Spooky Staff Picks to Get You in the Autumn Spirit
Ani DiFranco - Not a Pretty Girl (1995)
Senior Writer Megan Lorich -It's October everybody! Time to break out some cozy cider, put on some fuzzy socks, and contemplate how the world is bleaker than ever while trying to maintain an autumnal atmosphere. Ani DiFranco has always been a go to "fall" artist for me. Listening to different music during different seasons is normal, after all, Christmas music is usually only broken out in December. With this in mind, it's been a while since I've listened to DiFranco's work and it's been really comforting lately. "32 Flavors" will always remain a favorite track of mine.
Radiohead - In Rainbows (2008)
Senior Writer Alyssa Bushman - This is a classic for obvious reasons but “Jigsaw Falling Into Place” has been my anthem this month. I find myself enjoying it and then halfway through the song, restarting it again and again because I don’t want it to end.
Lily Allen - West End Girl (2025)
Senior Writer Kalee Holt - As a pop culture historian, this is the best celebrity divorce album ever created. the tea is hot and the lyrics are catchy!
Kaleb Cohen- U-Turn (2025)
Staff Writer Caitlin Desai - This EP had me blown away it’s so hard to pick a favorite but I can see that Kaleb has potential to become the next upcoming star.
Greyhaven - Keep it Quiet (2025)
Staff Photographer Christine Nickle - Greyhaven is one of my favorite bands! I had been waiting for this release after hearing the singles, and it’s a contender for AOTY for me. “Cemetery Sun” is one of my favorite songs from them, and it’s definitely a good listen for some fall vibes!
The Acacia Strain - You Are Safe From God Here (2025)
Senior Photographer Bailey G - The Acacia Strain is a generational band and this album in particular proves that they’re not slowing down anytime soon. It’s 37 minutes of some of their best work to date. “Swamp Mentality” & “Acolyte of the One” are probably my favorite tracks as of right now!
Phoebe Bridgers - Punisher (2025)
Senior Writer Kaitlyn Serafin- What's spookier than seasonal depression? Just kidding, but every fall since its 2020 release, I find myself crawling back to Punisher around this time. Tracks like “Halloween” and “I Know the End” feel like the transitional nature of the falling leaves and the end of summer. Lines like: Baby, it's Halloween / And we can be anything / Oh, come on, man / We can be anything" feels like it was steeped in autumnal melancholy before being released to the world.
Clamor- Orquesta China (2024)
Senior Writer & Playlist Curator Marisa Segura Mooers - Ever since I discovered Orquesta China, it's been on repeat. Clamor is a small emocore band local to Buenos Aires, Argentina. Their short discography makes them a great way to delve into Latino skramz music.
The Neighbourhood - Hard To Imagine The Neighbourhood Ever Changing (2018)
Senior Writer & Playlist Curator Amanda DiPaola - I chose this album as my October pick because I love to lean into the spooky, darker vibes of October through my music choices. This album has so many tracks with moody and intense beats that make it a perfect October album. Some of my favorites from the album include “Dust”, “Scary Love”, and “Void”.
If you’re interested in getting into the season with The Music Box staff, here is a playlist with all the essentials:
