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Chelsea’s Favorite Tracks of 2014

Chelsea — Tue, 30 Dec 2014 01:12:37 +0000

2014 was a year for the books. In terms of my personal life, it was probably the best one yet – I traveled the world, became heavily invested in the music business, met a ton of incredible people, and carved out a clearer (and less frightening) vision for my future. In terms of music – well, let’s just say that I had a wonderful soundtrack for all of my wonderful experiences.

Although many people view the future of music in a negative light, this year has solidified that music is actually headed in a great direction. We’ve further engaged with music streaming services, witnessed stronger artist-to-fan relationships, and have discovered countless greats through our computers. 2014 has introduced us to so much and has paved the way for what should be an awesome year of music in 2015.

So whether they hit the charts or stayed under the radar, here’s a list of just a few of my favorites. In one way or another, each of these tracks have helped make my 2014 an extremely memorable year – I hope you enjoy them as much as I have! Thank you for reading/listening and have a safe, warm, and wonderful holiday. Cheers!

Tim’s Autobiographical Tracks of 2014

Tim — Mon, 29 Dec 2014 15:12:45 +0000

Two thousand and fourteen – quite possibly the most interesting year of my life. So many firsts, so many moments I never thought I’d experience. So many highs and some lows too, if we’re being honest. It was like a mad dash without ever stopping for air. And then… it all stopped. With a final bang, one last blow out and it was time for the curtains. I dropped the mic and hit the road. Packing up my life and putting it in a storage closet in Queens. I bought an open ended ticket and left the country. I sit here in Barbados as I write this. When I look up from this screen I see cresting waves, sunshine and windsurfing for days. A nice change of scenery from the grit of New York City.

So let’s recap: In 2014 I DJ’d four music festivals, produced a music festival, went on tour, made some amazing friends and played to crowds I never thought in a million years I’d see. Those are some personal accomplishments I’m quite proud of. I quit my day job, travelled Central America, worked on a farm and have spent the past month surfing. It’s been a year of firsts.

These songs are not necessarily the best tracks of 2014. In fact the opening track is not even produced in 2014. But that’s when I discovered it and it was so powerful I couldn’t not include it. They are all a reflection of how I feel in THIS very moment. And at this very moment I’m looking back on a year that I will never forget. These tracks, for whatever reason, are the ones that set the scene. I hope you enjoy.

This playlist, like this year is a cresting wave. Starting off slow and sensual building towards a peak and then dissolving into the white water and lapping up onto the sand. Cause that’s how my year went.

Jay’s Top Tracks of 2014

Jay — Tue, 23 Dec 2014 21:19:42 +0000

Mark Kozelek may hate “beer commercial lead guitar shit,” but 2014 certainly brought the genre (if you can call it that) front and center. My year in music revolved around the likes of War On Drugs, Cloud Nothings, Real Estate, Mac Demarco, and Spoon… and some others who didn’t make the list below like Ought and Parquet Courts. All of these bands offered a bit of a departure from last year’s synthy year end list — but, I guess that’s just the nature of the beast. Either way, I had a blast putting together my top tracks of ’14 and I hope you enjoy listening to them just as much.

Side note: How To Dress Well’s “What Is This Heart?” was pretty spectacular, as well.

Jason’s Favorites – 2014

Jason — Mon, 22 Dec 2014 21:32:59 +0000

It’s been an interesting year for the world at large, as well as for me personally. We had a World Cup, an Ebola outbreak, The Fappening, Ferguson, the Sony Hack and an Ice Bucket Challenge. Robin Williams, Maya Angelou and Philip Seymour Hoffman are no longer with us.

I watched a little girl become conscious of her surroundings and turn from a crying baby into an interactive little person. It’s was definitely a little more introspective and thought provoking for me and the songs here seem to reflect that. This list is more downbeat than last year but, if anything, they are more intense and emotional, creating a groove all their own. I hope you enjoy and have a wonderful New Years!

Unfortunately, Cape Lion isn’t available on Spotify so we’re one song short on this version.

Max’s Top 14 of 2014

Max — Mon, 22 Dec 2014 19:48:57 +0000

No winners, no losers, just the 14 sounds of 2014 that make me smile the most. They are in order from the least number of Soundcloud streams to the most. And yes, one may have blatantly came out in Dec 2013, but too late to make last year’s list. Everyone deserves a fair shake, right? Great. Happy Holidays!