OMAHA PERFORMING ARTS

Here at O-pa we’ve been working from home for about two months now and sometimes your normal playlists can start to feel a bit stale. Well I’m here to help! Every Friday I am creating a new playlist for you featuring everything from local Omaha bands, to the best of Broadway and everything in between! But don’t worry, I’m also here with steps on how to make the best playlist on your own!

Step 1: Pick the Mood

One of the biggest choices you need to make first is the mood of your playlist. Do you want something fun and energetic that you can dance to? Something calm and relaxing to play while you’re studying? Maybe you are feeling a little sad and need a pick me up, or even just some songs that you can cry to. All of these are valid choices and you are completely in charge!

Step 2: Songs

Now it’s time to fill your playlist up! Remember to keep in mind the mood you chose for this playlist. I recommend starting with one or two solid songs that you know belong in this playlist. A great thing that happens once you start building your playlist is Spotify will begin recommending music to add. Those songs could be based on what you have listened to, or new songs that are similar to the one you just added. It’s a neat feature and you never know, one of the new song recommendations could be your next favorite tune! Next, listen to the lyrics and really try to hear what the artist is saying. Every song has a meaning, story and that one lyric or melody that just really hits you in the soul. 

If you need help getting started, here are my song recommendations in the following categories:
• Dancing: Anything on “Chromatica” by Lady Gaga. Seriously, anything.
• Empowerment: “Wings” by Little Mix
• Car rides: “Don’t Stop Believing” by Journey
• Making dinner: “Opening Up” from the musical WAITRESS
• When you’re feeling sad: “Low” by Greyson Chance

Step 3: Sing, sing, sing!

The rock band My Chemical Romance might have got it best with their lyrics “Sing it for the boys, sing it for the girls, every time that you lose it sing it for the world.” It’s time to hit play and sing. Let it all out. Get up and move. Who cares what you look like? This is your mood, your music and no one can stop you from enjoying it! Whether you are jamming in the car, your apartment, or just during your walk down the street, allow yourself to be free. Want to dance? Get off the couch and show your best moves! Get lost in the music and let everything go for just a moment. Bring the best concert to yourself!

Creating a playlist can be a personal journey. Add your favorite songs and don’t forget to try out new selections. We’ve already created a few playlists for you on Spotify. Give them a listen here and add some songs to your own playlist!

O-pa Playlists:
• “The Show Will Go On”
• “Best of Broadway”
• IDEA Committee’s “Local Tunes”
• “Jazz on YOUR Green”
• “Pride”