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Monthly Music Playlist: Feeling like the Fourth of July

Published on
July 15, 2025
Contributors
Darasimi
Writer
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Monthly music playlist: Feeling like the fourth of July

July

The 7th month of the year has come upon us, and it stands out like

the very heart of the 12 months that makes a year.

This significant four month word, simple with a known drawl on the lips, marks the beginning of the second half of the year. And it’s a time for us to go back to the drawing board and say wait “how far have we come?” “What else can we do to make things better?” How can we make life feel more intentional?

If you’ve been in a fix like me, wondering how the days have gone past you. How life has just gone by, why it’s 7 months and you can’t really place where you are and it feels like life has taken total in control of you, where your needs and desires started to blur and everything that happens to you is not really by choice, or it doesn’t feel that way at least.

If It feels more like getting stuck in the paths you’ve chosen, following, without a thought or choice on how to change things, well here’s the thing about July…

 It’s a chance for a  fresh start!

7 months have gone by, yes but you’re not where you started and you’re not at the finish line. You’re at the point where you decide where the rest of the year would look like.

At the point where you go back to that drawing board and reorient your purpose. The point where you face the drawing board and think to yourself. How can I make my life better?

And maybe you can start from the little things. Maybe you can try getting more ice cream, maybe you can try having the hard conversations

*oops maybe I slipped that in there*

Maybe you can try changing your wardrobe little by little. Maybe you can try going home more. Maybe you can start drawing again. Maybe you can start calling your parents more. Maybe, just maybe, you can try doing things you love again, the things that feel like breathing and make life worth living. Maybe you can do the little things until you’re ready for the big things and you know what? Maybe that’s enough.

And that leads us to our theme: SONGS ON YOUR WAY BACK TO THE DRAWING BOARD. Yeah, it’s pretty long, shh, don’t judge.

But we’re not all talk over here, we want you to feel all the motivation, ears, mind and soul. So today our playlist is here to remind you to take a walk back to that drawing board and to have all the fun and reflection you can while you get ready to change your life!T oday, our playlist is here to remind you to take a walk to the drawing board and

Now, as we begin, let’s raise a glass for the other half of the year, with a promise of 7 perfection, though we may never attain it, we sure do have a benchmark.

 

I ain’t worried: One Republic

One Republic is on and worries are guaranteed to be out of the window and yes, easing your worries is a major part of the process of circling back, so shake off the worries, the aches and tiredness because One Republic is the band that’s designed to make you feel like a main character. They make every existential moment feel so… existential. The Grammy nominated American music band hit the music scene with their debut set “ Dreaming Out Loud” in 2007 and have held hearts since then. That set held their Grammy nominated single; “Apologize” and today they rank 42nd in the world  with over 52 million listeners. But it’s more than just record hits and numbers it’s about substance. From the breezy whistle to the electric feeling drums, to the insane lead vocals, everything about this song, tells you it’s gonna be okay. For now just dance, for now don’t think of a plan, live in the moment and take each day as it comes. leave tomorrow’s problems to be tomorrow's problems .

 

Tay Iwar: Reflection station

‘Reflection station’s name speaks for itself. In just 2 minutes 45 seconds, Tay Iwar gives us groove, motivation, reflection and a jazzy reggae tune all in one. The song opens up the EP for a reason, and we hope it serves as a reminder to keep rolling, to keep the motion, to strive and get closer. There’s a line in the music that says ‘Circusmstance fit to hold you back’ and he follows up later with ‘Come be like say na die but only for a while’. So if you’ve been feeling stuck in your circumstances, Tay Iwar tells  you that it is for a while that Patience will enter your soul now, keep the motion, your eyes on the board today with ‘Reflection Station’

 

Lion: Little Simz, Obongjayar

There’s fela at home, because Little Simz and Obongjayar bring fela to your hearts with ‘Lion’. This song is about self-confidence and awareness, in an Afro-inspired way. It is an Afro jazz of african pride and power. It  fuels you and reminds you of who you are and even more, your ability to be anything. It is a reiorentation to continue to stay true to your lane. As little Simz shares her experiences of discovery, grounding herself in her essence, we hope this gets you and keeps you inspired. We hope you find your superpower, your light, your essence, with ‘Lion’.

 

No Days Off: Teni

Get hyped, go crazy, go stupid with Teni’s ‘No Days off’. This is the song that helps you vibe to your satisfaction. Let loose, jump around, no hesitations. It’s your moment own it. It’s your life, own it. Keep it pushing, keep the grind, stay motivated, stay cheesed up. Life is gonna shine pretty soon!

 

Queen: Don’t stop me now

As soon as you hear this know that it’s time to Rock and Roll because there’s no better way to turn your life around than with this. For the better half of 2022, this song was my favorite  song of the year, and it’s rather beautiful how a song written since the 70s can resonate deeply with your soul, no matter the era. This song is motivation personified, it fills you with purpose, ready to make you explode like a sonic boom. With its powerful lyrics and pulsating, electric thrumming energy, I hope you remember that you are completely unstoppable no matter what you decide to do or how you want to rewrite your story you can, burn through the sky. There’s no stopping you and I cannot wait to see you travel at the speed of light! Have a great day

 

Until next time on Monthly Music Playlists, xoxo