Two and a half years after introducing themselves with their high-energy, self-titled debut, the punk trio Dream Wife returned last month with their second LP, So When You Gonna…, which doubled down on its riot grrrl influences while pushing the boundaries to new wave, grunge, and a handful of other genres—Karen O, Blondie, and Bikini Kill all come to mind just in the album’s first two songs.
As a part of the band’s larger mission statement (their name is clearly tongue-in-cheek) the trio of vocalist Rakel Mjöll, guitarist Alice Go, and bassist Bella Podpadec made sure that the entire process of recording the album was carried out by an all-female team of producers. This sense of empowerment comes through in so many facets of the record, including the undeniable chemistry the three artists share.
It’s this chemistry that inspired the idea for this playlist, which Rakel, Alice, and Bella all contributed to. Citing their love of friendship as its inspiration, it’s no wonder that so many of these influences found their way into So When You Gonna…
Stream the playlist below, and get your copy of SWYG… here.
Rina Sawayama, “Bad Friend”
Alice Go: Rina is our favourite new pop star—her raw and truthful exploration of friendship in “Bad Friend” is really relatable.
Bikini Kill, “Rebel Girl”
Bella Podpadec: Alice sent me this song when we were getting to know each other like a decade ago. I wear a lot of her hand-me-downs now.
Justice, “We Are Your Friends”
AG: On my twenty-first birthday we had a little dance party at my old basement flat in Brighton. Rakel put this song on, and from that moment on it has been a real celebration of the joy of friendship—the good times and your favorite people.
Robots in Disguise, “Let’s Get Friendly”
AG: As a teen, Robots in Disguise really symbolised the creative power of friendship to me. This song is kind of a totem to their vibe.
S Club 7, “Best Friend”
BP: As a child, I found it frustrating that all love songs were about romantic connection. I made a dance to this with my best friend when we were seven.
Joan Jett, “Crimson and Clover”
AG: While this song could be interpreted in a number of ways, the kind of love it describes really translates to friendship and the deep love you hold with your friends.
The White Stripes, “We’re Going to Be Friends”
BP: Very pure, very sweet. The feeling when you meet someone and instantly bond over learning, bugs, worms and a love of being grubby.
Dionne Warwick, “That’s What Friends Are For”
Rakel Mjöll: It sounds like the song starts with a kazoo. Silly, but deeply meaningful. “Keep smiling, keep shining.”
Bill Withers, “Lean on Me”
RM: A true classic. Says it all in just one chorus. A true friend is effortlessly there for you when things get rough.
Cyndi Lauper, “True Colors”
RM: I’m a sucker for Cyndi. “Don’t be afraid to let them show / Your true colors.” To celebrate who you are and to find people that will also celebrate you as you are.
Caroline Polachek, “Door”
RM: “You opened the door to another door to another door to another door / And I’m running through to you.” That’s how I feel about friendships. We’re always opening up new doors to ourselves with each other. There’s so much to learn and experience.
The Rembrandts, “I’ll Be There For You”
RM: We gotta have this one in there.
Randy Newman, “You’ve Got a Friend in Me”
BP: The friendship between discarded toys is unparalleled.
