I’m old enough to have some experience (mostly during my early teenage years) making actual mixtapes… and as wild as it seems to me, you may not even know what that means, so I will go ahead and explain just in case.
Basically music portability used to occur via cassette tapes that consist of a magnetic tape that serves as an analog means of recording and playing back audio. The tape is wound around one spool and as it is read by the playback device the tape is collected on a second spool. I remember sometimes the tape would get pulled out of the plastic (or metal sometimes) cover and I’d have to use my pointer finger or the eraser end of wooden pencil to wind the tape back in – fun stuff!
Anyway, I would enjoy recording my favorite songs from the radio onto my cassette tapes so I could play them back when I pleased. I also curated different songs for themed “mixtapes” which I could gift to my friends and loved ones to share songs that I thought went well together. We now have digital playlists (on Spotify or whatever service you prefer) – which is pretty much the modern-day equivalent.
This process of arranging things – or organizing items into categories for a general purpose is something I’ve learned I excel at – I’m currently job-hunting so I recently took this assessment where you can discover your top strengths. One of mine is the “Arranger” which is described to me as “You can organize, but your flexibility complements this ability. You like to determine how all of the pieces and resources can be arranged for maximum productivity.” I think this trait transfers well to the creative realm and I started building my very own geology-themed musical playlist and I wanted to share that here.
In my opinion, it does not suffice to have a collection of songs just about rocks or geology or similar topics. In building my playlist I was looking for a specific “vibe”. I have to reach somewhat to try and describe it. Perhaps soothing or lightly upbeat sounds with some melancholy undertones. Maybe subtle notes with post-rock influences. Preferably performed by indie artists.
My motivation for this is inherently personal, as any good playlist typically is. Through the aging process, I’ve noticed a transition to a more relaxed state of being, and I think my musical taste reflects that. I also feel *lightly* upbeat a lot of the time (but not too upbeat; maybe merely content) and sometimes sad but pensive – not in a bad way though.
Stephanie’s Geology Mixtape
Drift – Galimatias and Alina Baraz
I chose this song because of the title – Drift. Continental drift was a concept that the early geological pioneer Alfred Wegener used to describe the motion of continental masses over long periods of time. The concept of continental drift was pivotal in the early development of plate tectonics theory. The song is about a feeling of passivity – specifically in a romantic way – but, it can be interpreted to represent loss of control.
Go Outside – Cults
I interpret this song to be about being held back by a loved one who is unwilling to experience growth. But, it’s called “Go Outside” and geologists spend a lot of time outside. I also think a big part of my pursuit of geology in the first place involved “go[ing] outside” of my comfort zone.
Through Me (The Flood) – Hozier
A flood is obviously a natural event that geologists care a lot about. It occurs when the capacity of body of water is exceeded – it results in what is typically dry land being inundated by water. In modern society, floods can be damaging and catastrophic. Hozier wrote this song during the COVID-19 pandemic when the world was being flooded with grief and loss; but, he also remarks on the strength of individuals to make their way through it.
After The Earthquake – Alvvays
This song describes a couple in a post-catastrophe scenario – they were arguing when one of them was suddenly injured in a car crash, putting the disagreement on hold. I often relate to how different experiences and events mold one’s perspective on things, especially life’s trials.
Alaska – Maggie Rogers
Alaska is just a place geographically, but – although it’s maybe a stretch – Alaska happens to be very geologically active. I like the song and add it to the list because Maggie Rogers sings about her reawakening following a difficult breakup. It reminds me how you can feel stuck in a difficult situation but then later experience something that makes you feel free again and perhaps even better than before.
SUPERBLOOM – MisterWives
More of an environmental science (or botanical) phenomenon, a superbloom occurs when an unusually high number of desert wildflowers blossom simultaneously, usually after heavy rainfall. This song resonates with me for several reasons, but I will suffice it to say that I currently live in the desert of Arizona, and leading up to that involved a lot of challenging experiences.
Meteorite – Anna Of The North
A meteorite is basically a space rock that “hits the ground alright” (it rhymes so its a good way to remember the difference between a meteorite and something that enters the atmosphere but burns up or otherwise doesn’t make it to the ground). This song is about a seemingly small encounter that has a large impact (pun definitely intended). It reminds me of times when I intentionally made small, manageable changes that later led to bigger, more meaningful ones.
Superposition – Young The Giant
Superposition is a concept that students typically learn about in introductory geology as “in undeformed columns of rock, the oldest is at the bottom and the youngest is at the top”. Its a concept of relative dating – or figuring out how old things are by comparing them to each other. I call it the “pancake concept” because when you make pancakes, you usually end up with the first one on the bottom and they pile up until last one ends up on top. The song is described by the artist to signify how in a realm of endless possibilities, one (superposed) outcome occurs.
Lava – Still Woozy
Lava is molten rock that has reached the planet’s surface. The song is about what I call a “volcanic” love. The artist describes his loved one in a way that renders high energy and explosivity – like a volcano. I know I can be a little hot-headed occasionally, so I hope that at least one person finds that endearing.
Landslide – Fleetwood Mac
This one is a classic, indeed. It encapsulates the concept of sudden catastrophic change – how everything a person has built in their life up to a point can all come crashing down, like a landslide. I went through a significant and tumultuous transformation midway through my doctoral studies, and during my healing process, I heard this song, which holds extraordinary meaning for me.
OROGENY ODYSSEY 