Chaffey College Students Discuss the 'Song of the Summer'
By Omar Cruz
As of today, many music enthusiasts are still on the fence about what could have been this year's song of the summer.
Many bigger names in music, for example, The Marias, focused on touring and playing festivals. Some artists had released music earlier in the year, such as Lady Gaga and SZA, but one could argue that artists like Addison Rae might have come closest to the title.
However, how are listeners supposed to determine a "Song of the Summer" when everyone has a unique listening experience? Not every summer has the same feel, but a song can be utilized to encapsulate that point-in-time.
Chaffey students were interviewed at random to voice what song made this year's summer along with its impact. Some of the first interviewees were journalism majors, Lionel and Alejandro.
For Lionel, it seemed to be a more relaxing and laid-back summer. Listening to indie 2010s throwbacks like Lorde's “White Teeth Teens” and Blood Orange's “The Complete Knock”. While both songs remain chill, it perfectly encapsulates a melancholy, yet eventful summer.
Lionel mentioned how he had recently taken an interest in walks this summer and explained, “I know in the future when I look back at this time, those two songs are gonna be the main thing that got me through it ... it’s reverberated to this current moment and will throughout my life."
He also referred to an artist who has been receiving lots praise and recognition over the past few months, Malcolm Todd. This American indie artist is known for songs like “Chest Pain (I Love)” and “Sweet Boy.”
Alejandro talked about his current favorite, “Misread” by Kings of Convenience, a magnetic indie folk duo. He explained how he likes to enter a mental environment that will match the genre or vibe of the song he listens to.
When he listens to "Misread", he is reminded of this past summer. “The visual is like one of the more important aspects,” Alejandro said.
Alejandro informed that the music duo, Kings of Convenience, was formed in the 2000s defining a unique sound in the music industry. “[With] what they’ve built up to and accomplished, especially now they’re in more of a veteran stage ... they can still get the respect that they deserve," he explained further.
Another artist frequently mentioned by Chaffey students is rapper Larry June. Business major, Chavez, talked about "Smoothies in 1991", a song of June's that he was listening to a lot this summer.
Chavez continues: “I had a fun summer … I kind of just hung out with friends a lot, and it was always the vibe. I’d just been chilling, listening to that song, before I started listening to more.”
With a cool and laid-back flow, Larry June brings a chill vibe to the summer.
Childhood education major, Daisy, introduced the band Lovedrug. This indie rock band captures the emo punk influence the genre had throughout the 2000s and 2010s.
She talked about how the band had been a favorite and the song “Spiders” has been in her rotation for most of this season. Her go-to environment for listening to music is the calm and quiet, usually alone or in her room.
Whether it is a nostalgic throwback or a moody underground favorite, the “Song of the Summer” is different for everyone. For these Chaffey students it was not about charts or trends—it was about the connection and memories tied to each track.
As the summer faded, the songs that defined it will live on in playlists, quiet moments and personal reflections, ultimately revealing emotion as the true backbone of music.