MIXTAPE: The Harmaleighs’ Anthems for the Weak

We are both anxious creatures, whether it comes to an existential crisis about our career choice or what to say next in a conversation. We created a playlist for the Bluegrass Situation based on songs that help calm our anxious minds. — Haley Grant and Kaylee Jasperson, The Harmaleighs

The Harmaleighs – “Anthem for the Weak”

An anthem for those who suffer from anxiety.

The Harmaleighs – “Don’t Panic”

One of our favorites off the new record — we want you to close your eyes and lose all concepts of time and space when you listen.

Lucius – “Go Home”

The first song we ever heard from our favorite band.

The Lumineers – “Gloria”

This is a banger. It does what a lot of Haley’s favorite songs do. It pairs heavy lyrical content with an upbeat danceable vibe. Also, have you seen the music video? It’s visually STUNNING.

Faye Webster – “Room Temperature”

Haley highly recommends you watch the music video. One of her favorites!

Molly Burch – “Without You”

She is Haley’s new favorite discovery! Her tunes give us a major throwback feels.

Theo Katzman – “Break Up Together”

King 👏🏻 of 👏🏻 break 👏🏻 up 👏🏻 songs 👏🏻

Bahamas – “Okay, Alright, I’m Alive”

Bahamas are the most underrated band walking planet Earth.

Ethan Gruska – “Rather Be”

His voice transfers Haley to another dimension.

Emily King – “Remind Me”

One of our favorite artists!! Love how you can feel the intention behind every single word.

Brandi Carlile – “Oh Dear”

Brandi has been such an influence for both of us from a young age. This is one of our favorite songs by her.

Dixie Chicks – “Not Ready to Make Nice”

When morale is low on tour and we are finishing up the last stretch home, you better believe we CRANK this tune.

Patty Griffin – “Forgiveness”

This song has been a constant in our road playlist since we started the band. The songwriting and performance of it is so emotionally raw. This is a grounding track for us. It’s a reminder that the most important thing to portray in a record is the feeling and Patty Griffin nails it.

Lowland Hum – “Will You Be”

The sound of their voices together immediately calms Haley down.

Caroline Rose – “Getting to Me “

Haley swears she has listened to this song 300 times. There is something about the beat in the beginning that makes her feel at ease.

Andrew Bird – “So Much Wine, Merry Christmas”

This song brings Haley back to a very peaceful time in her life. When she listens to it, she can close her eyes and pretend like she’s 21 again.

Paul Simon – “Diamonds on the Souls of her Shoes”

Paul Simon is an artist we both have strong roots with. His voice and instrumentation of all of his songs can make your heart sing.


Photo credit: Ruth Chapa

MIXTAPE: Carson McHone’s Recent & Relevant Playlist

Modern songs that deal with important topics. Not all of these songs pinpoint specific political or social issues but they contribute to the conversations I believe we need be having in society today. When I am frustrated or angry or scared about the state of the world, these are songs that inspire me to focus my energy. They remind me that art is relevant and in fact an important tool in the global discussion. — Carson McHone

“To the Boys” — Molly Burch

Molly is a local Austin favorite and her latest record covers lots of territory. This one’s very direct and delivers an undeniable punch. Also it’s super catchy!

“Glass Jar” – Tristen

Killer pop songs all over Tristen’s latest release. “Glass Jar” examines social media I believe … great imagery!

“Wild Blue Wind” — Erin Rae

Like Tristen, Erin Rae is based in Nashville and tapped in to some very relative issues including sexual identity and, in “Wild Blue Wind,” struggles with mental health. This song is so beautiful and it makes me cry every time I hear it.

“Bad Bad News” — Leon Bridges

This song is something else. It’s heavy, but it rises above and is groovy in every way. It’s my favorite thing from him so far…

“(Gone Is) All but a Quarry of Stone” – Premix Single — Daniel Romano

Both this song and the accompanying video are devastating. There’s something so beautiful and timeless about the melody and yet the song is haunting and foreboding, suggesting, well, just doom it seems. And I love this premix version.

“Little Movies” — Aaron Lee Tasjan

Another Nashvillian making waves and great music. “Little Movies” I believe also deals with the modern age of technology and social media, how we establish our presence on the screen, definitely a worthy topic for discussion.

“Boyfriend” — Marika Hackman

She’s not afraid to get dirty. Marika Hackman’s lyrics always dig deep. The music on her 2018 I’m Not Your Man album, this song in particular, is more raw and rockin’ than I’ve heard from her before and it’s totally killer.

“Image” — Lera Lynn

Every line is great. Relevant? I’d say especially these days!

“The Body Electric” — Hurray for the Riff Raff

This song does a beautiful job of reaching back in time and bringing a common, and dark, theme into the spotlight of modern times. The tune and the video are working on lots of levels, and they’re all very powerful.

“It Seemed the Better Way” — Leonard Cohen

The timing of his passing was uncanny. It certainly got darker, way darker. But he left us with a lifetime of just the most thoughtful art. We’ve got a lot of work to do and we’ve got his words and music to aspire to. Thank you Leonard Cohen.


Photo credit: Laura Hajar