Since 2015, Miya Folick has been a reliable source for breezy, dreamy indie-pop, which has lightly changed shape over the course of the three albums and three EPs she’s dropped over the past decade. Her newly released third album Erotica Veronica further signifies Folick’s formula of soft-rock instrumentation (self-produced, this time around) over which she exhibits a captivating vocal range and variety of engaging lyrical subjects, with the new LP honing in on sexuality and sensuality through an honest, autobiographical lens.
And if Folick’s music has ever made you think, “Hey, wow, this stuff really makes for a great soundtrack to my daily walks,” there’s a reason for that. The LA-based songwriter is an avid stroller herself, with the sessions for Erotica Veronica providing plenty of opportunity for head-clearing jaunts. “I walked so much in the process of making Erotica Veronica,” she confesses, going on to note the different types of walks—melancholy, glad, sleepy, energized—all of which are represented below in the playlist she’s sharing with us that collectively chronicles her go-to walking soundtrack. “I love to walk in silence, but when I listen to music, this is the music I listen to.”
While Folick bills this as “music to have the best walk of your life [to],” Erotica Veronica serves that role just as well. Stream the new LP here, and check out her own walking-music picks below.
Shida Shahabi, “Pretty in Plums”
The perfect, gentle song for your first steps. It makes you feel as if the world is unfolding before you. Piano and double bass.
Anna Butterss feat. Jeff Parker, “Dance Steve”
This song will make you feel like you’re on a mission—an aesthetic mission. Bass, samples, electric guitar, tambourine.
Gregory Uhlmann, Josh Johnson, Sam Wilkes, “ARPY”
A moment to slow down. This song will summon deep memories and have you gazing solemnly (but not sadly) upon whatever it is you see. Guitar, bass, saxophone.
Joni Mitchell, “Travelling” (Hejira) [Demo]
This version of Joni’s classic is astounding in its clarity of vision. “There’s comfort in melancholy when there’s no need to explain”. Guitar, voice.
Arooj Aftab feat. Moor Mother & Joel Ross, “Bolo Na”
Softly menacing, this groove feels sensual. The lyrics seem to question some unsavory power while also pulling toward love. A moment to inquire more deeply. Bass, drums, oud, voice.
Caroline Polachek, “Spring Is Coming with a Strawberry in the Mouth”
I love this cover so much. A more light and exuberant exploration of the desire for true love to follow the murkier, soulful Arooj version. Drums, synth, voice.
Hiroshi Yoshimura, “Dance PM”
This is a bit of a palate cleanser. A tactile massage for your ears and mind. Lots of space. Electric piano.
Floating Points, “Ocotillo”
This was my top played song of 2024. Clavichord, harp, ???. Who knows how he did this.
Broadcast, “Tender Buttons”
The lyrics on this one will take you into a trance. Drum machine, electric guitar, vocals.
Shabaka feat. Floating Points & Laraaji, “I’ll Do Whatever You Want”
Lush, pulsing—feels like a feather being swept up by the wind. Flute, Shakuhachi, Rhodes, bass, drums, voice.
Adrianne Lenker, “Evol”
I love the entirety of Bright Future. This particular song has accompanied me on walks of all kinds—melancholy, glad, sleepy, and energized. Piano, violin, voice.
Nala Sinephro, “Continuum 1”
I also love the entirety of this Nala Sinephro record, Endlessness. This song can ease you back to your real life. Modular synths, saxophone, drums.
