Summer is here! The sweltering heat or escaping it is a time for casual listening on the beach, fun-filled weekend nights, road trips, and maybe even a music festival or two. Here are some guidelines to help you find that go to tune when it’s your turn to play DJ this summer.

What’s Coming Up?

I like to check out new releases during the summer months for what’s coming up and who I can get excited about. Often times artist release tracks ahead of the full album so you can get a taste of what’s to come. There are a few album releases that come to mind when I think about what I’m wanting to hear during the hottest days of the year. I can imagine getting lost in the guitar riffs of the Raconteurs’ first release (Help Us Strangers) in 11 years while enjoying a road trip to Bisbee or Sedona. Or suggesting a Neil Young song around the campfire after listening to his release of TUSCALOOSA his live 1973 concert.

Listen

Another thing about choosing a “song of the summer” is it doesn’t have to be new. Last July I remember hearing Kate Bush “Running Up that Hill” while watching the TV show Pose on a plane to Virginia and just like that I was able to revisit her discography and share the perfect rainy day music with my friends.

You’ll Know it When You Feel it

Whether it’s the next pop anthem or a campfire banger, you’ll know it when you feel it. Like July 4th, 2013, when Disclosure’s “Latch” came on, and everyone at the party started dancing. I knew I would remember that moment and how that song made me feel for years to come.

Even with preparation and anticipation, you don’t know when your 2019 “song of the summer” will cross your path. Fear not, sometimes I don’t find my song of the summer until August. Like last year when supergroup LSD (Labyrinth, Sia, and Diplo) decided to release “Thunderclouds” in August at the start of monsoon season in Tucson, and it’s all I could play for weeks.

One final suggestion, make a playlist and buy the albums of your faves because you can always go back and relive the good times with friends and family. And if you’re looking to check out the local musical talent or touring stars, Bookmans stores also sell concert tickets. Easy peasy!