Dear Besties 💌 Lucy Dacus is BACK, Reneé Rapp hits Sesame Street, Best new music and more!

a discovery playlist featuring weekly top 10 music releases

1. Ethel Cain- Amber Waves: While her new album had super varied reception, I think we all might be able to agree this closing track is the highlight! The combination of the eerie atmosphere of the music and her haunted vocals and wistful lyrics put me in another dimension that I’m nostalgic for but can’t quite place.

2. Japanese Breakfast- Orlando In Love: This single gets me so incredibly excited for her upcoming album. Between the Virginia Wolf references, Birth of Venus imagery, and direct call out to me (sad woman)…. yeah Michelle Zauner is a genius

3. Annie DiRusso- Back In Town: I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again—Annie is THAT GIRL. I love her vocal runs and that she’s having a bit of a pop moment. Annie’s lyrics are always so specific yet relatable which is always so impressive to me.

1. What we’ve all been waiting for - Reneé Rapp to appear in upcoming season of Sesame Street starting January 16th.

2. Omg Omg Omg Lucy Dacus announces new single “Ankles” and music video out tomorrow!!!!!

3. The already infamous Lucy Dacus casting call on Tik Tok

4. Clairo’s beautiful merch supporting gofundme’s wildfire relief fund

5. Can I come over and we just do this?

6. Mark Zuckerberg is clearly ummmm lost right now

7. Peak butch femme-ism starring Lucy Dacus & Julien Baker

8. Tate McRae teases new single “Sports Car” 🏎

9. Never underestimate the power of a heartbroken teenage girl

things that i’ve been super into lately that i need to share with you guys

1. I’ve been super into the shop MadHappy lately. They have super cute basics like these embroidered hoodies, loungewear in the cutest colors, and knitwear that looks so comfy cozy.

2. You ever heard a story in playlist form? I forgot about this playlist i made YEARS ago but its one of my all-time bests… if you listen in order it tells a full storyline AND has some really beautiful transitions

3. I‘ve decided that 2025 is the year we all get into knitting and crocheting and sewing! I JUST started knitting and am making this super cute smock tank — the pattern is free and its such a perfect beginner project!

new movies and tv shows on my radar right now

1. I only recently found out about the movie One of Them Days that stars SZA and Keke Palmer but I just saw a clip from it and am obsessed! This seems like such an iconic duo that I didn’t know I needed. Movie is to come out January 24th.

2. We are getting Shrek 5?! In 2026?! I remember watching the first one right when it came out and I was 4 years old …

3. Timothee Chalamet is going to be BOTH the host and music guest on SNL which is not something I put on my 2025 Bingo card… but in hindsight maybe I should’ve haha

BOTW BEL

Hailing from the small town of Clovis, California, Isabel Whelan (BEL) crafts nostalgic songs with honesty and attention to detail. She occupies the intersection of indie rock, pop, and folk, while taking cues from the likes of Stevie Nicks, Joni Mitchell, and Mazzy Star.

spotify / instagram

 What does life look like for you right now?

 Ins and outs for this month? 👑📅🫶

IN 

Pranks/Truth or Dare
Good Wine
Dry shampoo
Following through on lunch plans
Games at the bar
Making Lists
Handwritten letters
Falling asleep in the middle of the movie
Calling instead of texting
Taking more photos of everything for the memories
Rotisserie chicken

OUT 

Boarding groups for airplanes (they feel fake/made up)
Airline ppl trying to tell me to gate check my guitar (there’s room in the coat closet)
Spam calls/texts
Avoidant attachment style
Car problems
Trader Joe’s parking lots
Dry hands
Not holding the door open for people

What’s your favorite hobby right now? What’s a hobby you want to get into this year?🛹🧘‍♀️📷

I love painting right now. I made a lot of paintings for Christmas presents this year! I’d love to get into knitting this year. I feel like that’d be really good for long hours in a tour van and green rooms.

Fashion pieces you’re interested in lately? 👜👡🧥

I love chain belts and layering shirts

Piece of media that’s influenced you 🎼🖼️🎬

I Think You Should Leave 

Any interesting/silly/fun recent tour anecdotes? 🎆🤪🙈

I’ll never forget that a kid did a backflip during my set in Salt Lake City on the most recent tour I was on. It was so hilarious and awesome lol. And I got to see Niagara Falls for the first time after the Toronto show!! It was magical. 

Describe your recent work by a color/season/mood/something interesting🍂🌨️🌼

Copper and gold with emeralds and rubies

Is there an artist you’ve seen live that blew you away? 🪕🎫🎤

Caroline Polachek. Her vocals are otherworldly and I love her so much. It was a spiritual experience!!

What are you listening to right now?🎧📻💿

 I just resurfaced my love of Empire of the Sun so I’ve been on a nostalgic kick for that era of music right now. 

What song/lyric are you most proud of? 📓🪞💌

All your jokes that made me laugh were somebody else’s

What’s a lyric you think about often?📃🏹💭

“Don’t know how to keep loving you now that I know you so well” 

That lyric is so devastating and smart I just love Julia Jacklin’s lyrics so much. 

What’s your dream collab?🫂🔮🫧

Stevie Nicks and Sheryl Crow

Top 4 favorite films?🎞️⭐️🎥

Little Miss Sunshine, Pride and Prejudice, Nacho Libre, What About Bob