Field Trip is a homebase for the research and references that inform the work and life of designer Lauren Scarlett.
[RESEARCH ©FT]
Welcome to an in-depth look the music that soundtracked my year. There are so many songs and albums I haven’t mentioned but if I ran through everything, you would be reading for hours. My headphones were near enough glued to my head this year, it is the continual fuel that gets me through it all. No matter what’s going on in life, the music is always good.
TROYE SIVAN - SOMETHING TO GIVE EACH OTHER
Every now and then, something comes along to remind you exactly why you got into your profession and what you're working towards. Something To Give Each Other by Troye Sivan did that for me this year. I was in the midst of doubting my abilities as a designer and questioning whether I wanted to remain in the game at all when the Rush music video dropped. I can't remember the last time I saw the feeling of a song so accurately depicted visually. Every video, photo, designed element that dropped afterwards followed suit. It's one thing for an album to achieve such a high level of consistency in a collection of songs; to then reflect that same consistency in the visuals puts it in a different league.
This album is a masterclass in showing what can happen when you find the best people in every creative area and bring them together. The whole campaign is perfectly provocative, rejuvenating, and just damn beautiful. I could talk about this record being the flawless coming together of music and visuals forever. It’s completely set a new standard for what I want to see happening in music and the level of work I want to achieve in my own career.
Creative Direction: Gordon von Steiner
Video: Stuart Winecoff
Design: Querida
NOAH KAHAN - STICK SEASON
One of the most wonderful things about being a music fan is when you know an artist you've liked for a while is about to blow up. Noah Kahan has been writing great songs for years, but the first time I listened to Stick Season, I knew he had just changed the game for himself.
There's not an album that so accurately depicts the simultaneous suffocation and sweetness of small towns. It blows my mind how similar his experiences in North America sound to mine in the South West of England. Homesick will forever put words to something I haven't been able to express. Not only has it been joyous to watch someone with insane talent finally get global recognition, but also to witness them truly live out their dreams and collaborate with their heroes is incredibly moving. He's openly talked about how close he was to giving up, and how his recent success came from posting a TikTok video he intended to take down because he didn't think it was good, only for it to blow up literally overnight. One little video on the internet changed his life. His journey as an artist has been a huge lesson to keep going; it's hard not to be inspired and motivated by his story.
GIRLS ARE SO COOL
I just wanna talk about some girls absolutely killing it right now.
Griff - I’ve loved everything Griff has released this year. Her music is dancing in the kitchen with tears streaming down your face kinda vibes and it’s incredible.
Holly Humberstone - I know nothing about production but I declare miss Humberstone’s music as my favourite kind of production. It’s what I like to call subtle heaviness and I love it. Alix Page and Lizzy Mcalpine (also both incredible) fall into this category in my mind too.
Renee Rapp - As far as I know she isn’t super known in the UK yet but this is a general warning to the english population; you will be hearing about her, she will be everywhere, and you will love her.
Laufey - Deservingly blowing up. Game changer.
Grace Enger - If you’re looking for an artist that you can say, “yeah I liked her before she blew up” I’d get on this train now, because the girl’s gonna blow up.
HONOURABLE MENTIONS
OK - Jeremy Zucker (this my was most listened to song of the year, lol I was not ok)
Ryan Beaty - Calico (this became my go-to morning album)
Del Water Gap - I Miss You Already + I haven’t even Left Yet (just really good)
The Maine - The Maine (an unexpected favourite)
Olivia Rodrigo - GUTS (just really good)
Post Malone - AUSTIN (i wasn’t a fan before this year, but I love this album)
I listened to more music this year than ever before; I also found more artists on social media than ever before. I think we’re living in one of the most exciting times for music and all creative careers alike. Our access to high quality art is almost limitless and the playing field’s been levelled. Work that otherwise wouldn’t be seen, and voices that otherwise wouldn’t be heard, have their chance. Let that possibility be the motivation that keeps you in it.
This spoke to me on a whole other level. I’ve only just found substack and field trip but I’m not going anywhere now 🫠
Love the inclusion of credits for Troye’s album. I really love and enjoyed that project! Excellent taste in recommendations too 💯💯