Music.
They’re there for entertainment, play some sort of role in history, and can trigger memories.
I’ve made a couple of Spotify music playlists in the past. Some include Taylor Swift and how they relate to people I (used) to know. Another was songs that made my year without the Spotify algorithm, and tracks that take me back to simpler times. That’s just the start of my playlist-making journey. And it continued after it was confirmed that I was moving to another state. I decided to make a new playlist dedicated to moving out.
Eri: Moving to Melbourne chapter – a Spotify time capsule
I present to you, my Spotify playlist, filled with songs dedicated to the idea of me moving out. But there is more to the tracks than just “I’m gone! See you never.” I’ve decided to make this playlist like a time capsule, where I update it throughout my first year of moving. What’s interesting is that when I started adding songs, I noticed small themes that emerged. All of them describe my hopes, dreams, and goals.
Inside the list
This 30+song playlist can be divided into groups, based on my mental state and what I’m hoping for, and what I planned to get out of leaving the nest.
1-10 are about the excitement of moving out and leaving everything behind
The hopes and dreams of searching for a new beginning without restrictions. “Welcome to New York” by Taylor Swift and “Ridin Solo” by Jason Derulo are the main foundations of this group. These songs are about new beginnings and entering a new chapter of my life, especially since I will be turning 25 years old. This section ends with Hanne Mjoen’s “Sounds good to me,” mostly because of title reasons. Moving does sound good to me.
11 to 20 are based on the reason why I left – my anger
I hated everyone that hurt me in Western Sydney and those I don’t have grudges towards have to see me mentally suffer. It’s the feeling of screaming on the rooftops saying “I’m free” and believing I’m stronger than this. Having Kelly Clarkson be the final song for this cluster is perfect. It’s a reminder that everything I’ve been through helped me become stronger and that I found happiness in my own right.
My favorite track in this section is MKTO’s “Thank you” because that’s like a theme for my anger. But it’s like a song that raises the middle finger up in the air and screams “fuck you.”
21 – 30 are about becoming victorious
Moving to Melbourne has always been my dream since year 10/11 and I’m finally here. Due to this, I need to make use of this opportunity to become my own person and hopefully improve. It is also a reminder of how much I’ve fought in order to be here and I won. There will be parts where I remember the pain I’ve suffered, but I’ve overcome it and will be now facing the unknown. In the end, I’m free.
“On My Way” by Unkle Adams is a perfect starter for this section because it’s about not giving up. This section can be divided into two parts. The first is about fears of change. But it slowly transitions to the second part, which is finally being happy and content.
Why I made this Spotify playlist?
As mentioned earlier, music plays a role in my memories. And I want to remember the time I finally left the place that held me back, made me suffer and cry, and pretty much made me feel stuck. As I turn 25, I want to be reminded why I chose to move and left my old home. I’ve moved so many times but I was too young to document it through technology. I don’t think it was possible at the time.
This playlist will be a time capsule of my initial thoughts about moving. And I want to keep those memories as I grow older. I plan to update the list with new songs, replacing old ones that no longer fit the three themes mentioned. But for now, this will do.
Moving out is scary, but it’s also exciting. I made a YouTube video that documented my thoughts about moving and a short reflection after settling in. But the TLDR is me hoping to focus on my mental health and finally get past my burden. And I believe this playlist will help me through that journey.
You can listen to my Spotify playlist here.
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