At Coal Creative, we’re constantly talking about processes, trends, campaigns, and creative ideas. But every now and then, it’s fun to share something a little more personal.
Summer has officially arrived, and that means vacations, road trips, cookouts, evenings on the patio, and finding the songs that become the soundtrack to it all. We are here to help, so we’ve asked the Coal Crew what they’ll be playing on repeat this summer, and as expected, the answers are all over the map (in the best way)!
Whether you’re looking for something nostalgic, energetic, reflective, or just fun, here’s what’s filling our speakers this season.
Travis’ Pick: “Car 16 15 A” — Takuya Kuroda
To kick off our playlist, Travis picked a song that provides some “high-energy bebop” he wants to bring into his summer. “Car 16 15 A” by Takuya Kuroda features a fun mix of soulful and bright jazz with some hip-hop flair. Our Web Developer & Technology Specialist picked a perfect song to keep on in the background of a morning drive, or when you are working on fixing up a website.
Mia’s Pick: “You & Me” — Disclosure
Every playlist needs that one song that instantly transports you back to another time. For Mia, it’s “You & Me” by Disclosure, a summer classic that’s been returning year after year.
“I have been listening to it every summer since high school, and because of that, it reminds me of good memories. It’s nostalgic,” she says.
Gerard’s Pick: “Set the Table” — Ritt Momney, feat. Claud
Whether it’s a sunny afternoon at the park or a laid-back weekend with friends, Gerard’s pick brings easygoing summer vibes to the playlist. He listens to it a lot while playing disc golf at Nesbitt.
“Set the Table” by Ritt Momney featuring Claud is a high-energy indie rock song, but it’s about the experience of being the one who disrupts the status quo of relationship or family dynamics.
And just like the song suggests, we’re going to disrupt the playlist a little and delve into some deeper vibes.
Samantha’s Pick: “Staying Still” — Noah Kahan
Some songs feel like a deep breath. Samantha’s pick, “Staying Still” by Noah Kahan, captures the feeling of rolling down a quiet highway with nowhere to be except exactly where you are. Her song choice was inspired by a recent trip to Kansas, where she and her husband had the full album on repeat in the background as they drove through the plains.
“It reminds me to slow down and take everything in,” Samantha says.
Alex’s Pick: “The Last of the Honeybees” — Sam Burchfield
After stopping to pause, the next song on our list urges us to continue.
Alex’s pick, “The Last of the Honeybees” by Sam Burchfield, centers on themes of nature and the passage of time. To Alex, “This song is nostalgic about the past and wary of the future, but it urges each of us to carry on. For any creative types feeling overwhelmed by the endless slew of garbage that comes across their feed every day, I say give it a listen. I’ve played it on my morning commute quite a bit this year.”
Matt’s Pick: “Paranoia” — The Marías
Matt’s selection, “Paranoia” by The Marías, feels tailor-made for summer evenings and late-night drives.
“Paranoia” starts slow and dreamy, but then the beat picks up. The whole thing feels like a tidal wave, crashing over you and dragging you under.
“Even though this album came out two years ago, I just recently discovered it a few months ago when the band received a Best New Artist Grammy nomination. It’s been on repeat since, and I don’t see that changing as we head into summer,” Matt says.
Camaryn’s Pick: “Into the Mystic” — Van Morrison
Some songs become attached to moments, memories, and people. Camaryn’s pick is a timeless reminder of how music can carry meaning long after the song ends.
“‘Into the Mystic’ is an oldie but a goodie. This song has recently come into my life in a very impactful way. Every time I hear it, I am reminded of someone very special, so this is on repeat for me this summer,” Camaryn says.
Will’s Pick: Philadelphia’s Been Good To Me — Kurt Vile
If you are getting into this playlist and don’t want it to end, we have good news for you: Will didn’t just pick one song; he picked an entire album.
“With new albums from The Strokes, The Cribs, Modest Mouse, Death Cab for Cutie, and Metric, my high school bands are back, and it’s shaping up to be an Indie Sleaze Summer. I’m choosing Pennsylvania-based artist Kurt Vile and his new album Philadelphia’s Been Good To Me as a soundtrack for summer cookouts.”
Will is embracing a summer full of indie nostalgia, and a Pennsylvania artist feels like the perfect choice for backyard gatherings and evenings with friends.
The Coal Crew’s soundtrack for Summer 2026 covers everything from jazz and folk to indie rock, electronic, and timeless classics. What songs are making their way into your rotation this summer? We’d love to hear what’s soundtracking your season! As always, Stay Coal.