The Unseen Art of Curating Music: A Deep Dive into London Morning's Weekend Playlist
There’s something profoundly human about the way music connects us—to memories, to emotions, and to each other. But what happens when someone like Ryan Soulliere, the associate producer of London Morning, takes on the task of curating a playlist? It’s not just about picking songs; it’s about crafting an experience. Personally, I think this is where the magic lies. Soulliere listens to about 25 songs a week, and yet, he manages to distill that into three tracks that feel like a snapshot of the cultural zeitgeist. What makes this particularly fascinating is how these selections aren’t just about the music—they’re about the stories, the artists, and the communities they represent.
The Local Pulse: Carly Thomas’s *Train Station*
One thing that immediately stands out is Carly Thomas’s Train Station. On the surface, it’s an upbeat track perfect for a weekend morning. But if you take a step back and think about it, Thomas isn’t just a singer-songwriter; she’s a pillar of London’s music community. Her ability to craft catchy tunes with strong songwriting is no small feat. What many people don’t realize is that songs like Train Station are more than just entertainment—they’re a reflection of the city’s creative energy. From my perspective, this track is a reminder of how local artists shape the identity of a place. It’s not just a song; it’s an invitation to engage with the community, especially with her upcoming live show at London Brewing Co-operative.
The Jazz Renaissance: SHEBAD’s *Black Walnut*
SHEBAD’s Black Walnut is a masterclass in acid jazz, and it’s a detail that I find especially interesting how this Guelph-based band has managed to carve out a space in Ontario’s music scene. The song itself is entrancing—strings, horns, and silky vocals all woven together with a driving beat. But what this really suggests is that jazz, often seen as a niche genre, is experiencing a quiet renaissance. In my opinion, Black Walnut isn’t just a party playlist staple; it’s a testament to the genre’s adaptability and relevance. It raises a deeper question: why do we still underestimate the power of jazz to captivate modern audiences?
The Genre-Bending Experiment: Boy Golden’s *Moontan*
Boy Golden’s Moontan, featuring Cat Clyde, is a track that defies easy categorization. On the surface, it’s got a twang, but dig deeper, and you’ll find low-key funk hiding in the backbeat. What makes this particularly fascinating is how the song manages to be both familiar and unexpected. From my perspective, this kind of genre-blending is a hallmark of contemporary music—artists aren’t just sticking to one lane; they’re creating entirely new roads. Moontan is versatile, yes, but it’s also a reflection of how music is evolving in real-time.
The Broader Implications: Music as a Cultural Mirror
If you take a step back and think about it, Soulliere’s selections aren’t just about boosting your weekend playlist; they’re about highlighting the diversity and innovation within Canadian music. Personally, I think this is a reminder of how local and regional scenes are the lifeblood of the industry. What many people don’t realize is that these artists aren’t just making music—they’re documenting their time, their place, and their experiences. This raises a deeper question: how often do we overlook the stories behind the songs we love?
Final Thoughts: The Power of Curation
In a world where algorithms dictate what we listen to, there’s something deeply human about a curated playlist. Soulliere’s picks aren’t just songs; they’re a narrative, a mood, and a moment. From my perspective, this is what makes London Morning’s music segment so compelling—it’s not just about the music; it’s about the connection. What this really suggests is that curation, at its best, is an art form. And in a sea of endless options, that art form has never been more important.
