Nicole's Playlist Playground: Uplift & Brighten

I began my formal relationship with the Regina Folk Festival 9 or 10 years ago in my role as Curator of Education at the MacKenzie Art Gallery. We partnered with the festival to provide visual art programming at the festival and they provided musical magic at our yearly outdoor fundraiser Bazaart. I have been a personal fan of the festival for as long as I can remember. My family and I have developed a yearly tradition of weekend passes. We plan our summer around the festival. It has been such a beautiful thing to watch our daughters grow and learn how to understand the world and our connections to each other through music.

This is a playlist to waken and brighten your day. At the same time it is very personal; this list reflects the presence of music at the many stages of my life…these songs have always been there, uplifting and supporting me through it all.

"Wait in the Car" by The Breeders
Reason: Last Splash defined my teenage experience and when this new album came out I felt like I'd won the lottery. This song is a FORCE. I'm so excited to share it!

"Rapture" by Blondie
Reason: One of my earliest records was The Best of Blondie. Deborah Harry epitomizes 'girl power' to me. When I listen to her voice I feel I can do anything.

"Glory of the 80's" by Tori Amos
Reason: It was the 90's. Tori raised me.

"I'll Still Destroy You" by The National
Reason: This song is pure poetry. The lyrics bring me warmth.

"In 3's" by Beastie Boys
Reason: I was late to the Neko Case game. I heard her for the first time at the RFF and haven't stop listening since that starry magical night. Every song moves me.

"The Needle Has Landed" by Neko Case
Reason: There's nothing better than a Beastie Boys instrumental as a soundtrack for your day.