“It’s Spring, I Love You, and I’m Surrounded by Snow”

Carissa Argumedo 

Music Journalist 

Spring has officially begun and the world around us is changing in spirit. I don’t know if it’s just me, but there is something about the blossoming greenery and moist humid air that feels sort of melancholic? We’re four months into the year and our brains are getting a little foggier as the days pass by, or at least mine is. Rather than running away from this glum mood, I try to embrace it. Here’s some music, both new and old favorites, that act as my personal blanket of comfort through all the conflicting feelings of being a human being in this season.  

Starting with the album that inspired this article and its title, It’s Summer, I Love You, and I’m surrounded by Snow by Dead Gowns. As I’m scrolling through the Browse section of Apple Music, a typical way I discover new artists and songs, I stumble upon this. Instantly, I am hooked simply because of the poetically beautiful album name. I mean, I have never felt so seen by an album name. The juxtaposing light of the spring sun beaming down on me as my mind swirls with cold and lonely darkness is a weird experience. Seriously though, I didn’t expect to completely fall in love with the entire project. Released on Valentine’s Day of this year, the alternative folk album consists of twelve songs spanning across 45 minutes, detailing some of the most devastating and raw lyrics sung like pretty lullabies. Dead Gowns’ voice is so reminiscent of artists I love like Phoebe Bridgers and Maggie Rogers, yet there is something so distinct about them that it is hard to quite compare. I encourage you all to listen to the entire album, but some standouts for me were “How Can I,” and “Wet Dog.”  Go on a little nature walk and let this be the soundtrack. A blissful misery.  

A song I constantly run back to when I’m in a more somber mood is “Ur Name on a Grain of Rice” by Runnner. An artist I’ve been a loud praiser of since discovering him in 2021, this song is deeply personal to me. Still, there was no doubt in my mind that I should share with you all because I truly believe it is a song that can heal you. To all my overthinking, anxiety-ridden, and unsure people out there, this song is it for us. As college students, we are in the most transitional period of our lives. Collectively, we are mourning the person we were, who we thought we were, and who we wanted to be. This song highlights the feeling of constant regret and how difficult we are on ourselves. If you connected with this specific song, please continue to support Runnner because he’s an awesome guy and musician!  

What’s a slightly sad playlist without some Adrienne Lenker? Her voice is exactly how I would imagine the emotions I experienced as a teenager personified into a voice. “Great White Shark” by Big Thief, it took me so long to realize that Lenker is the literal lead singer of Big Thief, is one of my favorite pieces put out by the band. Whether you’re listening to a solo project from Adrienne Lenker or to Big Thief, you are aware that for the next few minutes you are going to be coaxed into relaxation just from Lenker’s voice alone. This is exactly what this song does for me. I like to listen to music that fits my exact mood, and sometimes my mood is this; I want the lyrics to match my despair, but not to the point where I’m having a meltdown, and I want the overall music to be quiet. I want to not only hear the music but feel it simultaneously. Plus, Lenker’s voice reminds me of the Juno soundtrack, which is my comfort film, so maybe there’s a relation to be found there.  

Take care of yourself always, but if you’re much like me during this particular season, give yourself a bit more grace than usual. Lean on the people you love, fill your gaps of time with hobbies you enjoy, and listen to music that comforts you through the motions. I love you, its spring, and I’m surrounded by snow, but you and I both will make it through!