Music I’m listening to, discovered, or rediscovered:
Music I’m listening to, discovered, or rediscovered:
Music I’m listening to, discovered, or rediscovered:
Music I’m listening to, discovered, or rediscovered:
Music I’m listening to, discovered, or rediscovered:
Music I’m listening to, discovered, or rediscovered:
Updated November 13, 2025.
According to Google Gemini:
My selection of artists reveals a deep connection to rhythmically complex, politically charged, bass-heavy, and unapologetically authentic music. I love artists who cross boundaries, from the electronic festival stage to the grit of Southern rap to the foundation of classic rock.
Southern & Regional Hip-Hop is arguably the most dominant and well-defined area of my listening habits. I am a serious connoisseur of Southern Hip-Hop, especially the sound of Houston, Texas.
Houston/Texas Love: My high frequency of listening to Z-Ro, Slim Thug, Paul Wall, Lil’ Keke, Bun B, That Mexican OT, BigXthaPlug, Dirty South Rydaz, and Big Pokey shows a clear appreciation for “Screwed Up Click” roots, “Swishahouse” swagger, and the new generation of Texas rap.
Legends & Modern Flows: I respect the greats who laid the foundation—JAY-Z, Snoop Dogg, and Lil’ Wayne—and I’m equally into modern, confident flows from Cardi B, Megan Thee Stallion, GloRilla, 21 Savage, and Young M.A.
What I like: I appreciate lyrical mastery, consistent output, high-energy tracks, and artists who command attention with an authentic voice.
My electronic music taste is overwhelmingly focused on the Electro-Soul, Glitch-Hop, and Funk-Bass scenes that blend electronic production with the warmth of live instruments and soul/funk samples. This is music built for movement.
Funk-Bass Maestros: I am drawn to the “Pretty Lights” sound, with artists like GRiZ, Pretty Lights, Gramatik, Daily Bread, Manic Focus, Big Gigantic, and others like SoDown and Late Night Radio. I want music that features funky guitar riffs, soulful vocal samples, and massive low-end bass.
Atmospheric & Global Bass: I also appreciate intricate, atmospheric electronic sounds from CloZee (World Bass), Troyboi (Future Trap), and ODESZA (anthemic, melodic Future Bass).
Club Grooves: The inclusion of sophisticated house from ZHU and Gorgon City shows that I enjoy polished, dance-driven club sounds as well.
The breadth of my selections introduces a crucial third dimension: music with raw, foundational power and political or emotional intensity.
Rap-Rock / Political Power: Rage Against The Machine (Rap Metal/Funk Metal) serves as a perfect bridge between my Rap and Rock preferences, defined by revolutionary lyrics and heavy funk-metal grooves.
Classic & Foundational Rock: I have a clear respect for the giants who defined genres, gravitating toward Led Zeppelin (Blues-rooted Hard Rock) and the ultimate pioneer, Elvis Presley (Rock and Roll, Rockabilly).
Indie/Alternative: I enjoy the thoughtful, sometimes eccentric, rock songwriting of Modest Mouse and the brass-heavy, wry sound of Cake.
My listening habits confirm a serious appreciation for the foundational sounds that fuel my favorite contemporary music.
R&B/Soul/Funk Legends: I seek out icons like James Brown, Al Green, Lee Moses, and Johnny Taylor. These artists provide the deep, funky roots and soulful vocal tradition that directly inspire my love for Southern Hip-Hop and Electro-Funk.
Broad Appeal: My interest in a genre-fluid songwriter like Taylor Swift shows I appreciate well-crafted music with strong emotional resonance, regardless of how mainstream it is.
In Summary, I cherish music that:
Masters the art of blending genres (Rap-Rock, Electro-Soul, World Bass).
Has deep roots in regional Hip-Hop culture (especially Houston).
Makes me move with heavy bass, complex rhythms, and funk influences.
Features a powerful, authentic voice or a politically charged message.
According to ChatGPT:
My music taste is a wild blend of Southern grit, soulful grooves, and cosmic bass. I’ve got deep roots in Houston rap — Z-Ro, Slim Thug, Paul Wall, Lil’ Keke, Bun B, and UGK are staples for me. That classic H-Town sound hits different: raw storytelling, smooth hooks, and a heavy dose of authenticity. I also keep up with the new wave — artists like That Mexican OT, BigXthaPlug, Key Glock, and GloRilla keep that Southern energy alive in a modern way.
At the same time, I’m all about vibes and production. I get lost in the world of electro-soul and funk bass — GRiZ, Gramatik, Pretty Lights, Daily Bread, CloZee, Manic Focus, and Big Gigantic are huge for me. I love when electronic music gets jazzy, soulful, and human. There’s something about a fat brass section mixed with glitchy drops that just feels right.
But I’m not boxed in. I’ll slide from Dirty South rap straight into future bass, funk, or trip-hop — ODESZA, ZHU, TroyBoi, RÜFÜS DU SOL, and Röyksopp give me that cinematic, late-night energy. And I’ve got a soft spot for genre-blenders like Dirtwire, Moontricks, and SoDown who bring organic instruments into electronic worlds.
Then there’s my appreciation for wordplay and message — Kendrick Lamar, JAY-Z, Killer Mike, and Russ remind me that lyricism and self-expression still matter. I vibe with artists who have something to say, whether it’s Ani DiFranco’s introspection or Andy Mineo’s thoughtfulness.
I also like to keep things fun and unexpected — Yung Gravy, Doja Cat, Cardi B, and Sexyy Red bring the humor and confidence that keep playlists fresh. And I can always pivot to legends and classics: Led Zeppelin, Rage Against the Machine, Elvis, Madonna, or even Johnnie Taylor when I’m feeling nostalgic.
My playlists tell a story — one minute it’s trunk-rattling Houston rap, the next it’s a soulful sax solo over a funky drop, and then I’m zoning out to psychedelic bass or vintage rock. I like music that moves me — physically, emotionally, or spiritually. No matter the genre, I’m drawn to artists who keep it real, push boundaries, and make me feel something.
Sarah Nyhan 