Musical getaway
8 songs to get you through the winter gloom
Story by Mary d’Arcy
Published Feb. 17, 2026
Illustration by Royce Alton
This is a mixtape brought to you by your fellow students around campus. It's full of songs that bring people joy in moments of need, and hopefully, when you listen, it will bring you some joy as well. Solidarity can come from outright messages, such as political displays or intentionally standing up for one another, or from the simple act of knowing someone else is standing beside you. Each song comes from a different person with different individual interpretations of solidarity. Each one is just as important as the next.
Thank you for taking the time to listen to music that brings your fellow students joy and comfort. We hope it brings you a sense of community when you listen. Enjoy!
Sky Skisald’s favorite song is “(I Can See) The Future” because it’s about having hope for the future and working together for something better.
Sara Villalobos enjoys Appalachian music and folk. “The tune is very country and folk combined,” Villalobos explained. “It brings me a sense of calm but the lyrics are always super political.” She is especially fond of Woody Guthrie’s work. She loves the song “Hobo’s Lullaby,” by Woody Guthrie.
Lu Franco loves the song “Footloose,” by Kenny Loggins from the movie “Footloose.” It encourages people to dance, and it is easily recognizable. “It inspires a sense of joy, and it really makes me want to kick around,” said Franco.
Alder Peirce chose “Earthmover,” by Have a Nice Life. It brings Pierce a sense of peace and helps him reflect on a loss in his family.
Eric Reid likes “Late Registration,” by Kanye West because it reminds Reid of memories of high school with his friends driving fast with the windows down.
Mollie Simmons’s favorite song is “Vienna,” by Billy Joel. “Vienna” reminds Simmons of her mom, who also loves the song and shares her diverse music taste.
Amaya Shean-Jonas also loves “Vienna,” by Billy Joel. Shean-Jonas re-found the song in high school and thinks it’s a good reminder to slow down and appreciate where you are.
Allie Schwartz enjoys the song “Better Way,” by Watchhouse. The lead singer Andrew Marlin’s voice sounds like a hug to Schwartz, and she likes the message of the song.