GET TO THE GIG: Daydreaming Edition

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WRITTEN BY: Ruby Lee

Mid-semester blues getting to you? You are most definitely not alone. 

This is your reminder to slow down and be kind to yourself.

It’s okay to feel a little lazy, it’s okay to not want to do anything sometimes, it’s okay to not be 110% productive every minute of every day. And it is ~more than okay~ to daydream. 

Here’s a little lineup to help lift your spirit, ease your mind, and take you to a place of peace and good vibes only. Relax and enjoy! 

Kacey Musgraves – “Somewhere Only We Know” (BBC Radio 2 Piano Room, October 2018)

This lovely cover of a classic by Queen Kacey herself will transport you to a separate plane of existence, one full of sweets and smiles and fluffy animals and every beautiful thing. Her trademark honey vocals take the song to a positively ethereal level and are complemented perfectly by the softest combination of piano and strings. It is a wonderfully fitting start to this soundtrack for daydreaming: “If you have a minute, why don’t we go?”

Lennon Stella – “Kissing Other People” (Live in Los Angeles, December 2019)

The lead single off of Miss Lennon’s debut studio album Three. Two. One, “Kissing Other People” is all about starting over and feeling free in love. The live performance for it definitely hits different, and the black-and-white visuals for this video in particular seem to perfectly embody Lennon’s effortlessly angelic stage presence. That, and the smiling faces of the fans in the crowd, make for a beautiful reminder of how amazing live music can be.

Billie Eilish – “wish you were gay” (Live in London, April 2019)

Another chill and vibe-y yet powerful live performance, this time from the lovely (pun intended) Billie Eilish. This video also features lots of smiling, happy fans, along with some really stunning shots and moments that are bound to get you in those prime, concert-high feels. The juxtaposition between Billie’s light and airy vocals and the deep bass and synth in this song is also incredible and deserves all the recognition. 

Taylor Swift – “London Boy” (BBC Radio 1 Live Lounge, September 2019)

Care for a quick trip to London? “Babe, don’t threaten me with a good time!!!” This performance is THE definition of warm and lighthearted, and just a small snippet of all the happiness that Taylor’s full-length album Lover has to offer. It is summer, it is sunshine, it is a field of flowers wherein you can frolic to your heart’s desire. 

Anne-Marie and Ed Sheeran – “2002” (Official Acoustic Video, July 2018)

Before you leave London, let these British beauties serenade you with a cozy rendition of an absolute smash. It is the perfect acoustic performance of the charming hit “2002,” by the king of acoustic guitar himself and the ever-so-effervescent chart-topper Anne-Marie. 

Julia Michaels and Selena Gomez – “Anxiety” (Live at The Fonda, November 2019)

Sad girl anthem but make it social! Performed by introvert icon Julia Michaels and her BFF Selena Gomez (casual stuff, no biggie), this duet may be about feeling anxious but is so fun to sing along and sway to. Feel free to get lost in it with them, and fun fact: right after this show, Julia and Selena celebrated their best friendship with matching tattoos! They are the cutest ever. 

Alessia Cara – “Love Me Tender” (Elvis All-Star Tribute, February 2019)

A full circle moment! Here’s another lovely cover of a classic, and by another honey vocalist at that. To bring your daydreaming to a sweet and satisfying close, enjoy this soft and tender lullaby infused with a certain gentle magic that can only be conjured by Alessia Cara. Let yourself get fully swept away with this last one, to a faraway land full of all the things you love most. 

Here’s to daydreaming, an essential part of self-care in this unlicensed expert’s opinion. Please remember to love and take care of you!