Breeze Through Spring with Imaginary Gardens

March 18, 2026

This entry is part 8 of 8 in the series Playlists

A Collaboration by Imaginary Gardens Staff

By: Imaginary Gardens Staff

Sadly, Spring Break has come to an end, bringing the wrath of classes upon us once more. By the grace of the Imaginary Gardens staff, we are supplying you with a playlist that will allow you to breeze through the rest of the semester with ease. Featuring folksy tunes and light indie serenades that will keep you floating above the stress of schoolwork like dandelion fluff in the breeze. Wish all your cares away while listening to this spring playlist!

Addison Chrivia, Editor

“Jackie and Wilson” by Hozier

A beautiful song, describing this young, idealized relationship that the narrator had. Throughout the song, he is dreaming of his future with an unnamed woman, how they’ll go on adventures and what they’d name their children. He mourns this relationship with a woman he didn’t really know, mourning more the possible future he had imagined with her rather than the actual relationship. It’s such an upbeat and soulful song with a sad story behind the lyrics.

Draven Copeland, Managing Editor

“Change” by Pale Waves

From the moment “Change” dropped as a promotional single for their then-upcoming album Who Am I?, I’ve been banging my head to it. It’s not a head-banging song necessarily, that comes from my heavy metal addiction, but this indie-pop track is the perfect song to dance to however you want. It’s an experience we’ve all had:; wishing someone would change because we love the person we want them to be and not the person they actually are. Maybe I’m biased, as I was in that exact position when the single came out, but it has always been there when I’m going through it all over again.

Jacqueline Ayala, Social Media Editor

“Rhiannon” by Fleetwood Mac

Any Fleetwood Mac song is perfect for opening spring! This song has the breezy, go-with-the-flow vibes that always manage to uplift my spirits. “Rhiannon” wants me to frolic in a field with a long, maxi skirt and messy hair. With the sun shining and cool air, I will always turn on Fleetwood Mac during these warm days.

David Lavrinovich, Alumni Editor

“mouf!” by Buddha Trixie

Buddha Trixie is an indie band from California who describe themselves as “losers who make pop music,” and I can’t help but (affectionately) agree. I’ve been a fan of the band’s music for a long time, and also follow the meme account that the lead singer runs. I vividly remember the first time I heard this song, because they released it with no announcements, and I found out through one of their posts. It immediately became a favorite of mine, and I listened to it on repeat for hours instead of sleeping. It’s perfect for listening when you want something relaxing but energetic, making it a great song to get back into the swing of school after Spring Break!

Rebecka Jones, Staff Writer

“NEVER GET USED TO THIS” by Forrest Frank & JVKE

Forrest Frank’s music is always hopeful and lively, and his lyrics are refreshing after a long week of work. He collaborated with JVKE, another artist with upbeat and inspirational music, to make the masterpiece of all inspirational songs. “NEVER GET USED TO THIS” is a song about struggling with the hard moments in life, but the blessings of God are so uplifting and reviving that it’s something you could never get used to. This is the perfect song to listen to after a hard semester of classes; both the lyrics and beat will pull you out of that stress and renew your mind so you can enjoy and relax on your Spring Break.

Em Powell, Graphic Design Intern

What’s New by Burnt Toast

Folk music can definitely fit the energy of those mid-seasons like spring or fall. Burnt Toast really hits home for me, not only for its raw folk sound, but also for the personal connection I have with the group back in the day. Around the time when COVID-19 was “easing up,” I would go to their performances when they were at venues like Bearden Brickyard, along with other groups. Unfortunately, they’re not around anymore and have gone their separate ways on projects, but their music brings nostalgia to me. It brings me back to when I was younger, going to their shows late spring and summer nights with a beer in hand, just vibing to their sound.

Carlie Abbott, Editor

“Renegade” by Big Red Machine and Taylor Swift

This song to me has the perfect flowy vibe for spring. The story is a little softer, not very in-your-face, and a little sad, which makes this a perfect background song for an outdoor study session, or great for belting in the car with the windows down!

Evie Hawkey, Lead Cartoonist

“Valentine” by Laufey

Honestly, I am not an indie fan, but I appreciate Laufey’s style of music because my sister appreciates it. It reminds me of the soft underground bar style music and lo-fi, which makes it relaxing and comfortable to listen to.

Fin Jump, Contributing Writer

“The Chapel” by Elio Mei

I chose this song for the overall soft nature vibes that make you want to take a walk in the woods on a windy day.

Samantha Gaylor, Contributing Writer

“Down to Earth” by Peter Gabriel and Soweto Gospel Choir

This is a song from my favorite movie, it always makes me feel warm and hopeful, feel good sort of thing.

Nic Schaaf, Contributing Writer

“Put on Your Sunday Clothes” by Barbara Streisand and Michael Crawford

I don’t listen to much music nor even have Spotify, but this song is just chill music from a great Pixar film.

Billy Dison, Contributing Writer

“Mary on a Cross” by Ghost

The song reminds me of being with someone who makes you feel free to be whoever you are with your person.

Heather Lee Schroeder, Faculty Mentor

“Hard Drive by Cassandra Jenkins

From the eerie opening words about phenomenal nature to the intertwined narrative about the word “drive,” this song takes me to creative spaces every time I hear it. Known for her experimental music and her lush arrangements, Cassandra Jenkins pushes the limits of what we call music. When Jenkins sings, “Count with me: One, two, three,” I’m ready to leap.