concerts during “The Deadbeat Tour” — which began in October and runs through the fall — have stood out for their mesmerizing light visuals, creating an additional performance element to the music. The rave-like lights shine for all fans, no matter where they are sitting, supplementing a unique concert experience to pair with the psychedelic rock music that lights up the night summer sky. “Let It Happen” is just one of the staple tracks on the tour that matches the magnificently curated atmospheres of Tame Impala’s live shows.
“Locked out of Heaven” by Bruno Mars
Bruno Mars’ music defined the 2010s with songs that dominated Billboard charts time and again, often characterized by emotional, love-stricken ballads like “Locked out of Heaven.” The upbeat blend of rock, reggae and modern pop is met with lyrics that can be passionately sung — or, often, screamed. In a live setting, the loud, live guitars and drums complement Mars’ roar of “Can I just stay here, spend the rest of my days here?” creating a space for the crowd to release their inner emotions.
Although Mars is on tour for his new album “The Romantic,” his classic hits make up the majority of the set list, exciting fans who are eager to hear his era-defining songs live. Mars’ powerful stage presence and immersive set production creates a high-energy environment to let fans let loose and feel free in the world of music that Mars defines.
These four songs conquer playlists as staples on repeat for fans from all over the world. With melodies that crave to be blasted on a loud stage, this summer presents a golden opportunity to hear these staples live — whether it's partnered with a light show, an intimate jam session or the freedom of an outdoor venue.
Read More
Having it all: Students bridge the gap between academics and artistic passions
By Darya Bartol | 2 days agoMany students at the University have found a way to dive into interests across disciplines, making the case that one does not have to sacrifice their affinity for the arts in academia.
‘you seem pretty sad for a girl so in love’ builds on Olivia Rodrigo’s distinct style
By Kelsey McIntyre | 5 days agoThe highly anticipated project consists of 13 songs and has a runtime of 51 minutes that leans into and expands on her foundations of turbulent and heartbroken alternative pop with new production styles yet familiar lyrical themes.
The University Programs Council looks to widen their impact after a successful year
By Carter Horner | 6 days agoThe Cavalier Daily spoke to both current and former UPC leadership to learn more about their mission and goals moving forward to the fall semester.
