It’s been far too long since I’ve posted a new playlist on the blog (also just posted anything period), but I’m breaking that dry spell with four new chillwave / balearic revival / synth pop playlists all set to soundtrack your summer.

With the hellish events that have been occurring without abatement putting a damper on my summer, I’ve personally been yearning for my summers past, specifically those from 2008 to 2015, also known as my high school and college years. Not only is the music paired with a time where I was at my lightest, responsibility-wise and most surrounded by friends and family, but the music from the era itself feels more upbeat, cheery and rosy. I can’t be ashamed of indie nostalgia since it’s fully baked into my musical discovery journey.

Anyways – I’ve made four playlists to channel back to those times, full of songs that were from that sweet late 00s / early 10s spot. I’ve made a chillwave / balearic pop playlist before, Beach Ball Hell, which you can find HERE. It’s built upon the scene cornerstones Toro y Moi, Washed Out, Neon Indian, Small Black, Brothertiger, along with a few other personal favorites. It’s the boilerplate! Sun Glitters on Cool Water follows a similar formula, focusing on the big names and building out from there and features many of the same artists like the ones listed above along with Kisses, Beat Connection, Tanlines, Mr Twin Sister, Delorean, Lemonade, Korallreven, The Tough Alliance and more. I love the early 2010s! There was a surplus of fantastic bike riding, driving, summery grooves to choose from.

Picture yourself sitting by a pool, or better yet, retreat to your most treasured summertime memories while listening to this playlist. The taste and sensation of cool, frozen grapes from the cooler. The feeling of jumping into still water. The plush feeling of cushions on a deck chair. It’s a playlist that I picture working better in the daytime, and absolutely slaps on a long car ride. It’s here to make you feel good, to be a sort of salve. I hope it helps.

Listen to Sun Glitters on Cool Water on Tidal HERE

1. Korallreven – “As Young As Yesterday”
2. Bear In Heaven – “The Reflection Of You”
3. Lemonade – “Ice Water”
4. Toro y Moi – “Freaking Out”
5. The Tough Alliance – “Freaking Out”
6. CSS – “Hits Me Like A Rock”
7. John Talabot – “Journeys (feat. Ekhi)”
8. AlunaGeorge – “Your Drums, Your Love”
9. Kindness – “Lost Without”
10. Blood Orange – “Dinner”
11. Phoenix – “Lisztomania (Classixx Version)”
12. Air France – “No Excuses”
13. Beat Connection – “Palace Garden, 4 Am”
14. Kisses – “Kisses”
15. Delorean – “Unhold (feat. Caroline Polachek)”
16. Yumi Zouma – “Dodi”
17. Craft Spells – “After the Moment”
18. Neon Indian – “Hex Girlfriend”
19. Ice Choir – “Afar”
20. Mr Twin Sister – “Kimmi In a Rice Field”
21. Empress Of – “Hat Trick”
22. Little Dragon – “Brush The Heat”
23. Tanlines – “Bees”
24. Small Black – “Breathless”
25. Washed Out – “Soft”