Essential Tracks for your Fall Feels Playlist

by Ashlee Harcar 

Music Journalist 

As autumn settles in, there’s nothing better than the soundtrack of soulful music that mirrors the season’s beauty and nostalgia. Luckily for you, I curated a “Feeling like fall… or in my fall feels” playlist that captures this ambiance from a personal perspective, providing a particular backdrop for cool afternoons, scenic drives, and cozy evenings indoors. Here’s a look at some standout tracks from this Spotify playlist. 

“Come Over and Love Me” by Love Spells 

Love Spells delivers a mesmerizing experience with “Come Over and Love Me,” a track that feels like the perfect paint for the canvas of autumn’s gloomy grey skies. The nineteen-year-old rising star from Houston draws inspiration for his music from Lorde, Radiohead, Mazzy Star and Beabadoobee. The combination of these influences- such as Lorde’s moody pop and Mazzy Star’s dreamy melancholy- create a unique synth that is perfect for fall, evoking the seasons emphasis on love as we approach the holiday season. 

“What Did You See” by Cemeteries 

Cemeteries is the solo project of Kyle J. Reigle, a “goth pop” artist from Buffalo, New York.  “What Did You See” brings an eerie yet soothing quality to the fall atmosphere by capturing the quiet, reflective energy of autumn. This track has a haunting, ethereal vibe that transports me into a foggy, wooded landscape. Cemeteries’ music often explores themes of nostalgia and mystery, making it fitting for a sunset drive or a thoughtful walk surrounded by the season’s ambiance. 

“Upside Down” by Teethe 

For those grappling with the weight of seasonal depression, “Upside Down” offers a reminder that we can “turn this mess around.” It’s a track that gives you permission to release your emotions, making it the perfect song for those moments when you just need a good, cathartic cry. Teethe injects a sense of indie-rock energy into the playlist without losing the moody, contemplative vibe that defines fall. This track strikes a balance between introspection and a subtle edge, mirroring the bittersweet feel of the season. It serves as an ideal track for an overcast day or a long drive under cloudy skies.  

“Leaf” by Witches Exist 

Witches Exist is a local band from Austin that has performed at venues nationwide, including our very own Private Park in San Marcos. As a frequent concertgoer, I can attest that there is nothing quite like experiencing their live performances in the crisp air of fall. This track feels like a tribute to autumn, with lyrics like “watching all the leaves fall off the trees” and “bury me in a pile of leaves” capturing the essences of the season and the shift in energy as winter draws near. 

“Inference” by Fog Lake 

Fog Lake’s “Inference” is a quintessential autumn song with its upbeat energy that captures the joy of autumn festivities. It evokes the simple pleasure of carving pumpkins with friends, laughter echoing, creating cherished memories. The track’s beautiful guitar strums and gentle piano intertwine, reminiscent of sitting by a crackling bonfire under a starry sky, the warmth of the fire contrasting with the crisp air. With each note, it invites you to revel in the season’s magic and mystery, embodying the carefree spirit of fall gatherings.  

“The Thrill of Loneliness” by Hana Stretton 

Stretton’s music invites listeners into a quiet space, perfect for solo walks through the barren trails that have been consumed by the foggy, grey skies. Her lyrics touch on themes of solitude and self-reflection as the “world of wind” begins to unveil its intensity. When Stretton says, “Where time is on the run,” these words resonate with listeners’ sentiments about the swiftly approaching new year and the fleeting passage of time.  

“Something Has To Change” by Lolitah 

“Something Has to Change,” a heartfelt song by my Australian friend I met while traveling in Prague, captures the essence of fall with its passionate vocals and rich musicality. The strumming of the guitar complements the evocative lyrics, creating an atmosphere that complements the reflection of the season. Lolitah encourages listeners to “take yourself outside,” reminding us that it’s essential to reconnect with nature, even in the brisk air, to rejuvenate our spirits and embrace the beauty of the changing seasons. Even though the seasons are opposite in Australia, where it’s springtime, the sound of this song still feels perfect for the weather, evoking the same sense of change and renewal that fall brings elsewhere.  

This carefully curated fall feels playlist encapsulates the diverse moods of the season, capturing everything from loneliness and introspection to joyful celebration. Each track, accessible through the Spotify link, resonates with the shifting energy of autumn, offering a soundtrack for quiet moments spent alone or lively gatherings with loved ones. Whether you’re enjoying the crisp air on a solitary walk or sharing laughter around a bonfire, music enriches our experiences and deepens our connection to the world around us. I hope that you attach lasting memories to music this fall season and enjoy this playlist as you do so.