

with love, Bettina
Maybe it’s because I’ve been a dancer my whole life, but music does something to me instantly. I think dancers listen differently. We feel music in our bodies before we even process it in our minds. Whenever a song comes on that I’ve danced to before or choreographed something to, I completely zone out. My thoughts just go straight back to that specific moment in time. It’s like the music pulls me right back into that version of myself.
I’ve always been that friend who’s deeply sensitive to music. Like, really sensitive. If there’s a song playing in the background, you can be sure I’ll completely lose track of what you’re saying because I’m already lost in the rhythm or the lyrics. When I was younger, there was nothing I hated more than listening to the radio when they would interrupt the music with ads or people talking. It drove me insane. I just wanted the songs to keep flowing, uninterrupted.
Even now, my life has a soundtrack. If you come over for a chill girls’ night, there will be music playing. If we have breakfast or brunch together, there will definitely be a playlist softly in the background. And yes, I will have chosen it very carefully, because I always pick the playlist that matches the exact mood I want to create. If even one song doesn’t fit the vibe, I’ll notice immediately. That’s just who I am.
Music sets the tone for everything in my day. I usually listen to playlists on Spotify, though there are moments where I switch everything off and enjoy the quiet. But most of the time, there’s some kind of melody following me around the apartment, through my workday, or while I’m cooking dinner.
Sometimes I miss the old days when we didn’t have playlists, when you’d go and buy a CD, and that was your world for a while. You’d listen to one album again and again until you knew every song by heart. It was a whole experience. And while I love playlists, I also try to go back to that feeling from time to time, to actually listen to full albums again and really get to know the artist and their story.
So, here’s a little glimpse into what I’ve been listening to lately. These are the playlists and albums that create the soundtrack of my current season.
For slow mornings with coffee, quiet thoughts, and gentle light coming through the window. These are the sounds that make everything feel softer and a little more magical.
Perfect for sipping your matcha, reading a magazine, or just sitting on the couch doing absolutely nothing.
When I need a little energy boost, or want to feel like the main character again, these are the playlists I turn to.
They make everything feel lighter. The kind of songs you can dance to while cleaning your apartment or getting ready for a night out.
I can’t always work in silence. Sometimes I need just the right rhythm in the background to stay in flow. These playlists are my go-to when I want to stay focused but still feel inspired.
Perfect for answering emails, editing photos, or just feeling calm and collected during the day.
I’ve been really intentional about listening to full albums again. There’s something intimate about it, like you’re entering an artist’s little world for a while. These are the ones that have been playing on repeat for me lately.
Justin released these two albums this summer, and they honestly helped me through a really difficult time. They’re easy to listen to, chill, and full of good energy. I love that he’s clearly found his sound. You can put them on and let them play from start to finish without needing to skip a single track.
Nina Chuba has been one of my favourite German artists for a while now. She’s raw, confident, and fun. This album is a collection of her biggest songs from the past 1-2 years, and I listen to it whenever I need that little kick of motivation.
Okay, technically not an album, but Olivia Dean’s vibe is unmatched. I usually listen to her radio station or her “This Is Olivia Dean” playlist on Spotify. Her songs are perfect for cozy nights in, a glass of wine, or long talks with your girlfriends. It’s the kind of music that makes everything feel soft and sweet.
Of course Taylor had to make the list. I listened to this album non-stop when it came out. Like all of her work, it tells a story, and some of the songs hit really close to home after the breakup I went through this year. It’s emotional, poetic, and raw. I do have to say though, after listening to it for a while, I’m already up for a different vibe. So it might not be my favourite one but it is an album that for sure defines this October for me.
Beyoncé is timeless for me. When it first came out, Cowboy Carter did nothing to me. I couldn’t get into it. But since a couple weeks those songs pop up in my Spotify again and again and I finally understand why. It’s perfect for fall and gives off this warm, grounded energy. And Lemonade will forever be one of the most powerful albums ever made, in my opinion. It’s art in its purest form – but I may be biased because those lyrics are spot on with some of the things I had to go through in my life.
This album just fires me up. It’s the one I put on when I want to feel strong and confident, but like in a chill way, you know what I mean? W!LD has that kind of energy that gets you out of bed, ready to face the day, and reminds you that you’re capable of more than you think.
Music captures little moments of life. These playlists and albums are the background to mine right now: a mix of peace, power, and emotion.
So whether you’re in your healing era, working on your dreams, or just vibing through your everyday life, I hope you find something here that fits your mood too. Maybe one of these songs becomes the soundtrack to your next chapter.