September sounds : Not On Stage’s Favorite tracks and more!
As the days get shorter and the air turns cooler, September brought a wave of sounds that perfectly matched the shift in seasons. From heartfelt ballads to shimmering indie anthems, our staff spent the month discovering tracks that kept us replaying again and again. Here are some of our top picks that defined the month:
Maisey Cassandra: “Home Sweet Home” by The Favors – A comforting yet punchy track that feels like a road trip singalong, equal parts nostalgic and new.
Valerie Barrera: “Tell Me You Love Me” by Peach Pit – The masters of bittersweet grooves delivered another gem, blending laid-back guitar lines with lyrics that tug at the heart.
Kristen Hamilton: “Tit for Tat” by Tate McRae – Infectious, cheeky, and endlessly replayable, this one had us humming all through the office.
Jules Morris: “A Flower in the Garden” by Bara Hari – Dreamy, cinematic, and lush, Bara Hari’s track feels like stepping into an otherworldly story.
Madeline Nagy: “All That” by Ratboys – With soaring guitars and layered melodies, this late-night anthem became our go-to for winding down September nights.
Daniela Mireles: “I Can See The Future” — Soft yet piercing, this track captures the vulnerability and quiet strength Ross is known for, leaving us with chills every time.
But September wasn’t just about what we were listening to—it was also about what we were seeing and feeling in real time. Music lives differently when you experience it in a room full of strangers-turned-friends, under flashing stage lights, or in a small venue where every lyric feels directed straight at you.
That’s why we wanted to spotlight some of the concerts, shows, and live sessions our team caught this month. From packed clubs to open-air festivals, we brought back not just setlists and reviews, but photographs that capture the raw energy of those nights.
In the next section, you’ll find snapshots of September’s live highlights: the sweaty, electric, sometimes quiet, always unforgettable moments that reminded us why live music still matters more than ever.
Beyond the playlists and repeat-button favorites, September provided us with plenty to discuss, featuring new releases and standout projects across various genres. From rising voices carving out their space to seasoned acts pushing their sound into new territory, our staff took the time to dive deeper into the music shaping the month. What follows are some of our favorite reviews—snapshots of albums, singles, and live moments that stuck with us long after the last note faded.
“Delving into the lyricism is pure raw genius. “Cinnamon” perfectly encapsulates the experience of the dreamer who leaves behind what they once knew to pursue their creative endeavors, only to find there are cracks in between the rose colored lenses.” - Jules Morris
“It’s as if ‘yes baby’ was made for Madison Beer and Madison Beer alone. She delivers the track with intent, like the hyper-focus she has on her lover throughout the song itself.” - Kristen Hamilton
“Olivia Dean solidifies her place as one of pop’s most emotionally resonant voices. After the success of her debut Messy, she could have played it safe, but instead she delivers a more assured, thoughtful collection that feels timeless without being nostalgic with this album.” - Daniela Mireles
“Right from the start, “NOT OK” feels wild—almost Gorillaz-coded with its layers of sound, warped vocals, and chaotic-but-clean mix. It’s experimental in a way that feels fresh for them, but also so true to who they’ve always wanted to be.” - Bianca Fortuno
