The Merit of Monthly Playlists

Are playlists the new journaling?

by Juliette Shea | Photo by Amanda Hess

For most, the transition from the end of one month to the start of the next is insignificant. Not for me. The 1st of every month marks an important day: the creation of a new “monthly playlist.”

It is quite a simple task. The playlist is titled the current month, and its cover image, as well as the selected soundtracks, are chosen to encapsulate the creator’s emotions throughout the span of those 30 days. For example, your “August” playlist may have an image of yourself at the beach with sand in your hair, and the songs may be upbeat and carefree, eliciting sensations of hot summer night drives or the intoxicating smell of sunscreen. In contrast, your “October” playlist may feature an image of a poorly carved pumpkin accompanied by melodic tunes that evoke that first sip of hot coffee or cable-knit against your skin. As you add more and more songs to your playlist, you end up with the soundtrack of your life for that month.

There is more merit to monthly playlists than just an easy go-to choice when choosing music for a road trip or a stroll to class—it provokes memories. Just like journaling, writing down what happens to you for purposes of recollection or personal reinvention, monthly playlists allow you to look back on your mental state, emotions, and memories tied to song. I know that if Mitski made up 90% of my monthly playlist then it was a rough one…

Interestingly, monthly playlists don’t have to be a solo pursuit. One of my best friends and I have spent many car rides listening to each other’s picks of the month, exchanging songs with one another and backstories as to why they made the cut. I have her to blame for Yung Gravy’s appearance on my “July” playlist.

Monthly playlists have changed my life. Now as a freshman in college, I’m appreciative that I can skim through the playlists I created in high school and see how much I have evolved, how much I have learned, and how much I have stayed true to heart. If I were to click on any song last “June” it would transport me right back to the time of graduation—a state of utter ease, excitement for my next chapter, and gratitude for the last moments with my hometown friends. “September,” on the other hand, was a bit of a Mitski month.

Next time the first of the month strikes, begin to add your favorite current songs to your platform of choice (I personally recommend Spotify). As the month progresses, add more and more songs that represent you at this time in your life. You’ll end up with a memory-packed gift for your heart, soul, and ears that you can listen to for years to come.